If you’re looking for a good IPS monitor for your Eyefinity setup, then you definitely want one with DisplayPort. DisplayPort carries both audio and video and facilitates the use of multi-monitor setups. In the last year and a half I’ve noticed just how many budget IPS monitors have entered the market. These are ideal for the consumer that wants a monitor with accurate color reproduction, but doesn’t want a monitor that costs them several thousand dollars.

Dell UltraSharp U2412 IPS Monitor

Probably my favorite budget IPS monitor with DisplayPort is the Dell UltraSharp U2412M. Don’t let the term “budget IPS monitor” fool you, specifications for this monitor include a 1920 x 1200 resolution, 178°(H) / 178°(V) viewing angles, 0.27mm pixel pitch, Dynamic contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1, 8ms response time, DisplayPort, D-Sub, and DVI connectors, 1 USB 2.0 upstream port, 4 USB 2.0 downstream ports, Height, Pivot, Swivel, and tilt adjustable, VESA mount compliant, and it comes with a 3 year parts and labor warranty. Considering this monitor can display true color (16.7 million colors) this is one of the best eyefinity monitors in the market.

Here’s what one owner had to say about it:

“I’m very pleased with this monitor, after first trying the HP 2711x and finding it completely unacceptable (see my review of that monitor). This Dell for about the same price is slightly smaller, but the quality is light-years better in every way. Nice and lightweight, yet has a very sturdy, adjustable-adjustable stand. IPS LCD technology looks right instead of the awful color variation as you move your head that you get with the TN technology. And best of all, it has a very glare-resistant screen, which is super-important if you use it in a room with windows.”

Asus PA246Q IPS Monitor with 98% Adobe RGB

Another one of the Best DisplayPort monitors is the ASUS PA246Q which has a wide color gamut producing 98% Adobe RGB, 100% sRGB, and 102% NTSC with 1.07 billion colors. That’s pretty amazing considering that this monitor is under $500. Additional technical details include a 1920 x 1200 resolution, 178°(H) / 178°(V) viewing angles, 0.27mm pixel pitch, 1.07 Billion display colors, 400 cd/m2 brightness, ASCR 50,000:1 contrast ratio, 6ms GTG response time, D-Sub, DVI-D, HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB connectors, Height, Pivot, Swivel, Tilt, 100 x 100mm VESA wall mount compatible, and it comes with a 3 year parts and labor warranty as well.

Here’s what one owner had to say about it:

“I  found this monitor highly suitable for my needs, I was able to calibrate to the specifications I desired with only a minor glitch. I am not sure what caused it so I will just simply state manually deleting the profile provided by ASUS was required. Until I did that I was unable to properly save profiles I created. The lesson is do not install the windows 7 driver/profile. It is only a guess that was the cause of the problem. Theoretically it should not have, but theory and practice are often not the same.

Color accuracy and monitor brightness and white point uniformity was very good. Be warned not all older calibration devices will work with this monitor and with most software you will have to manually set the brightness and other controls. With X-rite i1 profiler I set the monitor to Adobe RGB mode, set the brightness to 12% and contrast ratio target to 250. Everything other than contrast ratio was left at the default value. I obtained the selected targets…

A word about monitor A vs B vs C vs D; every wide gamut monitor in the $500.00 price range has a review out there with some negative comment or a weakness a reviwer found on testing. If you want near perfection and have the money, there certainly is a range of monitors out there from $900 to $2500.00, but this monitor offers a lot for the money.”

Conclusion:

Overall if you have the extra cash go with the Asus model mentioned above. If you don’t then head for the Dell UltraSharp which is a great value at around 60% of the price of the Asus model.

Choosing the right monitor for your photo editing business has a lot more to do with how important accurate color reproduction is to you than anything else. There are many IPS computer monitors under $500 that in fact do give you accurate color reproduction, but fail for some professional businesses that need 32 bit technology or a screen with additional pixels to work with.

However, if you’re just starting out, then why pay over $1,000 for a computer monitor you simply don’t need? In this post on the best monitor for photo editing, the author does a good job at breaking down several of the top rated monitors for photography under $500, $1000, and then high-end photo editing monitors.

Which brand is best?

While brands like EIZO, HP, and NEC control the market for higher end monitors, I really like the Dell UltraSharp series for the average photo editor. Most of their monitors are very reasonable at under $1,000, and several of them can reproduce up to a billion colors! The Dell U2412M is one of my favorite budget IPS monitors and if you want high-end, then you can go with something like the Dell U2711 or Dell U3011.

Dell U2412M Review

Having used the U2412M in the past I can honestly I was surprised at just how much bang for your buck you get with this monitor. It has full high definition resolution at 1920 x 1080 pixels. While some of you will need more pixels than this, again for most, this is plenty. The in-plane-switching panel accurate can accurately reproduce the 16.7 Million colors required for true color and the anti-glare coating helps eliminate a lot of the negatives from having a glossy screen.

Connectors include DisplayPort, D-Sub, and DVI so it’s nice that it not only gives you a little bit of diversity, but that it also includes DisplayPort. Here’s an interesting tidbit from CNET on why Display Port is important.

It’s “designed specifically to connect PC monitors to computers and will likely replace DVI as the primary digital connection on a computer or monitor in the near future.

DisplayPort also provides better support for connecting multiple monitors, while displaying 3D graphics. Though DisplayLink allows multimonitor connections via USB, it can’t do so while running high-end graphics.

In the next few years DisplayPort is likely to take over monitor connections.”

Height, Pivot, Swivel, and Tilt

There’s something about having your monitor in the exact location that you need it in when it comes to editing your photos. Maybe it’s the photographer in me that is always trying to be in the right location. For whatever reason, I have to have it. The Dell 2412M gives you height, pivot, swivel, and tilt adjustment. Compared to similar TN panel monitors just about $100 cheaper than it, that’s at least 2 more directions that you can adjust your monitor.

Overall:

Overall I highly recommend the 2412M for those of you on a budget. If there’s something you don’t particularly like about it, then a good alternative would be the HP ZR24W.

Most serious gamers have heard that a low response time is important to gaming, but the truth is that most LCD monitors have a sub 5ms response time which is more than adequate for gaming. Two more relevant specifications might just be input lag and refresh rate. Input lag is the delay in the time it takes from when you input a signal into your device (keyboard, mouse, etc…) and then when it’s displayed. Your computer monitor’s refresh rate is basically how many times per second that your monitor draws the data. 120 hertz monitors, for example, draw an image 120 times in a second, while 60 hertz draw it only 60 times. This can lead to much smoother rendering and game play overall.

Three LCD gaming monitors in 2012 have been made with gamers in mind giving them 120 hertz refresh rates, low input lag, and fast response times and have made my top ten for the best LCD gaming monitors. These are the Samsung S27A950D, BenQ XL2420T, and the ASUS VG278H.

My favorite for 2D of these 3 has to be the Samsung S27A950D which just seems to be much more vibrant than the other; however, if 3D gaming is important, then one advantage that the other two models have over the Samsung one is that they have nVidia 3D Vision 2, which drastically improves upon the pioneer software giving you brighter images and limited crosstalk.

All three of these monitors have sub 1 frame input lag; however, it’s important to note that for a 120 hertz monitor you can expect to pay considerably more and up to twice as much as a standard 60Hz monitor. This makes it worth it for only the most serious of gamers.

So which one would you choose and why?

Be sure to leave us a comment below.

Specifications for the Samsung S27A950D:

Extremely lifelike colors,1080p resolution in 2D and 3D, 120Hz Refresh Rate, 2ms response time, and
Complete 3D solution in a box and Eco sensors for umparalleled convenience.

Specifications for the BenQ XL2420T include a 2ms response time, 4.9 ms input lag, and 1920 x 1080p resolution.

Specifications for the Asus VG278H:

Uncompromised 27″ 3D immersion with NVIDIA 3D Vision 2 glasses and 3D LightBoost, Ultra smooth action with 120Hz refresh rate and 2ms tracer-free, Vivid color performance with Splendid Video Intelligence Technology, Ergonomic design for swivel, tilt angle, and height adjustment and Extensive connectivity with HDMI 1.4, dual-link DVI-D, and D-sub connectors.

Recently, I purchased the all new Viewsonic VX2753MH-LED. I’d read some good things about it, including it’s energy efficient LED backlight and super low 1ms response time, but I was a little hesitant to spend over $300 as I was able to find the 24 inch computer monitor in this series for under $200.

I decided it was worth it based on a few studies I had read, including this one on LED monitor reviews, that said that productivity increases sharply from a 18 inch computer monitor to a 24 inch computer monitor and then slowly rises past this up to 30 inches.

First Impressions

As someone who had never worked with a monitor larger than 22 inches before, I was shocked at just how big this computer monitor. The extra screen real estate made a huge difference when it came to comparing windows side by side and doing tasks.

Design

The design of the Viewsonic VX2753MH-LED is unique in that Viewsonic made it so that consumers could remove the base altogether and use a book stand feature which allows you to tilt the monitor back. As a gamer this is incredibly useful to me as I tend to go to LAN parties and tournaments quite frequently. Another really nice feature to this particular monitor is that I’ve noticed little input lag when compared to my old CRT monitor.

Cons:

What do I wish that Viewsonic would change with this monitor? The input for me, didn’t automatically detect itself, so I had the screen automatically adjusting in the incorrect manner. After testing it for a bit I figured it out, but that’s not the type of thing you want to happen on the first day you get your monitor. In addition, Viewsonic should have added a DVI port rather than just 2 HDMI ports. This would make it easier for those with dedicated GPU that have no DVI to hook it in. Lastly, the lack of VESA holes on this monitor is surely to deter a few from purchasing it. The Asus VE278Q is a good alternative for gamers looking for that.

Overall:

Overall I give this monitor 4/5 stars. If you can get it at a decent price, then I highly recommend this monitor for gaming and entertainment.

Thinking about a new x79 motherboard? With they Ivy bridge release coming up I still haven’t decided whether I want to purchase something like the i7-3930k along with a socket 2011 motherboard or simply wait until Ivy Bridge-e CPU are released at the end of 2012. This author review the best x79 motherboard of the year and considers it to be the Asus Rampage IV Digi.

I do think that it’s a great board. You can overclock it with Asus’ new OC key, and as far as construction it’s super durable. I also like that it has UEFI bios, even if people say it slows their system down a little.

So what is an X79 motherboard anyway?

X79 is the chipset that’s been released for use with Intel’s all new Sandy Bridge-e CPU which have 2011 pins and thus use the new 2011 socket. The X79 motherboards are also forward compatible for use with Ivy Bridge-e. This is a break for those of us who, in the past, have had to switch out a board every time Intel had a new release. Another really nice feature is that X79 motherboards take advantage of PCIe 3.0. Although there are few PCIe 3.0 GPU options out there, it’s certainly another sign that with this model, Intel wanted to help its customers out by making a future proof motherboard.

What do you think?

Is it worth upgrading now and using a motherboard that is future compatible? Or, should you just wait to purchase an Ivy Bridge-e CPU with a new motherboard when they are released.

The simple answer to this is, no a computer monitor cannot damage your eyes. However, a computer monitor can invoke eye strain, fatigue, and headaches if you use it excessively. So how do you avoid eye fatigue and other side effects that come from using a computer monitor?

Tips for Limiting Eye Fatigue, Headaches, and Eye Strain from Computer Monitors

1.) Lighting – Make sure that you have the right amount of lighting in your room and in the right place. Excessive lighting behind you can create shadows which can add to headaches and fatigue. Conversely a light source behind your monitor makes it easier. Adjust the resolution and contrast of your screen to fit in with your room and what feels comfortable.

2.) Adjust your Monitor and Keyboard for comfort. When using a monitor it should be kept at eye level so that you can read with your chin slightly up. Try to sit more than 20 inches away from your screen. Adjust the keyboard in front of you so that your shoulders are relaxed. This will help to stem headaches that may come from tension.

3.) Wear Computer Glasses – Reading glasses are made for a different distance than computer glasses so purchasing computer glasses that make reading letters on your computer easier can help to reduce eye fatigue.

4.) Take a Break and Blink! Every 20 minutes take a 20 second break to look away from the screen and focus on blinking.

5.) Buy an LED Monitor. LED monitors tend to be lighter on the eyes. When it comes to buying a monitor that you’ll be sitting in front of 8 hours+ a day make sure to buy one that is well-rated that other consumers have had good luck with. Here’s a list of some of the best computer monitors for 2012.

Well that wraps up my tips. They may sound simple, but as someone who works in front of the computer for 10 hours every day I can attest to their effectiveness. There were times in the past when I simply couldn’t look at the screen anymore while today, I rarely have this problem. If you sit in front of a computer monitor as much as I do, then you’ll likely still occasionally have eye fatigue, but this will help you to avoid it.

If you try out any of my tips above, then let me know. I’d love to hear how they’ve helped.

If you’re a PC gamer like I am you know that you’re constantly updating and tweaking in order to come up with the perfect gaming rig. Unfortunately not all of us have the money to go the enthusiast route so where should you put your money if you’re trying to stay under $1,000?

My priority is to first find the CPU and GPU that I want before even starting. This will, of course, determine what type of motherboard I need as the processor’s sockets will need to fit into the motherboard. While AMD is a great budget option, I believe that around $1,000 you’re best going with one of Intel’s new Sandy Bridge CPU. When building a gaming pc it’s all about getting the best bang for your buck. Right now, that’s Intel.

Overall I try to spend around 40-50% of my overall budget on this combination. Right now there’s a few good options in this price range. Most notably Intel’s i5-2500k along with a GTX 560TI or Radeon HD6950.

For ram it’s always good to buy all the ram you’re going to use up front so that you can use multi-channel kits. I suggest you go ahead and bite the bullet and get 16GB. Do you need 16GB right at this exact moment? Not really – 8GB is enough to play the latest games. Will you in the next year or two? For sure. Try to find ram with a Low Cas Latency. I typically go for 9 or lower. Gaming ram like Corsair’s Vengeance or the G. Skill Ripjaws is a good place to start.

Hopefully you’ve enjoyed these tips. If you have, then be sure to take a look at these other articles as well as Gaming PC Hardware for more of today’s top computer hardware.

I’m an avid gamer that loves all types of games so I need a keyboard with lots of macros for MMORPGs that is also super easy to use and responsive for FPS games like Battlefield 3. One of the best gaming keyboards I’ve come across is the Logitech G110. It doesn’t have a programmable display like the Logitech G19, but I’m  not a huge multi-tasker so it’s more than adequate for what I like to do. Believe it or not this same keyboard, the Logitech G110, is the most popular among gamers.

It gives you 12 programmable G-keys with 3 macros per key that make it easy to pre-set up to 36 unique functions per game, including single keystrokes and complex macros. I also like that you can plug your headphone directly into it as I like to keep my headphone separate from my PC normally and plugging that in to the front or back of my PC each time is more effort than is needed. You also get a little more breathing room when plugging it into the keyboard.

I like to game at night so the fact that is allows you to set up your keys in shades of red, blue and purple, plus your choice of light intensities really works for me. And while the G110 is certainly not a new gaming keyboard. While the G110 certainly isn’t new, it was released back in 2009, it still stands strong as the top gaming keyboard for 2011 heading into 2012.

A Mechanical Keyboard Alternative

Mechanical keyboards are easier to use especially in FPS because they register more quickly. I personally don’t mind the difference between a rubber domed keyboard and a mechanical one, but if that’s important to you I suggest the Razer Black Widow. There are better models out there but none are so reasonable.

Most companies that produce cameras have come out with some form of a digital single lens reflex camera, which is the ultimate combination of new and old technology in the world of cameras. Most people just taking pictures for fun do not actually need this kind of technology, but there are some who will still buy these high-end cameras. However, we have come up with a list of the best digital single lens reflex cameras for photographers, because professionals need more technology and options than the average person. Here is a list of the top ten best rated digital SLR cameras for photographers for 2011.

1.) Canon EOS 5D Mark II

This is one of Canon’s most advanced cameras on the market today, and given Canon’s reputation in the world of photography, it makes the Canon EOS 5D Mark II a great choice for photographers looking for DSLR technology. Although you will pay a hefty price for the body of this camera only (which means that lenses and other accessories are excluded in this price), you will certainly get your money’s worth out of this purchase. Canon’s manufacturer suggested retail price for the Canon EOS 5D Mark II is $2499.00.

The CMOS sensor on this camera has an astounding 21.1 megapixels, making it easy to capture the most light possible with every picture you take. The ISO range on this camera also extends as high as 6400, which also maximizes the amount of light you can capture with this DSLR camera from Canon. There are a number of other great options and functions on this camera. For instance, you can record video in high definition quality, and with an HDMI output right on the camera itself, you can easily hook your Canon EOS 5D Mark II directly to your television and enjoy the pictures and videos from the day. Viewing your images on a larger screen is an added benefit for photographers, as you can get a better sense of what your final photograph may look like in a larger size.

2.) Nikon D300s

The Nikon D300s includes several great features for the professional photographer. Although the ISO sensitivity isn’t as high as the Canon EOS 5D Mark II (the Nikon D300s only ranges up to 3200), and the CMOS sensor isn’t as powerful (only 12.3 megapixels on the Nikon D300s), this camera comes fully equipped with Nikon EXPEED image processing. This new technology from Nikon allows for high image fidelity, low noise and rapid image processing – all beneficial options for a professional photographer.

The Nikon D300s also comes with four preferences for shooting that are perfect for entry-level photographers – you can choose to shoot in either standard, neutral, vivid, or monochrome mode. You can also take up to 950 pictures per battery charge, which is certainly a bonus for anyone doing a photo shoot. This camera is also a great choice if you’re a photographer shooting in rugged areas, since it is equipped with an automatic dust reduction system, to ensure that you take a clear picture every time no matter where you are. The body of this camera is also made of magnesium-alloy, which is a very sturdy substance, and perfect for photographers shooting in the wild.

3.) Sony A900

The most amazing feature of the Sony A900 digital SLR camera is its 24.6 megapixel resolution. With a CMOS sensor that strong, you are bound to be able to maximize light capture in every picture you take. The body only of this camera costs $2699.99 (this price excludes the price of lenses and other accessories), but an investment in a Sony A900 is well worth it for any photographer.

For instance, the Sony A900 includes an in-camera form of anti-shake technology, so that it doesn’t affect the images you are capturing at all – perfect for a photographer. With the intelligent preview function, you can see what your photograph will look like with various settings before you actually take it, so that you don’t have to waste your time trying to find the perfect setting by shooting each picture. The viewfinder is a pentaprism design, making it easy for you to figure out what your picture will look like than it is on the average viewfinder.

4.) Pentax K-5

The CMOS sensor on the Pentax K-5 is nothing to be scoffed at; with 16.3 megapixels, this is a powerful machine. Additionally, ISO sensitivity on the Pentax K-5 ranges up to an incredible 51,200, so that you can capture the best lighting possible with every picture you take. This camera can also capture up to seven frames per second, which is perfect for the photographer that loves to document sports or other recreational activities. The shutter speed is 1/8000 of a second, which also ensures capturing the ultimate photograph in high-action events.

You can also capture video on the Pentax K-5 in high definition quality, and with a pentaprism viewfinder you’ll get a clear view of the image you are capturing every time you point your camera to shoot. This is a great choice for photographers that shoot in rugged terrain, as the body of this camera is fully weather sealed, making it a great option for capturing photographs in rain, snow, dust, water, and every other extreme weather pattern.

5.) Sony A580

This camera is another great choice for the active photographer, as many of its features are geared toward photographing quickly moving subjects. With high resolution and high ISO sensitivity, you’ll be able to capture detailed images every time you engage the shutter with the Sony A580. The Sony A580 also features quick auto focus live view, which astoundingly functions just as well as manually focusing your camera. This is another great feature for photographers shooting sporting events or other quickly moving subjects. With the hand-held twilight mode of this camera, you can capture stunning images in dim lighting, as the camera takes six photos in less than a second.

The Sony A580 then combines these six images to minimize blur, reduce noise, and bring out the details of your subject. You can also shoot panoramic vistas in three dimensional quality and enjoy them on your compatible high definition television. You can also choose whether to save your images in JPEG quality or RAW, which is certainly beneficial to professional photographers. The Sony A580 also features eye-start auto focus, meaning that the camera senses when you begin raising it to take a picture and automatically begins focusing then, so that you are ready to take a picture as soon as you click the shutter.

6.) Canon EOS 7D

This is a relatively affordable digital SLR camera that is nonetheless a great choice for serious photographers. The body of this camera’s manufacturer suggested retail price is a mere $1699.00, and it still has very powerful resolution and sensitivity. The CMOS sensor on the Canon EOS 7D is 18.0 megapixels, and the ISO sensitivity maximizes at 12,800, and the camera can shoot at up to eight frames per second.

This camera auto focuses from 19 different points, giving you a clear image every time you point and shoot. This camera is also extremely durable, with weather-resistant technology and a magnesium alloy body, it should survive even the toughest shooting conditions. An iFCL metering system maximizes exposure and color in your photography, making it easy to capture brilliant, beautiful pictures. This camera also not only records video, but records it in professional quality, thanks to the Canon EOS 7D’s large sensor.

7.) Olympus E-5

This camera is a great choice for professional photographers because its comparably light weight makes it easy to handle and take many pictures all at once. Its resolution is 12.3 megapixels, and that combined with the TruePic V+ image processor allows for an ISO sensitivity of up to 6400. Probably the most innovative feature on this camera is its dust reduction system, which has the Supersonic Wave Filter vibrate 30,000 times per second, effectively shaking the dust off of your lens, and saving you the grief of having to remove your lens and clean it manually (and probably ineffectively). The shutter on this camera can last up to 150,000 cycles, and in addition the body of this camera is made of magnesium alloy – so this camera is built to last, an added benefit for any serious photographer. The auto focus on this camera hones in on your subject from 11 different angles, maximizing clarity and focus in any picture you take.

The Olympus E-5 also allows you to choose whether you want one or multiple exposures and aspect ratios, allowing you to be as creative with your photography as you want. The camera also includes a digital leveler, making it easy to ensure that your photographs are not crooked – this is especially useful for photographers that captures images of architecture, infrastructure, or other large objects. You can also capture video in high definition with the Olympus E-5, and you can manually adjust your aperture and shutter speed when you do so, allowing you to choose exactly how you want your video to turn out.

8.) Nikon D3x

This is a great camera for anyone that wants to be serious about photography. With 24.5 megapixel resolution, the CMOS sensor lets in as much light as you could possibly imagine. You can also choose how many bits you want your images processed in, giving you a greater range of creativity with your photography when you choose the Nikon D3x. The auto focus system focuses on your subject from an astounding 51 different points.

The Nikon D3x also amazingly allows you to take up to 4400 pictures per battery charge, which far surpasses the majority of cameras. There is also a continuous shooting function that can capture up to five frames per second, making this camera a great choice for sports photographers. Additionally, because this is a Nikon camera, you’ll get the latest and greatest in image processing with Nikon’s EXPEED, which minimizes noise and increases image fidelity. You can adjust your ISO sensitivity with the Nikon D3x as well, making this camera a great choice for photographers interested in taking more creative photographs.

9.) Pentax K-x

The Pentax K-x has a high resolution with a 12.3 megapixel CMOS sensor. With the ability to let in so much light, this camera is a great choice for anyone serious about the field of photography. As an added benefit, this camera takes AA batteries, so that you don’t have to worry about charging a battery or running out of battery life at an inopportune moment.

The Pentax K-x can capture up to 4.7 frames per second, and with HDR image capture, it combines the best of shadows and highlights, giving you a beautiful, accurate image every time you point and shoot. The LCD screen on the back gives you a live view of your subjects at hand, and the Pentax K-x can also auto focus on up to 16 different faces at once. It also comes with several different scene modes, as well as creative filter modes, so that you can adjust your photography for any situation. The Pentax K-x is also best digital SLR cameras for the money.

10.) Sony A33

The most unique feature of the Sony A33 (which also makes it an ideal digital SLR camera for the legitimate photographer) is its translucent mirror. The Sony A33 utilizes a translucent mirror that subsequently feeds the image both to the image sensor as well as the Phase Detection, simultaneously. Because of this feature, you can shoot up to seven frames per second, all while enjoying the 14.2 megapixel resolution of its powerful CMOS sensor.

You can also capture video in high definition on the Sony A33, which is also improved mightily by the translucent mirror that enhances your photos. This camera auto focuses from 15 different points, and also has an ISO sensitivity of up to 12,800, so that you can create the perfect image every time you pick your camera up. In this price range you should also take a look at these new digital cameras which include a few compact enthusiast picks.

Despite the build up to AMD’s Zambezi, codenamed Bulldozer, the best gaming processor in the $300 price range for 2011 is the Intel i7-2600k.

The i7-2600k features Intel’s new Sandy Bridge 32nm technology and while it’s Intel’s goal to release Ivy Bridge late 2012 Sandy Bridge was a huge step forward in single thread performance for gamers. Standard frequency for this processor is 3.4GHz but it automatically overclocks to 3.8GHz when performance demands it. Overclockers have also recorded stable speeds in excess of 4.5GHz.

Hyperthreading

A nice feature for the i7-2600k is hyper threading technology which allows its 4 processing cores to work as 8 threads in order to improve multitasking performance. This is a boost for those of you who use your gaming computer for work, but it doesn’t really help while gaming. For those of you who don’t need hyperthreading the i5-2500k is very tempting as well and could get you almost the exact in-game speeds as you’d get with the i7-2600k. The i5-2500k doesn’t including hyperthreading and has a smaller L3 cache but you might just want to save your $100 and put it towards your gaming graphics card.

Thinking about the Zambezi FX-8150?

While the Zambezi FX-9150 does hold the world record for operating frequency/speed in many game tests it can’t even stand with the i5-2500k let alone the Phenom II 1100T so you might be better off looking elsewhere unless you need a workstation processor with 8 cores. That doesn’t mean that the new Bulldozer architecture doesn’t have potential, but both games and Windows aren’t optimized to take advantage of its 8 cores.