intel i5 or amd 1090/1055 for my needs?

[Knightwalker]

Hi

Am about to build a new pc, but need some advice on which processor.
Initially waited for the amd bulldozer processors but after reading reviews didn't seem worth the wait.

Mainly going to use it for graphics, photoshop and web design, and would like the option to play the odd game now and then.
Leaning towards the intel i5 2500k, but was wondering whether the amd 1090 or 1055 would do the job just as well as these seems to be more cost effective in terms of processor cost and motherboard cost.

Also if the i5 is the better option, is now the right time to buy or is there a new 3rd gen i5 out soon?

Thanks in advance for reading and any help you can offer.

[Hoonigan]

I don't really know much about AMD processors, but I have an i5 2500k and it's an amazing processor! If you buy a decent heatsink for the i5, you should be able to get 4.5GHz out of it, no problem at all.
I've had mine at 5GHz, but it wasn't fully stable

What I suggest you do is, give yourself an hour or two, sit on Google and just look for reviews of the 1055 and the 2500k.

Good luck

[Biscuit]

A list of my thoughts:

• The 2500 is an overall faster CPU in synthetic benchmarks(Don't buy the K unless you plan to overclock).
• In most games you wont notice the extra speed as you will be bottlenecked by your GPU
• The apps you have listed wont really need massive CPU power so the difference again, will be minimal.
• Graphics programs (such as Photoshop) like to use lots of RAM and its pretty darned cheap at the moment so load yourself up with as much as possible.
• A lot of more modern games are starting to utilize multiple cores and threads so the 6 core is starting to really shine
• You will get a better featured motherboard for the same price or cheaper with the AMD choice.
• If you decide to upgrade, AMD are more likely to keep the same socket for their next line of chips
• Sandybridge E has just come out, however this is a VERY expensive replacement for the old S1366. I don think Intel plan on releasing a replacement for SB S1155 for a good few months yet.
• The biggest upgrade i have actually been able to feel over the last few years has been SSD, if you really want to improve your general computing experience, that is the best way to do it in my opinion.

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

I agree with what Biscuit said.

What programmes are you going to use?? This will determine what CPU is the best choice and of course what budget do you have for the build?? What type of games do you play and how often?? What resolution?? Do you need a monitor and a copy of Windows??

[kalniel]

If you decide to upgrade, AMD are more likely to keep the same socket for their next line of chips

Don't you mean less likely? AMD are using the old AM3 socket for bulldozer, they had been expected to move so it's quite likely the next chips will be a new socket. On the other hand Intel have already confirmed the next gen chips are using the same socket as the current i5 2500.

[DanceswithUnix]

Next gen Intel for mainstream users is delayed, probably out in April/May:

http://www.brightsideofnews.com/news...lmay-2012.aspx

[shaithis]

AMD already said that Piledriver will be AM3+

Bad news on IvyBridge.....that's what I am waiting for

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

AMD already said that Piledriver will be AM3+

Bad news on IvyBridge.....that's what I am waiting for

If I had your Core i7 I would be waiting until Haswell TBH!!

[kalniel]

AMD already said that Piledriver will be AM3+

Thanks - so both next gen parts are coming out at the same time and using existing sockets, good news.

[Biscuit]

AMD already said that Piledriver will be AM3+

Bad news on IvyBridge.....that's what I am waiting for

Thanks Shaithis, i should have really said that explicitly instead of what i did. These companies do have a habit of changing their minds though...

Thanks - so both next gen parts are coming out at the same time and using existing sockets, good news.

If they nail the power usage on BD ists defiantly good! Wasn't there some buzz over there being an FM2 socket?

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

If they nail the power usage on BD ists defiantly good! Wasn't there some buzz over there being an FM2 socket?

FM2 looks like it might end up as the unifying socket.

[EvanJackPenn]

• A lot of more modern games are starting to utilize multiple cores and threads so the 6 core is starting to really shine

Really? If I'm building like around Ivy Bridge time, would it be wiser to get a 4c Ivy or AMD alternative? Solely for gaming? :/

Thanks

[shaithis]

Really? If I'm building like around Ivy Bridge time, would it be wiser to get a 4c Ivy or AMD alternative? Solely for gaming? :/

This might help

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

Q:
"Really? If I'm building like around Ivy Bridge time, would it be wiser to get a 4c Ivy or AMD alternative? Solely for gaming? :/"

A:
"The Gods have smiled on you today."

[scaryjim]

A:
"The Gods have smiled at you today."

ftfy

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

ftfy

This might help

I am only quoting the message and hence don't shoot the messenger. The truth speaks for itself!!