Upgrading E2160 to E5200/E5300 - worth it?

[SlyReaper]

Would I see much of an improvement in gaming, compiling, benchmarks etc? Or should I spend a few extra pennies and go for an E7*00? Also, what speed could I reasonably expect to clock an E5*00 or an E7*00?

 

[Wayne~]

As far as I'm aware unless they clocked a LOT higher then the difference wouldn't be anything major but hey it'd run cooler

 

[linktoinsanity]

The E2160 clocked at 3Ghz is still a fast cpu, the E5xxx would only run cooler at the same clock speed and maybe would go a bit higher, probably not worth it tbh.

 

[pastymuncher]

There is no certain overclock for a E5200. Mine maxxes out at 3.6Ghz. Other struggle to hit 3.2. P4radigm on the other hand has a good one that does 4Ghz but he is extremely lucky. A E5200 would be a sideways step and not really an upgrade. A E7000 may be a decent route to take. 3x the cache and most will hit at least 3.6Ghz but the prices are steep these days compared to when they were released. Alternatively you could pick up a second hand E6600 for £60 off the bay. They are still a very good cpu and most will hit 3.4-3.6Ghz. Mine did 3.8Ghz. 4x the cache of your E2160 too.

 

[PhoenixUK]

I would stay with what you got unless you can sell your 2160 and pick 2nd hand E7200 and that would cost you like 20-30quid.

If it will be just 30quid difference then go for it, 4850 is a good card and could use a bit more juice, you should be able to clock it to 3,5-3,7 which will make quite a bit difference.

Other than that, unless you wanna save some cash on electricity or have heat issues then no, stick with what you have at the moment and save your pennies for some serious upgrade.