Sandy Bridge Enthusiast thoughts

[Noxvayl]

I've been looking out for new technology released this year in the hopes that something is able to make a significant leap that will make my choice easier, unfortunately that hasn't happened and I'm now wondering if waiting for Piledriver to release is even worth it.

I'm not interested in Ivy Bridge thanks to Intel cutting corners with cooling. Looking forward I will still be playing lots of games and plan to use the motherboard I purchase for at-least 1 more CPU replacement and a few GPU replacements; I will also be using CAD software which is the main reason for me wanting to upgrade due to DDR2 memory maxing out at 8Gb with my current system(4 DIMM slots).

Key things to consider for this upgrade are:
Lots of memory needed for CAD software
Longevity of components because my next upgrade will likely be in 3 years time

This is what I am considering:


The reason for it is that I expect Intel to at least release 1 more CPU for the LGA2011 platform and I like the specifications of the X79 platform, lots of USB3, SATA 6Gbps and PCI-E 3 support which bodes well for the future. The motherboard also costs the same as a Gigabyte Z77-UD3 with the i7 2600K costing the exact same as the i7 3820. To me it seems like it is a no brainer to go for the Sandy Bridge E system comparing the Intel options.

Compared to my current CPU, overclock not included, the i7 3820 provides what seems like very good performance improvements: http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/50?vs=523

What I'd like is some opinions on whether or not you agree with me that Intel has future plans for X79, if you think Piledriver would launch on a new socket or not(longevity is key here, not interested in sockets that are likely to be phased out within 3 years) and whether or not the i7 3820 will still eclipse a 30% improvement over the FX 8150 assuming AMD opt for a new socket that is likely to be support for a few more years.

[shaithis]

As things stand, I believe IvyBridge-E will release on socket 2011.

But, if you don't like the IVB cooling......you may not like the IVB-E cooling....who is to say it will be any different?

Discounting IVB because of the TIM seems odd. The system you have specced is a quad core without unlocked multi.....and the OC'ed SB-E chips don't run that much cooler then the OC'ed IVB chips.

For me, there are only 2 reasons for SB-E. You need 6+ cores and/or a ton of PCI-E lanes and/or > 32GB RAM.

[Noxvayl]

As things stand, I believe IvyBridge-E will release on socket 2011.

But, if you don't like the IVB cooling......you may not like the IVB-E cooling....who is to say it will be any different?

I am not looking to buy another CPU for 3 years due to me going to University in September 2012... so 2014-2015 released CPU's I'll be looking at not IVB-E. I'd like to be able to do a drop in CPU upgrade in 2015 and I know that is impossible on LGA1155 but I suspect LGA2011 might have a longer life span which is why I am considering it.

Discounting IVB because of the TIM seems odd. The system you have specced is a quad core without unlocked multi.....and the OC'ed SB-E chips don't run that much cooler then the OC'ed IVB chips.

SB has proved good at overclocking, lots of reported speeds at 5Ghz on air, IVB doesn't look like it will get above 4.7Ghz no matter how good your heatsink is. This is why I feel IVB is a waste.

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Intel options for my upgrade are IVB, SB or SB-E, as above if I don't get SB-E I'll get SB because I feel IVB is a waste in comparison.

AMD options are FX 8150 or FX 8350? I'm not going to get the FX 8150 and even if the FX 8350 manages a 30% improvement over the FX 8150 I don't think that is enough to be faster than SB.

Looking past speed I would like something that can give me a CPU drop in upgrade in 2015 if possible... With the socket for the FX 8350 unknown and Intel's recent socket changing bonanza with LGA1156/1155 the only way I may be able to get a drop in upgrade in 2015 is if Piledriver is on a new socket and if LGA2011 has the same lifespan as LGA775; either way I need to make a choice between gambling on LGA2011 or being patient and hoping for the best with Piledriver... AMD's recent track record makes me uneasy about the second option.

[Jaylesh]

Im in the same boat as you. I am about to build a new rig and have been going back and forth whether to jump on the IVB wagon or go 2011. If they cost the exact same, it would be silly to go with IVB. 2011 gives you the option of Quad Channel RAM, potential 6 core upgrade etc. There is nothing about IVB that makes me want to switch atm.

[shaithis]

If you want a CPU drop-in in 2015........wait until 2014 before buying your new system!

There is absolutely no way of knowing if there will be CPU upgrades readily available in 3 years time. Plus S2011 is such a niche product, your chances of picking up second hand kit then is minimal also.

[Noxvayl]

If you want a CPU drop-in in 2015........wait until 2014 before buying your new system!

I need more RAM this year and can't go above 8Gb on my current platform.

There is absolutely no way of knowing if there will be CPU upgrades readily available in 3 years time. Plus S2011 is such a niche product, your chances of picking up second hand kit then is minimal also.

I am well aware of that hence I asked for opinions and not facts.

The gamble is either taken to see if Piledriver comes with a new socket and then taking a chance that AMD maintains support for the new platform with decent performing releases later on OR I go for LGA 2011 and hope for the best expecting Intel not to invest in another niche product supplanting LGA2011. The other option is to get Sandy Bridge and hope I can afford a full system upgrade before it starts to bottle neck my system which is unappealing.