The second thing I needed to decide was what chipset platform I would use for the build. What I had to choose from was:
- Sandy Bridge on Socket 1155
- Sandy Bridge E on Socket 2011
- Ivy Bridge on Socket 1155
Socket 1155 would maybe have been the best for cost/performance reasons. Ivy Bridge was definitely an interesting option but the main benefits of that new architecture are low power consumption and an improved graphic processor. As this will be a Desktop PC and I will have a dedicated GPU, then Ivy Bridge didn't offer much to me. If I would get a Laptop, then Ivy Bridge would definitely be the best option. It will be interesting to see what else will be launched in 2012. There is some talk about Ivy Bridge E coming end of this year (or early next), but I don't want to wait that long. Besides, I better finish this project before December 22nd, or I will have no chance to enjoy it. Mayan prophecy you know ;-)
After some consideration, I decided to go for Sandy Bridge E.
