noobie has noob-ish question

Hello,

I wish to join the ranks and build one. Never done it before, but I've been doing a lot of reading (too much reading. One minute I'm certain I've reached a decision, next, I find a wad of hair in my hand, a bald spot on my head!!)

Ok so I use my very old computer to explore the mysteries of Painter, ArtRage and others of that ilk. Too often I find myself seating and staring for nearly 5 minutes (maybe more) while waiting for a file save.

Can't take it anymore.

So at first I thought i7-2600k, but then I found out about Xenons, then i7-9xx's.

What do you all think, 2600k, because it's the latest and it's fast, or i7-960, because it has muscles,(many progs open at same time), it's $199 (Microcenter)? Sure would appreciate your input. What I have now is not really relevant, as I mean to start over, not upgrade.

Oh, I am not thinking about gaming.

thanks for listening and for any thoughts you may share.

What about a 2500k? I'm still on an i7-920 that is still a damn fine CPU.

Don't get the top of the line, get just a bit less and you'll be better in the long run for the price.

Thanks Aron.

I have thought of the 2500k, on the same wavelength, that a bit less than top is the way to go it.

Coming from computer dark ages, I just get a feeling that if I go with one of the earlier i7's, with an X-58
mobo, maybe I can position for an upgrade when they are updated, and keep the same mobo. I understand the next gen may be compatible with the X-58, and given Intel's way of changing board param for new CPU's, it would be cheaper to catapult forward then - in case the 1155 doesn't carry forward - in time -.