Which would you choose - Intel's i7 3820 or i7 3930k?

C

C32C3

Account closed by request
Greetings fellow forum members,

I am seriously considering the purchase of a new pc. The cpu's that I will be choosing from are Intel's i7 3820 and i7 3930k.

I am NOT a "gamer" however buying a pc that cannot play games isn't what I want to do.

The i7 3930k would cost me an additional 280 euros.

The cost difference between these two cpu's would not be the deciding factor.

If you have time please view this:

Compare Intel® Products
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Deviantsystems
OS
Win7 Ultimate x64
CPU
Intel Core i7 950 (4x 3066 MHz with HT) Quad Core
Motherboard
Asus P6X58D-E
Memory
6GB DDR3 1333Mhz
Graphics Card(s)
Nvidia GTS 450 (1024MB GDDR5 | DX 11)
Sound Card
Intel HD Audio via Realtek ALC889 with 8-channel support
Monitor(s) Displays
Sony Bravia 32"
Screen Resolution
1080i, x1768x992
Hard Drives
2x WD 1TB 7200 RPM Sata
PSU
OCZ ModXStream Pro 600W 80+
Case
Lian Li PC-7FN
Cooling
Processor cooling: Scythe Big Shuriken SCBSK-1000
Keyboard
Microsoft Ergonomic
Mouse
Logitec Trackball
Either chip will play games fine. There aren't a ton of games that even make use of 4 cores, let alone 6.... If cost isn't a concern, go with the more expensive chip, it has more cores and more cache. However, I would probably find that I would rather want to use 280 euros on something else in the computer which would make a bigger difference to my total experience.
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Self-Built in July 2009
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate x64
CPU
Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
Motherboard
Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
Memory
8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
Graphics Card(s)
EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
Sound Card
Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
Monitor(s) Displays
23" Acer x233H
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
PSU
Corsair 620HX modular
Case
Antec P182
Cooling
stock
Keyboard
ABS M1 Mechanical
Mouse
Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
Internet Speed
15/2 cable modem
Other Info
Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
pparks1 said:
Either chip will play games fine. There aren't a ton of games that even make use of 4 cores, let alone 6.... If cost isn't a concern, go with the more expensive chip, it has more cores and more cache. However, I would probably find that I would rather want to use 280 euros on something else in the computer which would make a bigger difference to my total experience.
Click to expand...

Good points and good food for thought.

Thanks for replying.
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Deviantsystems
OS
Win7 Ultimate x64
CPU
Intel Core i7 950 (4x 3066 MHz with HT) Quad Core
Motherboard
Asus P6X58D-E
Memory
6GB DDR3 1333Mhz
Graphics Card(s)
Nvidia GTS 450 (1024MB GDDR5 | DX 11)
Sound Card
Intel HD Audio via Realtek ALC889 with 8-channel support
Monitor(s) Displays
Sony Bravia 32"
Screen Resolution
1080i, x1768x992
Hard Drives
2x WD 1TB 7200 RPM Sata
PSU
OCZ ModXStream Pro 600W 80+
Case
Lian Li PC-7FN
Cooling
Processor cooling: Scythe Big Shuriken SCBSK-1000
Keyboard
Microsoft Ergonomic
Mouse
Logitec Trackball
pparks1 said:
... However, I would probably find that I would rather want to use 280 euros on something else in the computer which would make a bigger difference to my total experience.
Click to expand...

Like a 256 meg SSD for the root drive!! :D
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Scratch built
OS
Windows 7 x64 Ultimate
CPU
i7 960
Motherboard
Asus P6X58D
Memory
12 Gig Corsair Dominator
Graphics Card(s)
Nvidia 480
Sound Card
Maudio Delta 44 + breakout box
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell UltraSharp U2410 24in and Samsung 21 dual monitors
Screen Resolution
1920x1200 and 1280x1024
Hard Drives
Primary: Intel X-25M G2 160G SSD
Secondary: Segate baracuda 1.0 TB
HDs in AHCI mode.
PSU
Corasair TX850
Case
Cooler Master HAF
Cooling
Corsair H50
Keyboard
Logitech G15 + N52 game pad
Mouse
Logitech MX518
Internet Speed
15kbs down 4.5kbps up
Other Info
WEI 7.6
CPU & RAM 7.6
Graphics 7.9
Hard disk 7.7
you say you're not a gamer, but also wouldn't want a pc that can't play games.

the most important component for gaming has got to be the graphics card - thought i should mention it, after reading your OP. :) what gfx card are you considering?

i have to agree with the others and go for the 3820, and put the saved money towards an ssd (or gfx card).
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
mickey megabyte 1234
OS
ultimate 64 sp1
CPU
i5 2500K [email protected]
Motherboard
MSI P67A-GD53
Memory
8 gigs GSkill Ripjaws 1600
Graphics Card(s)
amd hd6950
Sound Card
creative x-fi gamer
Monitor(s) Displays
samsung 24"
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
ocz vertex 2e 60 gig, samsung f3 1tb, buffalo 2tb ext
PSU
antec 550
Case
antec three hundred
Cooling
i'm a cooling fan
Keyboard
saitek eclipse ii
Mouse
logitech g3
Internet Speed
about 4 Mbps
Other Info
i love win7
I just can't seem to get interested in SSD's.

As for graphics, a mid-range card such as the ATI HD6850 suits my needs just fine, is reasonabley priced and should also adequately play an occasional game.
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Deviantsystems
OS
Win7 Ultimate x64
CPU
Intel Core i7 950 (4x 3066 MHz with HT) Quad Core
Motherboard
Asus P6X58D-E
Memory
6GB DDR3 1333Mhz
Graphics Card(s)
Nvidia GTS 450 (1024MB GDDR5 | DX 11)
Sound Card
Intel HD Audio via Realtek ALC889 with 8-channel support
Monitor(s) Displays
Sony Bravia 32"
Screen Resolution
1080i, x1768x992
Hard Drives
2x WD 1TB 7200 RPM Sata
PSU
OCZ ModXStream Pro 600W 80+
Case
Lian Li PC-7FN
Cooling
Processor cooling: Scythe Big Shuriken SCBSK-1000
Keyboard
Microsoft Ergonomic
Mouse
Logitec Trackball
A spinner for your main drive will hold that entire machine back terribly, it's a sin. An SSD lets your machine come alive! It'll feel 10 times faster than with a spinner as your OS drive.

Launch Photoshop in 1.5 seconds! Everything you do is instantaneous, every program launch, loading times for games are cut by 5x. Click an icon, it HAPPENS...
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Scratch built
OS
Windows 7 x64 Ultimate
CPU
i7 960
Motherboard
Asus P6X58D
Memory
12 Gig Corsair Dominator
Graphics Card(s)
Nvidia 480
Sound Card
Maudio Delta 44 + breakout box
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell UltraSharp U2410 24in and Samsung 21 dual monitors
Screen Resolution
1920x1200 and 1280x1024
Hard Drives
Primary: Intel X-25M G2 160G SSD
Secondary: Segate baracuda 1.0 TB
HDs in AHCI mode.
PSU
Corasair TX850
Case
Cooler Master HAF
Cooling
Corsair H50
Keyboard
Logitech G15 + N52 game pad
Mouse
Logitech MX518
Internet Speed
15kbs down 4.5kbps up
Other Info
WEI 7.6
CPU & RAM 7.6
Graphics 7.9
Hard disk 7.7
Well, if you have no interest in CPU overclocking and would use Intel's graphics, the 3820 will fit. If you want some overclocking ability and won't use on-chip graphics the 3930K will do it.

Either way a SSD will make you dizzy with the added performance boost. MS Word will open as soon as I lift my finger from the mouse. BAM! Most other program will open like that as well and run faster while working with them. Photshop takes time to render if using a large image, 10-15 seconds, with a SSD 1-2 seconds.
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Home Built Desktop By DataTech
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate X64 SP1
CPU
Intel i5-2550K, Differing ~4.4-4.8GHz No built in GPU
Motherboard
ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3
Memory
16GB G.Skill Sniper 1866MHz @ 2133MHz 2x8GB
Graphics Card(s)
ASUS GTX650TIB-DC2OC-2GD5, (650TI Boost)
Sound Card
Onboard Realtek 5-1
Monitor(s) Displays
Samsung P2570HD
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
Samsung 840 Pro 256GB SSD for OS, 500GB Seagate Constellation (Enterprise drive) for Data
PSU
Corsair HX650W
Case
Inwin Dragon Rider
Cooling
Hyper 212 EVO w/two Noctua fans, push-pull, @1300 RPM
Keyboard
E-Z Eyes, bright yellow keys with large characters
Mouse
steelseries SENSEI Laser Pro Gaming
Internet Speed
48-51Mbs Mbs down, 11 Mbs up Xfinity Cable
Antivirus
Norton Internet Security 2013
Browser
IE 10, Opera, Pale Moon if needed
Other Info
4 case fans, LG BluRay-RE, ASUS DVD-RW, Mr. Fusion power supply, 1.21 gigawatts.
To pay so much more for a hdd just to run a few seconds faster does not make sense to me.
None of the programs that I am running on my C: drive are taking forever to load or operate.
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Deviantsystems
OS
Win7 Ultimate x64
CPU
Intel Core i7 950 (4x 3066 MHz with HT) Quad Core
Motherboard
Asus P6X58D-E
Memory
6GB DDR3 1333Mhz
Graphics Card(s)
Nvidia GTS 450 (1024MB GDDR5 | DX 11)
Sound Card
Intel HD Audio via Realtek ALC889 with 8-channel support
Monitor(s) Displays
Sony Bravia 32"
Screen Resolution
1080i, x1768x992
Hard Drives
2x WD 1TB 7200 RPM Sata
PSU
OCZ ModXStream Pro 600W 80+
Case
Lian Li PC-7FN
Cooling
Processor cooling: Scythe Big Shuriken SCBSK-1000
Keyboard
Microsoft Ergonomic
Mouse
Logitec Trackball
Well, why even consider an i7 CPU? I think an i3 would meet your wants.:huh:
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Home Built Desktop By DataTech
OS
Windows 7 Ultimate X64 SP1
CPU
Intel i5-2550K, Differing ~4.4-4.8GHz No built in GPU
Motherboard
ASUS P8Z68-V PRO/GEN3
Memory
16GB G.Skill Sniper 1866MHz @ 2133MHz 2x8GB
Graphics Card(s)
ASUS GTX650TIB-DC2OC-2GD5, (650TI Boost)
Sound Card
Onboard Realtek 5-1
Monitor(s) Displays
Samsung P2570HD
Screen Resolution
1920x1080
Hard Drives
Samsung 840 Pro 256GB SSD for OS, 500GB Seagate Constellation (Enterprise drive) for Data
PSU
Corsair HX650W
Case
Inwin Dragon Rider
Cooling
Hyper 212 EVO w/two Noctua fans, push-pull, @1300 RPM
Keyboard
E-Z Eyes, bright yellow keys with large characters
Mouse
steelseries SENSEI Laser Pro Gaming
Internet Speed
48-51Mbs Mbs down, 11 Mbs up Xfinity Cable
Antivirus
Norton Internet Security 2013
Browser
IE 10, Opera, Pale Moon if needed
Other Info
4 case fans, LG BluRay-RE, ASUS DVD-RW, Mr. Fusion power supply, 1.21 gigawatts.
C32C3 said:
Greetings fellow forum members,

I am seriously considering the purchase of a new pc. The cpu's that I will be choosing from are Intel's i7 3820 and i7 3930k.

I am NOT a "gamer" however buying a pc that cannot play games isn't what I want to do.

The i7 3930k would cost me an additional 280 euros.

The cost difference between these two cpu's would not be the deciding factor.

If you have time please view this:

Compare Intel® Products
Click to expand...

I guess I would ask a couple of questions:

1. Do you plan to overclock?
2. Do you think you could really utilize 6 cores?

The 4 core is a higher clock. So if you don't plan to overclock, I would go for it, unless you really think you have an app that would improve with 6 cores.
 

My Computer

Computer type
PC/Desktop
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Home built (GeneO industries)/Model 4
OS
Windows 10 Pro. EFI boot partition, full EFI boot
CPU
i7 4770k 4.4GHz (44-44-43-43 turbo) @ 1.248V
Motherboard
ASUS Maximus VI Hero
Memory
16GB (8GBx2) @2200 MHz G.skill Sniper 10-11-10-30-1, 1.6V
Graphics Card(s)
MSI GTX 970 Gaming 4G
Sound Card
Onboard SupremeFX Audio
Monitor(s) Displays
NEC Spectraview 2490WUXi-SV
Screen Resolution
1920 x 1200
Hard Drives
Samsung 850 Pro 256GB (OS), Samsung 2x 128GB 840 Pro SSD in RAID0, 3x WD Blue 6Gb/s 1TB RAID0, WD 2TB Black external USB 3.0, 2TB WD20EARS Green external USB 3.0, 2x 500GB Seagate and 1 750 GB external USB, 1x 350GB external USB3
PSU
Seasonic X-850 (2012 KM3 model)
Case
Fractal Design Define R4
Cooling
NH-D14, NF-F12, NF-A15; NF-P14, NF-P12,NF-A14, S12A PWM
Keyboard
Cooler Master Storm Quickfire Rapid - Brown
Mouse
Logitech G602
Internet Speed
126.4 Mb/s down, 24.3 Mb/s up
Other Info
USB 3.0 x8 , SATA III x8, eSATA, USB 2.0 x6. Samsung DVD R/W drive.

WEI: CPU 7.8, Memory 7.9, Graphics 7.9, Disk 7.9
GeneO,

To answer your questions, no I do not plan to overclock, and no I do not think I would utilize 6 cores.

After receiving the advice here in the forum I will go with the i7 3820 processor.
 

My Computer

Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Deviantsystems
OS
Win7 Ultimate x64
CPU
Intel Core i7 950 (4x 3066 MHz with HT) Quad Core
Motherboard
Asus P6X58D-E
Memory
6GB DDR3 1333Mhz
Graphics Card(s)
Nvidia GTS 450 (1024MB GDDR5 | DX 11)
Sound Card
Intel HD Audio via Realtek ALC889 with 8-channel support
Monitor(s) Displays
Sony Bravia 32"
Screen Resolution
1080i, x1768x992
Hard Drives
2x WD 1TB 7200 RPM Sata
PSU
OCZ ModXStream Pro 600W 80+
Case
Lian Li PC-7FN
Cooling
Processor cooling: Scythe Big Shuriken SCBSK-1000
Keyboard
Microsoft Ergonomic
Mouse
Logitec Trackball
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