I5-2500k or i7-2600k?

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chad2584

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Jun 25, 2011
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Hi,

So I'm looking to upgrade my CPU from an Intel X6800 to either of the two above mentioned CPUs. For too long I have had a processor that has strangled the performance of the two GTX 285 cards that I've had since I built this system years ago, and I need to upgrade.

I first need to get a Z77 board, I think I'm set on getting the Gigabyte UD3H (it's within my price range and I've seen relatively good reviews) but I'm torn on which CPU to get. The i7-2600k rates significantly higher than the i5-2500k on the benchmark that I've seen, but it also costs $90 more. I know that may not seem like a lot, but I don't have a huge amount of money to spend on this.

Should I just bite the bullet and spend the extra cash for the higher performing CPU or is the i5-2500k good enough? I'm not sure if I would try to OC the CPU or not depending on how the stock performance is, but it is always good to have the option to OC if I need to. My X6800 is currently running at 3.47Ghz, but it just doesn't perform how I need it to perform.

I looked at the i7-2600 but it's just a $15 price difference from the i7-2600k so I don't see a point in getting the i7-2600.

Gaming is the main reason I built this system. Any thoughts?
 
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chad2584

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Jun 25, 2011
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Thanks for the input. I was just thinking that I should get the best performing CPU, but if I don't need the best performing CPU for gaming then why spend the extra money, right?
 
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DJDeCiBeL

DJDeCiBeL

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Dec 3, 2010
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Exactly right, the 2600K is overkill for gaming (especially considering that an i3 2100/20 isn't much worse).
 
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chad2584

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Jun 25, 2011
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That definitely helps make my decision easier, thanks! Would you recommend the GIGABYTE GA-Z77X-UD3H ATX Intel Motherboard? I've had an EVGA 780i FTW board for years now and I'm new to building systems and such, so I'm not sure on which brand to go with at this point.
 
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chad2584

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Jun 25, 2011
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Awesome, my decision has been made. That was a lot easier than I thought it would be, much appreciated!
 
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chad2584

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I agree, but I'm not going to worry about getting the best until I build a new system. At that time I will actually be able to afford better upgrades.

That's the plan though, gaming on a budget.
 
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