Core i7-2600 or i7-2600K

[idata]

I am looking at purchasing a new dektop PC. An Asus P8P67 MB with either the core i7-2600 or i7-2600K processor with a Asus nVidia GF GTX 570 DDR5 graphics card, 12GB Corsair CMZ memory, 2xWestern Digital 1TB HDD's in a Coolermaster HAF RC-932 case with Corsair AX-850W power supply and a Coolermaster Hyper 212+ universal cpu cooler. Probably over kill but I'm after a system that will keep me going for a few years editing video and playing the occassional high end game. My question is, do I buy the i7-2600 or i7-2600K processor?

[Adolfo_S_Intel2]

To compare both processors please check this link:

http://ark.intel.com/Compare.aspx?ids=52214,52213, http://ark.intel.com/Compare.aspx?ids=52214,52213,

The main difference between the i7-2600 and i7-2600K is that the i7-2600K is unlocked, meaning that you can overclock it.

For more buying recommendations I would also suggest contacting an Authorized Intel(R) Distributor.

You can find a list of Authorized Intel(R) Distributors at:

http://www.intel.com/cd/channel/reseller/asmo-na/eng/227304.htm http://www.intel.com/cd/channel/reseller/asmo-na/eng/227304.htm

[idata]

Does this mean that the i7-2600 and i7-2600K perform the same if the i7-2600K is not overclocked?

[idata]

yep

[idata]

Maybe I'm a little confused but the intel site say that the 2600 doesnt have:

• Embedded Options Available
• Intel® Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d)
• Intel® Trusted Execution Technology

But yet its more expensive than the 2600, and I don't understand why? I figure theres somewhat a need to overclock but is it worth the extra $15-$25 price difference on most sites?

[idata]

The 2600 and 2600k are exactly the same thing. The main difference between those 2 is that the K series are unlocked as someone said before.

What does unlocked mean? It means you can overclock it greatly, I have read some articles about a guy who can overclock it up to 7 ghz!!

But that is to go to the extreme. Normal people with apropiate (and inexpensive) cooling solutions can overclockit up to 6 ghz (with Turbo).

In the other hand, the 2600 have a "limited unlocking". That basically means that you can overclock it a little, up to 4.2 ghz (with Turbo).

So, if you are an OC freak, or plan to do OC, $25 more for the unlocked version is an extremely good value.

[idata]

Thanks everyone for your input. I have decided to go with the i5-2500K CPU as the price to performance ratio is quite good. I've also seen other sites that have recommended the i5-2500K over the i7-2600K.