I3 3220 vs i3 2100

[sonicers]

What advantages do the new Ivy Bridge processors have over their Sandy Bridge counterparts? Apart from clock rates and power usage, there doesn't seem to be much of a difference.

Also, can you use 1600 MHz RAM with Sandy Bridge? I saw somewhere that Sandy Bridge supports up to 1333 MHz.

 

[AM2A]

You can use 1600 mhz ram with sandy bridge, I'm doing it right now. It will probably default to 1333 when you first install it, just have to change it in the bios. XMP makes it easy, just look for xmp ready ram.

 

[jpoos]

2100 - http://ark.intel.com/products/53422
3220 - http://ark.intel.com/products/65693

slightly improved performance 5-10% due to new architecture, better integrated graphics, pci-e 3.0. doubtful you would notice any difference between the cpu's once they where installed in a system however, i'd just go with whichever was the best price. if difference in price was negligible/ivy was cheaper, i'd go with the i3 3220.

 

[sonicers]

There's a ten dollar difference. Is Ivy Bridge worth it?

 

[AM2A]

I would spend the extra $10; the increase in performance, while not huge, it worth $10 in my opinion.

edit: and for the other reasons jpoos provided also.

 

[jpoos]

i personally would spend the extra $10 for the 200mhz speed bump & the increased performance (or at least the feeling of it) but it's relative - is the $10 more beyond your budget? would your rather put that money onto a different part, or are you happy to spend alittle more for a slight increase in performance. that's what matters.

 

[sonicers]

I'll go with the 3220. Thanks!

 

[sonicers]

Best answer selected by sonicers.