New CPU or wait for Ivy Bridge

[Hidden Hippo]

Hey,

I'm planning on upgrading my machine - a first gen E6600 just doesn't cut it any more. I'm thinking the following:

i5 2500k
Asus P8Z68-V LX
8GB Corsair Vengence DDR3

Any suggestions/modifications/known issues with the above? I've currently got a 530W Tagan PSU which is running fine and a HD4870. I will be running Windows 7 Professional and using it mostly for gaming, perhaps some audio editing.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Idontcare]

Absolutely wait for IB unless you need to update within the next 7 days.

Even if you don't get IB when IB debuts, its launch will depress the prices on all other products in the market.

 

[Ken g6]

Even if you don't get IB when IB debuts, its launch will depress the prices on all other products in the market.

Normally I'd agree with you, but with Intel? Do they ever drop their CPU prices?

Maybe the Z77 boards might drop the prices of Z68 boards, but I'm really not sure of that either.

 

[cytg111]

In terms of performance SB or IB is not a deciding factor IMO, at most 10% clock for clock.
Price on the other hand, and when you need said upgrade is relevant .. u may save 50$-100$ (?) on the cpu if you're willing to wait it out for IB.

 

[fffblackmage]

I don't think prices will be dropping enough to make waiting worthwhile, if you need the upgrade now.

 

[jszklany]

we don't even have software to fully tax SB yet - save your $$ and buy a SB.

 

[gizbug]

Bought my CPU 2 months ago and love the purchase! I say upgrade now if you desire

 

[IntelUser2000]

You look like the type that upgrades every several years rather than every year or so. It might be worth waiting 2 months unless its absolutely critical to upgrade very soon.

Prices don't drop nowadays. The Clarkdale chips are priced just the same around my location when I bought it in early 2010.

 

[Arachnotronic]

Hey,

I'm planning on upgrading my machine - a first gen E6600 just doesn't cut it any more. I'm thinking the following:

i5 2500k
Asus P8Z68-V LX
8GB Corsair Vengence DDR3

Any suggestions/modifications/known issues with the above? I've currently got a 530W Tagan PSU which is running fine and a HD4870. I will be running Windows 7 Professional and using it mostly for gaming, perhaps some audio editing.

Thanks in advance.

I'd go for a cheaper CPU and get a better GPU than a 4870...

 

[Idontcare]

Normally I'd agree with you, but with Intel? Do they ever drop their CPU prices?

Maybe the Z77 boards might drop the prices of Z68 boards, but I'm really not sure of that either.

If he's anywhere near a retail outlet they will, just to clear inventory.

Ebay, definitely, even on new unopened CPU's there will be a discount.

Your neweggs and so on though, no, they'll hold out with higher prices definitely.

With today's prices and performance there is no such thing as buyer's remorse anymore. Its not like 8 yrs ago where prices dropped every month and new, higher clocked, CPU's were released every 3 months.

But if he's held out this long, then gosh if he can just hold out another 6-7 weeks then he'll have absolutely nothing to regret when making his informed purchasing decisions.

 

[SickBeast]

I agree that the OP might as well wait. At the very least, Ivy Bridge will consume less power than the SB chips. Prices have actually been dropping on Sandy Bridge lately; perhaps they will even get a bit cheaper.

 

[Hidden Hippo]

Holding for a GPU would be ideal, but this upgrade is only looking like £300 at the moment. A new GPU will add 50% to that and isn't really in my range at the moment.

Regarding the CPU, the only reason I've held out so long is because I've only just got my PC back after 2 years - been away working and am now getting back to it. When is the next IB announcement rumoured? I'm more than happy to wait a few weeks, especially if it means SB will have a dramatic price crash like we saw with C2D a few years back.

Thanks.

 

[Idontcare]

Holding for a GPU would be ideal, but this upgrade is only looking like £300 at the moment. A new GPU will add 50% to that and isn't really in my range at the moment.

Regarding the CPU, the only reason I've held out so long is because I've only just got my PC back after 2 years - been away working and am now getting back to it. When is the next IB announcement rumoured? I'm more than happy to wait a few weeks, especially if it means SB will have a dramatic price crash like we saw with C2D a few years back.

Thanks.

Desktop Ivy Bridge is expected in April, between the 9th and the 22nd if I recall correctly.

 

[Hidden Hippo]

Desktop Ivy Bridge is expected in April, between the 9th and the 22nd if I recall correctly.

Ooh, less of a wait that I thought. Is that US/UK/Global release?

If so, I might hold off on installing Windows 7 (yes, it's been so long away from the desktop I'm still running XP SP3) until I get the new innards, save any licensing issue.

 

[TidusZ]

If diablo 3 comes out april 17 and IVB comes out between april 9 and 22 I dunno what I'll do. How can I build a pc when D3 comes out, and how can I play D3 when I got a new system to put together.... First world problems I guess.

 

[Idontcare]

If diablo 3 comes out april 17 and IVB comes out between april 9 and 22 I dunno what I'll do. How can I build a pc when D3 comes out, and how can I play D3 when I got a new system to put together.... First world problems I guess.

Whoa is you, indeed! Tough dilemma

 

[Avalon]

I'd say wait for IB. I'm on a Core2 E8400 and I'm waiting for it. It's too close for me to go splurging on a SB now.

 

[Bman123]

I would wait it out too if I were you. You never know might even find a good deal on a used 2500k with people upgrading to ivy.

 

[4ghz]

I don't understand the people that tell others to run out and buy a 2500k right now even if the need isn't imminent. A better product in every way is coming out in a month or so. Would these same people buy a 2k12 car model at full price if the 2k13 model was coming out in 1-2 months?

 

[Tsaar]

If I see MC do a $200 clearance sale on a 2600k with the $50 off MoBo combo I will take the plunge.

Other than that...I am waiting...not very patiently either...

 

[dma0991]

Just wait OP, since I am also currently preparing for IB. On the lookout for Z77 motherboards previews and making final decisions.

 

[Annon2255]

Just wait OP, since I am also currently preparing for IB. On the lookout for Z77 motherboards previews and making final decisions.

I think there are several of us in this boat. Wait it out, see if you want the new stuff, if not get a good deal on the old stuff.

 

[notty22]

This is 22nm's 2500K
i5-3570K
http://www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/Core_i5/Intel-Core i5-3570K.html

 

[frozentundra123456]

This is 22nm's 2500K
i5-3570K
http://www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/Core_i5/Intel-Core i5-3570K.html

No hyperthreading on the dual core i3 IVB??? That is what the chart shows. Would be quite disappointing, although now I personally would not upgrade to anything but a quad core.

 

[wpcoe]

No hyperthreading on the dual core i3 IVB??? That is what the chart shows.

Methinks there are some errors. Click on a link for an i3 on that chart and the spec page that opens up DOES show HT.

e.g. http://www.cpu-world.com/CPUs/Core_i3/Intel-Core i3-3220.html shows:

The number of cores 2
The number of threads 4

Beyond that, I recall seeing one of the "leaked Intel roadmaps" type of official-looking document with IVB i3 specs and it said HT was enabled on them. I'm waiting for the Ivy Bridge i3's to be released, because I want one, so have been following the reports.