Wanting Computer But Slightly Confused

[MrKLM]

Okay chaps of Tech Center.

Family is looking for a PC max price range is $1,300

I have done a lot of research myself but I was confused about the new Intel i7's and i5's (in my stupidity I thought the i5's had 5 processors and the 7's 7)

I did however find this information comparing the i7 and i5 of the same GHz

http://ark.intel.com/Compare.aspx?ids=42915,37147

the only difference I see that I understand is that the i7's can support more ram but the rest of it I have no clue what it is.

• Max Turbo Frequency
• Bus Type
• System Bus
• # of QPI Links
• Max TDP
• VID Voltage Range
• Intel® Hyper-Threading Technolog
• Intel® Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O

can someone explain what each of those items are as they are different on the i5 & i7 models.

Is it worth the extra expense to go with an i7 over and i5? The computer we have now cost about $1300 back in I want to say 2004? So I want something that will last a long time for the family.

I'm sure on all what else do get for the machine just not the processor.

[AlecJ32]

Re: Wanting Computer But Slightly Confused

can someone explain what each of those items are as they are different on the i5 & i7 models.

I can, but in all honesty, knowing what those things are really isn't going to change your purchasing decision.

Is it worth the extra expense to go with an i7 over and i5? The computer we have now cost about $1300 back in I want to say 2004? So I want something that will last a long time for the family.

What does your family plan on doing with the PC?

[=98=]

Re: Wanting Computer But Slightly Confused

It should be known that i5 and i7 are different sockets as well

[jake_]

Re: Wanting Computer But Slightly Confused

I can, but in all honesty, knowing what those things are really isn't going to change your purchasing decision.



What does your family plan on doing with the PC?

Odds are they won't be using it for high-performance stuff like gaming. A Core 2 Duo/Quad would be sufficient and more cost-effective, I would think.

[[29ID]EZ|Cpl.Nex]

Re: Wanting Computer But Slightly Confused

It should be known that i5 and i7 are different sockets as well

well depends on which i7 model actually the 900's are on the 1366 socket while the 800's are on the 1156 socket with the i5's

[=98=]

Re: Wanting Computer But Slightly Confused

God I hate Intel's naming schemes...

[jake_]

Re: Wanting Computer But Slightly Confused

I think they might intentionally try to make it more confusing for people. I still want an i7 though.

[jesus]

Re: Wanting Computer But Slightly Confused

God I hate Intel's naming schemes...

You think you hate it? Try having to explain it to random people that know absolutely nothing about computers...

[Vreki]

Re: Wanting Computer But Slightly Confused

I think they might intentionally try to make it more confusing for people. I still want an i7 though.

Thats why I vent with AM3 instead. I have more faith in that being able to handle 2-3 CPU upgrades than one of intels sockets.

[Death Merchant]

Re: Wanting Computer But Slightly Confused

You think you hate it? Try having to explain it to random people that know absolutely nothing about computers...

I have the same problem :cry:

[MrKLM]

Re: Wanting Computer But Slightly Confused

the computer will be used for many years so i want something that will last.

I talked with several people that know a thing or two about computers as well as a guy I know who works for NVIDIA. Here is what I have as far as parts are concerned.

Processor: Intel i7 750 (2.66GHz) or Intel i7 920 (2.66GHz) or Intel i7 860 (2.80GHz)
RAM: Triple Channel 6GB
Hard Drive: 1 TB
Video Card: NVIDIA GTX 260 (896 MB) or NVIDIA GTX 275 (1GB)
Disc Drive: 22x DVD +/-RW (If not too expensive go for BluRay as well)
Op System: Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit
Sound Card: Integrated (or better)
Monitor: 21+
Keyboard + Mouse
Speakers
Media Card Reader
Standard Black or Dark Gray Case (No Fancy lighting crap)

Also I don't want to build it myself & it has to be no more than $1300 (after shipping) (since I live in Ohio there won't be any online sales tax to worry about)

[=98=]

Re: Wanting Computer But Slightly Confused

You haven't actually explained what this PC will be used for?

[Apalis]

Re: Wanting Computer But Slightly Confused

Might want to keep in mind that depending on the use it might be better to get 3 $400 computers over time as opposed to 1 $1200 computer now and expect it to last forever.

As you are upgrading from an old computer do you already have a monitor that would be fine without being replaced, or do you really need one.

etc, etc. So far all you have really told us is that you want a new computer and you can spend about $1200, which is a good range for an average gaming PC but can end up being WAY to much if they are just going to be using it for email and web browsing

[MrKLM]

Re: Wanting Computer But Slightly Confused

art, videos, music, gaming, regular internet browsing, etc.

[CaptainKirk]

Re: Wanting Computer But Slightly Confused

Also I don't want to build it myself..

Buy a Dell.