5930K or 6700K and the benefits of either.

[Arachnotronic]

Has it always been that way? The first gen i7's didn't have this kind of technology split, did they? I seem to remember the best of both worlds, ipc and cores, being available from the start of the new gen.
Actually, I think there were only quads and the hex cores came later. If you wanted more cores you had to go xeon and buy a straight up server board, right? But now they offer server boards as HEDT, is that right?

The first gen i7s were based on Nehalem, a server-first architecture. Intel was getting slapped around pretty badly in the server market and desperately needed to fix its shortcomings here.

 

[MrTeal]

Bloomfield was also a medium die on a mature process, 263mm^2 on 45nm. They brought out the big 600+mm^2 die there a year and a half later with Beckton too.
Starting with the move to 32nm and Westmere Intel started bringing out the small die first and following it with the big die later. Four core Sandy Bridge came out before Westmere-EP launched in mid 2011 as well, so the cadence of medium->big->massive die released has been going on for awhile now.

Especially with the teething issues they're having with new processes, I wouldn't expect the bigger chips lead the mainstream ones going forward. If they're having this much trouble getting a svelte 122mm^2 Skylake up to volume production, a die twice as large will be even more challenging.

 

[beginner99]

The 5930K doesn't make much sense IMHO but you can make a case for the 5820k. It's now often cheaper than the 6700k.

5820k advantages:

- More cores
- Cheaper

6700k advantages:

- higher IPC
- newer platform
- less power
- Maybe future use of iGPU with dx12

Personally for gaming I would choose the 6700k. It is faster single-threaded and the few games that can use 6 cores, it is also not slower than the 5820k. It's a more modern platform compared to x99.

One last point is, that in dx12 you can do multi-gpu with different vendors. Game developers have full control. So if they want to, they can make use of the iGPU (processor integrated graphics) for example for post processing. This can increase FPS because less stress on the main GPU. We don't know what developers will do. Focus on cores? Or make use of iGPU? Since current consumer CPUs are mostly limited to 2 and 4 cores and have an iGPU I would think that this would be the better route. However it is also technically more complex (eg. more expensive to implement). So it's hard to say if developers will focus on multi-threading or iGPU use.

 

[Grooveriding]

Go with the 5930K. X99 is better across all new games. We have been seeing the newer demanding games taking advantage of more cores and have examples of 8 core Haswell at lower clockspeeds outperforming 4 core Haswell at higher speeds.

I do not see the point in the 5930K though. The PCIE lanes are going to net you nothing noticeable in performance. You either get a 5820K or a 5960X if you are going HW-E.

I wouldn't pay any attention to Fallout 4. It's a buggy Bethesda game, and if you've played it, is not a title that represents pushing the boundaries of a PC game. It's far more likely it's broken than it is indicative of anything. Also I haven't seen the sort of claims about CPU performance in the game backed up by any website that tests CPUs and gaming.

HEDT has consistently been the better choice so long as you buy into it at release. It's more compelling than ever with the support many of the new games come with for stretching themselves out across all the cores you throw at them.

 

[moonbogg]

If they released a 6 core mainstream chip, HEDT would be in some serious trouble. About 2 people in the world would be able to justify buying into HEDT at that point, and I would certainly be one of them. The other guy would probably be Groover.

 

[bystander36]

If they released a 6 core mainstream chip, HEDT would be in some serious trouble. About 2 people in the world would be able to justify buying into HEDT at that point, and I would certainly be one of them. The other guy would probably be Groover.

What would they do for HEDT if the 6 cores became mainstream? Do you think they'd be 8-10 cores chips? Gamers may not buy into that, but others still will.

 

[Arachnotronic]

What would they do for HEDT if the 6 cores became mainstream? Do you think they'd be 8-10 cores chips? Gamers may not buy into that, but others still will.

If mainstream goes to 6 cores or more, expect HEDT to grow its core count as well. We're probably not too far from a $400 eight core Intel HEDT CPU.

 

[MrTeal]

People currently question the usefulness of going from four to six cores with Haswell though. With a mainstream hex core, the marginal benefit of an extra two cores becomes smaller in many workloads.

People would still use the HEDT platform though, if not for the extra cores or features like quad channel memory, more PCI lanes, etc, then just because they want the best CPU available.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

So, the 5930K is still $399 at Microcenter (a two hour drive). In my seeming endless debate over my next system, I was thinking about waiting for Broadwell E but a 5930K for $399 may be too hard to pass up as I personally think the equivalent Broadwell model will still be around $600. Thoughts? At $399, that puts it in the 6700K ballpark and it would give me two additional cores AND an upgrade path to an 8 or 10 core CPU down the road if I need it.

Current rig is in my sig. Yeah, I probably don't need to upgrade, but the itch is strong and at a minimum, I'll definitely upgrade the GPU once Pascal hits.

 

[moonbogg]

So, the 5930K is still $399 at Microcenter (a two hour drive). In my seeming endless debate over my next system, I was thinking about waiting for Broadwell E but a 5930K for $399 may be too hard to pass up as I personally think the equivalent Broadwell model will still be around $600. Thoughts? At $399, that puts it in the 6700K ballpark and it would give me two additional cores AND an upgrade path to an 8 or 10 core CPU down the road if I need it.

Current rig is in my sig. Yeah, I probably don't need to upgrade, but the itch is strong and at a minimum, I'll definitely upgrade the GPU once Pascal hits.

I couldn't resist the HEDT itch when I was on my 2600K. If I were you, I would run to that 5930K at $400 so fast the street would be on fire between my house and microcenter.
Already having a hex core, I am waiting for Skylake-E to hopefully grab a nice 8 core. I won't be interested in a 10 core personally. Also, I don't care what people say about the 5820K being a good deal. I wouldn't buy it. I want my cards to have full bandwidth, especially moving forward into new generations of cards. 5930K or bust.

 

[PlanetJosh]

Searching the net if my Asus P9X79 motherboard can take the i7 6700K. I guess with only DDR3 and usb 3.0 I'll have to get a new Asus mobo? Or it would be prudent to do so?

--------------------------------------------
i7 3820 3.6ghz stock || Sapphire R9 290 Vapor X 4gb || Win 7 Pro
Asus P9 X79 || 16gb Corsair || WD HD 1tb || Onboard Sound
Cooler Master 650W || 27” Samsung Lcd || Thermaltake Case

 

[Lepton87]

FO4 is very sensitive to cache and RAM performance. I have uncore clocked at 4.2GHz compared to 3GHz at stock, so that's a 40% improvement. I'm going to test how much that improves FO4 FPS.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

I couldn't resist the HEDT itch when I was on my 2600K. If I were you, I would run to that 5930K at $400 so fast the street would be on fire between my house and microcenter.
Already having a hex core, I am waiting for Skylake-E to hopefully grab a nice 8 core. I won't be interested in a 10 core personally. Also, I don't care what people say about the 5820K being a good deal. I wouldn't buy it. I want my cards to have full bandwidth, especially moving forward into new generations of cards. 5930K or bust.

Yeah, I've been debating for weeks on the 6700k vs HEDT question. I wanted the HEDT because I tend to think that over the next 5 years, more cores will be more important and Intel will likely move 6C/12T down to the mainstream in 2-3 years, but I'm wondering if the 6700K will be fine over that same time period. Heck, my 2600K is still fine but I just have the upgrade itch.

I guess I'm just hoping to convince myself to get it - with you guys helping convince me, of course. 🙂

EDIT: Also, if I elect to jump to HEDT now, I'll likely have an upgrade path to 8 and 10 core CPUs from Broadwell E in the future. If I go with Z170 now, I may get KabyLake if I'm lucky (and I heard it may require a new chipset) and I am not sure we'll see 6C/12T with KabyLake.

 

[Yuriman]

Searching the net if my Asus P9X79 motherboard can take the i7 6700K. I guess with only DDR3 and usb 3.0 I'll have to get a new Asus mobo? Or it would be prudent to do so?

--------------------------------------------
i7 3820 3.6ghz stock || Sapphire R9 290 Vapor X 4gb || Win 7 Pro
Asus P9 X79 || 16gb Corsair || WD HD 1tb || Onboard Sound
Cooler Master 650W || 27” Samsung Lcd || Thermaltake Case

Your motherboard is socket 2011, and can only take socket 2011 chips (and not 2011-v3 chips), so you're limited to anything that's "i7 38xx", "i7 39xx", "i7 48xx", or "i7 49xx". You might consider a 6 core socket 2011 chip as an upgrade, but Haswell, Broadwell, and Skylake will not fit.

EDIT: This would be a good upgrade:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Intel-Core-...014155?hash=item3f57cd554b:g:7mcAAOSwxN5WVSnm

This would run hotter and be a little slower, but still an upgrade:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Intel-i7-39...764702?hash=item43e68c529e:g:1CEAAOSwAKxWYGtu

See here:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGA_2011

Sandy Bridge-E and Ivy Bridge-E are compatible with the X79 chipset.
Haswell-E is compatible with the X99 chipset.

 

[PlanetJosh]

EDIT: This would be a good upgrade:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Intel-Core-i7-4930K-6-Core-Ivy-Bridge-E-3-4Ghz-12MB-Cache-LGA2011-Processor-/272056014155?hash=item3f57cd554b:g:7mcAAOSwxN5WVSnm

Money isn't a problem in this case, I'll take a look at that cpu to run games faster. And the more serious things too like photo/video editing.

----------------------------------------
i7 3820 3.6ghz stock || Sapphire R9 290 Vapor X 4gb || Win 7 Pro
Asus P9 X79 || 16gb Corsair || WD HD 1tb || Onboard Sound
Cooler Master 650W || 27” Samsung Lcd || Thermaltake Case

 

[moonbogg]

Yeah, I've been debating for weeks on the 6700k vs HEDT question. I wanted the HEDT because I tend to think that over the next 5 years, more cores will be more important and Intel will likely move 6C/12T down to the mainstream in 2-3 years, but I'm wondering if the 6700K will be fine over that same time period. Heck, my 2600K is still fine but I just have the upgrade itch.

I guess I'm just hoping to convince myself to get it - with you guys helping convince me, of course. 🙂

EDIT: Also, if I elect to jump to HEDT now, I'll likely have an upgrade path to 8 and 10 core CPUs from Broadwell E in the future. If I go with Z170 now, I may get KabyLake if I'm lucky (and I heard it may require a new chipset) and I am not sure we'll see 6C/12T with KabyLake.

I predict a future for you. I am seeing...I can see a sexy, black motherboard and mounted on it appears to be....yes I am seeing a 5930K CPU. I feel vibrating inside of me, a ticking feeling, its vibrating at around 4.5ghz. More distant still I can feel...no I can taste 8 cores coming from somewhere, at a later time.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

I predict a future for you. I am seeing...I can see a sexy, black motherboard and mounted on it appears to be....yes I am seeing a 5930K CPU. I feel vibrating inside of me, a ticking feeling, its vibrating at around 4.5ghz. More distant still I can feel...no I can taste 8 cores coming from somewhere, at a later time.

LOL. I just can't make a decision and I probably have to make a decision TODAY in order to order one and pick it up tomorrow. I'm guessing the sale is over after tomorrow. My 2600K system is and has been so good - by far the longest lasting mainstream system I've had. I guess the central question revolves around games for the next 4-5 years. If games will still largely use 4 cores in that timeframe, I probably should stick with the 6700K or KabyLake. If they will start really hitting 6 cores, I think the 5930K is my best bet.

I'm thinking I'll probably end up passing to be honest. My heart says "Time to upgrade!" but my head knows I don't "need" to. 😀

 

[Headfoot]

5930k doesnt seem like a good idea at all compared to the 5820k, unless you plan on running 2+ of the fastest available video cards. Even then, sure you get the additional PCI-e lanes but in every single review I've ever seen, including the most recent ones, at best this gets you 1 or 2 fps in a 2 card SLI or CF scenario. And it makes absolutely 0 difference if you're running a single card, as it would have x16 lanes on either set up. And the 5820k still has more lanes (28) than 6700k (16+4).

If you want to spend $80 more for that, then I guess go ahead.

Id much rather save the $80, and if the lanes ever become an issue a few years from now when the faster cards are out, I'd upgrade to an 8 or 10 core Broadwell-E chip at that time.

 

[frozentundra123456]

Go with the 5930K. X99 is better across all new games. We have been seeing the newer demanding games taking advantage of more cores and have examples of 8 core Haswell at lower clockspeeds outperforming 4 core Haswell at higher speeds.

I do not see the point in the 5930K though. The PCIE lanes are going to net you nothing noticeable in performance. You either get a 5820K or a 5960X if you are going HW-E.

I wouldn't pay any attention to Fallout 4. It's a buggy Bethesda game, and if you've played it, is not a title that represents pushing the boundaries of a PC game. It's far more likely it's broken than it is indicative of anything. Also I haven't seen the sort of claims about CPU performance in the game backed up by any website that tests CPUs and gaming.

HEDT has consistently been the better choice so long as you buy into it at release. It's more compelling than ever with the support many of the new games come with for stretching themselves out across all the cores you throw at them.

I would like to see a lot more data before reaching that conclusion. the 5960x is faster in a lot of benchmarks, I agree, but probably because of the cache. I would like to see more benchmarks of Skylake and 5820k at the same clockspeed before I would make the conclusion that newer games use more than 4 hyperthreaded cores. Also with 6700k you get high stock clocks and dont have to worry so much about the silicon lottery, as well as better IPC and a good chance to get a slightly higher overclock than 5820k.

But I agree and have been arguing it for a long time, what we really need is a mainstream hex core.

 

[boozzer]

it is a gaming rig, that upgrade path to the next generation of cpu is completely useless.

 

[Carfax83]

I recently bought a 5930K, along with an Asus X-99a USB 3.1 motherboard. The 5930K is only an outlier if you don't live close to a Microcenter.. I bought mine for $399.99, which is definitely worth it I think..

If you don't live close to a Microcenter, then go for the 5830K. Most cutting edge 3D engines are starting to take advantage of 6 cores, including the latest version of Frostbite 3 and CryEngine, and with DX12 being imminent, more CPU cores will be useful..

 

[IndyColtsFan]

I recently bought a 5930K, along with an Asus X-99a USB 3.1 motherboard. The 5930K is only an outlier if you don't live close to a Microcenter.. I bought mine for $399.99, which is definitely worth it I think..

If you don't live close to a Microcenter, then go for the 5830K. Most cutting edge 3D engines are starting to take advantage of 6 cores, including the latest version of Frostbite 3 and CryEngine, and with DX12 being imminent, more CPU cores will be useful..

Also, Newegg has the 5930K for $479 right now (had it for $459 earlier). Since the nearest Microcenter to me is 2 hours away, might be worth paying a little extra to have it shipped to me. Kind of kicking myself for not getting the 5820K when Fry's had it for $276 a few weeks ago.

 

[Carfax83]

Also, Newegg has the 5930K for $479 right now (had it for $459 earlier). Since the nearest Microcenter to me is 2 hours away, might be worth paying a little extra to have it shipped to me. Kind of kicking myself for not getting the 5820K when Fry's had it for $276 a few weeks ago.

I'm truly surprised at the price reduction for the 5930K and 5820K parts. I never really intended to upgrade to the X99 platform this early, but after seeing that $399 price for the 5930K, I just had to jump on it.

My original plan was to wait until Broadwell-E shipped, but then that got delayed slightly and I really wanted a system change as I've had this old x79 system for over 3 years..

So what I'll do now is stick with my Haswell-E system, and then when Skylake-E comes out in 2017, I'll upgrade the CPU to an 8 core Broadwell-E as by then the price should have fallen substantially. Then I'll do a full platform upgrade again in 2018 when Cannonlake-E arrives.

So I'm skipping Skylake-E platform, which is the one I originally wanted but it was too far off for me to wait..

 

[Madpacket]

I just bought a 5930K + MSI X99A Raider motherboard mainly because of a pricing error where the motherboard ended up costing me nothing, so it ended up being cheaper than a 5820K combo therefore I jumped on it. Actually it ended up being cheaper than a Microcenter combo which is super rare for Canada 🙂 it took a while to arrive (TD sucks!) but I finally got my parts.

With the 6700K pricing it makes little sense to pick that plus a Z10 over a 6 core processor with a solid upgrade path. Game engine developers are finally taking advantage of more cores so the Skylake looks less attractive. It needs to be a few hundred less to be worth it. The 4790K is a much better value given the speed differences and we need more than one game to prove otherwise.

I'm really as bothered by the 40 lanes but it's nice to know that I can dedicate 32 lanes to SLI/Xfire and have 8 left over for an insanely fast M.2 PCIE SSD. Also who knows with the next gen cards coming out next year on how much bandwidth they'll need? Everyone's aiming for 4K gaming so we may start seeing bottlenecks on the PCI bus. Also I love the fact that I can drop an 8-10 core broadwell / skylake processor in this motherboard in a few years if need be. You just don't get that type of upgrade path with Intel's regular consume sockets.

A lot of the X99 boards have all the bells and whistles the Z10 boards have or more (USB 3.1, M.2 PCIe, extra RAM slots etc) so I really see no advantage (other than maybe low power ITX builds?) for current 1151 Skylake at current prices.

 

[MrTeal]

I just bought a 5930K + MSI X99A Raider motherboard mainly because of a pricing error where the motherboard ended up costing me nothing, so it ended up being cheaper than a 5820K combo therefore I jumped on it. Actually it ended up being cheaper than a Microcenter combo which is super rare for Canada 🙂 it took a while to arrive (TD sucks!) but I finally got my parts.

With the 6700K pricing it makes little sense to pick that plus a Z10 over a 6 core processor with a solid upgrade path. Game engine developers are finally taking advantage of more cores so the Skylake looks less attractive. It needs to be a few hundred less to be worth it. The 4790K is a much better value given the speed differences and we need more than one game to prove otherwise.

I'm really as bothered by the 40 lanes but it's nice to know that I can dedicate 32 lanes to SLI/Xfire and have 8 left over for an insanely fast M.2 PCIE SSD. Also who knows with the next gen cards coming out next year on how much bandwidth they'll need? Everyone's aiming for 4K gaming so we may start seeing bottlenecks on the PCI bus. Also I love the fact that I can drop an 8-10 core broadwell / skylake processor in this motherboard in a few years if need be. You just don't get that type of upgrade path with Intel's regular consume sockets.

A lot of the X99 boards have all the bells and whistles the Z10 boards have or more (USB 3.1, M.2 PCIe, extra RAM slots etc) so I really see no advantage (other than maybe low power ITX builds?) for current 1151 Skylake at current prices.

Wow, I can't believe it took that long to get to you. I though my AM3+ board took a long time when it got to me a week ago. At least your combo didn't have MIRs that you have to deal with along with the huge delays like the 4790k and 4690k buyers.