High performance CPU NOT for gaming

[msimm]

Choosing components used to be a lot easier when there weren't so many choices and features! 😉

I'm rebuilding an old machine and need to decide on the CPU and motherboard. This will be used for office productivity much of the time but also for heavy statistical computing and occasional photo editing (with simple software, not Photoshop). I've spent hours reading and I know a lot more about the processors now but I can't seem to narrow it down other than knowing I'm staying with Intel.

HTT: I don't know if any of the software I use now will using hyper-threading but I doubt it. But what about a few years from now? Am I better off spending the few dozen $$$ now to have that capability in the future? Developers are often slow to start using new capabilities and I may have this machine for several years.

OC: No plans to overclock. But I've seen benchmark tests that show the K version of i5 andi7 series outperforming the locked versions of the same chip, such as in a comprehensive review and testing of i5 series but with a couple i7 in for comparison at http://hardware-review24.com/load/cpu/roundup_intel_core_i5_processors_with_ivy_bridge_microarchitecture/1-1-0-147

Onboard graphics: I've always used a dedicated graphics care but things change (when was the last time you bought a sound card?). The best onboard graphics are on the Haswell but is it good enough to handle photo editing and really big files? Or even the IB graphics? Or am I still better off with an inexpensive GPU? I can always try it and buy another but I don't want to buy a Haswell for the graphics and then not use it. Video needs are simple, either playback or simple editing.

Ivy Bridge or Haswell: I guess the answers to the above will determine this. I don't care so much that IB is EOL as long as the choice of MB's is still good.

Budget: Initial price spread out over several years doesn't matter so much. The price of being cheap does. $300+ is OK compared to saving $100, e.g., i7 vs. i5. But no point in throwing it away.

I'll pick the MB, RAM, etc. when I decide what I need here. May stay with my HD's and PSU.

 

[scy1scy1]

What types of programs do you use? Often statistical computing and photo editing WILL take advantage of hyperthreading. If your not looking to overclock and it sounds like you might want hyperthreading it sounds like a i7 Haswell is right for you. Maybe an i7-4770k? although slightly pricey, it will give you energy efficient speed, hyperthreading, and expanded cache. It is also future proof in my opinion.

 

[msimm]

I use SAS for statistical computing. I don't have the latest version but will getting it for some work coming up. I'll see if it uses hyperthreading; if so that will matter. I use Acrobat Adobe for PDF's, free software for simple photo editing (Irfanview, PhotoScape) but occasionally use GIMP. Usual office and productivity software that get bloated all the time but don't need extra power. I transfer big files but that's not the CPU's job. But I just a feeling it might be useful in the near future.

I forgot to mention that energy efficiency is another plus for me since I build the quietest boxes I can. I'm using a fan-less CPU air cooler now (Ninja) and will do the same if I can but there's no point getting something that runs hotter.

Am I talking myself into a Haswell? I really don't know enough to know if it will help me with these.

As for the MB, I do prefer getting something with enough current features to not have problems a few years down the line. But I usually stay away from the latest and greatest in favor of solid performers that don't break the bank.