"Future Proof" CPU

[KoolKaboom]

So my friend asked me to help build him a computer, and I am stuck on which CPU to pick. He wanted a smaller build that would last him for a long time, and that is it upgradable. I chose micro ATX because of the 2 pcie 16x ports (both size and upgradablity). I am stuck on which CPU to pick. At the moment, I have chosen a xeon E3-1230 V2, because it is very powerful and has hyper threading, which may be useful in the future (it is basically a cheap i7 with no hd graphics). The other Cpus i am looking at are the very popular i5 3570k and the new 4670k, because they are unlocked and will allow for overclocking. The real question is whether a more powerful card will last longer or a card that can be overclocked? I don't mean burn out/break, but be relevent for gaming/browsing.

 

Also, suggestions on good mobos would be helpful, I have heard something about power delivery causing overclocks to not work as well or something like that...

 

Current Build: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1bWed

 

Any advice on anything is appreciated, this is technically my first build.

[naca1227]

Firstly the Xeon is a workstation/server CPU, secondly you said "card" "The real question is whether a more powerful card will last longer or a card that can be overclocked?" and lastly go with a 4670k for sure.

[WoodenMarker]

It's really a gamble but applications are becoming more threaded while the speed of the individual core has not been stressed as much when it comes to intel. The xeon should be more future proof.

The 4670k would probably be better for gaming though. (Probably. The extra threading might actually be utilized in future gaming but so far, gaming has not been kind to hyper threading.)

 

When it comes to future proofing, it's always a gamble.

 

Would also bump down to a 600w. A cx600 will do fine.

[KoolKaboom]

Firstly the Xeon is a workstation/server CPU, secondly you said "card" "The real question is whether a more powerful card will last longer or a card that can be overclocked?" and lastly go with a 4670k for sure.

Sorry, I have gpus on my mind...

Also, do you have any knowledge of a good mobo for one, any form factor, because they all seem pretty expensive compared to z77...

[KoolKaboom]

It's really a gamble but applications are becoming more threaded while the speed of the individual core has not been stressed as much when it comes to intel. The xeon should be more future proof.

The 4670k would probably be better for gaming though. (Probably. The extra threading might actually be utilized in future gaming but so far, gaming has not been kind to hyper threading.)

 

When it comes to future proofing, it's always a gamble.

 

Would also bump down to a 600w. A cx600 will do fine.

Thanks, this actually really helped. Between mobo and cooling costs, the xeon will be quite a bit cheaper than the 4670k, so I think that is my decision.

The rosewill hive has very good reviews, is fully modular, and only $50. My friend also wants upgradablity so I think this will be better incase he wants to go crossfire or sli or something like that in the future.

[stevv]

Thanks, this actually really helped. Between mobo and cooling costs, the xeon will be quite a bit cheaper than the 4670k, so I think that is my decision.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1cr1p

Intel Xeon E3-1230 V2 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor $224.99 + mobo (ASRock B75 PRO3-M )

vs

Intel Core i5-4670K ~$240 ... + haswel mobo (ASRock Z87M PRO4 - cheapest z87 board on list) ~$90

Save less than ~$20.

Btw, I use that same xeon processor on my server. It doesn't stick at 3.7 turbo. Stays at 3.5. It's made for servers, and energy and heat reductions is one of the things good for servers running 24/7. I also have them in 1u racks in other builds.

Stick with the 4670K and haswell platform for better performance, and longer term investment since it can overclock if needed. Also being the extra usb3 and sata 3 ports is a bonus. Plus The platforms allows even the cheapest of boards to overclock decently.  At stock, it will already run 10% faster.

 

Can't say 4670k is best... but cannot recommend the xeon for your build, or "future proofing".

[WoodenMarker]

Sorry, I have gpus on my mind...

Also, do you have any knowledge of a good mobo for one, any form factor, because they all seem pretty expensive compared to z77...

Any H77 or B75 mobo will do.