i7 920 ($200) or i7 930 ($289) - Which is better?

[INGlewood78]

I’ve recently decided it’s time for a new build and was sitting on my hands, hoping that the new i7 930 will be 32nm. Unfortunately, it seems more likely it will be 45nm. So let’s assume the 930 will be 45nm

Here’s my dilemma, Microcenter has the i7 920s on for $200 but it looks like the price will go up to $229 on Monday. So I have to make a decision quick.

I7 920 for $200 or i7 930 for $289 (ish)??

I am basing the expected price of the 930 on the current newegg price of the 920. The 930 is to replace the 920 at its price point.

What is the better choice?

 

[DrMrLordX]

If it's a 45nm chip, then the differences should be negligible. You might get a tiny bit more OC headroom out of the 930 due to binning.

That is, assuming the 920 is a d0, which most (if not all) of them are at this point.

 

[INGlewood78]

so if the performance is negligible...the $200 920 would be the better choice?

 

[DrMrLordX]

Yeah. If you aren't planning on heavy overclocks, it would take a tiny bump to the BCLK to bring the 920 up to 930 speeds using the stock cooler. If you are planning on heavy overclocks, then the two chips should hit about the same clockspeed at the top end.

Bottom line is that the 930 doesn't look like a good deal so long as the 920 continues to be available, especially with Microcenter's prices.

 

[cbn]

Get the $200 chip by all means.

The $289 930 will be 45nm.

P.S. If you want a 32nm quad you will have to wait until they get released in March as Xeons. However, we have no idea what the price will be.

 

[elmo_gr]

i7 920