i7 920 or i5 4430

eodeo · Dec 2, 2013

I'm getting a new computer and I'm trying to get it as cheap as possible.

I'm considering getting a used i7 920 or maybe a new i5 4430. If there is a good reason, I'd go as high as i5 4670k. Maybe something in between?

I'm interested how much if any would optimally OCed i7 be slower than i5 4430?

Can I get any ddr3 RAM? Is there anything specific I need to watch out since I plan to OC in case I go with 920/ 4670k.

What is the cheapest motherboard I need to get to optimally OC 4670k? What sort of motherboard do I need to get to optimally oc i7 920?

I'm transiting from c2q 6600 @ 3ghz /w gtx 460, so I'll just be getting CPU/mobo + RAM.

I'm going to use the system for 3d rendering/modeling+ 3d gaming.

Any help greatly appreciated.

iceclock · Dec 2, 2013

even at stock the i5 4430 is faster.

is there reason why ur not choosing the 4670k or a amd 8320 8core for 150?

boju · Dec 2, 2013

Would advice to go the newer Haswell socket 1150 architecture using the z87 chipset for best o/c potential, something like a Gigabyte Z87X-D3H which has great reviews. Asus and Asrock as well have nice z87 boards people are happy with, depending on your budget. Google best motherboard to overclock 4670k for more info.

The i7 920 is a dead platform albeit still an o/c 920 - (more luck with DO stepping revision of the cpu apposed to former CO stepping) 3.6GHz to 4GHz is still very capable. Although the Haswells even Sandy Bridge have been more consistently higher overclockers averaging 4 to 4.5GHz.

i7 920 used LGA1366 platform (x58 chipset was best for overclocking) using triple channel memory, sets in 3's using the same DDR3 requirements used in newer platforms today. 240pin, 1.5/1.65v etc

LGA1366 is also missing out on 6Gbps SATA and USB 3.

iceclock · Dec 2, 2013

yes i5 for the win siré

eodeo · Dec 2, 2013

iceclock :

I'm trying to get as cheap as possible while at the same time I want the fastest possible. I was looking at benchmarks here at THG:
http://www.tomshardware.com/charts/cpu-charts-2013/-26-3DS-Max-2012,Marque_fbrandx14,3161.html

It's very nice and exactly what I'm looking for- 3ds Max rendering in mental ray. The problem is that it shows no overclokeced versions nor are all the CPUs included.

For example i7-975 to me looks like i7-920 OCed from 2.66 to 3.33ghz- a plausible OC for the 920. It scores 184seconds vs 192sec of the i5 4430. Can I take that to mean that OCing i7 920 is faster than 4430?

iceclock :

Amd scores poorly in every non rendering test I'd like to skip it.

boju :

Those look to me like very high OC. I'm thinking about regular OC- with stock cooler or a very cheap aftermarket cooler. I think that 3.3 is very reasonable. Do I need to look out for RAM speed or can I OC CPU independently of RAM?

Right now, buying used looks the most appealing to me. I just found a i5 2500k for 110euros. I think that it may be the best option. At 3.3ghz it ties with 4430 @ 3ghz, but unlike haswell I can oc 2500k to 4ghz(?) and get the best speed for $, no?

iceclock · Dec 2, 2013

2500k overclocks we'll it's a good choice. I'd get some 1866mhz ram for good overclocking. And a z77 mono such as as rock extreme 4 z77

eodeo · Dec 2, 2013

Thank you. Do I need 1866mhz ram to overclock properly? Is RAM speed a factor in stable overclock of 920/2500/4670? Is there any difference in RAM required for either of the 3 CPUs?

iceclock · Dec 2, 2013

We'll u can achieve better overclocks with higher speed ram.

boju · Dec 3, 2013

i7 920 Nehalem - socket 1366
i5 2500k Sandy Bridge - socket 1155 (Ivy Bridge use same socket)
i5 4670k Haswell - socket 1150

All architectures use the same DDR3 memory, albeit in different configs ie dual channel, triple channel. Sandy/Ivy Bridge and Haswell went back to dual channel.

All Intel cpus, past, present can get quite warm with stock coolers and i7 920's base clock is 2.66Ghz as you know, wouldn't advise using a stock cooler attempting 3Ghz overclock.

2500k can do just about everything stock speeds anyway, but if you'd like to squeeze more juice out then consider about a reputable aftermarket cooler before considering to overclock. 2500k along with other later cpus are very easy to overclock, just need the cooling.

For memory speeds, 1600Mhz is fine for overclocking (Cant go wrong with 1866Mhz memory either) a 2500k to 4.5Ghz+ and agree use z77. Very reliable chipset for this cpu especially overclocking (socket 1155 for 2500k)

RobCrezz · Dec 3, 2013

If you do pick up a 2500k cheap, you can also use a Z68 board, I have see these go for crazy cheap (£38 in UK), Z77 isnt needed for Sandy (or Ivy with a bios update).

boju · Dec 3, 2013

oh forgot about the z68. +1

iceclock · Dec 3, 2013

excellent yes. z68+2500k wins

eodeo · Dec 3, 2013

Thank you all for your replies!

Apparently the i5 2500 i found was the non k version.. I think that it would be better if i got the OCable version.

In case of getting a new CPU for OC, I read that 3570k is a better OCer then 4670k. Can anyone confirm this?

iceclock · Dec 3, 2013

well its not that its better but overheats less. the haswell 4670k heats alot. so id recommand for 200$ the 3570k

iceclock · Dec 3, 2013

well its not that its better but overheats less. the haswell 4670k heats alot. so id recommand for 200$ the 3570k

logainofhades · Dec 3, 2013

3570k tends to overclock to a higher speed than the 4670k due to heat issues. 3570k and an Asrock Z77 extreme4 make for a nice combo.

iceclock · Dec 3, 2013

yes i second this motion

eodeo · Dec 4, 2013

Thank you everyone. I ended up getting i7 3770k with Gigabyte Z77-Ds3h. Its used with 2yr warranty left, but it fit in my budget.

Thank you!

RobCrezz · Dec 5, 2013

boju :

eodeo :

Good choice, you wont go wrong with that. Make sure you get a nice cpu cooler so you can do some overclocking!

i7 920 or i5 4430

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