Upgrade to SB or wait for IB or SB-E class

[starravier]

Is it worth it to upgrade now to an i5-2500k
or just wait for the Ivy Bridge or the SB-E series?

 

[simon12]

It depends on your budget and usage, Ivy and SB-e will not be cheap (unlikely anyway).

 

[jfby]

What is your current setup? If an i5 or i7 1st Gen 'core', then I'd say no. Maybe if using a Core 2 duo (I'm not up to speed on AMD tech, but whatever is equivalent).

 

[Leaps-from-Shadows]

SNB-E definitely won't be cheap -- they are Intel's new extreme-performance chips. They will likely be $500, $700, and $1,000 for the three introductory models. You will also need an X79 mainboard and a quad-channel memory kit.

IVB will likely be a little more expensive than current SNB processors. They are the mainstream replacement for current SNB CPUs, and will be compatible with most current 1155 mainboards after a BIOS update.

 

[mdd1963]

If you truly need a system *now*, I'd go for SandyBridge; if you are using at least an older i5 or i7, I'd stand pat, and wait for the advent of Bulldozer and/or IvyBridge....
(SandyBridge-E and accompanying socket 2011 mainboards will likely NOT be 'cheap')

 

[starravier]

Well currently my specs are

Intel Core 2 duo E6850
P5K-e
Sapphire Toxic 6850
Enermax 620W

while im in no rush, im considering getting a new rig im just looking for input
i have no budget at the moment, im not looking for top of the line but i mean 1 or 2 tiers down from the best would be sufficient

 

[starravier]

Im more interested in looking for a Mobo and CPU type deal everything else is more of a preference

 

[simon12]

If this is a pure gaming rig I suggest you wait until you upgrade the GPU as well because the E6850 is not holding back the 6850 in a major way.

 

[Timop]

Perhaps would should wait a little bit for BD if you can.
SBE is probably going to be $500/$700/$999 like stated above, plus the expensive Mobo; while IB is a long while from now.

 

[Overclocked Toaster]

I dont think there are many games that will give your cpu or gpu too much trouble, though you will definitely see a signficiant performance gain in some games by upgrading to sandy bridge.

The short and easy answer is: if you are satisfied with current peformance, dont bother upgrading yet. If you are having frame rate issues, upgrade to sb.

ivy bridge is going to be a major upgrade, so i would wait for that.

 

[starravier]

Well i might as well wait then, im a FPS junkie but i like my things to run smooth to say the least at the high or max graphics. So i might as well get a second gpu, crossfire it in the mean time and wait

 

[Overclocked Toaster]

I would imagine you would run into a CPU bottleneck if you tried crossfiring your card. You could try overclocking your cpu if possible until you eventually upgrade it.

 

[starravier]

im running at 3.3 Ghz

 

[starravier]

Best answer selected by StarRavier.