i3 540 - $105

[Rajahal]

Intel Core i3-540 Clarkdale 3.06GHz 4MB L3 Cache LGA 1156 73W Dual-Core Desktop Processor BX80616I3540

 

$105 + free shipping after promo EMCZNZT34 (expires 12/22/2010)

 

I'm still waiting for this guy to drop below $100...

[CompAudioOne]

Rajahal, if you had the option to purchase the i3-540 or the i3-550 for ~ the same price ($105.00) which would you purchase? I'm working towards building the 20 Drive Beast as outlined in the Hardware Compatibility wiki http://lime-technology.com/wiki/index.php?title=Hardware_Compatibility. My goal is to have the server store my media (music/movies) & to be able to access it with various players/computers, etc. from home & away. To me there specs look alike, except for the operating frequency - i3-540 = 3.06 GHz & the i3-550 = 3.2 GHz. Would the i3-550 work with the 20 Drive Beast recommended  Supermicro motherboard?

[Rajahal]

Faster for the same money?  I would probably choose the 550.  Chances are the difference won't actually be at all noticeable, but hey.  The only thing I would look into is the power consumption difference at idle between the two.  As long as they are within a few watts of each other, then I would choose the 550.