AMD 965 BE vs i5 2400 vs i5 2500k

[ldonley]

I have been saving up money to buy a new CPU, along with that a new motherboard and new DDR3 RAM and deciding on the processor has been tricky. I play lots of graphics intensive games, though currently my computer struggles because I am using an OEM Dual-Core E2200.

I have a GeForce 260GTX and I don't plan on upgrading that for a little while, with that being said I was wondering which would be the most powerful for my money if I am going to be playing games and livestreaming gameplay.

The AMD is only $130, the 2400 being around $194 and the 2500k being at $220. From what I have read the 2500k would be way overkill unless I was using 2+ mid-high end graphics cards.

I would rather have the i5 2400 but I was wondering if the difference was significant enough for it to be worth the extra money.

I appreciate any help.

 

[king smp]

My choice would be the I5 2400
right now on US Newegg for 195 you also get a Bluray burner I believe
it will beat the 965be in gaming and benchmarks
plus later you have the 1155 socket to upgrade with
Nothing against AMD
I am thinking of doing a AMD build myself due to budget
but if you can afford the I5-2400 you cant go wrong

check this link out by Toms review
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-gaming-cpu,2971-3.html

 

[tokencode]

I think the 2500k is the best value CPU out there right now, although a little more expensive than the 2400k. You're paying for wafer quality, I think the extra $26 is worth if you're going to overclock it (which I'm assuming you are since you're getting the k)

 

[ldonley]

My only concern is that if I buy the 2500k I won't have enough money right now to buy a decent cooling system, thus rendering any possibility of overclocking futile.

I think I may go with the 2400, though I suppose the extra $26 would make it last longer because in the future I could OC it. I will have to plan this out because I still need to buy a new mobo and RAM (preferably 8GB).

Thanks for the responses.

 

[king smp]

actually the stock intel HSF witht the 2500k is good enough in reasonable ambient temps of getting a 4.0 OC or more from what everybody is saying

 

[ldonley]

actually the stock intel HSF witht the 2500k is good enough in reasonable ambient temps of getting a 4.0 OC or more from what everybody is saying

Well if that is the case I am going to have to buy the 2500k.

 

[ldonley]

Best answer selected by ldonley.

 

[king smp]

SB K series is easy to overclock and will do ok with stock HSF
as long as your ambient is under 75F(about 22C) or better in your room
later you can upgrade HSF and push your OC harder when you need it

 

[king smp]

Thank you for selecting me as Best Answer
enjoy your new system and please dont be a stranger

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been closed by Mousemonkey