Need some advice

[KentState]

Currently, I have two desktop computers.

The Haswell-E is used for development, VM's and general work (VPN, Citrix, email, spreadsheets). It was purchased and treated like a business asset so I avoid games and personal use.

The regular Haswell system has been for personal use and gaming. Biggest issue has been a large number of BSOD since I put it together in 2013. I've replaced the PSU and video card since then, reinstalled Windows 10 from scratch, updated all drivers/BIOS and still the issues persist.

What platform is currently ideal for gaming? Broadwell-E, Skylake or something else? I would be mainly looking at just a cpu, motherboard and ram.

Broadwell-E 6800k $419
Asus Strix X99 Gaming $334

vs.

Skylake 6700k $319
Asus Maximus Hero Alpha $278

For around $160 I can get 2 more cores, albeit lower clocks and a lot more flexibility with the motherboard.

 

[Ken g6]

If you want stability and you don't want to overclock, get the 6700k. If you do want to overclock a lot, I suggest the 5820k over the 6800. There's practically no difference except the older one is cheaper.

 

[UsandThem]

I'm going to slightly, but respectfully disagree with Ken g6 on this.

I'd say if the PC is just for gaming, go with the 6700k. They generally all overlock pretty decently. One thing I would add is you don't need a $278 z170 motherboard to overclock. An Asus board like the Maximus VIII Hero/Whetstone or Z170-A will get you where you need to go just as well. I understand some people like the higher-end style better, so I'm not trying to talk you out of it if you really want that board. I just wanted to point out high-end boards are not necessary for overclocking.

An overclocked 5820k runs neck-in-neck with an overclocked 6700k in gaming, but when you factor in the extra money you'd have to pay for x99 over z170, to me it's not worth it. If you did video editing, audio encoding, or professional work on it, then that is a different story and I'd say go with the 5820k.

But in all honesty, either choice would keep you happily gaming for many years.

http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2016-what-is-the-fastest-gaming-cpu

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/product/1320?vs=1543

https://www.bjorn3d.com/2015/08/intel-core-i7-6700k-review-skylake-falling/3/

 

[KentState]

Since I already have a Harwell-e system, this is for gaming. Sounds like the Skylake guild is the way to go. I will look at the feature set between the alpha and whetstone.

 

[mnewsham]

An overclocked 5820k runs neck-in-neck with an overclocked 6700k in gaming, but when you factor in the extra money you'd have to pay for x99 over z170, to me it's not worth it.

I'll agree but add if you have a Microcenter nearby the cost difference can be pretty minimal.

I paid like $30 more for my 5820k and motherboard than I would have for a 6700k and motherboard.

However, if ordering online 6700k is the easy choice.

 

[KentState]

There are two in the area. Will have to compare pricing.

 

[UsandThem]

I'll agree but add if you have a Microcenter nearby the cost difference can be pretty minimal.

I paid like $30 more for my 5820k and motherboard than I would have for a 6700k and motherboard.

However, if ordering online 6700k is the easy choice.

True. It all comes down to $/performance.

I unfortunately don't have a Frys or Micro Center anywhere near me, so I have no idea on their in-store pricing.

I did once go to a Frys in Chicago during a trip in 2010, and I was blown away at their PC components. It was a full-blown geek out moment for me.

Some people are very lucky living near those stores.

 

[KentState]

Looks like the 5820k plus Asus Strix MB is only $20 more than the 6700k plus Asus Hero Alpha at Microcenter.