Microcenter in-store i7 2700k Core Processor Retail $300

Quote from dudezz : from what ive read, (not sure if im 100% right) but performance wise, z68 is almost identical to the z77, but z77 is a few watts more efficient. Is there anything else im missing from this? thanks

Integrated USB 3.0 is just about it.

Quote from MoneyMark : Integrated USB 3.0 is just about it.

True, but I like an updated silicon for maturity.

Quote from dudezz : can anyone give me the difference between 2600k and 2700k. thanks. It seems like its just the 2500k and the 2550k lol. They just amped up the normal clock and then slap on a new number

The 2700k does seem to be a higher clocked 2600k. I can't say anything about the overclocking capabilities though. The 2550k however, doesn't have built-in graphics. That's a major difference.

Doesn't the graphics go from Intel HD2000 (2600) to HD3000 (2700)?

Quote from N_Jay : Doesn't the graphics go from Intel HD2000 (2600) to HD3000 (2700)?

HD3000 is in k-series, except 2550k and also in i3-2105.

Quote from dudezz : can anyone give me the difference between 2600k and 2700k. thanks. It seems like its just the 2500k and the 2550k lol. They just amped up the normal clock and then slap on a new number

There MAY be a slight improvement in overclocking headroom on the 2700, but unless you're trying to win some kind of contest I doubt you'd see much difference in regular minor to mid range overclocking. You might also get a 2700k with more limited OC than a 2600k, just bad luck.

I dont think I'd pay $20-30 more for the 2700k, and I didnt! I just picked up the 2600k a few weeks ago. You're already paying a fair premium over the i5-2500k for the 2600k...

Ivy Bridge is due in two weeks. It will be better tech process which means less heat and in general better OC (However, I expect first few revisions have a tad lower OC on average then refined Sandy Bridge.).

As for performance improvements we are looking at about 15% it seems at same frequency. Without OC we should fully expect Ivy Bridge to blow away Sandy Bridge with 20-30% improvement due to better Turbo Boost.

I for one will be upgrading to Ivy when it is out.

Quote from MoneyMark : Integrated USB 3.0 is just about it.

when you mean integrated, does that mean internal usb 3.0 headers?

Quote from N_Jay : Doesn't the graphics go from Intel HD2000 (2600) to HD3000 (2700)?

no, the 2600k and 2700k all have hd3000.

i got the i7-2600k for $199 few days ago - and running it stable at 4.8Ghz on air on Asus Z77 Pro mobo(upgraded from my I5-2500k/P67 Pro Asus(tested 100% stable at same Ghz)). Is there any advantage for me of getting this instead(since i can just bring back 2600k and get this)?

Quote from pesok : i got the i7-2600k for $199 few days ago - and running it stable at 4.8Ghz on air on Asus Z77 Pro mobo(upgraded from my I5-2500k/P67 Pro Asus(tested 100% stable at same Ghz)). Is there any advantage for me of getting this instead(since i can just bring back 2600k and get this)?

not worth it...

Quote from pesok : i got the i7-2600k for $199 few days ago - and running it stable at 4.8Ghz on air on Asus Z77 Pro mobo(upgraded from my I5-2500k/P67 Pro Asus(tested 100% stable at same Ghz)). Is there any advantage for me of getting this instead(since i can just bring back 2600k and get this)?

No. Since you are overclocking, the difference for you will be just wasted time and money.