I5-661 or i5-750 for HTPC?

[frankiefoo]

Hi there, I'm looking to build a HTPC (5-8 hours daily) that also could be use for some moderate gaming (FPS, racing, sports).

I have a choice of i5-661 or i5-750 as processor (both at same price!) and I'm going to slap a HD 5770 with it.

I'm stuck between the two as I read online that i5-661 is really power saving when compared to i5-750, but i5-750 is have way much more performance.

Another question. Is i5-661 up to par with the modern games like Dirt2, Black Ops? Cos I want to build the HTPC which could stand for another 3-4 years. Is a quad core for a HTPC is overkill?

Thanks.

 

[Raidur]

With only a 5770 doing moderate gaming definitely go for a dual core, the i5-750 will be a little overkill.

But! The i5 dual cores are very overpriced, and NOT worth the premium performance wise. They simply offer 'turbo (slightly overclocking CPU automatically, nothing too significant), a higher multiplier (hence the higher stock clocks) and maybe a better on-board GPU (zero significance, to you).

Go for one of the i3 dual cores. They still have hyper threading and are killer gaming CPUs.

Newer Intel quad cores are very overkill for HTPCs (IMO), however cheaper Athlon II quads are more common.

 

[Twoboxer]

I agree with Raidur, here's a professional evaluation to support using i3 5XX:

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-gaming-cpu-core-i3-athlon-ii-x4,2791-3.html

 

[hell_storm2004]

i3 540 should do the trick just fine. i5 760 is something meant for gaming and other heavy apps!

 

[frankiefoo]

With only a 5770 doing moderate gaming definitely go for a dual core, the i5-750 will be a little overkill.

But! The i5 dual cores are very overpriced, and NOT worth the premium performance wise. They simply offer 'turbo (slightly overclocking CPU automatically, nothing too significant), a higher multiplier (hence the higher stock clocks) and maybe a better on-board GPU (zero significance, to you).

Go for one of the i3 dual cores. They still have hyper threading and are killer gaming CPUs.

Newer Intel quad cores are very overkill for HTPCs (IMO), however cheaper Athlon II quads are more common.

What if the both the processor is priced at below 100 USD (got a good deal from my friend)? will it affect your choice?
Anyway, the choice of GPU is unconfirmed yet, might go with a more high end GPU.

 

[Twoboxer]

If both processors are priced the same, there's no question the 760 is the better value by far. Its not even a fair question lol.

If you are trying to keep heat and noise down . . . the usual goal of HTPC . . . and are wanting to use an HTPC case . . . the i3 might still be the better cpu.

If you are wanting to play the popular games at high detail at 1920, the i5 is the right cpu. Or, you can use the friendlier i3 and throttle back the game details a bit.

Its all about choices.

 

[frankiefoo]

Best answer selected by frankiefoo.

 

[xreonx]

i3 way to go for gaming 530 or 540 really your wasting your money if you thing off i5 or even i7
i3 run at 4.07gz cool as, enough push any video card along

 

[xreonx]

had i3 got i5 now games are no better wasting my money ..i have overclocked both off them ..you know nothing better
i5 better in normal use little faster but in games nope they really the same

 

[Raidur]

had i3 got i5 now games are no better wasting my money ..i have overclocked both off them ..you know nothing better
i5 better in normal use little faster but in games nope they really the same

Assuming we are talking about the quad core i5s...

You couldn't tell a difference because the i3 was plenty to keep up with you GPUs, and/or you played little/no quad-core optimized games.

For 'normal use' the CPUs will perform the same.

You need to upgrade your graphics card(s) if you want benefit from i5 over your old i3.