For longevity - i5 760 or i7 860/870

[worknman]

The reading I've done indicates that unless you're doing video encoding or using a multi-threaded intensive app, the i7 would be overkill for mainstream tasks (surfing, email, iTunes, etc).

But what if you're building a machine that's going to be used for at least the next 5-6 years and you want it to stay current as long as possible? Might the hyperthreading in the i7 make a difference in performance over the course of several years?

 

[ilkhan]

Nothing is going to stay current for 5-6 years. The i7 is slightly faster, and will stay that way at all levels of performance decay. If you want longevity you have to start with a new platform (aka wait for a i5-2500 in Jan which at least holds the possibility of an upgrade in a couple years to an Ivy bridge. Theres *no* upgrade path for s1156).

 

[worknman]

Sorry, I didn't mean current as in upgradability, but current as in... something that's going to 'feel' fast for a long period of time.

I'm actually building this for my parents, and I assure you... by the time they decide to upgrade, probably the only thing that will be usable on the PC is the case and power supply 🙂 (Just for reference, their current PC is like a P4 1.4ghz, if that gives you any idea of how they roll.)

So what I meant was, in 4-5 years, where I assume more apps will be more 'thread aware', would the i7 be any faster than an i5 (percentage-wise) than it currently is, or will it always be about 3% faster (or whatever the ratio is) over the life of the PC?

 

[Vesku]

Yes, if you really want it to hold up for 5-6 years you should try to wait for the socket changes coming next year. Socket 1366 has some longevity due to the high-end CPUs that are out now, but future drop in upgrades are unlikely. AMD will also be introducing some new sockets AM2/2+/3 had a good run though and there is hope that the new sockets will have a similar usable lifespan. Assuming your motherboard maker is willing to release Bios updates after last shipped date.

*Saw your update, based on your parents usage history I'd say the i5-760 will be fine. Unless they suddenly take up 3D modeling as a hobby.*

 

[one30eight]

If they have been using a P4 1.4 and have been happy with it I would be looking at a cheap AMD X4 setup or i3-i5.

 

[Phynaz]

What's the price difference? For $50 just go with the 860.

 

[brencat]

i5-760 regularly sells for $170 + tax at Microcenter, plus Newegg was/is running a $179 shipped sale right now if I'm not mistaken.

i5-760 is fast at stock and smokes AMD's best with a modest overclock. Pair it with a motherboard like the one I ordered... the GA-P55-USB3 for $105 shipped (Newegg) and you're good to go.

 

[Gikaseixas]

Since you building it for your parents i would save a bit and getg a i5-750. Great little cpu, does the job today and i believe will be plenty fast in 5 years time.

 

[MustangSVT]

for parents...

just get i5. no need to spend when after 5 years it'll all be same.

Just install o/s and image it. when they complain its sluggish, restore image and give them their snappiness.

 

[fffblackmage]

i5-760.

 

[mtnd3vil]

Oh, for your parents? Yeah, I just built a i5-650 for my mom. Parents are rarely power users.
An i5 quad core for your parents should be great and very long lived.

 

[tweakboy]

For longevity ? How many years, because GPU's have not caught up to CPU's yet.

All current PC games take about 30 to 80 percent usage of a quad CPU no matter what the clock speed is.

If you already have a quad and want a i7 ,, then your waisting your money and I guarantee youll see no speed difference in games or anything. The Core 2 series was ground braking, the i7 Core was not, Ive seen enough benchies to tell you its a pointless upgrade if you already have a quad CPU. If you have a dual core CPU then yes my brother by all means buy a i7 , why limit to i5 your gonna have it for many years.