2500k vs 2600k

[ssnyder28]

I was given the option to upgrade from a 2500k to a 2600k. Is it worth $75 for the better chip? I would be using it mainly for gaming.

 

[Skripka]

For gaming? For most games, no. IIRC, BF3 can utilize more than 4 cpu threads but it is the odd man out.

 

[fightingfi]

100 mhz faster and Hyperthreading.......... you decide

 

[DejaWiz]

Possibly. Games and apps that utilize HyperThreading and make a noticeable performance increase with it may start appearing within the next couple of years or so, but who knows? Depends on if you plan to keep it for quite some time in order to find out.

 

[Bees]

That's 75 bucks you could put into a better GPU, RAM, hard drive, games, food...

For gaming? No, 2500K is the Sandy Bridge sweet spot and overclocks like a champ.

 

[David_CAN]

For gaming? Nope, use the $75 toward a GPU upgrade, some ram if you've go less then 4GB(32bit)/8GB, accessories or just more games.

 

[needmorecarnitine]

For gaming? For most games, no. IIRC, BF3 can utilize more than 4 cpu threads but it is the odd man out.

How much of a difference do you think it would make in BF3?

 

[EQWoody]

How much of a difference do you think it would make in BF3?

Not as much as $75 worth of GPU will. Or if you don't have one already an SSD for way faster load times.

 

[IntelEnthusiast]

Making a guess I would say less then 10% increase in FPS between the Intel® Core™ i7-2600K and the Intel Core i5-2500K with a good video card. The SSD would make a better overall performance increase for a system with a normal HDD.

 

[QuiteSufficient]

I tested both extensively with an overclocked 6990 when I had all the parts on hand, at stock speed, 4.0 and 4.8 in bf3 in 64 player games at 1920 and 2560. I have all the shit for it at home.

The end story is that there is no difference. In my tests the 2500k or the 2600k with hyperthreading off was consistently 1-2fps faster in BF3. If you are on a budget you are much better off putting that money into more GPU.

Also this has been beat to death in countless threads here if you do a search. Heres a good link as well, keep in mind that the 2600k is 100mhz faster base clock and turbo clock http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Prod...2.129.337.338.339.340.341.342.343.50.49.48.47

 

[shekkery]

I'd echo similar sentiments -- use it for other potential upgrade parts (SSD/GFX). I own a 2600k as an FYI.

 

[ssnyder28]

Thanks for the responses everyone, I guess I'll hold off for now.

 

[TFchris]

yep, for gaming 2600k's extra 100mhz, 2MB L3 cache, and HT isn't worth the upgrade over a 2500k...

i own a 2600k and i kinda wish i went with a 2500k instead because HT is almost never in use during gaming... could have used the money towards a bigger SSD...

 

[ShuttleLuv]

100 mhz faster, Hyperthreading, potential to clock higher, larger cache (8mb L3 vs 2500K's 6mb L3 cache). But it also has less virtualization support, something the 2500K DOES have better.

 

[Zinn]

How is the 2600K's virtualization support worse?

 

[n370zed]

For gaming stick with what everyone else is saying...i5 2500k.