A8-5500 or i3-3240?

[fornick]

tl;dr: I wanna start coding, and I play a lot of video games, already have the A8-5500, is it worth moving to the i3-3240.



So, I bought a computer a while ago, came with an A8-5500. It was a basic one from Best Buy.
Slowly, i've been upgrading my parts, and the last thing I need to upgrade is the CPU/Mobo.

I want to get an Intel processor, because I've just always liked intel, and I'm also 2 years into CS, and I believe a lot of coding is about to come into play, and I heard Intel handles that stuff way better. I also play a lot of video games.

I've heard a lot of good things about the i5-3570k, but I don't have a lot of money to fork out at the moment for that. For now, i'm considering just getting the cheaper i3-3240, later on moving up to the i5, considering they have the same Socket and all.

Now here's my question:
Is it worth moving to the i3-3240 right now, or should I wait until I have the money to get the i5-3570K, or maybe one of the Haswells?


EDIT: I don't really care about the integrated GPU. running a 7870 Myst right now, and i'm really happy with it, lol.

 

[rvilkman]

Save your money until you can get the proper CPU and mobo. Pretty sure the A8 and 7870 Myst runs things well enough until then.

 

[Kingbob]

For your case, I would either go with the i5 or not upgrade at the moment. The i3 is not very much better than the A8 and in all honesty would be a waste of $100+. Youre better off waiting and saving up to get an i5 (maybe even a haswell).