What's the advantage to upgrading your CPU?

[Volcomskater2]

What is the advantage of getting a better CPU?
What does it make faster?How will it improve the computer?

 

[InvalidError]

Depends on what you already have and what you do with it.

If your current PC is already fast enough to get what you want/need to do fast enough for your tastes, then the advantages are few to none.

 

[Volcomskater2]

Like what's the advantage of having say an Intel i7 over an Intel i3?

 

[InvalidError]

i3-2xxx/3xxx: dual-core with hyperthreading
i5-2xxx/3xxx: quad-core without HT
i7-2xxx/37xx: quad-core with HT

As for whether or not the extra processing power is an advantage or not, that depends on whether or not the software or software mix you use constitutes a large enough workload to justify the extra cost in your budget.

I look at it like buying stuff that is "on sale": an advantage/discount is really an advantage/discount only if you actually end up using/needing what you buy. If you buy into a $100 more expensive CPU but end up not using software that can leverage the extra processing power to an extent that feels like it was worth $100, you wasted $100.

 

[Volcomskater2]

Would an i5 or a i7 be a better buy If I wanted to use programs such as Pro Tools 9 and Kontact 5 with plugins?

 

[squirrelonfire]

Try this chart. Check out the charthttp://www.tomshardware.com/charts/cpu-charts-2012/benchmarks,140.html

You want a SSD too, good mobo, and fast CPU. CPU alone can only do so much.
Ever since I upgraded to SSD, 3570k, and Z77 board, my gig boots up in 12 seconds. 1 second to log in and another 5 secs to launch COD. It's ridiculous I know.

 

[Volcomskater2]

Best answer selected by Volcomskater2.