Building new computer, which i5 or i7 cpu is best?

[g335]

Hello

I have to build a new computer because the mb on my old dell went out and the cpu is good but hard to find used mb and ones that will accept Windows 8.

I have looked at some of the i5 and i7 cpus. I do not know which one will be best for me.

I will use the computer for gaming, 2D and 3D design and animation production. I will use my Mac for music production.

I dont have a lot of money right now to spend because I need to get this built asap because I am taking online college classes.

Should I go with a i5 series cpu? If so is the i5 2500k still a good choice?
Should I go with a i7 series cpu? If so will the low end Ivory Bridge one be a good choice or is it cheaper to go with a older Sandbridge one?

I have a fairly new aftermarket psu, a new GTX 560 gpu, and the DVDrw burner from the Dell that I can use in the new build.

I have about 500 dollars to spend. I already found a new case so that is not part of the 500 dollars.

Should I get very good cpu and decent mb or a decent cpu and very good mb first and ugrade to a better cpu later?

 

[ikes9711]

The i5 3570K is the best gaming cpu out right now. You could either sell the 560 since it will not be as good as the one I recommend and use the money towards this, or use the 560
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/A4pS
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/A4pS/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/A4pS/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($129.99 @ Microcenter)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7870 XT 2GB Video Card ($239.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $559.97
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-20 22:04 EST-0500)
Also you may not want to forget ram...

 

[Cons29]

2 cents, if the application (for 3d) utilizes more than 4 cores then an i7 would be useful. in games, not so much so a cheaper choice for gaming would be i5.

check out asrocks mobo lineup, they are cheaper but good boards, then oc if you want.

 

[g335]

The i5 3570K is the best gaming cpu out right now. You could either sell the 560 since it will not be as good as the one I recommend and use the money towards this, or use the 560
PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/A4pS
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/A4pS/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/A4pS/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($189.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($129.99 @ Microcenter)
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7870 XT 2GB Video Card ($239.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $559.97
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-20 22:04 EST-0500)
Also you may not want to forget ram...

Thanks

I will look into this. I forgot to add in the price of a new OS.

 

[g335]

2 cents, if the application (for 3d) utilizes more than 4 cores then an i7 would be useful. in games, not so much so a cheaper choice for gaming would be i5.

check out asrocks mobo lineup, they are cheaper but good boards, then oc if you want.

So Asrocks are good boards?

 

[Cons29]

yes, a few years ago they are not that famous, but now they have a good lineup. checkout the extreme4 or extreme6, a lot cheaper than other brands (im looking at you asus). but offer good features and performance.

read the reviews and feedbacks for your peace of mind. im using a z68 extreme4 now.