Upgrading from E8500 @ 4.0 Ghz to i7 920 @ 4.0 Ghz

[asdftt123]

I'm running my current system (in sig) with a C2D E8500 @ 4.0 (though I'm pretty certain I can push it farther on air) and I was wondering if upgrading to a i7 and hopefully pushing it to the 4.0 mark would be a worthy upgrade. I don't use my system for anything TOO intensive other than the occasional audio editing and converting, gaming (though I've been playing Starcraft more than anything lately), and some Photoshop. Other than that it's just everyday tasks. Let me know what you guys think and what kind of performance increases you've experienced.

 

[yh125d]

For your uses, I don't think its worth the bother. You don't seem to do anything your current setup can't handle with ease

 

[JAG87]

An i7 is only useful if your gaming setup is extremely demanding (multi gpu) or if you are doing a ton of video encoding or 3D rendering.

You don't fit the first group (single 4870, 1680x1050), and I don't think you fit the second group either; while an i7 would definitely help photoshop, it will not speed up audio encoding, which is mostly single threaded still.

Considering the cost it's not worth it, unless you really care about those photoshop minutes.

 

[BTRY B 529th FA BN]

Nope, stick with what you have

 

[RussianSensation]

I want to upgrade from a Q6600 Oced to a Core i7 so I could play with new toys and overclock something new. However, in terms of performance, it probably will be a lot less beneficial than getting an SSD hard drive for example. So, I would say stick with what you have unless:

1) this is your hobby and you wouldnt mind playing with new tech for the sake of that
2) if you can sell your current setup and upgrade for cheaper than getting a new mobo + ram + cpu

My 2 cents.

Maybe upgrade your 20 inch LCD though

 

[TemjinGold]

If you're itching to spend money, get either an SSD or a bigger monitor. Either would provide a much more worthwhile (and noticable) upgrade than an i7.

 

[ZimZum]

Originally posted by: TemjinGold
If you're itching to spend money, get either an SSD or a bigger monitor. Either would provide a much more worthwhile (and noticable) upgrade than an i7.

This