Which Intel CPU?

[bws678]

I am comparing two different Intel CPUs. I have a $350 budget, but I can go a little over that for more quality. I am comparing an Intel i7 3770K against an Intel i5 2500K. both are great, but it seems that the i5 is better for graphics. Does this mean it is better for gaming? Are all i5 CPUs like this? What should I do? If the CPUs I am comparing are both bad could you let me know what would be better? I am going to be playing games on it a lot. And one quick question: is a faster processor better or one with a larger cache? Thanks for the help!

 

[daswilhelm]

the i7 is the better cpu. the i5 is in no means better for graphics, whatever that means. the only thing the 2500k does better is it has a higher overclock potential. what cpu and motherboard are you currently using?

 

[HomerSP]

i would suggest the intel i5 2500k since you are planning to use it for gaming. That doesn't mean that the Intel i7 3770K is not good but there will not be pretty much of a difference..

 

[jjs0891]

I don't know why you would be comparing two old processors. Perhaps you've heard of "haswell"

I suggest an i5 4670k. There is minimal difference between the i5 4670k and i7 4770k when gaming, so paying $100 more for it isn't worth it. The $100 could go into a better video card.

 

[daswilhelm]

lets find out what motherboard he is using before suggesting cpu's.

 

[Mohit Valecha]

firstly i7 is much better
secondly for casual gaming i5 is fine
but to do some serious gaming buy an hd 7 series graphic card
or nvidia 600 series ddr5
i5 is best budget solution
for anything u r never gonna expirience a performance drop

 

[bws678]

Probably looking at getting an Asus motherboard for around $275. Sorry if I sound like an idiot. But this is my first computer build and I was comparing CPUs from benchmarks according to toms hardware. 4770K would be better?

 

[daswilhelm]

no need to spend 275 on a motherboard, thats way overkill

 

[marc79]

A nice 170-200 motherboard, there's plenty to choose from, Gigabatye, MSI, Asus, and get a 4670k if on a budget, or 4770k if no budget limit. Why are you looking at a chip from 2011 (i5 2500k), when its almost 2014?

 

[Panayotis Kontogiannis]

the i7 is far much better than i5.

 

[WinSomeLoseNone]

I'm confused as to why people are recommending SB/IB Processors.

Fact: Haswell outperforms both SB & IB (2500/2600, 3570/3770).

If you are buying new the only intelligent choices are a 4670k/4770k

Regarding the i5/i7 debate. If you can afford the i7 it is the better option. You will have greater compute potential due to hyperthreading.

If you cannot afford the i7 4770k go with the i5 4670k.

/debate.

 

[marc79]

^ this.

 

[bws678]

Thanks! Your answers help a lot! I'll see if I can get the 4770K.