Intel Core i5-760 vs AMD FX-8320 Eight-Core

intzaki

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May 11, 2013
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So I currently have the Intel Core i5-760 @ 2.80GHz (http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=Intel+Core+i5+760+%40+2.80GHz&id=773), at 220$, at which comes out with a score of 3882. Now I have been using this website for all my purchases and it works. But for some reason I wanted to upgrade and I found the AMD FX-8320 Eight-Core (http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=AMD+FX-8320+Eight-Core&id=1782), at 160$. This card comes in way cheaper and has a score of 8131. Which is a huge difference. Is the AMD actually better, and if so that much? I want to change my CPU and get a new one and I was wondering if I should buy this one, I don't have a bigger budget than that. Now I am quite new at this, so I have no idea if it will work on my motherboard. I have a Gigabyte H55M-S2 with PCI-Exress. No clue what that is :). Now what I am asking is should I upgrade to the AMD from my current Intel? And the problem is that I don't wont to get into a very big fuss, if it's not worth it (as in the CPU's are very close when it comes to their abilities).
 
Solution
Okay, this is how Motherboards and CPUs interact with eachother: The Socket.
That's essentially the only difference between an Intel and an AMD motherboard. However, it's a pretty big deal. That's because, as a general rule, a CPU won't be compatible on motherboard with different a socket type (However, there is some leeway when it comes to AMD. For example, there are multiple CPU types that fit the AM3+ socket).

Getting down to your specific hardware, your Gigabyte uses the LGA 1156 Socket. The AMD FX-8320 uses the AM3+. Needless to say, the AMD FX-8320 will not fit onto your motherboard.
(On a side note, the PCIe slot [PCI Express], is for graphics cards. Unlike CPU sockets, you can run almost every single graphics card out...

1991ATServerTower

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May 6, 2013
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In order to upgrade to that CPU you will need to purchase a compatible:

- Socket AM3+ Motherboard (One with good voltage regulators)
- DDR3 RAM
- Power Supply of sufficient strength (True 700 Watts)

The 8320 is a good CPU and is very much better than your i5-760 in multi-threaded applications. It's modestly better in single threaded applications.
 
It will not work with that motherboard. You need a motherboard with an AM3+ socket for the FX 8320.

You will see a performance boost, how much I'm not sure. What's your current Graphics card? Your CPU is still very capable.
 

DonQuixoteMC

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Okay, this is how Motherboards and CPUs interact with eachother: The Socket.
That's essentially the only difference between an Intel and an AMD motherboard. However, it's a pretty big deal. That's because, as a general rule, a CPU won't be compatible on motherboard with different a socket type (However, there is some leeway when it comes to AMD. For example, there are multiple CPU types that fit the AM3+ socket).

Getting down to your specific hardware, your Gigabyte uses the LGA 1156 Socket. The AMD FX-8320 uses the AM3+. Needless to say, the AMD FX-8320 will not fit onto your motherboard.
(On a side note, the PCIe slot [PCI Express], is for graphics cards. Unlike CPU sockets, you can run almost every single graphics card out of any given PCI slot, just not simultaneously :p. This is because the PCI slots are all designed to be compatible. That said, a PCI 2.0/3.0 card will run into some bandwidth issues and run slower with a PCI 1.0, but it will still work. So that's what all that PCI jargon is about.)

Now, which CPU is better? The FX-8320 or your current i5-760? Considering you would need to get a new motherboard, the FX-8320's price suddenly jumps from $160 (Newegg) to $250 (because of the added cost of the motherboard). So the FX-8320 all of a sudden is looking like a very expensive upgrade for what I don't think will be that much of an improvement. (for your needs. I'm assuming you use your PC mainly for gaming?)

However, it does depend on what you want to do with your CPU. Are you planning on Gaming? Or multitasking CPU intensive processes like 3d rendering or video encoding? If you're planning on gaming, I recommend sticking with your current CPU and saving up to make a larger upgrade later (or upgrade your GPU or something). However, if you plan on doing a lot of heavy multitasking (when I say, "multitasking," I don't mean listening to music and checking your e-mail at the same time. I mean like, running another OS on two of the eight cores, encoding video on another, 3d rendering on three others and playing a game on the last two.), then you might have to make the upgrade.

When you do decide to make the upgrade, I suggest going the route of upgrading your motherboard at the same time. Your 1156 CPU Socket is essentially discontinued at this point, so the price of CPUs for your board are only getting more expensive.

The bottom line:
If you have the money to upgrade your motherboard and your CPU, and you have an installation disk of Windows for a clean install (You will need/want to do a clean install when switching motherboards), then by all means, buy the FX-8320. It's a darn nice CPU.
If you don't currently have the money, stick with what you have. It's still a solid quad core CPU.

You should also consider Intel when making your upgrade. There are some awesome i5s for gaming out there.

And take a look at the FX-6300. What's your Graphics card? It might be a suitable, cheaper alternative to the FX-8320. Just some food for thought.

I hope that helps answer your questions!

DonQuixoteMC
 
Solution

intzaki

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May 11, 2013
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That was probably the best response I ever got on a question here :) Thanks a lot. I decided I'll stick with what I have, as I don't ever planning on that kind of multitasking, I more on gaming/photoshop/cinema 4d and that kind of thing that I can already run pretty smoothly. I just wanted an upgrade for gaming, and a bit of a pump in the performance. I recently also added a question on overclocking my current Intel CPU. You seem like an expert, so would it be possible that you help me on that too? I hope overclocking really helps me out. The little pump that I need is mostly for movies, itunes, and so on, for some reason they seem heavier programs than photoshop :/
 

DonQuixoteMC

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Sure! I'd be happy to take a look. You'll probably get my post in a few minutes, it'll be a little rushed though, I have to head out soon :p

Glad I could help!