This review is from: Intel Core i5-2500 Quad-Core Processor 3.3 GHz 6 MB Cache LGA 1155 – BX80623I52500 (Personal Computers)
This new “Sandy Bridge” processor is providing excellent performance for a $200.00 CPU (especially cost effective since the GPU is onboard–no graphics card is required). It is installed in a computer with 8GB of RAM used for typical business applications running simultaneously and occasional audio/visual processing. So far, no complaints. Windows 7 (64 bit) boots quickly and CPU utilization overall remains low most of the time even under moderate multitasking load. Some reviews mention the inadequacy of the heatsink/fan included, but mine hums along just fine at about 30 degrees (Celcius). Be aware that there is a known defect in Intel’s supporting chipsets (P67, H67) that will require certain motherboards to be replaced mid-2011 when the updated chipsets become available, so do your research before purchasing. The defect is not in the CPU itself.
A comment for those of you ordering from other suppliers using their free shipping options who are used to receiving the product(s) in the next day or so anyway…I ordered this CPU on 1/17/2011 using Amazon’s free shipping option and it was delivered on 1/25/11. (This is not a complaint–I understood the level of service–just a “heads up” to those of you who might presume faster delivery based on experiences with other vendors.)
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This review is from: Intel Core i5-2500 Quad-Core Processor 3.3 GHz 6 MB Cache LGA 1155 – BX80623I52500 (Personal Computers)
Easy to install since it is the retail version with HSF and thermal compound already installed and in the package. With the GPU built in I am pulling little power (50 watts) in my HTPC system with 3 hard drives, a PCIe lan card and an Asus P8H67-M motherboard.
Processor has plenty of power to handle my HTPC needs plus allows the server to handle other tasks at the same time without a hiccup.
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This review is from: Intel Core i5-2500 Quad-Core Processor 3.3 GHz 6 MB Cache LGA 1155 – BX80623I52500 (Personal Computers)
If you’re thinking of cheaping out on a new CPU — don’t. But you also don’t have to spend a whole lot to get something powerful, versatile and efficient either. I’m not into the over clocking scene so I picked up the standard 2500 model and I have been nothing but impressed with the performance. Very few software apps are written to take advantage of more than 4 cores in the current environment, so you really don’t gain a whole lot going to the 6 or 8 core competitors. If you are really in budget territory, the i3 Sandy Bridge range is very competitive, but if you don’t feel like forking out money for the 2600, this is a nice price point. I don’t think the factory cooler is very good – I opted for a Cooler Master – the processor rarely gets above 30-35c even under the highest gaming loads. There isn’t anything I can find even to nit-pick. This is a good processor for a good price.
Oh yeah, no Hyper-threading, but I’ve yet to encounter anything that would make me miss it.
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Good Value and Performance,
This new “Sandy Bridge” processor is providing excellent performance for a $200.00 CPU (especially cost effective since the GPU is onboard–no graphics card is required). It is installed in a computer with 8GB of RAM used for typical business applications running simultaneously and occasional audio/visual processing. So far, no complaints. Windows 7 (64 bit) boots quickly and CPU utilization overall remains low most of the time even under moderate multitasking load. Some reviews mention the inadequacy of the heatsink/fan included, but mine hums along just fine at about 30 degrees (Celcius). Be aware that there is a known defect in Intel’s supporting chipsets (P67, H67) that will require certain motherboards to be replaced mid-2011 when the updated chipsets become available, so do your research before purchasing. The defect is not in the CPU itself.
A comment for those of you ordering from other suppliers using their free shipping options who are used to receiving the product(s) in the next day or so anyway…I ordered this CPU on 1/17/2011 using Amazon’s free shipping option and it was delivered on 1/25/11. (This is not a complaint–I understood the level of service–just a “heads up” to those of you who might presume faster delivery based on experiences with other vendors.)
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Low power consumption,
Easy to install since it is the retail version with HSF and thermal compound already installed and in the package. With the GPU built in I am pulling little power (50 watts) in my HTPC system with 3 hard drives, a PCIe lan card and an Asus P8H67-M motherboard.
Processor has plenty of power to handle my HTPC needs plus allows the server to handle other tasks at the same time without a hiccup.
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Sandy Beach,
If you’re thinking of cheaping out on a new CPU — don’t. But you also don’t have to spend a whole lot to get something powerful, versatile and efficient either. I’m not into the over clocking scene so I picked up the standard 2500 model and I have been nothing but impressed with the performance. Very few software apps are written to take advantage of more than 4 cores in the current environment, so you really don’t gain a whole lot going to the 6 or 8 core competitors. If you are really in budget territory, the i3 Sandy Bridge range is very competitive, but if you don’t feel like forking out money for the 2600, this is a nice price point. I don’t think the factory cooler is very good – I opted for a Cooler Master – the processor rarely gets above 30-35c even under the highest gaming loads. There isn’t anything I can find even to nit-pick. This is a good processor for a good price.
Oh yeah, no Hyper-threading, but I’ve yet to encounter anything that would make me miss it.
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