Need Advice (PC Gaming Build)

IHateUsernames · Oct 25, 2013

Hello, should I ditch intel and get a amd cpu and get a 3gb graphis card. Or just stick with the build I have here? Also will 500watts will be enough for this build?
Any suggestion would be appreciated!

Main Specs.

Intel Core i5-4670K Haswell 3.4GHz LGA 1150 84W Quad-Core.

Gigabyte H87-HD3 Motherboard (Socket 1150, H87 Express, DDR3, S-ATA 600, ATX, Haswell,
Supports 4th?Generation Intel?Core Processors, GIGABYTE UEFI Dual BIOS)

G.Skill 8GBXL Main Memory DDR3 8 GB PC1600 CL9 Ram Kit 2x 4 GB

Corsair Builder Series CX 500 Watt ATX/EPS 80 PLUS Bronze Power Supply Unit .

Gigabyte NVIDIA GTX660 2GB DDR5 PCI-E Graphics Card.

NoL1c · Oct 25, 2013

In the past, Intel has made their mark putting out superior-quality CPU's. However, AMD CPU's are cheaper, but that trades away some performance.

Here is a thread to help your decision: http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-1649235/amd-intel.html

As for the graphics card, make sure you get one that meets the needs for the games you play, and has the life to last you a few years, until you want to upgrade. If you don't plan on hooking up more than 2 monitors, 2GB of VRAM will be just fine.

Be sure to check out http://pcpartpicker.com/ to help pick and choose parts. This website shows if your parts are compatible, and even gives an estimated wattage of what your system will use.

faster23rd · Oct 25, 2013

Well, the rig you listed already looks compatible, but they're not optimal because you have an overclockable -K series CPU on a non-overclockable H87 chipset mobo. You'd be wasting a considerable amount of money buying a -K series CPU if you do not OC it. Either switch out the CPU to something compatible that has a locked multiplier (ie i5 4670) or get an appropriate Z87 mobo.

3bg of VRAM? Do you intend to game at resolutions higher than full HD? If not, the 2gb GTX 660 is good choice. Your PSU should be enough for your current rig, but it won't have enough headroom if you think about upgrades such as multi-card configurations.

IHateUsernames · Oct 25, 2013

Nope I have a little budget. I might buy another one in the future.

IHateUsernames · Oct 25, 2013

Hmm, I would prefer to have a downgraded cpu to match my motherboard. I don't have enough money to buy a motherboard that will be compatible with the cpu that I've chosen.

faster23rd · Oct 25, 2013

IHateUsernames :

Umm. Buy another card or a monitor?

geofelt · Oct 25, 2013

500w is fine for a GTX660.
You need a Z87 based motherboard to be able to oc.

The amount of vram should not be an issue.
Read this: http://www.pugetsystems.com/labs/articles/Video-Card-Performance-2GB-vs-4GB-Memory-154/

Since you already have a H87 based motherboard, a cheaper intel socket 1150 quad would be appropriate.
(amd would require a motherboard change)
A i5-4430 would be appropriate.

Or, if you don't have a motherboard, a similarly priced Z87 motherboard might be this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157368

IHateUsernames · Oct 25, 2013

Another Graphics card.

NoL1c · Oct 25, 2013

Remember, an AMD CPU is always an option if you have a tight budget.

IHateUsernames · Oct 25, 2013

Thanks for that information

There is just a little difference between 2gb and 4gb of VRAM in FPS!

faster23rd · Oct 25, 2013

IHateUsernames :

Best invest in a better PSU, then.

Get something at is at least semi-modular, 750W, 80+ Bronze certified, and from either OCZ, Corsair, FSP, Seasonic, Antec.

For a budget build, here's an example: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139030

IHateUsernames · Oct 25, 2013

I guess it all comes down to what you want your pc to run. I would like to play games that require a good graphics card and ram to run in ultra settings. I'm guessing the cpu barely effects this. If that is the case I could buy an amd cpu since its cheap.

IHateUsernames · Oct 25, 2013

Would a 700w psu do the trick?

faster23rd · Oct 25, 2013

IHateUsernames :

While graphics cards bear the brunt of load when gaming, a good CPU is important, especially if you want to avoid bottlenecks, there are also examples of processor-bound games such as Skyrim, so you should take that into account. Well then, I'd recommend an FX 8350 as a minimum for an AMD build.

faster23rd · Oct 25, 2013

IHateUsernames :

I've already listed the qualifications for a good PSU and even recommended one. Check it out just a couple of posts up there.

IHateUsernames · Oct 25, 2013

Could you recommend a good motherboard that would pair well with the FX 8350?

faster23rd · Oct 25, 2013

IHateUsernames :

Here you go: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asrock-motherboard-970extreme4

IHateUsernames · Oct 25, 2013

Cheers mate real help!

faster23rd · Oct 25, 2013

IHateUsernames :

If you have more questions, just throw them out here, otherwise, please choose a best answer to close this thread.

geofelt · Oct 25, 2013

Once you have a good graphics card, the cpu does come into play.
You might want to read some reviews of the FX-8350.
Most, not all, games do better with intel at the $200price point.
Here is one article which used a GTX680:
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-processor-frame-rate-performance,3427-9.html

It is not now clear to me if you already have some parts, or if you are designing a complete new build.

NoL1c · Oct 25, 2013

I've got a 670 with an i5-3570K, and I'm currently running Minecraft Tekkit with ~285 fps and a clock of ~4.2 ghz. The i5-3570K is an awesome CPU for gaming. It's perfect.

Need Advice (PC Gaming Build)

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