Types of i7 computers

[Drommon]

Like stated ive been looking around and seen all the different i7 computers out there whats the difference between them all. Like the i7 940, i7 920, i7 870. Since im not to technical with them just trying to figure out which one is the best to purchase. Ive narrowed down my computer just wondering what processor i should get now.

Each has a small diference in architecture and performance. In your list the I7 940 has the best performance overall. The I7 940 also allow on to use it in a multi gpu configuration if that is needed. In general, since you are using it for WoW, the i7 870 will do well enough. But if you want that extra power (for some reason) then get the i7 940. There are too many differences to list. But the best performing gaming I7 is the extreme version.

Visit here to learn the differences of each chip ->

http://www.intel.com/support/process.../cs-023143.htm

Drommon

[Sajuuk]

Each has a small diference in architecture and performance. In your list the I7 940 has the best performance overall. The I7 940 also allow on to use it in a multi gpu configuration if that is needed. In general, since you are using it for WoW, the i7 870 will do well enough. But if you want that extra power (for some reason) then get the i7 940. There are too many differences to list. But the best performing gaming I7 is the extreme version.

Visit here to learn the differences of each chip ->

http://www.intel.com/support/process.../cs-023143.htm

Drommon

From my understanding, the way processors are manufactured and "rated" is thus: They're all made the same way, and then each individually tested, and then binned (Chips that perform at higher speeds at stock voltage get binned as a higher numbered CPU, and sold for more). I do not believe that there is anything PHYSICALLY different in the design, the chip just ended up performing better.

The I7 940 also allow on to use it in a multi gpu configuration if that is needed.

Now where the heck did you pull that from? What says I can't run multiple GPUs on my 920 (And I do, by the way!)?People have been running Multi-GPU systems for a LONG time now!

But if you want that extra power (for some reason) then get the i7 940.

Yeah, if you want the extra performance without trying, and feel obliged to pay the premium.

But the best performing gaming I7 is the extreme version.

Not really. Currently a majority of game-related applications are optimized for dual core systems (to my knowledge). However, for our little niche, yes, the i7 series of CPU (be it 1156/1336 socket type) does provide a lot of performance (Mind you, this is only because we're running multiple copies of one program, which in itself is CPU-intensive) Even in this, you don't need an i7. People have been doing this with normal quad cores sans hyperthreading for a while.

There are too many differences to list.

Oh really? Why's that?

CPU Socket Speed TDP
i7 920 1336 2.66GHZ 130W
i7 940 1336 2.93GHZ (HUGE premium (almost twice as much), if you can't OC your 920 to that speed I pity you) TDP = 130W
i7 870 1156 2.93GHZ TDP = 95W









Let me be clear: i7 processors are extremely easy to overclock. Get a 920 and overclock that baby!

[Ughmahedhurtz]

http://www.extremetech.com/article2/...2333776,00.asp

Think REALLY hard before you spend premium money for minor gains.