Intel X79 versus Z77 chipset

[MikieZ]

Hello -

I am about ready to build a new system for the purpose of running Adobe's CS6 Production Premium.

While looking at motherboards I see two options: Intel's X79 and Intel's Z77 chipsets.

I see that the X79 has quad memory support versus dual memory support for the Z77.

Is ther anyone out there that can help me out with trying to determine which chipset I should focus on in order to run CS6 the best?

Thanks,

Mike

 

[geekapproved]

Depends on what cpu you choose. They are different sockets.

 

[MikieZ]

Depends on what cpu you choose. They are different sockets.

I understand that and I know it would also depend on memory speed, disk speed, video adapter, etc.

But if the other factors were equal what would be the better performing chipset?

 

[geekapproved]

You start with what cpu performs better, then you decide on a mobo based on the cpu that you choose.

All factors will never be equal, so you can't compare mobo performance of different chipsets that use different cpu's and different memory.

I suggest you look at benchmarks of the model cpu's your going to purchase (for example fastest s2011 cpu or slowest s2011 cpu, fastest s1155 or slowest s1155 cpu) choose the cpu, then choose a matching motherboard.

I don't know about CS6, but in CS4, the most expensive s2011 cpu hardly outperforms the most expensive s1155 cpu, even though it costs 3x as much and the platform also costs 2x-3x as much.

Also consider how much memory you actually need, Z77 supports 32gb while X79 supports 64gb.

 

[tsnor]

For gaming, here is a CPU cheat sheet. http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-cpu-review-overclock,3106.html

Agree with Geek above, don't choose MB then CPU. Choose CPU first. However if you really want to look at differences in chipsets wikipedia has nice tables.

For gaming build, choose $$ for total build, allocate 1/3 to 1/2 for graphics, split rest between other parts.

************** EDIT **********

I totally missed "to build a new system for the purpose of running Adobe's CS6 Production Premium. " forget the game stuff.

The chipset differences are here, find z77 when you get to the page. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Intel_chipsets

You want an Intel Ivy Bridge or an Intel Sandy bridge. If you give a processor price point people will give recommendations. Note also Speedgrade technology.

From http://www.adobe.com/products/creativesuite/production/tech-specs.html

"Intel Core i7 processor required for Adobe® SpeedGrade™"

"Dedicated GPU card required for SpeedGrade (for optimal performance in SpeedGrade and for GPU-accelerated features in Adobe Premiere® Pro and After Effects®: NVIDIA Quadro 4000, 5000, or 6000 or other Adobe-certified GPU card with at least 1GB of VRAM recommended); visit www.adobe.com/products/premiere/extend.html for supported cards
Optional: Tangent CP200 family or Tangent Wave control surface for SpeedGrade
Optional: For SDI output, NVIDIA Quadro SDI Output card required for SpeedGrade"

 

[JackNaylorPE]

This is easy.....you clearly stated CS6.... so gaming is outta the picture and X79 is the way to go. Which one ya choose first is somewhat immaterial a they are inextricably linked. However, first ya must choose the platform and CS6 screams LGA 2011 / X79.

You want a LGA 2011 socket.... these will be found in X79 MoBos (not Z77) and they use LGA 2011 CPU's.

X79 = Quad Channel Memory
Z77 = Dual Channel Memory

CS loves memory so again the answer is obvious.

Now once ya have chosen ya platform, you have to choose which CPU .... Id recommend the 3930K

3960X = $1,030
3930K = $590
3920 = $300

The benchies here make X79 the obvious choice for CS6

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/core-i7-3960x-x79-performance,3026-9.html

 

[JackNaylorPE]

1st try didn't post....2nd deleted

 

[geekapproved]

If CS6 is just like CS4, then you can see from these benches that in the CS4 speed test the i7-3770K which is $349 dollars is minimally slower than the i7-3960X which is $1029. Were talking 10.3 seconds vs. 11 seconds.

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/551?vs=443

Is .7 seconds really worth 3x as much for the processor, plus 2-3x as much for the mobo and ram? That's the question you need to weigh.

If that speed is of utmost importance, then sure go drop the cash.

 

[Neog2]

If CS6 is just like CS4, then you can see from these benches that in the CS4 speed test the i7-3770K which is $349 dollars is minimally slower than the i7-3960X which is $1029. Were talking 10.3 seconds vs. 11 seconds.

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/551?vs=443

Is .7 seconds really worth 3x as much for the processor, plus 2-3x as much for the mobo and ram? That's the question you need to weigh.

If that speed is of utmost importance, then sure go drop the cash.

Actually if I remember correctly CS4 was only 32-BIT. It was super hyped and I remember buying it at launch on my new rig at the time. Had 16GB memory and CS4 couldn't use a full fourth of that.

CS6 is true 64-bit from the stuff I read. So LGA2011 would be better.