i5 or i7 - which one?

[robotkiller]

Personally decided on the i5. Both are fantastic processors, by all accounts. Not sure I would notice a difference with hyperthreading when processing RAW files, which is the heaviest duty lifting I do. Frankly my current computer is sufficient for what I do, so clearly this is all a luxury anyway.

Just can't justify the $200 at this point, particularly when I'm probably going to end up getting a new computer in 2 years anyway.

EDIT: Have to admit that my resolve is weakening at this point. Despite the i5 being the clear, logical choice, I have a feeling I'm going to change my order.

 

[53x12]

Anyone like be considering of just sticking with the i5 and upgrading it yourself in the future when something faster comes out (or just use the i7 870) and when prices drop more?

 

[Mikael]

They do not use the same die.

Yes, they do. The i7 800 and 700 series are based on the same revision B1 Lynnfield die with 774M transistors. The 700 series have simply had the HyperThreading feature disabled. Just as the 900 series of Core i7 CPUs, the new S1156 variants are all based on the Nehalem micro-architecture.

 

[GadgetAddicted]

Personally decided on the i5. Both are fantastic processors, by all accounts. Not sure I would notice a difference with hyperthreading when processing RAW files, which is the heaviest duty lifting I do. Frankly my current computer is sufficient for what I do, so clearly this is all a luxury anyway.

Just can't justify the $200 at this point, particularly when I'm probably going to end up getting a new computer in 2 years anyway.

EDIT: Have to admit that my resolve is weakening at this point. Despite the i5 being the clear, logical choice, I have a feeling I'm going to change my order.

why? Think about waht you can use the $200 on otherwise? An external monitor for more screen estate? I dont think you would notice the difference at all.

 

[robotkiller]

why? Think about waht you can use the $200 on otherwise? An external monitor for more screen estate? I dont think you would notice the difference at all.

I went for the i7. Why on earth would I want an external monitor with a 27" display? When I buy computers, I typically max out the power, so I'm not surprised I gave in.

It's pretty cool to have an (arguably) superior processor to the base MacPro with 8gigs of ram and a TB hardrive plus an exceptional display for less money than said MacPro. I like that idea. Good enough for me...

 

[RexTraverse]

Anyone like be considering of just sticking with the i5 and upgrading it yourself in the future when something faster comes out (or just use the i7 870) and when prices drop more?

Yup. I am.

I'm buying from Amazon, so the i7 isn't an option in the first place. And the price differential after taxes for me ends up being nearly $450. I mean, for that price, I could go and buy the i7 now, upgrade my iMac when I get it, and still save a good $180.

I'd rather wait to get the best performing processor Intel will make for this socket design. Pick one up at clearance prices once Sandy Bridge comes out.

 

[craig1410]

Well it looks like the i7 wins the value for money debate against the i5...

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/820093/


Hopefully those that were considering i5 v i7 went with the faster machine as per the advice of the majority who answered this poll. If not then contact Apple as it might still be possible to organise a swap.

I really really want an i7 now...