Which Core i5 and platform?

[blackop]

Thanks in advance, everyone!

I will be upgrading my PC next month, and I was wondering which Core i5 is best for my needs? I notice there is a Sandy-Bridge verion, as well as an "Ivy-Bridge" verson, and applicable motherboards as well.

Other than surfing the web, I do graphic design, and website construction. I do enjoy gaming as well. Call of Duty, etc... Although, I'm trying to stay under $600 if possible. Newegg has good parts for around that, but the "Ivy-Bridge" Z77 based motherboards are a bit more expensive. However, I want something that I won't have to upgrade later.

Again, many thanks for any insight you can share.

Here is my current rig's specs. The only parts I will be replacing are the CPU, Mobo, and Ram.

Core 2-Duo Wolfdale @ 3GHZ.
Asus Maximus Formula MOBO intel X38 chipset
4GB DDR2 2X2GB chips
EVGA GeForce GTX 550 Ti
Audigy 2 ZS
Corsair GS 600 PSU
WD 1TB

 

[dudewitbow]

note that ivy bridge will be the last series thats going to fit in an lga 1155 socket. the haswell line will be on an entirely new motherboard.

 

[amuffin]

If possible you should be able to hit 4ghz+ on that wolfdale chip. However, what does the $600 dollar budget include? I am assuming, ram, cpu, and board? Since you do graphic design and website construction, I recommend these:
i7-2600k $309: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115070
8gb Corsair Vengeance DDR3 $50: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233180
Asrock Z77 Extreme 4 $140: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157293

 

[Guest]

for what i believe your uses are, graphics and web design with some gaming, ivy bridge will have no or little difference in performance. a lot of enthusiasts like it for that "new car smell" with native support for USB3 and PCI 3.0 and 1600 RAM. but gen 3 sandy motherboards has those with either third party chipsets (usb3)and a ivy bridge CPU (pci 3.0).

though with a $600 budget for a cpu, mobo and ram you can get "all the bells and whistles" on an ivy bridge and know you have the latest tech.

ASRock Z77 Extreme4 $139.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157293
Intel Core i5-3550 $219.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116505
G.SKILL Ares Series 8GB $57.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231548

 

[Guest]

If possible you should be able to hit 4ghz+ on that wolfdale chip. However, what does the $600 dollar budget include? I am assuming, ram, cpu, and board? Since you do graphic design and website construction, I recommend these:
i7-2600k $309: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115070
8gb Corsair Vengeance DDR3 $50: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820233180
Asrock Z77 Extreme 4 $140: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157293

HEY! don't post while i shop!

 

[amuffin]

My suggestion beats yours loon :3

 

[amuffin]

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

HEY! don't post while i shop!

 

[Guest]

My suggestion beats yours loon :3

you forgot a heatsink

 

[amuffin]

Stock cooler! or the hyper 212+

 

[Guest]

Stock cooler! or the hyper 212+

i'm telling mom that your using bad language!

 

[amuffin]

hehe :lol:

 

[rds1220]

I would go with Sandy Bridges. Really Ivy Bidges is only gives a slight increase in performance. I would go with an I5 or I7 Sandy Bridges.

 

[blackop]

Wow! Thanks, everyone! I deeply appreciate the insight, and the links!

I'm very happy that I can get this done for under $600.

You guys rock!

 

[blackop]

Looniam,

Almost forgot... I haven't tried to OC my PC. Do you think there is not that much difference performance-wise between my Core 2 Duo and the Core i5?

 

[Guest]

Looniam,

Almost forgot... I haven't tried to OC my PC. Do you think there is not that much difference performance-wise between my Core 2 Duo and the Core i5?

i think you may just wet your pants with excitement when you see the difference.

 

[dudewitbow]

the difference you will see is first:

the difference you see from switching to sandy/ivy bridge line up speed

and

switching from duo core to quad core on cpu intensive programs

combined

 

[blackop]

Looniam, ROFL! Awesome! I can't wait!

Thanks, dudewitbow!

I'm really looking forward to this upgrade!

 

[blackop]

Best answer selected by blackop.