I5 or i7

[BrainY]

I have done a little bit of research and it seems like the i5 is as good as the i7 right now (exluding the extremes) for gaming. Am I just researching wrong or is this correct? So it's not worth to buy a i7, but everybody buys it anyway?

Also is there a big difference between 1st, 2nd, and 3rd generation?

 

[Z1NONLY]

i5 is actually (slightly) better for gaming in most cases. The vast majority of games can't/don't use hyperthreading.

I got an i7 because I edit video and the extra threads shorten render times.

There is a bigger difference between the 1st and second gen than the 2nd and third.

If you can get a sandy bridge chip (2500k for instance) at a big discount, then go for it. But ivy is a little better, so if prices are close, get the ivy. (Like the 3570k)

 

[BrainY]

Yea I am considering the 3570k honestly. I found a good deal from a buddy of mine.

 

[BrainY]

Best answer selected by BrainY.