Upgrading Cpu 970 vs 2600k??

[krouch]

Intel is offering their summer deal for the i7 970 and the 2600k cpu. I was wondering which cpu would be better to purchase in the long run? My computer is running a q9550 cpu right now.

 

[Forceman]

In the long run? 2600K. Probably the short run also. Generally an all around better processor, unless you need 6 cores for some specific reason.

 

[Motley]

Yep, might as well just go with the 2600k if your getting a new mobo anyways.

 

[plugwash]

As far as performance goes according to anandtech the 970 wins at most highly multithreaded tasks but the 2600K wins in thread limited tasks like gaming (this is at stock in both cases overclocking YMMV though I think the 2600K tends to get a bigger overclock percentage).

The i7-970 has the advantage of being on a high end platform which means more ram slots (which means higher max ram given current reasonablly available modules) and more fast PCIe lanes BUT it's a dying high end platform which means no real CPU upgrade options and lower max ram once 8GB modules are on the market.

The i7-2600K OTOH is on a pretty new platform that should be compatible with Ivy bridge CPUs down the line giving you an upgrade path.

 

[XiP]

Will this be primarily for gaming?

 

[krouch]

yep. Primarily for gaming

 

[kirbyrj]

I'm debating this myself as I already have a i7 970@4.2ghz. I grabbed the 2600k from the Summer Deal, but I'm not sure if I should keep it and part out my 1366 rig or just stick with what I have.

 

[Forceman]

I'm debating this myself as I already have a i7 970@4.2ghz. I grabbed the 2600k from the Summer Deal, but I'm not sure if I should keep it and part out my 1366 rig or just stick with what I have.

I can't imagine why you would go from a 970 at 4.2 to anything else at this point. 6 cores at 4.2 - that's a lot of power.

 

[DualOwn]

I can't imagine why you would go from a 970 at 4.2 to anything else at this point. 6 cores at 4.2 - that's a lot of power.

this

 

[92miata]

I can't imagine why you would go from a 970 at 4.2 to anything else at this point. 6 cores at 4.2 - that's a lot of power.

HEHE.

I buy intel's deals every time they come out. Currently using a i7 920 at 3.4 ghz. 12 gigs of memory, ssd drive. Insane system. Have the 970 sitting at my desk unopened. Just ordered the 2600. Also have 2 160 gig ssd's.....

Problem is my current build is insanely stable and quiet. But I ONLY have a geforce 295 and need some directx 11.

Somebody help me, K?

 

[noIinteam]

gladly will take that 970 from you

 

[AthlonXP]

Sell the 970 and get a better gpu.

 

[Despotes]

Sell the 970 and get a better gpu.

Definitely.

 

[FREDDIV]

I am really liking the availability of good used x58 motherboards, 1366 cpus and triple channel ram setups. For the price these can be picked up for (I am talking mid to high end boards with 3x SLI and crossfire support)

I have built a 2500k system that was nice and a 2600k but really I noticed little difference in performance and paid more for systems with less features than my x58 systems.

I guess it all depends on your priorities. If you have to have the latest, greatest go with the socket 1155 system, if you are happy with a solid fast feature rich system save some money and go with a used x58 system.

 

[Dan_D]

If you've got a six core system I see absolutely no reason to go LGA1155. The LGA1155 CPUs can be faster in some things but usually the two are really fairly close and for some things, the six core CPUs absolutely dominate.

 

[skasol]

I also bought the intel retail edge deal, but haven't decided if I should keep it, I bought a Macbook pro i7 2.0 with 256SSD and I am considering just getting the imac 27" and getting rid of my pc overall. I don't game anymore on my pc and I don't know what else I can use my pc if it's not for gaming. any advice?

 

[sethk]

Could someone link to the "summer deals" on these two CPUs, if they have them handy, please?

 

[skasol]

You have to be a retail employee.