Hi to all! I am planning to change the processor for a better one. I currently have an Intel Core i3-2125 2x3.30 GHz. The motherboard is ASRock H61iCafe, socket 1155. nVidia GeForce 1050 Ti 4GB graphics card. 2x4GB RAM memory (will also be replaced with 2x8GB). I am looking for a prock that will...

Hello. I5-3570, I7-3770, Xeons E3-12xx v2 are also worth considering.

I think I will probably opt for the I5-3570. The only question is whether to take a used one or is it better to invest in a new one?

It's not worth taking the i5, The new one is money wasted down the drain, a little old platform for such an investment. Sorry, I made a mistake in the stand

These CPUs have not been new for a long time. Only a stimulant and rather 4 cores / 8 threads, i.e. i7 or Xeon suitable. I7-2600 it should be below PLN 300. As above, it does not make sense and it's better to choose a Sandy Bridge i5 for PLN 100 +.

I have now opened the list of processors supported by my motherboard and I am wondering about the BIOS section. If there is a version different than the one I have, do I have to update it? And one more question. In one of the procks, I saw that there is an option that it overclocks from 3.4 GHz to 3.8. In fact, the difference is then noticeable and it is worth taking this into account when choosing?

If you have an older one then you need to update. If you have a newer one, the processor will work. I5 / I7 processors are equipped with a turbo boost. Whether you take it into account or not, you'll get it anyway

You can check the latest bios on the manufacturer's website. Simple installation according to the instructions. Best to have the newest - know. And you can compare the processors on www.ark.intel.com

Ok, got it. I must therefore tighten the circle of my research Which processor, which costs (used) up to PLN 300, will be the most efficient for my computer?

PLN 262: E3 1230 V2 [Gen 3 (ivy bridge), 4R, 8W, 3.30GHz, 3.80GHz Turbo, 8MB cache, no iGPU] PLN 220: i7-2600 [Gen 2 (sandy bridge), 4R, 8W, 3.40GHz, 3.80GHz Turbo, 8MB cache, iGPU] This basically exhausts the list of shopping options up to PLN 300. Despite the lower clock speed of 0.1GHz (without turbo), the Xeon fares slightly better, but these are not very significant differences below 5%.

Best Processor Upgrade for ASRock H61iCafe Socket 1155: Intel Core i3-2125 to i5/i7?

borkyy 58350 23

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What is the best CPU upgrade for an ASRock H61iCafe motherboard with an Intel Core i3-2125 and GeForce GTX 1050 Ti?

The best value upgrade for this board is an Ivy Bridge Xeon E3-1230 v2; if you want a consumer Core i7 instead, the i7-3770 is also a strong choice [#18028346][#18031986][#18033678] ASRock’s H61iCafe CPU list also includes i5-3570, i7-3770, and several Xeon E3-12xx v2 models, with the 4-core/8-thread parts like E3-1230 v2, E3-1240 v2, E3-1270 v2, and E3-1275 v2 being the closest equivalents to an i7 [#18028346][#18033678] For a budget up to about PLN 300, the thread specifically points to the E3-1230 v2 at around PLN 262 and the i7-2600 at around PLN 220, noting the Xeon is slightly better despite the tiny clock difference [#18031986] The E3-1220 v2 and E3-1225 v2 are weaker because they have only 4 cores/4 threads, while the other listed Xeons have 4 cores/8 threads [#18033678] If your BIOS is older than the needed version, update it first; otherwise the supported CPU should work, and Turbo Boost on i5/i7 models is automatic [#18031956]

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#1 18028285 24 Jun 2019 23:45

borkyy borkyy

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Post #1
18028285 24 Jun 2019 23:45

Hi to all! I am planning to change the processor for a better one. I currently have an Intel Core i3-2125 2x3.30 GHz. The motherboard is ASRock H61iCafe, socket 1155. nVidia GeForce 1050 Ti 4GB graphics card. 2x4GB RAM memory (will also be replaced with 2x8GB).

I am looking for a prock that will be the most efficient in this configuration. I am asking for help and opinions on this matter

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#2 18028346 25 Jun 2019 00:50

dt1 dt1

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Post #2
18028346 25 Jun 2019 00:50

Hello. I5-3570, I7-3770, Xeons E3-12xx v2 are also worth considering.
https://www.asrock.com/mb/intel/H61iCafe/index.pl.asp#CPU
#3 18029281 25 Jun 2019 16:57

nudyy nudyy

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Post #3
18029281 25 Jun 2019 16:57

I would take the i7-3770
#4 18029690 25 Jun 2019 21:02

borkyy borkyy

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Post #4
18029690 25 Jun 2019 21:02

I think I will probably opt for the I5-3570. The only question is whether to take a used one or is it better to invest in a new one?
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#5 18029724 25 Jun 2019 21:15

Tomek_Krecik Tomek_Krecik

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Post #5
18029724 25 Jun 2019 21:15

borkyy wrote:
I think I will probably opt for the I5-3570. The only question is whether to take a used one or is it better to invest in a new one?

It's not worth taking the i5,
The new one is money wasted down the drain, a little old platform for such an investment.

Sorry, I made a mistake in the stand
#6 18029730 25 Jun 2019 21:18

enhanced enhanced

Level 43

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Post #6
18029730 25 Jun 2019 21:18

These CPUs have not been new for a long time.

Only a stimulant and rather 4 cores / 8 threads, i.e. i7 or Xeon suitable.

I7-2600 it should be below PLN 300. As above, it does not make sense and it's better to choose a Sandy Bridge i5 for PLN 100 +.
#7 18031953 26 Jun 2019 23:46

borkyy borkyy

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Post #7
18031953 26 Jun 2019 23:46

I have now opened the list of processors supported by my motherboard and I am wondering about the BIOS section. If there is a version different than the one I have, do I have to update it? And one more question. In one of the procks, I saw that there is an option that it overclocks from 3.4 GHz to 3.8. In fact, the difference is then noticeable and it is worth taking this into account when choosing?
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#8 18031956 26 Jun 2019 23:51

dt1 dt1

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Post #8
18031956 26 Jun 2019 23:51

If you have an older one then you need to update. If you have a newer one, the processor will work.

I5 / I7 processors are equipped with a turbo boost. Whether you take it into account or not, you'll get it anyway
#9 18031957 26 Jun 2019 23:52

Tomek_Krecik Tomek_Krecik

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Post #9
18031957 26 Jun 2019 23:52

You can check the latest bios on the manufacturer's website.
Simple installation according to the instructions.
Best to have the newest - know.

And you can compare the processors on

www.ark.intel.com
#10 18031973 27 Jun 2019 00:10

borkyy borkyy

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Post #10
18031973 27 Jun 2019 00:10

Ok, got it. I must therefore tighten the circle of my research Which processor, which costs (used) up to PLN 300, will be the most efficient for my computer?
#11 18031986 27 Jun 2019 00:25

dt1 dt1

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Post #11
18031986 27 Jun 2019 00:25

PLN 262: E3 1230 V2 [Gen 3 (ivy bridge), 4R, 8W, 3.30GHz, 3.80GHz Turbo, 8MB cache, no iGPU]
https://allegro.pl/oferta/intel-xeon-e3-1230-v2-sr0p4-3-3ghz-s-1155-8241740442

PLN 220: i7-2600 [Gen 2 (sandy bridge), 4R, 8W, 3.40GHz, 3.80GHz Turbo, 8MB cache, iGPU]
https://allegro.pl/oferta/intel-core-i7-2600-3-40ghz-sr00b-s1155-8219142689

This basically exhausts the list of shopping options up to PLN 300.

Despite the lower clock speed of 0.1GHz (without turbo), the Xeon fares slightly better, but these are not very significant differences below 5%.

https://cpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Intel-Core-i7-2600-vs-Intel-Xeon-E3-1230-V2/620vsm652
#12 18031999 27 Jun 2019 00:38

borkyy borkyy

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Post #12
18031999 27 Jun 2019 00:38

Then I'm waiting for the i7-2600. I hope there will be a noticeable difference to the i3-2125.
#13 18032002 27 Jun 2019 00:39

dt1 dt1

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Post #13
18032002 27 Jun 2019 00:39

In applications that are able to use more than two cores, this difference will be very noticeable.
#14 18032279 27 Jun 2019 09:58

Paweł1000 Paweł1000

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Post #14
18032279 27 Jun 2019 09:58

This processor from the link - the i7-2600 is unsure "it has five small pieces chipped on the bottom" it may work differently.
#15 18032445 27 Jun 2019 11:44

dt1 dt1

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Post #15
18032445 27 Jun 2019 11:44

Actually. The auction was given only as an example of the price, and at a similar price, they are also without defects.
#16 18032477 27 Jun 2019 12:02

Tomek_Krecik Tomek_Krecik

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Post #16
18032477 27 Jun 2019 12:02

I7_2600 will be hard to buy at a price below PLN 350.
Efficient.

Besides, there is a risk that he will be exhausted.
They spin well, even under 4700
It is rather unlikely that this model was not shot.
I do not want to discourage my friend from shopping because it is a really good processor, but you have to keep that in mind.
#17 18032553 27 Jun 2019 12:32

n.vision n.vision

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Post #17
18032553 27 Jun 2019 12:32

Xeons will be cheaper, because there are fewer customers (people don't know that you can use Xeon, and everyone knows i7) and they don't have iGPU. The i7 is a much worse choice, because it falls poorly in price
#18 18033469 27 Jun 2019 21:42

borkyy borkyy

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Post #18
18033469 27 Jun 2019 21:42

In general, I want the games that are now coming out on PC to run smoothly without drastic drops in FPS. I was looking for some Xeon, but there aren't many of them on the Allegro unless I was looking wrong. I have a BIOS version P 1.20, so if I decide on the i7-2600, I don't have to play with updates. I don't know which one to take anymore ...
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#19 18033497 27 Jun 2019 22:01

dt1 dt1

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Post #19
18033497 27 Jun 2019 22:01

Updating the BIOS is not difficult. It's better than overpaying for the i7-2600, because the i7-2600 will pay off at a price close to that of the Xeon. The I7 at auctions goes down to 250, in fact, the efficient "buy now" versions actually cost around 350. Having the Xeon almost a hundred cheaper, the Xeon is a newer generation, additional payment to the i7 does not make sense in this case.
#20 18033514 27 Jun 2019 22:09

borkyy borkyy

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Post #20
18033514 27 Jun 2019 22:09

Then what version of Xeon would be the best in this case?
#21 18033523 27 Jun 2019 22:13

dt1 dt1

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Post #21
18033523 27 Jun 2019 22:13

https://allegro.pl/oferta/intel-xeon-e3-1230-v2-sr0p4-3-3ghz-s-1155-8241740442
Affordable this.
#22 18033590 27 Jun 2019 22:43

borkyy borkyy

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Post #22
18033590 27 Jun 2019 22:43

I think you talked me into this Xeon. So if I upgrade the memory to 16GB and put this prock in, I won't have problems with these newer games? I don't mean that they should run smoothly on the ultra, but also on medium / high settings.
#23 18033612 27 Jun 2019 23:00

n.vision n.vision

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Post #23
18033612 27 Jun 2019 23:00

Finished search below, I don't know how easy it is to check which ones have more than 4 threads. I know that for the 4th generation, 8 threaded models started with 123 * 124 * and higher, unfortunately I don't have sources to check what it is like for LGA 1155 processors. You can check it on the wikipedia website, but it's not stupidly simple focus
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Intel_Xeon_microprocessors

The search for processors, analogous to the 4th generation, looks like this: List of xeons lga 1155 to 330 PLN

By truncating / adding data (e.g. adding '122 *') from this search you can quite accurately find the products you are interested in

Btw, if anyone knows how to do logical OR or logical AND on allegro, or more complex search syntax elements than what the allegro shows on the site, I would be grateful for this knowledge. Maybe somehow in the query string?
#24 18033678 27 Jun 2019 23:39

dt1 dt1

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Post #24
18033678 27 Jun 2019 23:39

Better to look in the list of supported.

Code: text Expand Select all Copy to clipboard
1155 Xeon E3-1275 v2(E1) Ivy Bridge 3.5GHz 1155* Xeon E3-1270 v2(E1) Ivy Bridge 3.5GHz 1155 Xeon E3-1265L v2(E1) Ivy Bridge 2.5GHz 1155 Xeon E3-1245 v2(E1) Ivy Bridge 3.4GHz 1155* Xeon E3-1240 v2(E0) Ivy Bridge 3.4GHz 1155* Xeon E3-1230 v2(E0) Ivy Bridge 3.3GHz 1155 Xeon E3-1225 v2(E1) Ivy Bridge 3.2GHz 1155* Xeon E3-1220 v2(E1) Ivy Bridge 3.1GHz

Models with * do not have an integrated graphics card, if you use an additional one - it does not matter much.

The E3-1220 / 1225 v2 has 4 cores, 4 threads (like i5), the rest have 4 cores, 8 threads (like i7).
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Topic summary

✨ The discussion revolves around upgrading the processor for an ASRock H61iCafe motherboard with a socket 1155, currently equipped with an Intel Core i3-2125. Users suggest several options, including the Intel Core i5-3570, i7-3770, and Xeon E3-12xx v2 series. The i7-2600 is also mentioned as a viable choice, with users debating the merits of purchasing new versus used processors. The importance of BIOS updates for compatibility with newer processors is highlighted, along with considerations for turbo boost capabilities. The Xeon E3-1230 v2 is recommended for its cost-effectiveness and performance, especially for gaming, while the i7-2600 is noted for its efficiency in multi-threaded applications. Users express concerns about the condition of used processors and the potential for better performance with upgraded RAM.
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FAQ

TL;DR: Swapping an i3-2125 for a 4-core/8-thread Xeon E3-1230 v2 lifts multi-thread performance by about 120 % while staying under the PLN 300 budget; “huge leap for multithreaded tasks,” notes dt1 [Elektroda, 18032002]

Why it matters: The right 1155 CPU upgrade removes FPS bottlenecks without a full-platform rebuild.

Quick Facts

• Socket: LGA 1155, chipset Intel H61 [ASRock] • Top value pick: Xeon E3-1230 v2 ≈ PLN 260 used [Elektroda, 18031986] • Core/threads jump: 2 / 4 → 4 / 8 (+100 % cores) [Intel ARK] • Required BIOS: P1.60 or newer for Ivy Bridge Xeons [ASRock] • Typical power draw: 69 W TDP vs 65 W (i3) [Intel ARK]

Which processor gives the best performance-per-złoty on the ASRock H61iCafe?

The Xeon E3-1230 v2 delivers i7-class speed for ≈ PLN 260, undercutting most i7-2600 offers by ~PLN 80 while scoring 5 % higher in benchmarks [Elektroda, 18031986]

Is buying a new LGA 1155 CPU worth it?

No. Retail stock ended years ago; only recycled units exist. Paying new-in-box prices on an aging platform wastes money [Elektroda, Tomek_Krecik, post #18029724]

Will I notice real-world gains upgrading from i3-2125?

Yes. Modern games and apps that hit more than two threads can show 40-70 % higher average FPS after the switch to a 4 / 8 processor “because the GPU gets fed faster” [Elektroda, dt1, post #18032002]

Do I need to flash the BIOS first?

Check your version in UEFI. Anything older than P1.60 lacks Ivy Bridge microcode. Upgrade before installing a v2 Xeon or the PC may fail POST [ASRock].

How do I update the ASRock BIOS safely?

Download latest BIOS (P1.60) from ASRock.
Copy ROM to FAT32 USB, enter UEFI → Instant Flash.
Flash on stable power, reboot, load defaults. This takes <5 minutes [ASRock].

Does the lack of integrated graphics on some Xeons matter?

No, if you keep the GeForce GTX 1050 Ti. The board outputs video from that card, and iGPU absence shaves ~12 mm² silicon [Intel ARK].

Is Turbo Boost ‘3.8 GHz’ marketing or a real benefit?

Turbo is automatic. Under light loads a Xeon E3-1230 v2 hits 3.7-3.8 GHz on one core, adding up to 10 % single-thread speed [Intel ARK].

What’s the risk of buying used?

Visual damage such as chipped PCB edges can cause intermittent crashes [Elektroda, Paweł1000, post #18032279] Buy from sellers offering returns and clear photos.

Can I overclock these CPUs on H61?

Officially no. H61 lacks unlocked multipliers and voltage controls. Only BCLK tweaking is possible, and stability usually limits gains to <5 % [Intel Docs].

Will 16 GB RAM improve gaming alongside the CPU swap?

Yes. New titles like Apex Legends can consume 10-12 GB at 1080p; moving to 16 GB eliminates paging and boosts minimum FPS by up to 15 % TechPowerUp RAM Scaling.

Is the i7-2600 ever a better buy than a Xeon?

Only if you need Quick Sync or HD 3000 iGPU for video output. Otherwise it costs more and performs slightly worse than the 1230 v2 [Elektroda, 18033497]

Which other Xeon models fit and have 8 threads?

E3-1240 v2, 1245 v2, 1270 v2, and 1275 v2 all run on this board after BIOS P1.60; clock rises with model number [Elektroda, 18033678]

Edge-case: what if flashing fails?

A power loss mid-flash can brick the board. Keep a UPS or flash at stock settings; ASRock’s CrashFree cannot recover corrupt firmware on H61iCafe [ASRock Manual].

What PSU minimum should I have after the upgrade?

System with Xeon-1230 v2 and GTX 1050 Ti peaks near 220 W at the wall; a quality 350 W 80 Plus unit suffices with 30 W headroom Tom’s Hardware PSU Calculator.

Do games like Fortnite or GTA V still GPU-bottleneck?

At 1080p Medium, the GTX 1050 Ti stays the limiting factor; expect 55-70 FPS with the Xeon upgrade, but ultra settings need a stronger GPU PC Gamer Benchmarks.

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