Which processor is better
Which processor is better
You're weighing performance between speed and multitasking. If you plan to overclock the i5, focus on cores and threads for better responsiveness.
I chose the i7. Could I possibly get a 2600k version? It doesn’t seem like it should cost much more now.
The 2600 has significantly improved by 2020. Four cores combined with four threads aren't sufficient for today's games. In fact, even four cores paired with eight threads hit their limits in certain titles.
These are the sole choices available. The pricing is identical for both, but their performance varies based on your needs and budget. In reality, this decision hinges on how much overclocking you can achieve from a 2500k processor. A 2500k running at 5ghz will outperform a 2600k model. However, if only a light overclock is possible, the 2600 offers more threads and could be preferable. Neither option is ideal for 2020 due to these limitations.