3 Questions about the i5 Processor for Desktop Gaming

I'm building a gaming desktop. i got questions:

1) I was told an i5 6600K isn't needed for gaming since its for overclocking. Is this true?

2) Does overclocking prolong a computer's life so you don't have to spend extra on upgrading on buying another processor in the future?

3) It was recommended that I should get the i5 6500 instead of the 6600K. The logic is that a 6600K isn't beneficial for gaming since its for overclocking.. is this true?

4) For gaming, which should i get, the 6600K or 6500?

 

First of all, this is the wrong place to ask, because this is a notebook section (we have a dedicated desktop section).
Anyway, to answer your questions:
1) Technically that is correct. I mean, 6600K isn't only for overclocking, you can game on it as well, but for gaming 6500 should be shiny.
There are, however, some CPU bound games, which favour higher clock speeds. That being said, everything that's quad core and over 3GHz should do well today in gaming.
2) Depends on overclock. OC can be both useful (look at those 2500Ks, still going strong even today!) and harmful if done wrong. But yeah, it can prolong the life.
3) Yeah, stock cooler will suffice for all CPU cooling needs. Actually stock Intel cooler can even take a mild overclock, but it's obviously better to swap it for something nicer.

 

Whom told you that? I would take a "K" processor over a non "k" processor. Give me the option to OC if I want to.

If you don't go extreme OC then it will not die I only go half way on my OC. Over OCing can lead to shorter CPU life assuming but that depends on how good your cooling system is. Example my CPU is older i5-4690K 3.5Ghz - I OC it to 4.2Ghz and it runs a little warmer.

That is a myth they will run the game regardless-it's you pay more to have the option to OC.

If money isn't a problem get the 6600K and get a good air cooler.

 

I just want a processor for gaming. I dont want to spend more on a processor for overclocking than I have to if it doesnt benefit my gaming experience. And I dont want bragging rights with an overclocked system. If the i5 6500 gives me great gaming experience thats all that counts.

That being the case, would you then recommend the 6500?

 

It will be ok but in the long run, you will be held back.. That's where a K processor is worth the initial investment as it will allow the life of your computer to be extended.

Sent from my LG-H811 using Tapatalk

 

The price different is very small, get the K processor. Yes it will help a bit in CPU bound games, and like TomJGX has pointed out it will extend the life of your system. Additionally it will hold a much higher resale value. Just head over to eBay and look at the price differences of a used K series CPU vs its non-K counterpart. Eventually those that bought the Non-K variant will be held back a bit by generational leaps in performance, but some of that can be made up with higher clock speed. Now they go out an buy a K version instead of doing a full upgrade to their systems.

So ask yourself, do you want to spend a tad bit more now, have better performance and longer system longevity, or do you want to eventually need to buy that K CPU or upgrade sooner.

http://www.microcenter.com/product/451885/Core_i5-6600K_35GHz_1151_Boxed_Processor

Buy a motherboard as well and save an additional 30$. Their price cannot be beat.

 

I was thinking about it/ and I think youre right. I'll go ahead and get the clockable version. Its beeter to be furutre proof than being caught with your pants down by not being prepared.

 

Sorry for late reply, been busy here. I would say no get the "K" processor your games will love you for it.

"K" power will always beat no OC power. Also bootup with SSD and you will notice the time is quicker then non "K" processor. I notice it when I went from 3.5 to OC 4.2 with SSD boot is faster with a higher OC but I did get a CoolerMaster 212 - it was a bugger to put in but well worth the cooling. And if I didn't want OC - I can always turn it back so having "K" option is worth the money upfront. And make sure your board allows you to OC as well otherwise it will be pointless getting "K" CPU if your board can't OC.