Core i3 Build – i3 530 CPU

Choosing the CPU for this build was an easy choice as currently there are only two processors in the Core i3 range:

•  i3 530 (2.93 GHz) – Socket 1156
•  i3 540 (3.06 GHz) – Socket 1156

The 530 is priced at around £90 currently while the 540 is a little more expensive at around £110. There is very little difference in terms of performance which isn’t explained by the £20 difference in price. Is the extra 0.13 GHz worth £20? I don’t think so, which is why the CPU chosen for the i3 build is the i3 530.  It will be quite an upgrade from the old system which is running a poor old Athlon XP at 2.8 GHz. 

Initial plans are to not overclock the processor as it should provide plenty of performance.  I will initially be using the stock cooler which comes with the retail boxed processor.  Once I do decide to overclock, reports on the Internet show it is capable of hitting 4 GHz with the stock fan – so I may indulge in some mild overclocking depending on how brave I feel! J

Here’s a set of pictures of the processor:

Links to reviews of this processor

• Expert Reviews
• Guru3D