New Computer Question

[Wenatchee Willie]

I'm likely to majorly upgrade my rig soon but alas, being computer ignorant, I've got a question.....how important is it get an I9 processor over an I7? Being retired the difference of $4-500 is important to me. I plan on using it for the next 3 years or so and spend a lot of time gaming. I've got my eye on an Alienware M18r2 for just under 2 grand for the I7 and just under $2500 for the I9.

Thanks for your help.

[john.glossop]

The CPU is only part of the equation. Your computer uses a number of components to make it "go faster" (process instructions faster). The GPU (Graphics Processing Unit - video card) is as, if not more, important than the CPU.
You also need a power supply that is beast enough to drive all your components to their maximum performance. Then there's RAM. You need a motherboard that not only supports your CPU, and has the correct slot for your GPU, but also handles the fastest RAM that the rest of the rig can handle. Amount of RAM is also important to maximise performance, too.
32 gB is still fine, but the movement is towards 64 gB, and if you have aspirations there, make sure that your motherboard can handle 64 gB, in "dual channel" configuration (use either 2 (or if your hobo can handle them, 4 identical RAM sticks, for best performance.
And finally, you will need to spec your PSU (power supply) to be able to drive this monster without running out of power.
Whatever you do, make sure that the resultant rig is well balanced, in terms or component performance, because if it isn't, you'll have wasted money in one area or the other.
I7 or I9? That depends where you pitch the rest of your rig.
As for me, I am 78 and use a ROG STRIX G614JV, which is about all that I could afford this time round. The laptop format suits me, and as I'm not looking for blinding gaming speed, but rather a good solid throughput, from a well balanced rig.
I hope this helps, and doesn't confuse the hades out of you.

[Wenatchee Willie]

Thanks so much for your help. And yes, it is all confusing to me. That's why I was going to get a finished Alienware rig direct from Dell. I was hoping that way all the heat and balancing concerns would already be addressed by them. The card would be a GeForce RTX 4070.

[Cosmic Sea]

Originally posted by Wenatchee Willie:

Thanks so much for your help. And yes, it is all confusing to me. That's why I was going to get a finished Alienware rig direct from Dell. I was hoping that way all the heat and balancing concerns would already be addressed by them. The card would be a GeForce RTX 4070.

First off don't listen to anything that guy says. He types like he knows what he's talking about, but he really has no clue and just like to babble.

Secondly do not get an Alienware or dell. They are way overpriced and you're basically paying for the brand. They're no better or worse than any other computer brand. If you don't have a buddy who can help you build one, you're better off going with a PC assembling service like ibuypower or cyberpowerpc. You can build the same Alienware computer without the silly alien logo and branding for half the price.

[AIRwolf79]

Originally posted by john.glossop:

The CPU is only part of the equation. Your computer uses a number of components to make it "go faster" (process instructions faster). The GPU (Graphics Processing Unit - video card) is as, if not more, important than the CPU.
You also need a power supply that is beast enough to drive all your components to their maximum performance. Then there's RAM. You need a motherboard that not only supports your CPU, and has the correct slot for your GPU, but also handles the fastest RAM that the rest of the rig can handle. Amount of RAM is also important to maximise performance, too.
32 gB is still fine, but the movement is towards 64 gB, and if you have aspirations there, make sure that your motherboard can handle 64 gB, in "dual channel" configuration (use either 2 (or if your hobo can handle them, 4 identical RAM sticks, for best performance.
And finally, you will need to spec your PSU (power supply) to be able to drive this monster without running out of power.
Whatever you do, make sure that the resultant rig is well balanced, in terms or component performance, because if it isn't, you'll have wasted money in one area or the other.
I7 or I9? That depends where you pitch the rest of your rig.
As for me, I am 78 and use a ROG STRIX G614JV, which is about all that I could afford this time round. The laptop format suits me, and as I'm not looking for blinding gaming speed, but rather a good solid throughput, from a well balanced rig.
I hope this helps, and doesn't confuse the hades out of you.

OMG! so you have no clue then? I thought you claimed to be a computer engineer?

[mikelleh63]

What did John say that was wrong? Looks like solid advice. But there the 2 of you are not offering any actual advice, but ridiculing someone trying to help. Not surprised at all.

[AIRwolf79]

Originally posted by mikelleh63:

What did John say that was wrong? Looks like solid advice. But there the 2 of you are not offering any actual advice, but ridiculing someone trying to help. Not surprised at all.

Gaslighting again mikelleh63. People in glass houses and all that.

[AIRwolf79]

If i were you I would do what captain said and build your own and save lots of money. PC benchmark is good way to see results from 1000s of users on every component.
Regarding the processors i7 and i9 would depend on what generation they are.

My i7 14700 outperforms my i9 13700 with 20 cores across 20 threads at 3.5 GHZ. My i9 crashes to desktop and has well known manufacturing issues.

I think now there is 14900ks i7 but not sure. Dont do what i did a few years ago and think the higher the number the better the PC. For example my RTX 3060 oc GPU is better than my sons RTX 4060 at performance.

[Madtoast]

If you mainly gaming. try a custom build site.

I got a 7800x3d, B650e mb last year via chillblast in the UK and put a 3060ti in there. It flies through everything I've played so far @60fps 1080dp.

I looked at intel but they are a waste of electric imo (it's expensive here) I gotta save for my retirement

[ANOK]

i7, it will be more than you need and save money you can put towards something else

[Wenatchee Willie]

Thanks everyone. I went ahead and placed an order with IBuyPower for a Chimera MP7570E,
for $1599. The same rig through Alienware would have been $900 more. The monitor will be slightly smaller, the same size and resolution as the one I am using now. It will be an I9 with 32 ram and a 4070. All ready for Sea Power now. :)

[Cosmic Sea]

Originally posted by mikelleh63:

What did John say that was wrong? Looks like solid advice. But there the 2 of you are not offering any actual advice, but ridiculing someone trying to help. Not surprised at all.

Actually, I offered sound advice vs John’s long-winded essay that could have been edited to three or four sentences. And the advice I offered (ibuypower) was utilize by Willie. Nice try.

[Wenatchee Willie]

Originally posted by Wenatchee Willie:

Thanks everyone. I went ahead and placed an order with IBuyPower for a Chimera MP7570E,
for $1599. The same rig through Alienware would have been $900 more. The monitor will be slightly smaller, the same size and resolution as the one I am using now. It will be an I9 with 32 ram and a 4070. All ready for Sea Power now. :)

Does anyone know if this rig will outperform the ones they use at GeForce Now? The reason I ask is it's supposed arrive on Monday, which is the day my GeForce Now subscription is slated to renew? I mainly upgraded my rig to play Sea Power and leave it running while I left the keyboard for more than their 5 minute limit, but I will still want to play CSII a little, which was the reason I got on GeForce Now in the first place.

[peterslee9]

Originally posted by Wenatchee Willie:

outperform the ones they use at GeForce Now?

Outperform? Many of those are less grade than the one you now have.
With the i9-14900HX, 32GB 5600MHz, just toss GeForce Now to direct Steam.
Congrats on your nice laptop.

[Mob Barley]

why tf Intel?

[Foulcher]

I hope you will not buy a rig for this crap