Core 2 Duo to i3/i5 based system

[TBSN]

So I've got a unique situation. Here is are the specs on my system currently:

CPU: e6420 C2D stock
RAM: 6GB RAM
MOBO: Asus PK5 Deluxe

I want to switch from my large P182 system to a smaller SFF miniITX system, based on this excellent article:

"gaming-in-tight-spaces-mini-itx-featuring-gigabyte-silverstone-and-prolimatech"

I've compared the benchmarks on Anandtech's awesome benchmark tool. I compared the e8400 to the i3 540 and the i5 670. All I'm doing is looking at the graphs, and it's hard to tell how much of a difference it actually is in usage.

The inexpensive i3 is closer in performance to the e8400, and the Core2Duo actually beats it in a few of the gaming benches.

If I decide not to upgrade the system completely, I'll buy an e8400, which isn't getting any cheaper. If I DO upgrade the system I'll be able to give/sell the P182 with the C2D system to my dad who can use all the space in the case to make a file server.

I'd ideally like to use the smaller i3, but getting getting the more expensive i5 670 is tempting. It's the same wattage too ( but perhaps the faster chip will still generate more heat?)

So, performance-wise and in subjective terms, how much faster would the i3 be than the e8400? And the i5?

Thanks for the input!

 

[Spikesoldier]

i have the i3 530 (2933mhz). from my testing with synthetic benchmarks, I would just barely put the i3 @ 2.93 ahead of the e8400 @ 3.0.

i also have the e6420 conroe. the e6420 is still a nice CPU for lga775 because of the 4MB L2 cache. my e6420 can reach 3.4 with a decent cooler. you may want to OC to gain more life out of the system.

i would advise against the i5 6-series unless you like wasting money. I would instead go for the i3.

if you do keep the lga775 system i would instead drop like a q9550 in there and call it a day. until sandy bridge comes out, this may be your best choice if you are looking for performance.

 

[TBSN]

Even though I'd love to upgrade your logic is persuasive. The thing is my Dad is looking for a fileserver and I thought it'd be a perfect time to switch to a small form factor. The Antec P182 is great but the front door is broken and it's gigantic. Maybe I should just give him the case and get a smaller case for the 755 system I have now. The only thing is I would be limited by my full-sized ATX board.

Would it be worth it to upgrade considering that I'd be selling the current computer at the same time for about the same price? (~$500-$600)? I guess I could sell him the case, get a new case, and then buy him a cheap i3 system for the file server...

 

[Spikesoldier]

try an atom based build for a file server. invest the money saved from a traditional server setup into a good RAID card for it if you are serious. otherwise enjoy the savings because an i3 is way too much for a household file server.

i use a NAS on my network that holds all of my data (all pcs in my house use ssd's only). its powered by like a 500mhz ARM processor and uses very little RAM (32MB?). a file server really doesnt need a lot unless you are moving a boatload of traffic.

its your dad. id give him a new case at least, all the parts can be used inside for all he knows, but at least make it look new/nice on the outside. i really like lian li's mini-itx line.

 

[TBSN]

try an atom based build for a file server. invest the money saved from a traditional server setup into a good RAID card for it if you are serious. otherwise enjoy the savings because an i3 is way too much for a household file server.

i use a NAS on my network that holds all of my data (all pcs in my house use ssd's only). its powered by like a 500mhz ARM processor and uses very little RAM (32MB?). a file server really doesnt need a lot unless you are moving a boatload of traffic.

its your dad. id give him a new case at least, all the parts can be used inside for all he knows, but at least make it look new/nice on the outside. i really like lian li's mini-itx line.

Is the NAS self built, if not what kind is it? My Dad bought a 1 disk NAS but he can't transfer files to/from it with his Mac. Thanks for the heads up, didn't know it could be low-end like an atom.

 

[Axon]

Also, silverstone makes a 450w version of that case - much better imo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16811163171

 

[TBSN]

Same case, but with 450W? Sounds good. Come early 2011 I'll look to that. May take a while for good miniITX sandybridge mobos to come out though... We'll see.