CPU or Video card

[well48]

I have Intel motherboard DH61WW with a intel G840 2.8 GHz CPU 8 GB RAM and onboard graphics.


Not used for games. Some photo & video editing and rendering.


I'd like to swap the G840 for i5 3750K 3.4 GHz (unlocked is $3 cheaper but does it matter?)


Would I be further ahead getting a GT 650 or GT 660 video card. Or GTX 650 , GTX 660 ?

 

[vaidas3]

some software may use GPU functions like CUDA etc. but still if you don't play games for video rendering I would go with CPU.
There is list of supported CPUs on intel site http://processormatch.intel.com/CompDB/SearchResult.aspx?Boardname=DH61WW

 

[kbrady1979]

I'm not 100% sure if that CPU is compatible with the motherboard. I looked on Intel's site at the CPU list for the DH61WW and it does list the 3570K, but it has a note about "Compatible Board Revision". So depending on when your board was made or what BIOS revision it has, it may or may not work.

 

[well48]

I do some photo editing and video editing. I'll be connecting computer to tv to watch hulu , netflix and other shows on too.

So CUDA cores are related to game playing?

 

[AddRAM]

Save to get the 3570k and a 660.

As Kelly says, it has to be compatible.

 

[well48]

DH61WW is able to use 3rd Gen but I'll have to flash the BIOS since my version is only 204

 

[AddRAM]

And there`s nothing wrong with a Sandy Bridge.

 

[well48]

I'd like to get both but it is either/or but not both

 

[well48]

And there`s nothing wrong with a Sandy Bridge.

Sandy Bridge & Ivy Bridge about same price. Why not go for top dog.

Not going to worry about price of Haskell.

 

[well48]

Somehow I feel like everyone abandoned me. Maybe because I know a few words and terms or my attitude is interpreted wrong. If that's what it is I'm sorry.
I'm just confused after reading all kinds of things and comparing specs in the past week about things I really know nothing about.
Somewhere in past week I read 2nd gen is Sandy, 3rd gen is Ivy and 4th will be Haskell released in June. It seems the difference between GT 660 and GTX 660 is SLI Readiness which is too far advanced for me.
I wish I could do the CPU & video card but I can't see it happening before Christmas. Not even then.

Back to the question of changing G840 to i5 CPU OR adding 660 series video card to G840?

1. Not for gaming
2. For streaming Netflix, Hulu etc. into TV
3. Some photo & video editing

Thank you

 

[Dude]

I would say the I5 CPU

 

[well48]

Thanks Dude. I think I can see everyone else was recommending upgrade CPU also. I think my mind was preset to reading everyone recommend a video card and maybe they would have if I were into games. Anyways am I right in assuming the i5 will be more beneficial for the streaming of movies?

Thank you everyone who contributed.

 

[Dude]

well48,

Read this, the newer gen processors and quick sych are very beneficial for streaming video

:ar: intel Quick Synch

Your motherboard does support them too

 

[well48]

Thanks again Dude. I wonder, out of curosity how much difference the 4th Gen will make?
I downloaded the BIOS update to make it '3rd Gen Ready' onto the desktop but haven't updated yet.

A friend is giving me a GTX 650 01G-P4-2650-KR and loaning me $80 to get an i7 .
I'm sure the differences & capabilities between the i5 & i7 are worth it. At least that's what the little :devil: on my shoulder says. Unfortunately for me, my wife doesn't listen to him like I do. Oh well, after the loud voice and in the silent treatment phase there will be peace in the computer room .

 

[kbrady1979]

The "4th Generation" or Haswell, is coming out in June, and will use a completely different CPU socket, Socket 1150. Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge are Socket 1155 platforms.

 

[AddRAM]

No, I just signed off, post a link to this GT 660 you are talking about.

 

[bobkn]

Thanks again Dude. I wonder, out of curosity how much difference the 4th Gen will make?
I downloaded the BIOS update to make it '3rd Gen Ready' onto the desktop but haven't updated yet.

A friend is giving me a GTX 650 01G-P4-2650-KR and loaning me $80 to get an i7 .
I'm sure the differences & capabilities between the i5 & i7 are worth it. At least that's what the little :devil: on my shoulder says. Unfortunately for me, my wife doesn't listen to him like I do. Oh well, after the loud voice and in the silent treatment phase there will be peace in the computer room .

The I7 includes "hyperthreading", where the I5 does not. The difference can be significant in multithreaded applications.

AnandTech | Bench - CPU

 

[carwiz]

The I7 includes "hyperthreading", where the I5 does not...

Huh? Sure it does. Even the i3s have hyperthreading.

Intel Processor Comparison

I should say; depending on model.

 

[kbrady1979]

He meant that particular i5 (3570K) doesn't have Hyperthreading.

 

[carwiz]

Personally, I'd wait and make a major upgrade with a new board and CPU. Perhaps even a SSD. Christmas isn't that far off. The newer on-board graphics are blistering fast. Not quite top of the line video card fast but they can hold there own with all but the gamerphiles.

What's the WEI score breakdown on your current system?