New processor buying advice

[OldProf]

I'm considering upgrading to a processor that matches TSW's recommended system requirements: Intel Core i7-4790@3.6 GHz (quad core). I've installed processors successfully before, but am wondering whether there's any reason to buy a retail pack as opposed to an OEM version. On Amazon, the difference is only about $30, but why spend it if it isn't necessary?

Thanks

[_o_OOOO_oo-Kanawha]

is there a stock Intel cooling solution included in the retail price?

You might want to swap that cooler for one that operates more quietly, in that case your are better off with a "tray" CPU and buy your own cooler.

[OldProf]

is there a stock Intel cooling solution included in the retail price?

You might want to swap that cooler for one that operates more quietly, in that case your are better off with a "tray" CPU and buy your own cooler.

Perhaps I should have mentioned that my current processor has a cooling fan that I'm pretty sure will work with the potential new processor.

[JerryC]

You should know that the i7 4xxx series procs run hot. I have a 4970 4Ghz Quad that has hit 200F and was still moving upwards when the system shut down. Admittedly that was while baking operations (i guess that is why they call it that) were running in Blender, but I have seen other postings mentioning their propensity to get toasty. You don't have to get a water cooler like I did, but it might be a good idea to research what might be the best cooler for your proc.

Also adding that the second program that causes my system to heat is up is TrainSimulator. With water cooling it kicks the proc up in the 150-160F range and turns on both fans on the graphics card.

[OldProf]

I just discovered that I can buy one of these ( Intel Core i7-4790@3.6 GHz (quad core)) that comes with a fan and heat sink on E-Bay or at Amazon. Buyer reviews at both sites mention cool running. Yet another computer grab-bag?

[longiron]

What's your motherboard? Both CPU are 1151 sockets, but you may need a BIOS upgrade. Please check compatibility on your MOBO web site. I would definitely spring for an aftermarket air cooler.

[jwtheiv]

What's your motherboard? Both CPU are 1151 sockets, but you may need a BIOS upgrade. Please check compatibility on your MOBO web site. I would definitely spring for an aftermarket air cooler.

Or really at this point, there's some quality water cooling systems at very reasonable price points. I swapped to one last year and never regretted it.

[OldProf]

Why did I start this when I knew it would get overly complicated eventually? Here's the basic information about the motherboard motherboard, according to Speccy:

Motherboard
Manufacturer Gateway
Model IPISB-VR (CPU 1)
Version 1.01
Chipset Vendor Intel
Chipset Model Sandy Bridge
Chipset Revision 09
Southbridge Vendor Intel
Southbridge Model H67
Southbridge Revision B3
System Temperature 35 °C

This computer is a Gateway that I bought some years ago; since then I've added memory and upgraded the graphics card several times. I know how to install a new processor, but swapping a motherboard is beyond my skill set and, perhaps budget (haven't even considered pricing that).

I'm really sorry I asked in the first place.

[gwgardner]

If you've decided not to go with a new processor, there's another thing that might give you a big boost in performance - going with an SSD drive. Makes a huge difference for me. I haven't tried TSW on a regular drive, but for TS2017, startup time for editing my route is about 20-30 seconds with the SSD drive. It was 5-10 minutes with my old harddrive. It should show similar improvement while actually running a train.

[longiron]

Why did I start this when I knew it would get overly complicated eventually? Here's the basic information about the motherboard motherboard, according to Speccy:
Motherboard
Manufacturer Gateway
Model IPISB-VR (CPU 1)
I'm really sorry I asked in the first place.

You shouldn't be. Asking questions like you've done avoids costly adds-on that don't really improve the performance of your rig. This MOBO is an ACER with the following specs:
Memory - 4 x 240-pin DDR3 DIMM slots – Dual Channel DDR3 1333 non-ECC, un-buffered memory (Max 16GB)
Mini ATX

The key for you to consider is that with a mini ATX you are restricted to a limited # of compatible video cards. Modern train sims place as much load on the video card as it does on the CPU.