Which CPU is the better value deal here?

[TopGun]

The i5-2500K for $190.39?

or...

the i7-2600K for $267.71?

 

[ghnader hsmithot]

i7 for specific cpu oriented task is better.

 

[HEXiT]

if its a dedicated gaming rig then the 2500k if your gonna do other things that need hyperthreading to get the best from them, then the 2600k
things like mp4 encoding the 2600k can be nearly x2 as fast as the 2500k
but games wise the 2500k only looses the odd frame per second to the 2600k

 

[TopGun]

I game and play (or hopefully will again someday) online poker.

So the actual dollar amount for either is not really much of a factor then? I was thinking the i7-2600K for $267.71 was a much better value dollar-wise than the i5-2500K for $190.39...

I guess if I rarely use it though, the hyperthreading from the 2600K isn't really worth $77 more. I was planning to eventually use this build to play with home video editing (probably sometime in the next 5-7ish years)...would this make the 2600K worth it?

 

[TopGun]

Do you have any gut feeling if I'll be able to get the i5 for cheaper than $190 at some point in the next 10-12 months?

Also, I was planning on an upgrade in 5-7 years...allowing this current build to be used for video editing then. My girl would be in charge of that...she gets her own PC (my old ones) and stays off mine.

 

[TopGun]

Looks like after tax it's $190.79 ($179.99 before) and closest store to me is 3 hours away (in-store pick up only)...so have to include gas cost too.

That would be an awesome price though if I could find it for $175 total.

 

[Emperus]

The i5 2500K is the better deal for you considering your given two options.. However, if the most strenuous work you do is play online poker, are not gonna overclock your processor and are looking forward to save a few bucks, the i5 2400 or even the i3 2100 will be plenty for your needs..

 

[TopGun]

The i5 2500K is the better deal for you considering your given two options.. However, if the most strenuous work you do is play online poker, are not gonna overclock your processor and are looking forward to save a few bucks, the i5 2400 or even the i3 2100 will be plenty for your needs..

I may take a re-look at those options...although I want to keep my e-peen at least slightly above average. Do you happen to have an article or two comparing the suggested CPUs to the 2500K that you can point me to?

 

[Emperus]

I may take a re-look at those options...although I want to keep my e-peen at least slightly above average. Do you happen to have an article or two comparing the suggested CPUs to the 2500K that you can point me to?

Google around to find articles relating to them.. Just for the record, the i5 2500K is undoubtedly the fastest among them and also carries the most longevity.. So if you are worrying on the e-peen, definitely go for the i5 2500K.. This is suggested on the basis that you have all other components covered and no loose ends left.. For instance, make sure you have a good amount of ram (min 4 GB), a good quality PSU etc..

You can compare any two CPU's of your choice here -

www.anandtech.com/bench/CPU/2

 

[TopGun]

The RAM and PSU are actually the only components I've bought so far. I got 8GB of GSkill 1600 CL8 RAM, and 850W XFX BE PSU.

I did want to play around with OC'ing too, so the 2500K is probably what I want.

Thanks for that link!

 

[IntelEnthusiast]

Like has been said before if all you are going to be doing is gaming then the Intel® Core™ I5 2500K is most likely the best processor in performance vs. cost and close to the top in overall performance. Now on the other hand if you are going to be doing some video/audio or other heavy multi-threaded work then the Intel Core I7 2600K is the better processor. Overall you can’t beat what these processors can do for you.

Christian Wood
Intel Enthusiast Team

 

[sedaine]

there will be better video editing CPUs in 5-7 years, you would probably need an upgrade by then anyways. I would just get the i5, seems like you won't notice any real world difference between the two.

In 5-7 years time CUDA will be in history books, AMD will only mean Advanced Missile Defense system and a Core i7 will be great for firewalls or print server.

It certainly will not be able to encode surround 3 D content.

 

[TopGun]

Best answer selected by TopGun.

 

[HEXiT]

thank you...