Intel Core I7-4790k Does It Work On Asus H81m-C Motherboard
intel core i7-4790k does it work on asus h81m-c motherboard? The Intel Core i7-4790K is one of the most popular 4th-generation processors due to its powerful performance and overclocking capabilities.
However, many users are uncertain whether it can work efficiently with the ASUS H81M-C motherboard, which uses the H81 chipset.
In this article, we will explore the compatibility between the i7-4790K and ASUS H81M-C, examining essential aspects like socket matching, BIOS updates, performance, and more.
Understanding The I7-4790k Processor
The Intel Core i7-4790K is part of Intel’s 4th-generation Haswell Refresh series. With a base clock speed of 4.0 GHz, it can boost up to 4.4 GHz, making it a top performer for gaming, video editing, and multitasking. Key features include:
- Socket: LGA 1150
- Core/Thread Count: 4 cores and 8 threads
- TDP (Thermal Design Power): 88 watts
- Unlocked Multiplier: Supports overclocking
These attributes make the i7-4790K ideal for high-performance tasks, but its compatibility with a motherboard like the ASUS H81M-C requires closer inspection.
Overview of ASUS H81M-C Motherboard
The ASUS H81M-C is based on Intel’s H81 chipset, primarily designed for budget and entry-level systems. It features:
- Socket: LGA 1150
- RAM Support: Up to 16GB DDR3
- Expansion Slots: PCIe 2.0 x16, PCIe 2.0 x1
- Chipset: Intel H81
This motherboard is not designed for heavy overclocking but supports most 4th-generation Intel processors, including i3, i5, and i7 CPUs.
Compatibility Between Intel Core I7-4790k And Asus H81m-C
Socket Compatibility
Both the Intel Core i7-4790K and ASUS H81M-C use the LGA 1150 socket, which means the CPU will physically fit into the motherboard.
The LGA 1150 socket supports a wide range of 4th-generation Intel CPUs, including the i7-4790K.
BIOS Update Requirement
Since the i7-4790K is part of the Haswell Refresh series, it may not be fully supported by the ASUS H81M-C out of the box.
Users will likely need to update the motherboard’s BIOS to ensure smooth compatibility.
ASUS has released BIOS updates to support these later-generation processors, and updating the BIOS is straightforward.
Steps To Update Bios For Asus H81m-C
Updating the BIOS is critical when installing the i7-4790K in the ASUS H81M-C motherboard. Follow these steps:
- Download the latest BIOS: Visit ASUS’s official support page and download the latest BIOS version for the H81M-C.
- Prepare a USB drive: Format a USB drive to FAT32 and copy the BIOS file to it.
- Enter BIOS setup: Restart your system and press the appropriate key (usually F2 or Delete) to enter the BIOS.
- Update BIOS: Use the ASUS EZ Flash Utility to load the BIOS file from the USB drive and update the system.
A successful BIOS update will ensure compatibility with the i7-4790K.
Can Asus H81m-C Handle I7-4790k? – Performance!
Although the i7-4790K is a powerful processor, the ASUS H81M-C is a budget motherboard. Key considerations include:
Power Delivery
The H81 chipset lacks advanced VRMs (Voltage Regulator Modules), limiting the board’s ability to supply stable power for overclocking.
RAM Support
The H81M-C supports DDR3 RAM, which is adequate but may bottleneck performance compared to more advanced chipsets that support higher frequencies and capacities.
Overclocking Potential – H81M-C and i7-4790K!
While the Intel Core i7-4790K is designed for overclocking, the H81M-C’s chipset does not support overclocking.
Overclocking requires a Z-series motherboard (like Z87 or Z97) for better VRMs and control over CPU and RAM voltages.
Thus, the i7-4790K will operate at its default speeds on this motherboard without any overclocking.
Alternatives To Asus H81m-C For Overclocking
If overclocking is your priority, consider motherboards with Z-series chipsets that support overclocking features. A few good alternatives include:
- ASUS Z97-A: Excellent power delivery and overclocking features.
- Gigabyte Z97X-UD5H: Known for robust performance and stability in overclocking.
- MSI Z97 Gaming 5: Designed specifically for gaming and overclocking.
These boards allow you to fully unlock the potential of the i7-4790K.
Power Consumption And Cooling Requirements
The Intel Core i7-4790K has a TDP of 88 watts, which is manageable for most aftermarket coolers.
However, pairing it with the ASUS H81M-C may limit cooling options since the H81M-C lacks extensive fan headers and advanced cooling features. Using a high-quality CPU cooler is still recommended for optimal performance.
Gaming And Productivity Performance On I7-4790k And Asus H81m-C
In gaming, the i7-4790K paired with the ASUS H81M-C performs adequately, especially for titles optimized for quad-core processors.
For productivity tasks like video editing, the CPU will perform well, but the H81M-C’s lack of advanced memory and overclocking support may cause slight bottlenecks in demanding scenarios.
Conclusion
The Intel Core i7-4790K will work on the ASUS H81M-C motherboard after a BIOS update.
However, limitations like no overclocking support, basic power delivery, and RAM restrictions make it less than ideal for users looking to maximize the performance of this high-end CPU.
For those on a budget or not interested in overclocking, this combination will offer solid performance in gaming and productivity tasks.
FAQs
Does the ASUS H81M-C support i7-4790K out of the box?
A BIOS update is usually required for full support.
Can I overclock the i7-4790K on the ASUS H81M-C?
No, the H81 chipset does not support overclocking features.
What chipset is recommended for overclocking the i7-4790K?
A Z87 or Z97 chipset is ideal for overclocking.
How do I update the BIOS on ASUS H81M-C for i7-4790K?
Use the ASUS EZ Flash Utility to update the BIOS after downloading the latest version from ASUS’s support page.
Is the i7-4790K compatible with LGA 1150?
Yes, the i7-4790K uses the LGA 1150 socket, which the ASUS H81M-C also supports.
What power supply is recommended for the i7-4790K on H81M-C?
A 400-500W PSU is typically sufficient, depending on other components.
Will the H81M-C bottleneck the i7-4790K?
In heavy workloads or gaming, the motherboard may slightly bottleneck performance due to its limitations.
What RAM speeds are supported on the ASUS H81M-C?
The motherboard supports DDR3 RAM, typically up to 1600 MHz.
Is the H81M-C suitable for gaming with the i7-4790K?
Yes, it will work for gaming, but it lacks advanced features like overclocking and high-speed RAM support.
Should I consider a different motherboard for better performance?
Yes, if you want to overclock or maximize the i7-4790K’s performance, a Z-series motherboard is recommended.
