Which i7?

[Bullion]

Hi,

I am trying to decide which of the i7 CPUs I should purchase for new system build.I am looking at the $300 range and there are several very close to each other.

ie:


$350 - Intel Core i7-875K Lynnfield 2.93GHz LGA 1156 95W Quad-Core Unlocked Processor

$320 - Intel Core i7-950 Bloomfield 3.06GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Processor

$300 - Intel Core i7-930 Bloomfield 2.8GHz LGA 1366 130W Quad-Core Desktop Processor


Is one more renowned for Air overclocking than the other? I would like to overclock this new system - on air - with just a better heat/sink fan combo.

Hoping you can tell me which direction to go!

Thanks in advance,

Bull

 

[Gekko Shadow]

Well for starters do you already have the motherboard? I noticed you have the i7-875 listed for a 1156, while the other two are 1366.

I would probably go with the 1156, seeing as how it's an unlocked multiplier and 95w. I could OC that easily past 3.0GHz on air. (better than the 3.06Ghz on the i7 =P).

Buut - if you want cheaper: maybe a i7-870 works better? It's $289 @ 2.93Ghz, or the i7-930 for $284 @ 2.8Ghz - and with a good enough Cooler it should easily reach 3.0GHz and up with either one. x)

 

[Bullion]

Thanks for the replay Gekko,

No, I do not have a Mobo picked out yet, though I am leaning towards the i7-930 and teh Asus Sabretooth X58.

Additionally, I am also looking at the Corsair H50 cpu cooler, it seems to have good reviews on newegg?

 

[Gekko Shadow]

Sabretooth x58, nice choice! . And the i7-930 should zoom through everything with ease xD.

And the H50 has a good reputation. Along with the H70, tho it's just about the same as the H50. (Only a 2-5degree difference). I personally don't use water cooling. Not a big fan of it lol.

And just a tip: When looking at reviews try to look at those from "verified" owners, that way you know these reviews are from actual owners and not people hating on the product lol xD

 

[Bullion]

Best answer selected by Bullion.