So I'm startig a new main build, and I've been thinking about this for a while. For a CPU, I was considering either the i5 3570k, or the i7 3770k. I'm using it for gaming, but hopefully I'll be able to get a Youtube channel started and do rendering as well as photo/video editing. Luckily I live by Microcenter and can get the i7 for dirt cheap ($220-230) as well as the i5 ($170). So, would you recommend the i5 or i7?
I would go for the i7 as long as you can afford it, especially if you're going to be doing photo and video editing.
for gaming there will be no difference, the only major feature the i7 has over the i5 is hyperhtreading and no games utilize it
BF3 will
it may utilize it, but it wont make any difference in FPS or performance, in fact theres only a 5 FPS difference in BF3 between a i3 and i7
I'm not on a limited budget. $1200-$1700
At $1200-1700 the i5 is still a better choice
you should spend atleast 2-3x on your GPU what you spend on your CPU
so get dual 7970s and an i5
No, just no. Don't get crossfire/sli unless you are planning on having a 120hz monitor. Get a single 7970 or a GTX 680
You could always get an ultra high resolution monitor or run three separate monitors in eyefinity or play games in 3D. There are reasons to go with crossfire or sli other than just having a 120hz monitor.
I probably wouldn't go beyond dual graphics cards unless I had an i7 though.
I was probably thinking just get the i7, a 7970 or 670/680, then just wait for a second card. I'll only be using one 60Hz monitor until more cash becomes available.