Comments

john_dennis wrote on 6/30/2012, 2:18 PM
Sandy Bridge E: 3930 on X79 is about as good as it gets right now if you can justify the cost and power usage.

Ivy Bridge: 3770k on Z77 is very efficient and there are a lot of boards available with all sorts of adapters. On board video will likely be a throwaway. Might consider a 3770 if you never plan to overclock.

If you are out six months, there will probably be changes. Hopefully, at least price. It's unlikely Ivy Bridge for socket 2011 will be out by then.

As much as some of us like to agonize over it, it's always best to buy the best system available at the price you can afford on the day you're ready. After that, stop shopping for a year or so.
Salamander wrote on 6/30/2012, 4:54 PM
Thanks. From the reviews I've looked at, it appears the 3770k not only uses less power but also throws off less heat - helpful for overclocking with air. Either one would be a significant step up for me, as I currently have an Intel Core Duo E-6700.
Hulk wrote on 6/30/2012, 5:51 PM
Jeez, end of year is getting pretty close to Haswell, which from what I'm reading might well be worth the weight.
Salamander wrote on 6/30/2012, 8:22 PM
I thought Haswell was more likely coming into next year. Depending upon how early, it may well be worth waiting.
farss wrote on 6/30/2012, 9:16 PM
There's always be something better sometime soon.
Obviously you don't need carve todays decision in stone. Having upgraded in the last few weeks from a C2D to a 3930K I can assure you, you'll certainly notice the kick in the stomach.

Bob.
Salamander wrote on 7/1/2012, 5:56 AM
Which C2D did you have?

I use Vegas Pro to edit and render AVCHD files. Based upon your experience, do you have an estimate for how much faster the 3930k renders vs the E6700? Or how much difference there would be on rendering times with the 3930k vs the 3770k?