Computer Techs Question..

[VinceBordenIII]

You're building a PC. A million different CPUs out there.

Why would you choose one over the other? I mean, how do you judge? I'm comparing an i5-6600K ($255)to an i5-8400($200), and I can't see what the difference in price is, given that the 8400 is newer, cooler, less power, more cores, better cache, etc. It's slower, but not THAT much slower. And the 6600K is easy to unlock.

I'm confused. Also, I can't fight this aversion to AMD. Help me.

[FSchmertz]

It must be really hard to sell desktops nowadays, because frankly I don't see the need to upgrade as much.

By that I mean computer sales used to be driven by things like the latest greatest games etc., which worked better if you had the latest rig and video cards.

Now most people I know play on dedicated devices from Sony and MS.

And I don't really have the time anymore.

P.S. So in my opinion, it's not worth paying for the latest greatest rig, moderate priced units will last you for years! Note that any computer program you need also has to work on far less powered equipment now, like notepads and even phones.

P.P.S. Intel has brainwashed you with their ads (INTEL INSIDE!!!), AMD is fine

[Who]

AMD sucks

[AnalHamster]

Google processor name + benchmark tests, people spend their whole careers answering your question for various consumer groups and computing magazines and websites.

A benchmark test if you don't know is simply running a program designed to simulate real world usage for whatever the application is, parallel programming, graphics, general use etc. You get different results depending on what you want it optimised for.

https://cpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/I ... 3939vs3503

On your particular question the 8400 is simply all around better, but you really wouldn't notice unless you're doing high end stuff pushing it to its limit, and then you have to ask what limit - threads, raw speed etc. If you're just going to do stuff like watch netflix, browse UJ and look at porn, it simply doesn't matter which one you get. I think that's the main point that gets lost for the typical consumer, you just aren't doing the stuff they've spent thousands of man hours tweaking it for. If you use your computer for the things 99.9% of users do, then i3 < i5 < i7 is really all you need to know.

[VinceBordenIII]

Thanks for your replies. The pricing is what gets me. I understand that part of the diff is the overclocking ability, and the overall speed. But I value the reduced power consumption and cooler operation of the 8400 over increased clock speed. And I have no need to overclock.

I’ve always been a generalist, as far as pc’s; good enough is good enough. I programmed 3.1, 95, NT, and XP. Switched to Mac years ago. Reliable, long lasting, pays for itself. You don’t have to get under the hood to figure out wth is wrong with it.
A computer should be like an old telephone: you pick up the receiver and it works. Don’t want to solve shit every few weeks.

[CHEEZY17]

[Mtb_man]

Processors are processor, the biggest jump in performance will be using SSD Drives and Max out ram. Also if you are building the PC make sure the Bus is fat on the MOBO. Do not get built in Video.

[VinceBordenIII]

My chosen motherboard is off the market. An ASUS. Back to the drawing board.

[beagleboy]

Maybe you shouldn't be building a PC?

Unless you are playing video games or doing extensive editing of video or graphic design, what does it matter?