Time To Upgrade?

[Overslop]

Been out of the performance CPU scene for a while. Just been doing a bit of research and it seems like Ivybridge might offer a good leap up from my i7 920 D0 setup.

Is this correct? If so what is the best chip to get for overclocking/value and also which motherboard to people recommend?

I will be doing my own research too but any assistance is appreciated.

 

[HankScorpio]

lil info on your uses would be helpful.

If you only game and use media/internet apps then an i5 is all that's needed.

If you use editing software then an i7 would be good.

Get a K series chip as well for overclocking.

Z77 boards are a good choice.

 

[Overslop]

Whoops - yes, gaming would probably be my most CPU-intensive activity.

I have a GTX 670 SLi setup so 2 PCI-E 3.0 x16 slots would be nice, a third for a potential Tri-SLi setup further down the road would be cool although I wouldn't pay a large premium for that privilege.

After doing a bit of research myself it seems a second hand 2600K or 2700K might be a good choice, if it clocks to 5GHz+?

 

[Skynet5]

Simple answer.

If you got yourself clocked at 4.1+ you will see very little difference in games. Maybe 3fps more.

If you use heavily multithreaded apps... You will.

 

[AllBodies]

Also ivy is ~10% faster than sandy. So ivy running at 4.5 is roughly the same as 5.0 sandy.

4.5-4.6 is basically the limit you can get out of ivy before you get into silly temperatures though.

Also sandy won't give you access to pci express 3.0, which I believe your cards support.

But as Inoton said in games, even with pci 3.0 and say 4.6 GHz ivy bridge, you'll probably see 3-6 fps more.

On the other hand though, it would provide a big improvement on other things cpu intensive, and also consume less power.

 

[BodgeITandRun]

If you have a decent OC, I wouldn't personally think you will see much difference. If you want something more futureproof/just more modern in general then the sandybridge 2600k and mobo seem cheap enough.

My i7 will do me for another couple of years, unless it dies before that.

 

[ThomasTheTankEngine]

What games are you playing?

There's only a few where this upgrade would make any noticable difference. Stuff that's CPU limited like MS flight sim or Arma 2. Everything else is already likely to be running at about a million FPS due to your graphics cards.

I'd consider upgrading something else, like a new SSD or watercooling.

 

[Sjoerslev]

I am in the exact same situation - 920 D0 at 4.2 Ghz (Though running GTX 480 SLI).

Just about to close the deal on a Dell U2711 screen (2560 x 1440), and as I like you only play games and watch the occasional movie I am really clueless whether or not to upgrace to Ivy or not.

Anyhow, did not mean to highjack, just letting you know that there is another fella in the same boat as you, will therefore follow this topic closely

 

[Skynet5]

I am in the exact same situation - 920 D0 at 4.2 Ghz (Though running GTX 480 SLI).

Just about to close the deal on a Dell U2711 screen (2560 x 1440), and as I like you only play games and watch the occasional movie I am really clueless whether or not to upgrace to Ivy or not.

Anyhow, did not mean to highjack, just letting you know that there is another fella in the same boat as you, will therefore follow this topic closely

If u got to 4.2 I'd stay exactly where you are. Your experiencing a great chip. With a fantastic lifespan.

I want to upgrade, sure, had this combo for 3 years now. But there is no need for gaming.

I feel pretty chuffed my money was well spent. Buying ivy, for me at least, would be a complete waste.

 

[Sjoerslev]

I think you are right - Might aswell pull the trigger on that U2711. If GTX 480 SLI cannot run my games at that resolution I could just upgrade the GPU(S), since the CPU is clearly still following along and eating everything I throw at it.

 

[AllBodies]

I actually have a 920 D0 also, and I am going to upgrade to ivy, BUT I'm only doing it as my chip will not run at more than 3.2 without using high volts. So, like the others have said, if you guys are managing 4.0+ then there's little point for you.

 

[IvanDobskey]

Don't see the point in upgrading from an i7 920. You won't see any difference at all unless all you do is run benches.

 

[Overslop]

Heh, well I probably should have followed the advice given here but once I felt the effects of the bite of the upgrade bug, there was just no resisting it!

Bought a 3930K and Asus Rampage IV Formula off a fellow OcUKer and am just waiting for the new RAM to turn up so I can assemble the new rig. I fully realise a 3930K is overkill for my needs, but meh!

I also bought a 240GB Sandisk Extreme SSD for good measure!

Overall cost of the upgrade (after selling old gear) adds up to £415. That's quite a substantial outlay for a not so major step up but at least my itch has been scratched!

Will post back once everything is setup and we will see if it was worthwhile or not.