I5 2500k or i5 3570k?

[DennisMenace]

I'm thinking of the same thing right now. Not sure really where to go but probably will get ivy even though overclock temps have looked a lot worse in benchmarks. However I will be pairing with a full tower case with plenty of airflow and need that futureproofing with PCI-E 3 support and improved onboard graphics. Also keen to sample the new LucidVirtu that you get on Z77 boards since it could prove to be a big thing.

IMHO the main advantage of IvyBridge is the iGPU which is considerably improved over Sandybridge, and PCIE 3.0 for dedicated GPUs. Definitely the chip I'd get if I didn't already have a 2500K which is a beast of a CPU, but today's buyer should go Ivybridge for futureproofing/upgradability and/or better resale value.

This is based on the minimal difference (~£10-£15) between Sandy/Ivy, if the 2500K was ~£30 cheaper there'd be a good argument for it - particularly if you didn't need integrated graphics, or wanted extreme overclocks.

AFAIK LucidVirtu is available for Z68 mobos (I've never used it on my UD3H as I haven't been impressed with reports of performance/efficiency), although it may be better implemented/featured on Z77.

[Willzzz]

I would certainly go for the 3570k it is slightly better now and more future proof in the long run.

[Samwood]

from the benchmarks ive seen the 3570k gets about a 8-10% performance boost (clock for clock) over the the 2500k in real life (gaming) tests and slightly more in synthetic benchmarks. The 2500k is easier to get v.high overclocks (4.5Ghz+), but if your happy at around 4.0Ghz the 3570k will easily do this (with less power draws and giving better benchmarks).

Ivybridge also has PCI-e 3.0 support. The Z77 chipset also has USB 3.0 and SATA 6Gb/s native (no need for add-on controllers).

So taking all this into account the Ivy Bridge offers better future proofing, performance, stability and lower power use. Worth an extra £30 or so IMO.

[dougzy]

Ivy Bridge does offer better future-proofing, but has it been around for long enough to iron out any niggles? I would be inclined to go for the tried and tested Sandy Bridge processor if reliability was a big concern.

[ik9000]

Ivy Bridge does offer better future-proofing, but has it been around for long enough to iron out any niggles? I would be inclined to go for the tried and tested Sandy Bridge processor if reliability was a big concern.

How they going to iron out niggles in the processor? Not like you can flash it. If it does have niggles it'll be a manufacturer replacement so no risk there. If niggles going to show it'll be the Mobo possibly (eg b2 rev problems with P67 boards) and these were replaced in the recall. No point avoiding Ivy Bridge if fear of niggles is your worry. And reliability? No difference long term in forecast. If anything lower temps = ivy bridge win (so long as not recklessly overclocked - IB does clock a lot hotter than SB see article here: http://www.anandtech.com/show/5763/u...-on-ivy-bridge

[MoneyShot239]

i5 3570k

Get a z77 with a 1155 socket mobo

[dacads]

3570k as it offers lower power consumption and features such as PCIe 3.0 for future proofing.

[Toothy1911]

3570K and a Z77 board. What I'll be getting. For the little extra in price, it's worth it

[simontompkins]

Go for the 3570k - the price difference isn't that much. Also the power consumption on the 3570k is better.

That being said if you think you may overclock then bear in mind that although the 3570k is cooler than the 2500k at stock speeds that the 3570k actually gets hotter quicker than the 2500k when overclocking - bear this in mind when choosing your cpu cooler.

[skeeteruk]

The 3570k is newer tech and has some good features to go with z77 boards afaik. Also isnt it that a 2500k at 4.6ghz then a 3570k would match it if it was oc to 4.4ghz?

[Camoxide]

I got my i5 3570K to 4.5Ghz without much effort. Temps aren't high either. Got an average of 60C running Prime for 24 hours.

[leonc]

My 2500K is still going strong apparently the price difference between the two is insignificant. You wont go wrong with either.

[nzaptx]

If I were to buy a new pc now, i'd go with 3570k mainly due to the so small price difference with the 2500k. If it were maybe £20-25 cheaper id go for 2500k. Ivybridge is more of a sidegrade than a real upgrade though.

[asderferjerkel]

The prices are pretty much the same now, only a few pounds in it. I just went for the 3570K - 10% higher clock and lower TDP too. Might run a bit hotter when overclocked, but I wasn't planning on going too crazy anyway.

[oa786gunneruk]

Value wise its wise to go for the 2500k, both awesome chips tho

[Dhunter729]

3570k has lower power needed and lower C than i5 2500k but both of them are powerfull cpu choose wisely!