i5 or i7 for C++

[Guest]

I plan to build a gaming PC/ HTPC this summer after Haswell is released. The primary usage will be for gaming and FSX. Overall, I have been suggested the Intel i5 and am leaning toward the Haswell i5-4670 since I don't plan to overclock. I am considering writing a C++ program with software such as Microsoft Visual Basic or Visual Studio, to write a program covering the basics of aviation with possible 3D animation. If I do use animation and graphics, it won't be heavy duty or absolute high end animation. The program would be for educational purposes. Would the i5-4670 be capable of meeting the needs I just mentioned for C++ or would the i7-4770 do the job much more quickly. I am asking because I am kind of stuck on whether to get an i5 and risk spending an additional $300 to upgrade to the i7 if the i5 doesn't meet my needs or going with an i7 and risk wasting $100 when an i5 could get the job done just as quickly. Overall, I am trying to avoid overkill.

 

[senkasaw]

The i5 will be fine. The i7 will be a bit faster, of course, but unless you are in a work environment where every second of productivity counts, then I say save your money. I use an i5 in my machine at home and it works great for my side projects.

 

[popatim]

It depends on the level of eye candy you want in fsx. fsx can eat core and will use up to 256 (iirc) I would visit an fsx forum for recommendations with what setting you would like to be at. All the builds I have done for fsx users were 6core i7 or multi xeon. Most FSX people I know are firmly in the intel camp and swear AMDs cant cut the mustard anymore. ie - I wouldn't go to their forums asking for an amd build. LOL