O/T new cpu

[NachtPiloten]

Should I get an i5 or i7. Why is an i5k so speacial?

[Shessi]

Ted,
There are numbers of core (and therefore hyperthreads) benefits of the i7, but unless you intend to use multi-threaded programmes (very few progs do) or you really feel the need for ultimate speed, then get a better bang-for-buck by going for an i5.
The k designated processors are multiplier unlocked, which means you can easily overclock them. The others (non k series) are locked and cannot be overclocked, they do have a built in auto 'booster' of about 100-200 mhz, when called upon, but no more.

One sweet-spot at the moment, is the i5 3570k 3.4Ghz standard at £170 (@$255), which will happily go to 4.5Ghz with a 10 deg temp rise on air cooling, and if willing may go to 4.8GHz and more. There is the older i5 2500k 3.3Ghz and will overclock to 4.3-4.5Ghz, which you may pick up cheaper.

Unless video editing, huge graphics CAD progs etc then have an i5. Gmax, PShop, CFS3, RoF, CoD etc will be no trouble for it.

Cheers

Shessi