So I was planning a new build (already made a thread, which helped a lot) but I thought I'd make a seperate thread for this particular decision. First, I would like to stress that I will not be overclocking, which is why I am opting for the non-K version of CPUs. So anyway, on to the point. As the title says, I am torn between picking up an Intel 2500 or a 3470. The 3470 seems to be cheaper than the 2500, but does it perform better? I have done the obvious and googled it, but I couldn't really find any solid results. On other forums, everyone just says get the K version. I am trying to keep the cost as low as possible, so for example; even if it turns out the 2500 is something like 5% better in performance than the 3470, I'd probably save a tenner and go for the Ivy. My motherboard will be a B75A-G43, I presume this utilizes Ivy Bridge?
TBH there's not much in it, The 2500 has higher clock speed but the 3470 will have a slightly more optimised architecture so it will be negligible, probably in the 3470's favour. The biggest difference will probably be the integrated graphics chip if you are going to make use of that. The other main difference is if you put a 3470 in that board you'll be able to make use of 1600MHz memory.
Okay after further digging into Ivy Bridge, it should be 3550 vs 3470... might go with the former. But is the 0.1ghz extra on the 3550 really worth it, or should I pocket the £10 I'd save?
There's literally nothing between them. It's 100MHz CPU and 50MHz on iGPU. It's entirely unnoticeable for you: save 10 quid. http://ark.intel.com/compare/68316,65516
