3570 vs 2500

If you want for gaming then get the 3570K , the " K " part is important , don't get the n ormal 3570. Make sure you get the 3570K so you can overclock etc.

This is the "k" at the end mean?

The "k" at the end of the processor name means that it is fully unlocked, which means that you can overclock the CPU without any limitations, unlike the unlocked versions which only allow a maximum of what the turbo-clock allows which is usually 3.8GHz.

Aha. What about "X"?

The 3570 runs hotter than the 2500, the differences are not noticeable. But if temps matter to you then get the I5 2500. I have one and love it.

Also, unless you're super serious gamer, Just stick with the non K variant, it's cheaper and will be perfect for gaming  

But what about the turbo boost function? Is that not in a way overclocking, thus equaling a higher temp? or is it just on the K versions past say 4 GHZ?

I classify overclocking as "above stock speed" and turbo is a stock speed. Think of turbo as a variable max speed. Raising the voltage has a greater affect on temps on IB than SB. So a small overclock is only going to be a little higher. The bigger the oc, the greater the difference in temp.

Because of the temp difference and the performance increase of IB, both cpus overclocked would be similar performance. You'd oc both until you hit high temps, for example 4.2 on a 3570k and 4.5 on a 2500k. So with the same performance (although different speeds) I'd go with IB still for lower power consumption.

Best answer selected by True Blood.