For longevity - i5 760 or i7 860/870

[worknman]

The reading I've done indicates that unless you're doing video encoding or using a multi-threaded intensive app, the i7 would be overkill for mainstream tasks (surfing, email, iTunes, etc).

But what if you're building a machine that's going to be used for at least the next 5-6 years and you want it to stay current as long as possible? Might the hyperthreading in the i7 make a difference in performance over the course of several years?

 

[ilkhan]

Nothing is going to stay current for 5-6 years. The i7 is slightly faster, and will stay that way at all levels of performance decay. If you want longevity you have to start with a new platform (aka wait for a i5-2500 in Jan which at least holds the possibility of an upgrade in a couple years to an Ivy bridge. Theres *no* upgrade path for s1156).

 

[worknman]

Sorry, I didn't mean current as in upgradability, but current as in... something that's going to 'feel' fast for a long period of time.

I'm actually building this for my parents, and I assure you... by the time they decide to upgrade, probably the only thing that will be usable on the PC is the case and power supply (Just for reference, their current PC is like a P4 1.4ghz, if that gives you any idea of how they roll.)

So what I meant was, in 4-5 years, where I assume more apps will be more 'thread aware', would the i7 be any faster than an i5 (percentage-wise) than it currently is, or will it always be about 3% faster (or whatever the ratio is) over the life of the PC?

 

[Vesku]

Yes, if you really want it to hold up for 5-6 years you should try to wait for the socket changes coming next year. Socket 1366 has some longevity due to the high-end CPUs that are out now, but future drop in upgrades are unlikely. AMD will also be introducing some new sockets AM2/2+/3 had a good run though and there is hope that the new sockets will have a similar usable lifespan. Assuming your motherboard maker is willing to release Bios updates after last shipped date.

*Saw your update, based on your parents usage history I'd say the i5-760 will be fine. Unless they suddenly take up 3D modeling as a hobby.*

 

[one30eight]

If they have been using a P4 1.4 and have been happy with it I would be looking at a cheap AMD X4 setup or i3-i5.

 

[Phynaz]

What's the price difference? For $50 just go with the 860.

 

[brencat]

i5-760 regularly sells for $170 + tax at Microcenter, plus Newegg was/is running a $179 shipped sale right now if I'm not mistaken.

i5-760 is fast at stock and smokes AMD's best with a modest overclock. Pair it with a motherboard like the one I ordered... the GA-P55-USB3 for $105 shipped (Newegg) and you're good to go.

 

[Gikaseixas]

Since you building it for your parents i would save a bit and getg a i5-750. Great little cpu, does the job today and i believe will be plenty fast in 5 years time.

 

[MustangSVT]

for parents...

just get i5. no need to spend when after 5 years it'll all be same.

Just install o/s and image it. when they complain its sluggish, restore image and give them their snappiness.

 

[fffblackmage]

i5-760.

 

[mtnd3vil]

Oh, for your parents? Yeah, I just built a i5-650 for my mom. Parents are rarely power users.
An i5 quad core for your parents should be great and very long lived.

 

[tweakboy]

For longevity ? How many years, because GPU's have not caught up to CPU's yet.

All current PC games take about 30 to 80 percent usage of a quad CPU no matter what the clock speed is.

If you already have a quad and want a i7 ,, then your waisting your money and I guarantee youll see no speed difference in games or anything. The Core 2 series was ground braking, the i7 Core was not, Ive seen enough benchies to tell you its a pointless upgrade if you already have a quad CPU. If you have a dual core CPU then yes my brother by all means buy a i7 , why limit to i5 your gonna have it for many years.