cant decide i3 2100 or i5 2300

[onelivinlarge]

I was faced with the same dilemma and went with the i5-2400, only because I never overclock and therefore decided to save the money on the cheaper chipset (h61 or h67) and CPU. Looking at Anandtech's benches, you're looking at most at maybe a 9% difference on synthetic benchmarks and an even smaller (i.e., imperceptible) difference in games, with a price difference also hovering around 9%. However you have to factor in the additional cost of a z68 mobo and an aftermarket heatsink if you want to take full advantage of the i5-2500K and OC it.

Alternatively you could split the difference and go with the i5-2500 (non K) and then also take advantage of cheaper mobo options and no need for an aftermarket heatsink, since you won't OC and the stock cooler is adequate for use at stock settings.

Then again if money is truly tight you should be very happy with a i5-2400. I am happy with mine, games like a champ.

In my honest opinion though, for the uses you specified an i3-2100 should be fine. If you're near a Microcenter you can pick on up for $99... which is a steal. A lot of folks buy more processor than they ever end up using. You're a poor college student... you need to save your money for beer, cigarettes, and cheetos.

well i am planning on playing skyrim so i think with all the info and opinions im leaning to the 2400

Forget the i3 (dual core). That really only makes sense for high performance HTPC's and such. For gaming 4 cores will last longer.

yes i want to be good other then little upgrades for the next 4 years or as close to it as i can on processor

 

[dbcooper1]

With a Z68 board, you can run a 2400 up to 3.8 single-threaded and 3.6 with all four so that might be a middle ground for you.

 

[onelivinlarge]

that should be plenty fast with a good gpu for skyrim as it will be my biggest game

 

[illram]

Turbo boost works on an H61 or H67 board as well. Save your money for a powerful GPU.

 

[onelivinlarge]

That is something to think about