Intel Core i5 Processor Comparison

[ChrisB7]

Looking at this page, there are a few different i5 cpu's available. Which one should I buy?

I dont really care about the HD graphics (should I for gaming?), I plan to get a nVidia graphics card to do that, but the only other difference I can see is the clock speed. Does this mean I can overclock the 2.80GHz cpu and it will be practically the same as the 3.30GHz processor?

Thanks,

Chris

 

[Steves1982]

The i5 2500k is the only one that has an unlocked mulitplier for overclocking. THe others can be very slightly overclocked using turboboost but not enough to make a difference.

The onboard graphics cannot be used if you're using your own GPU so it becomes irrelevant really.

If you're going for the i5 and using your own GPU get a P67 board, not H67.

Edit: Personally I went for the i5 2500k OEM, it's at a very good price this week. If you go with the OEM you only get a 1 year warranty as opposed to 3 and no Intel stock cooler. If you're going to overclock you will need a better cooler than that one anyway.

 

[stulid]

The K series cpus differ from the norm by having a stronger inbuilt gpu and an unlocked multiplier to make overclocking easier.

The OEM cpu has a 1 year warranty instead of 3, and does not include a heatsink/fan.

This - http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/cpus/2011/01/03/intel-sandy-bridge-review/7 shows the performance of a 2400 and 2500 at stock, and the overclocked speeds.

turbo boost only works when one core is being used, and for the 2400 cpu thats means it can only go upto a max of 3.4ghz.

 

[chippy08]

2500k if you wish to overclock

 

[ChrisB7]

Ok, that makes it simpler, thanks all.