B&M Microcenter i7 3820 $230 + $50 off select X79 mobo

[bznotins]

ETA: Only three mobos eligible

Hot price for just the CPU but $50 off the mobo makes it smokin'.

The 3820 isn't right for everyone, but if it's something you've had your eye on, this deal is great.

I have this setup with 32GB of RAM (a 24GB RAMDrive is great for SW:TOR!).

http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0383144

These are the eligible mobos:

Asus P9X79 Pro
Asus P9X79
Gigabyte GA-X79-UD3

 

[Minot]

It tried putting this in my online shopping cart with in-store pickup and I did not get the $50 mobo discount. Is anyone else getting this error?

 

[Rvenger]

Wow, hot deal here!

 

[HybridSquirrel]

if someone wants me to go to the b&m store on lunch pm me.

 

[bznotins]

Sorry, only select mobos are eligible, OP updated to reflect that.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Is it true, that due to the different bclk straps, that even though this 3820 CPU isn't unlocked, that you can still overclock it?

 

[bznotins]

Is it true, that due to the different bclk straps, that even though this 3820 CPU isn't unlocked, that you can still overclock it?

Yup, I run mine at 4.4ghz on air.

 

[Roland00Address]

Is it true, that due to the different bclk straps, that even though this 3820 CPU isn't unlocked, that you can still overclock it?

The 3820 has a max multipler of 43. Your base clock can be 100 mhz, 125 mhz, or 166 mhz.

Thus you can overclock to 5 ghz by having a base clock of 125 mhz, and a multipler of 40. Or you can overclock to 4.5 ghz by having a base clock of 125 mhz and a multipler of 36...etc

---------

That said unless you need more than 16gbs of memory or the vt-d, wouldn't most peoples needs be better served with a i5 2500k for $169.99 and a ASRock Z77 Pro4-M 1155 mATX Intel Motherboard for $59.99 (the i5 2500k is currently $169 at microcenter and asrock board is only $59 due to motherboard bundle discount)

Use those saved 200ish dollars to get a ssd (or a better ssd), a video card (or a better video card), etc.

I am just trying to see what is the point of the 3820 processor besides vt-d and the possible 8 ram slots?

 

[agressiv]

Think it is worth upgrading from a Core i7 950 to this?

 

[M1A]

I am keeping my 950 for a while yet but if you have the funds it would be some faster.

 

[Roland00Address]

Think it is worth upgrading from a Core i7 950 to this?

Not really, at stock comparing the 950 to the 3820 there between 1% to 45% faster depending on what you are testing.

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/100?vs=523

Remember that the 3820 also has a 17% higher clock speed to achieve these results.

 

[Holler]

Think it is worth upgrading from a Core i7 950 to this?

nah, sandy bridge and Ivy bridge have been pretty underwhelming to me. even the mobo tech seems to have stagnated to me.

running my 950 happily at 4.4. gonna wait to see what haswell has to offer, from what i hear i might even be waiting for broadwell...

 

[holden j caufield]

very tempting but the intel motherboard prices are pretty ridiculous imo. $300 for a desktop mobo?

 

[SHAQ]

You are getting $80 off the CPU so that helps with mobo prices. A decent X79 mobo starts at $250.