Intel 2500k vs 2600k Value

[ccubed]

Over the next 2 years, is the Intel 2600k worth 50$ more than the 2500k? I ask because Microcenter might get you that difference right now.

Priorities for the system: basic internet, 1080p video output to a tv (with a discrete video card,) and moderate PC gaming.

I'm currently running a lapped Q6600 at 3.2 ghz, 4gb RAM, and an overclocked AMD Radeon HD 4870 at 1680x1050.

I'm beginning to see games that might exceed my reach. At the same time, I don't know that they're really worth hundreds or thousands of dollars to me. However, a 2500k at $150, a mobo at $100, RAM at $40ish, and a new vid card at $150-$350 (depending upon ATI 6950 or NVidia GTX 580) would allow for a much greater expanse of games.

But at 1680x1050 would it matter all that much? Would I really be running into bottlenecks if I just upgraded my vid card? What's the probable max AMD video card I can truly use with a 3.2 ghz Q6600 and 4 gb of 1066 RAM? And would the difference in an almost completely new system really justify the price at his point? Especially with the unknowns of Bulldozer and 7xxxx AMD vid cards.

 

[Blain]

Over the next 2 years, is the Intel 2600k worth 50$ more than the 2500k?

Priorities for the system: basic internet, 1080p video output to a tv (with a discrete video card,) and moderate PC gaming.

If your "Priorities for the system" remain the same over the next two years... No
Put that $50 towards a new video card in a year.

 

[lehtv]

Could probably stick with the 4870 until the HD7000 / GTX600. Or you could stick with the Q6600 until Ivy Bridge. The new CPU would offer a bigger overall system performance boost for about the same money as a new video card... And the difference between the 28nm generation of GPUs and what's currently available is probably bigger than the difference between Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge. So I agree with Blain's advice

 

[mfenn]

If your "Priorities for the system" remain the same over the next two years... No
Put that $50 towards a new video card in a year.

Agree 100%.