I5 2500 vs i5 3570k = best value for performance

[Jesmer84]

I have been looking at getting an i5 3570k for $170 from microcenter, but have recently come into contact with someone that can get me a brand new i5 2500(non-K) for $80. Now the cheapskate in me is telling me that 3570 k isn't worth $100 difference, but wanted to get all of your opinions on this. Which one gives me a better bang for my buck?

Also what is a good inexpensive motherboard to use with this ?

 

[lchrisk]

Well the i5-3570k cpu right now is one of the best for gaming, so yes it is worth $170. But for a i5-2500 for only $80? That's really cheap. IMO, if it's legit and he has a real new cpu, then I would get that.

Just get a h77 monitor also. I think a few of them are like 60-90.

 

[IntelEnthusiast]

The Intel® Core™ i5-3570K is a great processor that will allow you to overclock it easily and get even more performance out of it. However the Intel Core i5-2500 is a very nice processor and at only $80 almost can't be beaten. I think I would go with the Intel Core i5-2500.

A board like the ASRock z77 pro4 is a nice little entry level performance board and will work well for both processors. You can also use the H77 chipset based boards but you are not going to want to use them with the Intel Core i5-3570K since it wont allow you to change the multiplier on it and overclock the processor.

 

[twelve25]

3570 is 5-10% faster than the 2500k. Overclocked they end up about even. 2500k is a no-brainer at those prices, but I would question the source that can sell them for 1/2-1/3 of retail. Are you sure they aren't hot or fakes?

 

[Jesmer84]

not sure, how can I tell if they are fakes? He says he used to build computers and resell them but doesn't have time for it anymore. He had 4 but only has 2 left, but 1 is for me. He says they are brand new sealed in box. Anyway I can tell before I buy it? or things I should look out for? I had no idea there were even fakes.

 

[twelve25]

I don't know if there are fakes, but ask why someone would sell you something for $80 that could go for $170 on ebay.

 

[lchrisk]

not sure, how can I tell if they are fakes? He says he used to build computers and resell them but doesn't have time for it anymore. He had 4 but only has 2 left, but 1 is for me. He says they are brand new sealed in box. Anyway I can tell before I buy it? or things I should look out for? I had no idea there were even fakes.

If its sealed properly, and hasn't looked like it has been opened, such as the thermal paste and such, then it will most likely be legit. I would make sure he's with you when you first test boot it though.

 

[dish_moose]

Twelve25 - non K 2500 - does that change your tune?
-Bruce

 

[mocchan]

^ +1 :lol:

My vote also goes for the i5-2500. That's quite a steal at only $80...the performance difference isn't worth the extra $100.

Granted, you can overclock the snot out of the 3570k, but from a value perspective, the 2500 has the 3570k beat by a large margin

 

[neon neophyte]

honestly, even if u want the extra performance and overclocking of the 3570k... i would buy that 2500 for 80 bucks anyway. resell it, or make another computer. 80 bucks is a hell of a deal

 

[babernet_1]

Perfect solution. Buy the processor, resell it on ebay and make 50 odd bucks, then buy the much better I5 3570K. You save money AND get a nice, fast, future proof processor that draws a lot less power.

 

[jackspeed]

Do you know the person selling the i5?

 

[azathoth]

Perfect solution. Buy the processor, resell it on ebay and make 50 odd bucks, then buy the much better I5 3570K. You save money AND get a nice, fast, future proof processor that draws a lot less power.

This.

 

[babernet_1]

This.

Thanks. The dilemma reminds me of a question a company used in screening potential hires:

You are driving through the rain and see three people waiting at a bus stop which you know won't arrive for 30 minutes. One is an old lady, the second is a pregnant woman, the third is an incredibly attractive woman that seems to be as interested in you as you are in her. What do you do?

One applicant's answer. Give the keys to the old lady and let her drive the pregnant woman to the hospital then wait at the bus stop with the beautiful woman.

 

[neon neophyte]

lol. i suggested it first!

 

[babernet_1]

lol. i suggested it first!

Yikes! You sure did. Sorry.

 

[twelve25]

Twelve25 - non K 2500 - does that change your tune?
-Bruce

Not really. I wouldn't pay $120 more or even $50 more for the 3570K. That performance difference just won't show up in the real world.