Core i7 920 vs 960

[Guest]

Hi, I am looking to build my own computer. I am deciding on the CPU. Should I go in for Core i7 920 or 960? I do not game, I am looking to use it as a developer workstation and will probably be running multiple applications and virtual machines. So a fast CPU with lots of RAM is a must. Please advice me on what CPU will best serve my purpose. Also if I buy 920 can I overclock it to the 960 speeds? If that is true why do people even buy the 960 processor?

Here is the current specs on my build. Please feel free to comment on it:

Antec Nine Hundred Two Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case - Retail $109.95

EVGA 141-BL-E757-TR LGA 1366 Intel X58 ATX X58 SLI LE Intel Motherboard - Retail $239.99

SAPPHIRE 100283L Radeon HD 5770 (Juniper XT) 1GB 128-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready CrossFireX Support Video Card - Retail $179.99

CORSAIR CMPSU-850TX 850W ATX12V 2.2 / EPS12V 2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready Active PFC Power Supply - Retail $139.99

Intel Core i7-960 Bloomfield 3.2GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor Model AT80601002727AA - OEM $589.99

CORSAIR XMS3 6GB (3 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (PC3 10666) Triple Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model TR3X6G1333C9 - Retail $164.99

Western Digital Caviar Black WD1001FALS 1TB 7200 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drives -Bare Drive $99.99

Sony Optiarc 24X DVD/CD Rewritable Drive Black SATA Model AD-7240S-0B - OEM $31.99

Noctua NH-U12P SE2 120mm SSO CPU Cooler - Retail $74.99

Total $1,631.87

 

[masterasia]

Yes, you can buy an i7 920 and overclock the hell out if it. It is a very good overclocker. I can get mine up to 4.2Ghz with no problems. The i7 960 just comes with higher clock speed for those who don't want to overclock, but is basically the same same as the 920. Overclocking will cause instability and heat issues if not done correctly. If you don't want to take these risks, then get the 960, but most people can overclock the 920 very easily by just bumping up the BLK (no volt changes). If you want my recommendation, then I say get the 920 and overclock the hell out of it.