Keep my i5-2500k or trade it for better one?

[sshanky]

Hi everyone

I just received a replacement i5 2500k, brand new from Intel (it is a warranty replacement). Before I crack it open, I was wondering if there is anything that I can upgrade to without spending much more. For example, sell it and then buy an i7 2600k, 2700k, or 3770k. I've been reading various threads, and most say that there's not much reason to upgrade unless I am doing rendering.

I do not render too often. I do game a bit, but also use some virtualization.

This will be for an Intel DZ68BC motherboard with 16GB of corsair vengeance ram (DDR1600).

Thanks for the thoughts...

 

[jay_nar2012]

I would just keep the i5, that CPU would still be strong for a couple of years.

 

[esrever]

you can get a i5 3570k but its really not much better.

 

[sshanky]

So what about the passmark benchmark scores?

the 2500k gets a 6725 but the i7 2700k gets 9309 and is about 90 dollars more...wouldn't that be a good investment? Or am I missing some other important features that the i5 has. so far everyone wants me to keep it.

thx

 

[DJDeCiBeL]

Passmark scores are generally useless and not to be trusted anyway, but the gains for the 2700K are from Hyperthreading only, really. If you don't do much rendering like you say, you're better off with keeping the 2500K.

 

[nekulturny]

Passmark scores aren't generally useless, they're completely useless. Stick with the 2500K is my vote.

 

[sshanky]

Wow. Pretty consistent advice. I'm convinced. I guess there must b e a lot to like about the 2500k. If anyone would want to explain why I know I have a lot to learn.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[nekulturny]

Sure. The main thing is that to a degree HyperThreading is "ahead of its time". Which is the only difference between the i5 and i7. Theres not many programs out there that can really see a measurable advantage with it. Even in programs that can, if only done on an occasional basis the i5 already is powerful enough to handle it for the average Joe.

 

[sshanky]

Best answer selected by sshanky.