Looking for a low temp/low power gaming CPU.

Jedi Trasley

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Dec 28, 2013
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Okay I am building a new mini tower that has the best low temp/low power/high performance. I regularly play skyrim, will be playing Elder scrolls online and witcher 3. etc. Currently I'm running a itx build with a i3-2120 w/ phanteks PH-TC14CS, and a gtx 560 ti. I'm keeping the cooler and the video card. So what are my best options for low temp/low power/high performance.
My guy tells me to go with an i5-4570s..but the benchmarks I've been seeing seem really low compared to the non 's' versions such as the 4570, and 4570k. I want to upgrade from an i3 for more future able games. Would i5-4570s be the one to go with or am I missing something from AMD or the i7-4770s. Thanks for your responses in advance.
 
Solution
I wouldn't get an FX-8xxx. If you're going to change the motherboard, go Intel.
As photonboy said, you should consider the i5 4670k. That way, you can boost the performance when it starts to fall behind with the future more demanding games. If so, I suggest you this motherboard: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asrock-motherboard-z87extreme4
If you wait 1-2 weeks, the price should drop to $110-120.
If you want to stick to your current mobo, get a i5 3470, it has good perfomance compared to the 3570 and is significantly cheaper. However your mobo starts to get outdated, as you said.
It really depends on what you're willing to spend. Maybe you can just buy the CPU and upgrade some other component like the GPU or/and PSU

Jedi Trasley

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Dec 28, 2013
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I do not plan to overclock, however i do plan to have a nice board, most likely an MSI z87 series due to the integrated creative and killer LAN.
 

Francisco Costa

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Nov 16, 2013
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OK we have two options:
Economic one: Keep your current motherboard and buy an i5 3470 or something similar: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80637i53470
Expensive one: Get a new motherboard (an H87 one since you're not overclocking) and and i5 4570 or something similar: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646i54570

Personally, I'd much rather stick with the current motherboard since you're not overclocking. But again, what is your current motherboard?
 
i5-4670, though you really should consider the overclockable i5-4670K

More:

The new Intel Haswell 4000 series is the most power efficient. The performance is basically going to scale by the CPU Turbo Clock.

The i5-4430 max clock is 3GHz, however the i5-4670K at 4.2GHz would be 40% faster. That's pretty signficant and it will still run fairly quietly with that cooler.

I see no reason to get a less powerful CPU for minimum cost difference. If noise was an issue, then YES, but it isn't.
 

Jedi Trasley

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Dec 28, 2013
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Thanks for the swift reply :)
I currently have an Intel board, And correction to a previously stated comment I have a mini tower not a itx tower. This is my current mobo http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004Q7JRJI/ref=oh_details_o04_s01_i04?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I was thinking about keeping the current mobo, but im always halted on that thought as there is no usb 3.0 onboard/front panel only onboard/back panel. Which isnt a HUGE issue. However I want to put this new silent/low power/gaming pc together as a 3-4 year plan (as far as the cpu/mobo go). And based on your recommendation you wouldn't go for the 4570s?
 

Jedi Trasley

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Dec 28, 2013
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Replying to you and Francisco, would AMD FX-8000 series be at all comparable to any of these or recommended in any way as a 8 core?
 

Jedi Trasley

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Will the i5-4670k have noticeably more power draw compared to the 4570s. Also is the life of the CPU on either one better due to more/less heat/watts. And does the 4670k vs 4570s have much of a difference in core temp at medium/normal use.
 

Francisco Costa

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Nov 16, 2013
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I wouldn't get an FX-8xxx. If you're going to change the motherboard, go Intel.
As photonboy said, you should consider the i5 4670k. That way, you can boost the performance when it starts to fall behind with the future more demanding games. If so, I suggest you this motherboard: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/asrock-motherboard-z87extreme4
If you wait 1-2 weeks, the price should drop to $110-120.
If you want to stick to your current mobo, get a i5 3470, it has good perfomance compared to the 3570 and is significantly cheaper. However your mobo starts to get outdated, as you said.
It really depends on what you're willing to spend. Maybe you can just buy the CPU and upgrade some other component like the GPU or/and PSU
 
Solution

Jedi Trasley

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Dec 28, 2013
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Excellent recommendations. I'll probably go with the i5-4670k..what about the i7-4770k?
also is the i5 (or the i7) a good choice for the inevitable amazing Oculus Rift?
 

Francisco Costa

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Nah, don't get the i7, it's useless in gaming. However, if you're going to edit/render, then yes, get an i7 4770k.
Well, yes, I think it is a good choice for Oculus Rift, what wouldn't be? :p