Which is better?

[JNB]

Which is better the i5 2500k or the i5 3570k?

 

[bartholomew]

i5 3570K. If you're planning to push your CPU past 4.5ghz then the i5 2500k would be better.

 

[DJDeCiBeL]

The simple answer is the 3570K, but the more involved answer is that the 2500K can be OC'd further and to a point that surpasses the 3570K in performance at a certain point. The 3570K is ~10% faster, so a 10% higher OC on a 2500K negates the performance difference.

 

[unksol]

in addition to what DJDeCiBeL said the 3570K has better power consumption. but I think its performance advantage is closer to 5-7%. When you overclock and push voltage though its heat goes through the roof and requires watercooling to soak up the heat spike. So if you wont push the overclock, ivybridge. if you will (and you will, I mean.its a K CPU why else would you buy one) I'd get sandy bridge.

Ivy bridge could have been great. its a shame Intel intentionally crippled it with that bad thermal paste the second AMD took the pressure off

 

[dudewitbow]

i5-2500k pros
Can Overclock ghz higher
Cheaper
Cooler than 3570k when overclocked

i5-3570k pros
Default speed advantage over 2500k due to architecture
lower power consumption

 

[nekulturny]

i5-2500k pros
Can Overclock ghz higher
Cheaper
Cooler than 3570k when overclocked

i5-3570k pros
Default speed advantage over 2500k due to architecture
lower power consumption

I'd agree with this, but my vote is the 2500K. Based on what I've seen the difference in power consumption does not equate to enough savings on an electric bill to justify the extra cost of the 3570K. (The power consumption difference is minimal, as is the default performance)

 

[JNB]

I'm buying my parts to day and I've settled on an i5 3450, i just wanted to see if it;s worth me making a last minute upgrade to the cpu or do you think it will be fine for gaming? I'm pairing it with a 7870 Windforce edition

 

[nekulturny]

Keep in mind the non-K CPUs are not overclockable. My advice to you is if you can swing it, buy a K CPU even if you don't think you will overclock. At least you keep your options open. But yes, the 3450 will do the job for you.

 

[JNB]

My theory is (feel free to call me a complete idiot as i know nothing) that by the time the i5 is holding me back i could replace it with an ivy bridge i7 down the line when they are cheaper.

 

[nekulturny]

Let me correct you there, (somewhat)..

Ivy Bridge is set to be the final generation of CPUs on the LGA1155 socket, Intel will be moving to the LGA1150 socket early next year, and discontinuing Ivy Bridge. Meaning, 2 years from now most likely if you want to upgrade your CPU, you'll be buying a new motherboard.

Having said all that, most likely with a 7870 card, you'll have a good 3 or 4 years of great gameability whether you buy an overclockable CPU or not. Its your call, but honestly, I like I said, nice thing about the K CPUs is it keeps your options open.

 

[JNB]

If you think it will last 3-4 years with non K cpu i'm happy to go with it as if it's only in the far future the processor is going to slow me down i won't mind upgrading to the new socket. Also i have no clue how to overclock i was planning on taking it to a shop if i got a K and asking them to do it.

 

[nekulturny]

Addendum:
Also, Intel does not reduce the MSRP of their CPUs regardless of their age, you will notice that LGA1156 CPUs like Clarksdale and Lynnfield, and even Sandy Bridge now that Ivy Bridge is out have not dropped from their initial price points.

While as a consumer I find Intel's business practices rather "bastardly", the fact is they outsell AMD 5 to 1, they can afford to not cut anyone a break on their "day old donuts".

 

[nekulturny]

If you think it will last 3-4 years with non K cpu i'm happy to go with it as if it's only in the far future the processor is going to slow me down i won't mind upgrading to the new socket. Also i have no clue how to overclock i was planning on taking it to a shop if i got a K and asking them to do it.

Overclocking is pretty simple. You really would be surprised how easy it is. Although to do it, ideally you would want to invest in a decent CPU cooler such as a 212 evo, they run about 34 bucks from newegg. If you change your mind, I'd be glad to add you to skype and show you how to do it.

 

[JNB]

I'll buy the 3570k if you will help me overclock it, are you sure you don't mind?

 

[nekulturny]

Sure, you build the system I'll give you the info you need to go about overclocking it. Make sure you buy a motherboard that supports overclocking Z68/Z77 chipset.

Heres a link to a decent CPU cooler.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103099

You would install this instead of the heatsink/fan that comes with the CPU. Send me a PM for my skype name.

 

[bartholomew]

To have a good understanding about Overclocking read this:
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/265056-29-2600k-2500k-overclocking-guide

 

[JNB]

One last thing, is there any chance you could recommend me a CPU cooler off this website?

http://www.scan.co.uk/shop/computer-hardware

This is where i'm going to pick all the parts up today.

 

[nekulturny]

One last thing, is there any chance you could recommend me a CPU cooler off this website?

http://www.scan.co.uk/shop/computer-hardware

This is where i'm going to pick all the parts up today.

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/coolermaster-hyper-212-evo-4-heat-pipes-direct-contact-with-120mm-quiet-fan-lga775-1155-1156-1366-am

 

[JNB]

That one is Pre Order for the 11th, any chance you could choose another?

 

[nekulturny]

Unfortunately, I've been drinking. So, I'm not comfortable making a recommendation in lieu of the CoolerMaster 212 evo without doing some research on how they perform. Perhaps someone else has an air cooling unit that would be a sufficient alternative off the tip of their tongue.

 

[nekulturny]

Even so, you could go with this one:

http://www.scan.co.uk/products/coolermaster-hyper-212-quiet-cpu-cooler-4-heat-pipes-120mm-fan-intel-s775-am2-am2plus-am3-754-939-94

based on this article:

http://www.maximumpc.com/article/%5Bprimary-term%5D/cooler_master_hyper_212_evo_review

I don't see why you'd have a problem hitting 4.0GHZ on either cooler, which is a pretty respectable overclock. And I'm fairly sure you could go higher. But every CPU overclocks differently.

 

[unksol]

Unfortunately, I've been drinking. So, I'm not comfortable making a recommendation

I approve this message. LOL.

to be straight. I'd say sandy bridge over ivy bridge.

 

[nekulturny]

^ As my boyfriend would say LIRL (Laughing in real life)