Which Intel processor is best for me?

[patrick.m17]

Hey guys, my name is Patrick, and this is my first time posting in the Anandtech forums. I have a question hopefully I can get some input on. So I built my first computer back in June of 2013. It has an AMD A6-5400k processor, 8gb of 1600mhz ram, and a MSI FM2 socket motherboard. I used a power supply my dad gave me along with a 2.5in laptop HDD and an old 3.5in desktop HDD. As you can tell it was pieced together on a budget, it doesn't have the highest end components. Now 5 months later I'm ready to start over and build a more serious computer. I have done some research on components but I need some suggestions on what processor is right for me. First off I have decided to go with a 120gb SSD, a 1-2TB HDD for media, a GeForce GTX 760, my current 8gb of ram, and a mini-ITX motherboard based on which processor I get. For the processor, i'd like a haswell i5. Not only is it the newest gen (I don't want to buy a previous gen processor) but it has better power consumption which I appreciate. But which model do I go with? I do moderate gaming mostly. Lots of media streaming either from the internet or from my computer to the TV. I do some video editing, nothing major though. I does not have to be overclockable, although if a "K" version is slightly more expensive I don't mind it. Also, price is important in this situation. I'd like the least expensive version that best fits my needs. Should I get the i5-4670? Or the i5-4430? Or another model that fits this criteria?

Thank you guys for taking the time to read this and help me out. Lastly, what should I do with my old AMD parts? They're not really old, just a few months. I'd like to sell them to help offset buying new components. Anyway, have a nice day! :thumbsup:

 

[Essence_of_War]

Hi Patrick, and welcome!

You might try heading over to the General Hardware forum (or maybe a mod can move this there for you!)

There are some standard questions folks try to answer here:
http://forums.anandtech.com/showpost.php?p=24043454&postcount=1

and usually from there they can get lots of advice. Without knowing the specifics of your budget it's hard to give concrete recommendations, but typically we'd recommend the i5-4670k for gamers who want to OC, and the i5-4570 for gamers who don't care to OC. Note though, that if you want to take full advantage of the overclockable "K" CPU, you'll also need a "Z" series motherboard, which are somewhat more expensive than the "B"/"H" series motherboards that have otherwise very similar features, and you'll also probably want a separate heatsink-fan, as the stock ones that come with the intel CPUs aren't really great for ambitious OC'ing.

As far as the old parts go, you could try selling the older components as-is on craigslist, or ebay or something like that, or you could try converting the old build into a media/file server or something like that. Depending on their specs, the PSU, Case, RAM, and HDDs are probably all candidates for being re-used in your new build, though if you'd like to try to save money.

 

[Sunrise089]

Welcome to Anandtech. The 4670 would be an excellent processor if you afford it, but as you say it's more expensive than some alternatives. If your CPU demands aren't too high, have you considered sticking with an AMD processor? You could even buy a higher clocked dual-module part on your same socket and save more. I'm not too up to speed on the performance of A-series desktop parts, but I know Ian has a series of articles on the main Anandtech site that dives in to lower-end gaming CPU performance.

For your old parts, either cobble them together into a computer someone else can make use of or just sell them. They won't bring what they were worth when new, but they can help offset the cost of the new parts a bit.

EDIT: Essence above correctly lists using your old parts for a file server, media PC, etc. My guess is the OP is pretty young though and may not have the infrastructure around him to make that work.

 

[patrick.m17]

Hi Patrick, and welcome!

You might try heading over to the General Hardware forum (or maybe a mod can move this there for you!)

There are some standard questions folks try to answer here:
http://forums.anandtech.com/showpost.php?p=24043454&postcount=1

and usually from there they can get lots of advice. Without knowing the specifics of your budget it's hard to give concrete recommendations, but typically we'd recommend the i5-4670k for gamers who want to OC, and the i5-4570 for gamers who don't care to OC. Note though, that if you want to take full advantage of the overclockable "K" CPU, you'll also need a "Z" series motherboard, which are somewhat more expensive than the "B"/"H" series motherboards that have otherwise very similar features, and you'll also probably want a separate heatsink-fan, as the stock ones that come with the intel CPUs aren't really great for ambitious OC'ing.

As far as the old parts go, you could try selling the older components as-is on craigslist, or ebay or something like that, or you could try converting the old build into a media/file server or something like that. Depending on their specs, the PSU, Case, RAM, and HDDs are probably all candidates for being re-used in your new build, though if you'd like to try to save money.

My budget for processor is about $200-$250 USD. Do you think there will be some good sales during black friday? Last year I wasn't in the market for a processor so I'm not sure if any went on sale. Maybe NewEgg/Amazon/Tiger Direct will have some sales this year?

 

[patrick.m17]

Welcome to Anandtech. The 4670 would be an excellent processor if you afford it, but as you say it's more expensive than some alternatives. If your CPU demands aren't too high, have you considered sticking with an AMD processor? You could even buy a higher clocked dual-module part on your same socket and save more. I'm not too up to speed on the performance of A-series desktop parts, but I know Ian has a series of articles on the main Anandtech site that dives in to lower-end gaming CPU performance.

For your old parts, either cobble them together into a computer someone else can make use of or just sell them. They won't bring what they were worth when new, but they can help offset the cost of the new parts a bit.

EDIT: Essence above correctly lists using your old parts for a file server, media PC, etc. My guess is the OP is pretty young though and may not have the infrastructure around him to make that work.

I personally LOVE AMD processors. I talk very highly of them. With that being said, I want to switch to intel because I plan on making this build hackintosh compatible. I have lots of media that I stream such as Music, Photos, Movies, etc. so being in the Mac world on my desktop would accompany my macbook very well. I want to also have windows installed for gaming. I am pretty young but have been interested in creating a file server/NAS. Are there any user friendly guides to these that you are aware of? Thank you for all the help.

 

[webmaster1]

Hello Patrick,
Welcome to the forum and as you said you are using mostly your computer for gaming so i3 will the right option for you...

 

[ShintaiDK]

My budget for processor is about $200-$250 USD. Do you think there will be some good sales during black friday? Last year I wasn't in the market for a processor so I'm not sure if any went on sale. Maybe NewEgg/Amazon/Tiger Direct will have some sales this year?

Are you living near Microcenter? Then you can get a 4670K for 200$.

 

[bononos]

Hello Patrick,
Welcome to the forum and as you said you are using mostly your computer for gaming so i3 will the right option for you...

New games make better use of multiple cores so its better if he gets an i5.

 

[tweakboy]

Grab the Hassy 4670k. That is a great CPU for you, couple it with a 670 or 660 Ti or 780 if you have the money. gl

 

[Johnny4]

The 3rd Generation Intel Core i7