Intel i5 vs i7

#1

Hey guys,

Finally upgrading my machine soon. I’ve been using a Core 2 Duo setup for years now, so honestly anything new will be a huge improvement.

I’ve been doing research and everyone says the same thing: the hyperthreading in the i7’s is great for 3d professionals doing rendering and such.

Now, I’m a technical artist. I’ll be working in 3d extensively, but won’t be doing much rendering (aside from making some nice presentations pieces for my portfolio or something). I’ll also be doing lots of game dev in Unity and UDK, and game playing of course.

I was eyeing the new Haswell i5, 4670k, but am wondering if the extra 100 for the i7 4770k is really worth it.

Can anyone comment? I figure the i-series has been out long enough that there’s a consensus on how useful the i7 really is.

EDIT: I’m not entirely sure Haswell is a necessary buy when Ivy Bridge can be bought for a bit cheaper… any thoughts on that?

#2

If youre not rendering then I wouldnt particularly worry about hyperthreading. Its an extra 10-20% at most.

#3

I’m no expert but if you’re after the latest CPU then I would suggest waiting. This is because intel will probably release a new CPU soon(just that time of the year when they announce things I guess). I believe the Ivy Brigde-E is coming very soon(rumours say it will be released next month).

You might also want to research into motherboards, as different models of the i7 have different sockets on the motherboard.

#4

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