CPU/MB combo for $300 or less

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Pentaquark

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Jan 29, 2014
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Hello,

I'm looking to pretty rapidly purchase a CPU motherboard combo because I think my current MB is causing my HDs to fail. That's another story. While I feel intelligent enough to go poke around with some Newegg sliders to help me figure out what I can easily afford and "haz teh most corz", I also am not 100% sure what I need/might not know I need.

I'm looking to spend about $300 on the combined price of a CPU and motherboard. I predominantly recode video on Handbrake and play not-super-heavy games like SWTOR.

I have a 8MB of mid-range RAM and a Radeon HD 6700, if that's worth noting.

I was thinking I could use 4-6 cores at this price point and the FX 6300 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113286 ) stood out to me as well as the i5-4430 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116895).

I'm not sure why I can get 6 AMD cores for less than 4 Intel ones but that just shows my knowledge level, I'm sure.

In terms of a MB, I use two HDMI monitors and prefer higher USB ports than fewer. I use an older sound system that doesn't use optical connections but maybe most boards these days have them anyway. My current board is the ATX form, and I would prefer to not have to buy a new case.

Based on extremely helpful user feedback: My PSU is a OCZ ModStream Pro 600W

I appreciate any feedback.

 
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dacquesta1

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Jan 1, 2014
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FX-8320
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113285
Asus M5A97 2.0
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131873

edit: kawnartyst is correct about intel being the better performer, especially in games and single threaded programs. However handbrake will happily chew up those 8 threads and rip through all your encodes. I would also suggest an aftermarket cooler such as the hyper 212 evo for ~30 dollars still keeping you under 300. That will keep you cool under load whether stock clocks or overclocked (which they do quite nicely).
 
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geofelt

geofelt

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Oct 9, 2006
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It turns out that intel cores are much stronger than amd cores, that is why there is a price difference.
The FX-6300 with 6 cores is a good cpu for multithreaded apps, not so good for single threaded apps.
Games will use fewer, faster cores.

If your ram is DDR3, then it will likely carry over. If not, like DDR2, then be prepared for ram replacement.

A intel lga1150 motherboard can be inexpensive. $50 will do it such as this one:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813135360
It is M-ATX size, but that is compatible with full ATX.
You will get 4 rear panel usb ports, and internal connections for 4 more.
All modern motherboards will have good HD 7.1 sound.


That would let you use a i5-4570 for only $10 more.

You can reuse your 6700 for monitor attachment, and the motherboard has 3 different graphics ports.
 
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kawnartyst

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Jun 11, 2012
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One thing the OP failed to mention was the PSU he was using, as the FX8320 is 125W TDP whereas Intel's 3570k is 77W TDP.

I agree with FX8320 being better for handbrake.
 
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dacquesta1

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Jan 1, 2014
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That's only 2 reference frames and low quality encode. If your using really high quality settings you need threads. For apple TV type of encode hell yeah quick sync all the way but if your doing blu ray source 1080p with say 6 reference frames 32+ motion estimation trellis etc quick sync doesn't apply. Depends on your needs there are advantages to both Intel and amd.

Edit: I will say though Intel does it with way less power usage. Over clocked FX is a power hog, passing 200 watts if your going for a high over clock.
 
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