Question Need help choosing a Xeon x58 for gaming

[gorr30]

I don't want to build a new gaming system just yet. I am planning to go for it in about 1-1,5y. Till then, I wouldn't say "No" to some overpriced extra CPU horsepower, as long as I am not totally wasting money, 'cause the games I am playing seem like they could benefit from some extra CPU power. I am using this PC for gaming at 1440p (2560x1600) and I am thinking about a decently priced upgrade for the CPU.

My current system consists of the following:
PSU - Corsair 1200W
Mobo - EVGA X58 Classified 3 (141-GT-E770) - LGA 1366
CPU - i7 950 @ 3.9 Ghz (23 x 167, 23 x 171 is fine too) - conservative o/c on air using a Prolimatech's Megahalems with 2 fans setup.
RAM - Corsair 1600 6 x 2gb = 12gb RAM (clocked at 1338 Mhz)
GPU - 2x GTX 780 Ti SLI
Storage - 2 SSDs, 2 HDDs, games run from EVO 960 on Sata2
Monitor - Dell u3014 (2560x1600)

I only have basic experience with o/c and I believe I could get more out of my 950, but back then when I had bought it, after experimenting with it for some time, I decided that I was happy with a conservative 3.9 ghz o/c that I could reach with stock voltage.

So, according to EVGA, the following CPUs are supported by my mobo: Westmere Xeon x5690, x5680, x5670, x5667, some more.

So, I was wondering:
1) Since I can get a Xeon rather cheap, could I get any meaningful upgrade by o/cing it on air, compared to my o/ced 950?
2) If I decide to go for it, which Xeon would you recommend?

Most of the games I am playing can't really utilize effectively more than 2 cores, definitely not more than 4. So, I am going by the assumption that I would see a real benefit only if I could get a considerably higher stable o/c frequency. Am I wrong to assume that, are there any substantial real life gains to be expected by the newer architecture of the x5690 in gaming? (newer compared to my i7 950).

Finally, I am wondering if the lower TDP of the x5670 and 5667 (95W opposed to 130 for the x5690) would make for a better o/c on air. Additionally, considering that the x5667 has 4 cores and I don't think I need 6 for gaming, maybe between x5667 and x5670, the x5667 would be better for o/c due to having less cores or should I go for the safer choice of the 6 cores? Thoughts?


Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Markfw]

You already have the best chip for gaming, unless a game can use more than 8 threads. The hex-core Xeons will OC less, and you don't need those.

 

[Shmee]

Actually, in my experience the Westmere Xeons generally OC better, due to being 32nm I believe. I hear a lot of the 950's did not OC that well, especially if they were the earlier silicon. I have myself picked up 2 X5660s my self fairly recently, but on the list you mentioned I would go with the X5670.

 

[gorr30]

By the way, the x5675 is not mentioned as supported by my mobo, but it seems as strange to me, because x5667, 5670, 5677, 5680 and 5690 are all supported. I've already emailed EVGA asking if it is missing due to an oversight, but I am afraid I'll get some generic response of the like "if it's not in the list, it's not supported".

What do you think are the chances of working? I mean it's a bit newer chip, but x5690 is even newer and is supported.

 

[ZGR]

If you are at 60hz, I see no need for an upgrade. At 144hz+ the single core performance might be a little low, but it should be fine for most games. Are you happy with 780 ti SLI? That is something I'd focus on upgrading first for 1440p unless you play CPU heavy games.

I do feel CPU limited with 4c8t, but it all depends on what games you play.

 

[scannall]

By the way, the x5675 is not mentioned as supported by my mobo, but it seems as strange to me, because x5667, 5670, 5677, 5680 and 5690 are all supported. I've already emailed EVGA asking if it is missing due to an oversight, but I am afraid I'll get some generic response of the like "if it's not in the list, it's not supported".

What do you think are the chances of working? I mean it's a bit newer chip, but x5690 is even newer and is supported.

It will work just fine.

 

[gorr30]

I am at 60Hz. I am not thrilled with the 780 Ti SLI, especially on those titles that don't support SLI (which are not just a few), but it's okish. If I come across a game that ends up giving me a lot of trouble, I have a backup 1060 3GB I can grab, which I use in my secondary machine (because I can't pair a 580 or 780 Ti with its PSU).

And yeah, the games I've been playing lately seem like they could benefit more from some extra CPU power.

Finally, I too believe that x5675 will work, still good to have the opinion of more experienced people than me. Thanks all, I believe I'll give x5675 a try.

 

[Burpo]

Westmere Xeon @ $20 - $25 = GREAT performance, especially running all 3 memory channels. EZ overclock too. It's no Coffee Lake but it is 6 cores & 12 threads. Run any video card you want.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Intel-Xeon...h=item1cc4ca25d1:g:gKsAAOSwqOFb67Ce:rk:3:pf:0

 

[chrisjames61]

I don't want to build a new gaming system just yet. I am planning to go for it in about 1-1,5y. Till then, I wouldn't say "No" to some overpriced extra CPU horsepower, as long as I am not totally wasting money, 'cause the games I am playing seem like they could benefit from some extra CPU power. I am using this PC for gaming at 1440p (2560x1600) and I am thinking about a decently priced upgrade for the CPU.

My current system consists of the following:
PSU - Corsair 1200W
Mobo - EVGA X58 Classified 3 (141-GT-E770) - LGA 1366
CPU - i7 950 @ 3.9 Ghz (23 x 167, 23 x 171 is fine too) - conservative o/c on air using a Prolimatech's Megahalems with 2 fans setup.
RAM - Corsair 1600 6 x 2gb = 12gb RAM (clocked at 1338 Mhz)
GPU - 2x GTX 780 Ti SLI
Storage - 2 SSDs, 2 HDDs, games run from EVO 960 on Sata2
Monitor - Dell u3014 (2560x1600)

I only have basic experience with o/c and I believe I could get more out of my 950, but back then when I had bought it, after experimenting with it for some time, I decided that I was happy with a conservative 3.9 ghz o/c that I could reach with stock voltage.

So, according to EVGA, the following CPUs are supported by my mobo: Westmere Xeon x5690, x5680, x5670, x5667, some more.

So, I was wondering:
1) Since I can get a Xeon rather cheap, could I get any meaningful upgrade by o/cing it on air, compared to my o/ced 950?
2) If I decide to go for it, which Xeon would you recommend?

Most of the games I am playing can't really utilize effectively more than 2 cores, definitely not more than 4. So, I am going by the assumption that I would see a real benefit only if I could get a considerably higher stable o/c frequency. Am I wrong to assume that, are there any substantial real life gains to be expected by the newer architecture of the x5690 in gaming? (newer compared to my i7 950).

Finally, I am wondering if the lower TDP of the x5670 and 5667 (95W opposed to 130 for the x5690) would make for a better o/c on air. Additionally, considering that the x5667 has 4 cores and I don't think I need 6 for gaming, maybe between x5667 and x5670, the x5667 would be better for o/c due to having less cores or should I go for the safer choice of the 6 cores? Thoughts?


Thanks in advance for any help.

There are a number of Xeons that would be a BIG kick in the pants over that i7.