Help! Help!

[PeteChristensen]

Latest update - the supplier only has the H boards not the Z boards!
Is the Gigabyte H270-HD3 an acceptable option?
I have read that Z's are for over-clockers, H's aren't.
Do the H's work?

 

[Adrian B]

http://www.gigabyte.us/Motherboard/GA-H270-HD3-rev-10#sp

Intel LAN and ALC887 audio codec look fine for running macOS. It is not possible to apply an overclock to the CPU. The CPU that you are using is designed to be overclocked - it is a safe and easy process these days that is as simple as making a couple of changes in the UEFI. Basic overclocking is easier than e-mail these days - so it isn't anything to be scared of. Overclocking does indeed require a 'Z' prefixed board.

 

[vulgo]

Do the H's work?

H and Z chipsets - there is not a lot between them in recent generations. With an H270 a non-K i7-7700 is better performance for the money as you won't be overclocking.

 

[vulgo]

Basic overclocking is easier than e-mail these days - so it isn't anything to be scared of.

Overclocked processors need more cooling as well.

 

[Ryan Thomas]

OK so an H270 series with the 7700, or the Z270 with 7700K .

here goes

 

[Adrian B]

The 7700 will run upto 3.6GHz and the 7700K runs to 4.2GHZ before you apply any overclock, therefor the 7700 is considerably faster right out of the box even without applying an overclock.

The 7700K will at the higher speeds need more cooling and is not supplied with a basic Intel cooler in the box. A basic third party cooler can be bought for a reasonable price and easily outperforms the Intel cooler by cooling better and being quieter in operation. I would suggeast that over the lifetime of the computer that extra 0.6GHz speed can be quite a difference on each core.

 

[vulgo]

The 7700 will run upto 3.6GHz and the 7700K runs to 4.2GHZ before you apply any overclock, therefor the 7700 is considerably faster right out of the box even without applying an overclock.

The 7700K will at the higher speeds need more cooling and is not supplied with a basic Intel cooler in the box. A basic third party cooler can be bought for a reasonable price and easily outperforms the Intel cooler by cooling better and being quieter in operation. I would suggeast that over the lifetime of the computer that extra 0.6GHz speed can be quite a difference on each core.

If the total price difference (including coolers) is less than the ~13% performance difference then go for the K.

Edit: (Assuming you your mobo is H chipset)

 

[Adrian B]

I normally stick with the standard Intel cooler only if a computer is to be used for standard office applications - normally using a simple i3 processor which is perfect for day to day office tasks.
All my personal builds get an improved cooler whether they are an i3, 15 or i7 processor as aftermarket coolers are able to keep temperatures lower, offer improved temperature control and run quieter than a stock Intel cooler which do get very noisy when a processor is under load.
The OP is free to choose the best performing CPU for their own individual requirements - considering that if they are happy to purchase either a 7700 or 7700K processor then either will be a big improvement over over the processor in an older iMac computer. Whether there is a big difference in price between these processors will depend on the prices available at the time of purchase. I would just point out that over half a GHz difference in speed will make a system feel and act snappier for much longer - it also copes with higher load across one or all cores better.

 

[jcurielg]

The Buyers guide still recommends the 170 series as there are additional workarounds for the 270 series at this point. As you have stated 170 boards are becoming increasingly difficult to source leading to a bit of a dilemma for many builders. My advice would be to go with a matching 270 series board and the newer 7700K processor and install Sierra.
270 series support is going to improve over the next few months with Apple introducing new hardware on this platform:
https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/...cpus-200-series-motherboards-in-macos.211743/

If your friend requires some older applications to run on this build then be aware that it is possible that if the iMac was not running Sierra then you may need to consider older hardware or update the older apps.
https://www.tonymacx86.com/threads/...versions-of-os-x-using-older-chipsets.141225/

How do you feel about a GA-Z170X-UD5 with KabyLake, will I get into too much trouble? I already have the motherboard and I am thinking about being more future proof by getting a KabyLake and even eventually replacing the mobo for a z270x if there is a big difference. Should I forget about the kabyLake and better stick to the 6700K? I will be using a GTX 980Ti for the video.
Thank you for your advise.

 

[Adrian B]

@jcurielg ,

I have attempted to answer you on your linked thread.