Intel Core i5 i5-4690K CPU (Quad Core 3.5GHz Processor, 6MB Cache, Intel HD 4600 Graphics, Socket H3 LGA-1150)

As per most Intel products, this processor is fantastic, even now - more than a year after its release date.The processor arrives in a very small box, with just the processor, a basic heatsink and some instructional booklets.- Oh a cool intel stickerOnce in the box the processor can be removed from it's protective plastic casing along with the heatsink.Installing the processor is a simple affair, just stick it into a compatible motherboard, lower the cover and bam! It's installed.If you use the stock cooler, then you just fasten that over the top, depress the clips, plug in and you're done! Otherwise, it's best to follow your cooler's instructions. You will most likely need some thermal paste, this stuff is great:Arctic Silver 5 Thermal Compound 3.5g Tube.The processor is fast and efficient. It barely generates any heat for how hard it clearly works. It multi-tasks like a dream and will never really lag. It works well for more processor intensive applications too!If you are looking to overclock, I'm sure you already have an idea on how to do so. This processor is perfect for overclocking. It's easy and really simple to do as this is an unlocked processor.Overall, a fantastic product suited to general use of computers with a spot of gaming or photo-shopping etc. Thumbs up!

After a few weeks of research i kept coming back to this processor for many reasons, quality, price and ability to overclock. I am by no means an expert and as this is my first pc build it was partly risk versus reward if everything went wrong:)My son and i spent four hours on Christmas day building this pc and i must say it was simple but i still needed a few glasses of Bucks Fizz. My son generally plays games like Minecraft and surfs the net so a super high end beast was not needed. I paired this chip with a Gigabyte Z97 Gaming 5 motherboard and it was seem-less and its pretty nippy. I am safe in the knowledge that i can upgrade as required and overclock if needed but ill have to learn how to do it. :)I utilised the standard heat sink but contemplated water cooling but so far it has not been a drama with the temps keeping low and would be easy to upgrade as required.All in all a great processor which suits my needs, is quick and looks to punch well above its weight if needed. 5 Stars.

OK first of all why the four stars? Well its a good above average CPU that is more than adequate for most people to use in a PC without going overboard. There are several CPU's which are more powerful and a little faster hence the 4 stars.This is a perfectly capable and functional CPU. It runs quick enough and retains temperatures at a reasonable level, however I did not use the stock cooler that comes with the CPU though it is probably adequate but if you are going to over clock I suggest that for the I5 you use the cooler master hyper 212 or something better. I have just started the computer so I have not had the time to monitor the temperature but it does appear to be maintaining a reasonable temperature.For most people you really do not need the I7 CPU. For those that are doing some serious video editing or functions that chew multi thread or hyper threading power may require one. Those that go gaming crazy may need one but for the casual gamer this is perfectly fine and the system is quick.The box comes with a thermal paste, small manual and a cooler. I only used the CPU from the box and bought an arctic silver 5 thermal paste, but really you do not need that as the one with the CPU is more than adequate but if you do want a better quality than go for the arctic silver. Again the CPU cooler is adequate but I chose to purchase the Cooler master Hyper 212 EVO. It provides better cooling and this computer is going to be active for at least 14 hours a day. If your are casual user you can go with the stock cooler.We started the computer a few days ago and it really flies. I would suggest first time builders also use a SSD as your boot disk as this makes mince meat of starting up the computer as mechanical drives will take a longer period of time to start up windows. As you note putting in a bigger CPU will not make windows run faster. Get a good SSD like the kingston 120GB SSD. It will help.Conclusion: I would recommend the I5 -4690K for anyone whether it's a gamer or a casual user. This is the minimum standard required now for your computer to be able to cope with the new software that will come out now and in the near future. You do not need to purchase a more powerful one unless you are doing some very heavy workloads or require it for some very serious gaming.