Building a Budget PC: Should You Buy a Used i7-4770 for Just 90 Dollars?

When it comes to building a budget PC, being smart with your choices is crucial. Recently, a reader posed a question about a used i7-4770 for $90. This raises the question: is this a good deal, or is it too good to be true? Let's dive deep into the specifics of this budget build and see if the i7-4770 at this price point makes sense.

Understanding the i7-4770

The i7-4770 is a quad-core processor from Intel's 4th generation (Haswell) architecture. Released in 2013, it was initially priced around $250-$300. Even though it's now available for $90, there are a few things to consider. One of the key factors is its age - this processor is 9-10 years old at the time of this writing, making it a very outdated component.

Performance Expectations

While the i7-4770 was once a powerful processor, it does not offer the performance you would expect from a contemporary gaming or even basic computing setup. Its clock speed is a mere 3.4 GHz, and it features 8MB of cache, which is subpar for modern performance standards. In terms of gaming, a multi-core CPU is essential for handling modern games, and the i7-4770 falls short in this aspect.

Alternatives and Recommendations

HP Prodesk

The HP Prodesk is a reliable and cost-effective office PC series. If you're looking for a budget build, the Prodesk is a strong contender. It offers a balance between cost and performance, making it a solid choice for everyday tasks such as web browsing, word processing, and light gaming. Throwing in a low-profile GTX 1050ti card can significantly enhance your gaming performance. This GPU is known for its ability to handle mid-range games at lower resolutions and settings, making it a good option for budget PC builders.

Components Comparison

i7-4770: Quad-core processor, 3.4 GHz, 8MB cache, priced at $90. Low-Profile GTX 1050ti: Suitable for light to mid-range gaming, priced around $100. HP Prodesk: Generally priced around $400-$500, depending on configuration.

Building a Complete Budget PC with an i7-4770

If you still decide to pursue the i7-4770, combining it with a few other components could still make sense. Here’s a hypothetical budget build:

Processor: i7-4770 ($90) GPU: GTX 1050ti ($100) RAM: 8GB DDR3 ($30) Storage: 120GB SSD or 1TB HDD ($50) Casing:Compact tower case ($20) Power Supply: 450W PSU ($40) Bios: Free

This build would cost around $330, which is still quite reasonable for a basic PC. However, consider the longevity and future-proofing of your build. Given its age, the i7-4770 may not be the best choice, especially if you plan on upgrading in the future.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while buying a used i7-4770 for $90 might sound great, it is not the best investment for a budget PC. Instead, consider a more modern and performant option like the HP Prodesk combined with a GTX 1050ti for a balanced build. This setup will provide better performance and longevity, ensuring that your PC can handle current and future demands. If you are focusing on basic tasks and light gaming, the i7-4770 could still be a viable choice, but for most users, a more contemporary processor and GPU are recommended for a better overall experience.