As a general rule: better cpu vs worse cpu + cooler?

Nuno Miguel Costa

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Dec 13, 2013
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It just occured this to me and i couldnt find the answer online so i thought i'd post it here.It may help someone looking for this.

For the same price, and as a general rule, which is better? To buy a cpu and a cooler for it (and overclock it of course), or just simply buy a better cpu?
 
The 9590 is not a very good CPU for the money, get an 8320 and a nice cooler. The 8320 is an 8350 with a lower factory clock, and can be overclocked to the same as an 8350.
The 9590 requires a really powerful cooler, it runs extremely hot. It is not worth the money.
 
If you buy a cooler for an overclockable cpu, like a intel "K", then you will get your money's worth.
At least with coolers in the $30-$75 range. The "K" chips are already better binned and ready for overclocking.

On the amd side, the cpu's with the higher clocks are simply better binned and in effect factory overclocked.
I would buy at least a $30 cooler for them if for no other reason but to keep the noise down.