I7 920 versus i7 860

[schwa131]

Not sure which processor to go with thus stuck between which chipset to build out upon. Right now can get i7 920 for 199 at microcenter vs. i7 860 for 229. My concern is that it is not clear what the upgrade path will be for 1156 versus 1366 chipset. In addition it seems that at the current time both motherboards based on the 1156 vs. 1366 chipset are around the same prices thus negating any real price difference or advantage to the 1156. I only plan to moderately overclock the processor and will mainly use the computer for data cruching, image processing, and analysis.

 

[mindless728]

actually the LGA 1156 boars a quite a bit cheaper, if you go the crossfire route its as low as $130 USD

 

[schwa131]

Currently one can get a 1366 for about $170 when put together with i920 that will come to 370 as opposed to the 1156 which is 130-140 plus i860 229 comes to 360ish so about the same ballpark.

 

[lucuis]

The i7 860 seems to be better according some benchmarks. It has a more aggressive regime for its turbo mode, thus performing better on average. It'd be my pick anyway

 

[rockyjohn]

With Microcenter's low price on the 920, that does make for a difficult choice. So I think I would look to upgrades and go with Intel's designation. If you are an enthusiast (especially since your activities are so CPU intensive), do with the 920. Upgrades will likely cost more - but you want the faster processing right? If your use is primaily mainstream - go with the 860 and get the cheaper upgrades later.

 

[schwa131]

Therein lies the dilemma. I don't want to be tied down to a very expensive platform that is only somewhat faster than a mainstream platform. However if the intel plan is to stay with 1156 and 1366 chipsets for a while then I am less concerned. I will post builds for both to get more feedback.

 

[astrodudepsu]

The big upgrade down the road for 1366 will be the hexa - core i9 gulftowns. This will be overkill for most people; however, if you love CPU heavy tasks gulftown should rock your socks.

 

[snowgoer1998]

I was in this very same dilemma...I went with the 920 route...from all indicators that I read about, the 1366 socket will be the "extreme" socket for future processors.

I also have to add that upgrading to the hexacore later on is something I will probably be doing...