FAQ
TL;DR: On GA‑Z77M‑D3H with i5‑3570K, cap any CPU spend at about £100; “overclocking... will be quite limited.” If you still want to tinker, use good paste and better‑than‑BOX cooling; otherwise keep the chip. [Elektroda, dt1, post #20327652]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps LGA1155 owners decide between a light OC, a drop‑in swap, or doing nothing for everyday use.
Quick Facts
- GA‑Z77M‑D3H has modest power phases, so OC headroom is limited; use decent paste and non‑BOX cooling. [Elektroda, dt1, post #20327652]
- For simple web browsing, moving from i5‑3570K to i7‑3770K “doesn’t make much sense.” [Elektroda, dt1, post #20327670]
- Budget guidance: spend at most about £100 on a 10‑year‑old 1155 CPU. [Elektroda, dt1, post #20327652]
- If Linux browsing is smooth, staying put is fine; the OP confirmed no upgrade was needed. [Elektroda, 1Ender1, post #20348640]
- Xeon E3 models can be good-value alternatives on LGA1155. [Elektroda, gr0szek129, post #20328251]
Is it worth upgrading an i5-3570K for basic web browsing?
No. For internet browsing, switching from i5‑3570K to an i7‑3770K offers little real‑world gain. Keep your current CPU. “It doesn’t make much sense.” [Elektroda, dt1, post #20327670]
What drop-in CPU gives the biggest bump on LGA1155?
Intel’s Core i7‑3770K is a higher‑tier Ivy Bridge option. It provides 4 cores, 8 threads, and up to 3.9 GHz Turbo. That’s the most capable mainstream LGA1155 Core i7, and it remains a simple swap on compatible boards. [Intel ARK — Core i7‑3770K]
Can my GA-Z77M-D3H overclock a K-series CPU?
Yes, but expect modest gains. The board’s power phases are basic, so “overclocking... will be quite limited.” Use quality thermal paste and better‑than‑BOX cooling to keep temps in check. [Elektroda, dt1, post #20327652]
How much should I spend on a used LGA1155 CPU today?
Cap the budget around £100 for a ten‑year‑old processor of this class. Spending more yields poor value versus modern platforms. Treat any upgrade here as a low‑cost refresh, not a long‑term investment. [Elektroda, dt1, post #20327652]
Is 12 GB RAM with i5-3570K enough for Linux browsing?
Yes. The thread author ran Linux and confirmed web browsing worked well, deciding an upgrade wasn’t needed. If your experience matches, keep the system as is. [Elektroda, 1Ender1, post #20348640]
Are Xeon E3 chips a good idea on this platform?
They can be. Xeon E3 models for LGA1155 often show up as good bargains. If you find one cheaply, it’s a viable drop‑in option. [Elektroda, gr0szek129, post #20328251]
When does upgrading from i5-3570K make sense?
It depends on three things: your applications and expectations, your motherboard, and your budget. Heavy workloads may justify a change; light browsing typically does not. Evaluate all three before buying. [Elektroda, dt1, post #20327604]
Should I sell the 1155 setup instead of upgrading?
Consider it. With current advancements and pricing, upgrading that old platform often lacks value. One poster advised selling soon before it turns “retro” and loses resale appeal. [Elektroda, Tomek_Krecik, post #20327815]
Do I need better cooling and fresh paste if I try overclocking?
Yes. Use a reasonable‑grade thermal paste and a cooler better than the stock BOX unit. That helps maintain stability within the board’s limited OC headroom. [Elektroda, dt1, post #20327652]
Is overclocking this board worth the effort?
Only if you enjoy tinkering. OC is possible, but gains are constrained by the board’s power phases. If budget isn’t critical and you want to experiment, go ahead. [Elektroda, dt1, post #20327652]
How do I decide if an upgrade is worth it? (3-step check)
- Define your workloads and performance expectations.
- Confirm your motherboard model and capabilities.
- Set a firm budget ceiling before shopping. [Elektroda, dt1, post #20327604]
Where can I see all LGA1155 processors?
Use a curated LGA1155 CPU list to scan supported models and tiers before buying. A forum reply linked a comprehensive index covering the socket. [Elektroda, ADB-6, post #20328281]
