An Upgrade (i5-i7-2500k-2600k?)

[pipinhot2]

Hey everyone, Thanks for reading in!

Much like the title says, im looking for an upgrade to my currently outdated PC.

Current Specs:
CPU: E8500 3.16GHz @4.00
Mobo: P5Q PRO
GFX: EVGA9800GTX+SC
2x2GB DDR2 GSkill 1066

Im an Aussie/ So lets look at our Price range.
Gaming is what i do, so we are in the Multi-Core Market.

From my research i have found the I7-2600 and 2600k Are a great bang for buck CPU between the $290-390 Mark. (Or the equivalent AMD) What to Choose?
Im Not sure on what Motherboard to get? Around the $150-200 Mark, DDR3, USB3.0, 2 x PCI-e slots, Sata III Whatever the benefits.
And ram DDR3 4GB of ram, What MHz are we looking for? is 2000+ over the top or is 1333 just not worth it?
Iff there is a combination of these three items that work great together im all ears!

Im looking around the $600-700 area for the whole lot, I was hoping this may make it last out a couple more years!

What are your thoughts and advice? I want something thats is future proof but not to expensive.

Edit: If i purchased a 5870 or 6xxx Series Card What PSU would be recommended for all these items?

Thanks again!

 

[mi1ez]

I think I'd go i5-2500K, Asus P8P67 series board, and potentially the 560Ti.

For power supply, I'd look 500-600W. Well known brand like Corsair, Seasonic etc. and check reviews on specific models on a website such as jonnyguru. I'm sure other people are more up-to-date with their PSUs than me.

 

[pipinhot2]

I think I'd go i5-2500K, Asus P8P67 series board, and potentially the 560Ti.

Ok Cool, are there any big differences between 2500k and 2600k?

And for Ram Any specific brand and Hertz?

 

[saint19]

The i7-2600k is expensive for the performance, I agree with mi1ez on i5-2500K as the best option.

For mobo, ASUS P8P67 Pro or Gigabyte P67A-UD4 are solid mobos.

You can see here: http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/288?vs=287 the difference between i5-2500k and i7-2600k, it's not big and the i7-2600k is expensive too.

For RAM, 1600MHz or above from Corsair, Crucial, G.Skill, SuperTalent with elpida Hypers.

 

[mi1ez]

Ok Cool, are there any big differences between 2500k and 2600k?

And for Ram Any specific brand and Hertz?

The only difference is about 1 or 2 speed bins (which makes no difference as it's unlocked!) and hyperthreading.

Edit: and a small cache increase.

I would suggest sticking with 1600MHz RAM as a good balance of speed and price, and any known brand. Corsair, Crucial etc.

 

[mi1ez]

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/memory/2011/01/11/the-best-memory-for-sandy-bridge/6

 

[pipinhot2]

Thank you

you were both very helpful

Over the next 2 months its:

Intel I5-2500K $250
Asus P8P67 Series Board $180
2x2GB DDR3 1600 Corsair Dominators $120
Will Probably Purchase Win 7 ultimate $120

$670

Under Budget <3

 

[mi1ez]

You're welcome. Happy to help.

 

[ackdaddy]

I would seriously consider the i7 2600 or 2600K. There is a significant difference in "user experience" between the i7 and i5. 8 virtual cores, with hyperthreading technology; plus the integrated gpu is serious. Also, I like the G. Skill Ripjaws 2133.

I had an i5 and less than three months later upgraded to the i7 after gaming on a buddy's rig. I'm not trying to confuse you, but rather letting you know that the extra money spent now may give you a longer horizon of use for your current rig.

 

[ackdaddy]

dadiggle who are you asking?

 

[cromedome]

I would seriously consider the i7 2600 or 2600K. There is a significant difference in "user experience" between the i7 and i5. 8 virtual cores, with hyperthreading technology; plus the integrated gpu is serious. Also, I like the G. Skill Ripjaws 2133.

I had an i5 and less than three months later upgraded to the i7 after gaming on a buddy's rig. I'm not trying to confuse you, but rather letting you know that the extra money spent now may give you a longer horizon of use for your current rig.

LOL, If he is going to game the integrated GPU is of no use.

 

[pipinhot2]

What are you going to do with your old chip?

Possibly send a few parts off to a couple computers around the house and family.
much the same i hate throwing Parts into the corner, They have served me well!

 

[saint19]

Possibly send a few parts off to a couple computers around the house and family.
much the same i hate throwing Parts into the corner, They have served me well!

You ca re-sell that P5Q Pro in a good price.

 

[ackdaddy]

Why do you say that Chromedome?

 

[saint19]

With SB and a dedicated GPU, the integrated GPU goes out of service.

 

[pipinhot2]

Dont do away with it. I see your overclcoking. Thats a great chip. they all go to 4ghz on air. Get some dry ice and play around with it.

Oh the thoughts....Yeah the wolfdale cpu's were some of the best!

 

[cromedome]

@ ackdaddy,

Same reason as saint19. 90% of people game with a dedicated gpu.

 

[pipinhot2]

I have actually done some research on the 560TI

It seems ATI wanted to try and muffle its release down by brining out there 6950 1GB version, Virtually the same price but the ATI out performs the other....Correct me if im wrong.

 

[saint19]

I have actually done some research on the 560TI

It seems ATI wanted to try and muffle its release down by brining out there 6950 1GB version, Virtually the same price but the ATI out performs the other....Correct me if im wrong.

560Ti use a little more power, but also performs better that 6950. The attractive of the 6950 is the price.

 

[mi1ez]

To tell you the truth I don't think I've seen a bad review of the 560Ti. Seems great value for money.

 

[pipinhot2]

Righto Nvidia it is.

 

[pipinhot2]

And its highly likely, the Price of the 560 should drop over the next couple of months to stay competitive.