What processor to pop in this build?

[sirgrotius]

I'm working on a new build and have the following pieces on order:


- CORSAIR Vengeance 16GB (4 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model

- Crucial M4 CT256M4SSD2CCA 2.5" 256GB SATA III MLC Internal Solid State Drive (SSD) with Transfer Kit

- EVGA SuperClocked 02G-P4-2682-KR GeForce GTX 680 2GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 3.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support

- ASUS P8Z77-V PREMIUM LGA 1155 Intel Z77 HDMI SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 ATX Intel Motherboard

Case, motherboard, PSU (750W) and monitor (will use a 27" Thunderbird with this) are all set.

Not sure what I should do about my processor, though. I have an Intel Core i7-920 Bloomfield 2.66 GHz Quad Core on my old machine. Should I just pop that in the new one, or would it be a bit of a bottle neck?

I'm hoping to play games like Skyrim and Diablo 3 without any problems. I do play fairly processor-intensive games (e.g., Hearts of Iron 3), but it seems like there's so many Intels to choose from I'm a little overwhelmed, especially with the whole Sandybridge (cool, but now outdated?) and Ivybridge (hot, is it really better?) debate.

Price isn't a huge issue for me, but I don't want to spend extra money if it's not needed. I don't imagine spending over $325 for a processor, for instance.

Thanks for the tips!

 

[bangpc]

an intel i5 3570k or the i7 3770k.

 

[nacos]

an intel i5 3570k or the i7 3770k.

+1

 

[pinwi]

if its for gaming then go for a 3570k (in case you're going to overclock)

 

[lunyone]

3570k for less $ or the 3770k if you want the best out right now.

 

[Deleted member 217926]

Your i7 920 is a different socket ( LGA 1366 ) and will not be compatible with or even fit in an LGA 1155 board.

For a gaming computer the i5 3570K is a better choice than the i7 3770K because the only advantage the i7 has is Hyperthreading and no games actually use Hyperthreading.

The i5 2500K also remains a good choice. Although slightly slower ( about 7%) than the i5 3570K clock for clock the 2500K will likely overclock higher on air thus negating the 3570K's slight advantage.

 

[sirgrotius]

If it is for gaming, but I may not over clock, would the 3770K be better? For some reason, I've never really gotten into OCing, but I do game.

 

[Deleted member 217926]

No. Games still will not use Hyperthreading. If you are not going to overclock just get the i5 3550. If you do get a "K" model processor make sure you get an aftermarket cooler so you can overclock if you decide to. The Coolermaster Hyper 212 Evo is a good low cost option.

A 750w power supply is a bad idea with that build. A single GTX 680 ( or any single graphics card for that matter ) only needs a quality 550w power supply and a GTX 680 Sli setup needs an 800w power supply. So 750 watts is way overpowered for one card and underpowered for 2.

http://www.realhardtechx.com/index_archivos/Page362.htm

Make sure you stick with Corsair, Seasonic, PC Power and Cooling, XFX, Silverstone, Enermax, OCZ and Antec for a high quality unit.

 

[sirgrotius]

Great info guys! The 750 is a relic from my prior system, but since it's only 3 years old from a good brand (Corsair) I'll just stick with it.

 

[sirgrotius]

Do you guys think the XIGMATEK Dark Knight II SD1283 Night Hawk Edition CPU Cooler will be sufficient to cool either of those processors...assuming I'm not over clocking? I have this cooler from my old build, and I'm thinking it should be compatible with the new gear I just don't want it to be too wimpy.

Random question...will the Intel processors come with thermal paste, or should I purchase some? (I don't want everything to arrive and then be disappointed when I can't build it without X, Y, or Z.)

 

[Houseboratheon]

Do you guys think the XIGMATEK Dark Knight II SD1283 Night Hawk Edition CPU Cooler will be sufficient to cool either of those processors...assuming I'm not over clocking? I have this cooler from my old build, and I'm thinking it should be compatible with the new gear I just don't want it to be too wimpy.

Random question...will the Intel processors come with thermal paste, or should I purchase some? (I don't want everything to arrive and then be disappointed when I can't build it without X, Y, or Z.)

The stock cooler of intel processors have per applied thermal paste and most after market coolers come with a tube.

 

[Houseboratheon]

Also if your not going to OC then just use the stock cooler, it's perfectly fine.

 

[sirgrotius]

Thanks guy! Gut's telling me stock cooler might be good to go if I'm not going to over clock, although reading Newegg reviews has me a little worried about the heat of IvyBridge processors.

 

[Houseboratheon]

Thanks guy! Gut's telling me stock cooler might be good to go if I'm not going to over clock, although reading Newegg reviews has me a little worried about the heat of IvyBridge processors.

That's because when you OC an ivy bridge it become significantly hotter than sandy. But no OC means you should be perfectly fine with stock

 

[sirgrotius]

That's because when you OC an ivy bridge it become significantly hotter than sandy. But no OC means you should be perfectly fine with stock

Good to hear. IIRC, the most troublesome part of doing my first build about three years ago was installing that cooler!

 

[sirgrotius]

Best answer selected by sirgrotius.

 

[sirgrotius]

Resurrecting this ancient thread, since I'm thinking about breathing life into the machine mentioned in the OP - although a few other specs are noted in my sig (such as processor, i7 3770K, and 850 Watt PSU).

I am considering going straight for the jugular, a new GPU, such as a GeForce GTX 980 4GB. Will I be facing bottlenecks elsewhere, or will this allow me to max out games such as Dragon Age Inquisition at Ultra settings, etc.? I have a single monitor (27").

Thanks in advance!

 

[Deleted member 217926]

Wow that might be the longest time between posts ever :lol: You would have had more people see it if you had started a new thread though.

You are fine with any video card setup you want with that system up to dual GTX 980s in Sli. If you went with dual R9 290X cards in Crossfire you would need a power supply upgrade and that's all.

Is that a 1920 x 1080 monitor? If so a 980 will max any game including the poorly optimized ones like Far Cry 4 and AC Unity. Dragon Age shouldn't be a problem. No bottlenecks but the games may scale up if you overclock the CPU.