Sub-$100 gaming CPU

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Jay Jenkins

Jay Jenkins

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Feb 17, 2014
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If you had absolutely no other options, which of the following would you choose for a low budget gaming PC with separate GPU (RADEON HD7770)?

1. AMD Athlon X4 740 quad core

2. Intel Pentium G3220 dual core
 
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Jay Jenkins

Jay Jenkins

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Feb 17, 2014
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Otherwise I have to pay almost double what the Pentium will cost me. Then there are a few options: FX-6100, FX-4300 and A8-5600K .... i keep finding reasons to go with the quad even at the extra expense but it's pushed this system way out of budget, which is why i'm considering the 740 as a comprimise
 
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Jay Jenkins

Jay Jenkins

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the Fx4300 is $110

the FX6100 6core is about $115

the A8-5600k is $108


While the Pentium G3220 is $64 and the 740k is $83...

I'm already $100 over my original budget if i get the pentium. Am trying to imagine ways to get the price down but that won't happen if i get a quad

 
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Jay Jenkins

Jay Jenkins

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No. I haven't purchased anything yet. My main concern with getting a pricier AMD is that i'll also have to get an aftermarket cooler, further pushing up the price.

I've been checking various games at http://gamesystemrequirements.com and when I have the Pentium plugged in there I'm getting quite a few flags, but when I put the 740 in everything is green checkmarks. Granted, I don't HAVE to be able to play every game, but if I can have more options for just another $15 I'd probably go for it, assuming the 740 was worth investing in. The extra options wouldn't be worth it to me to jump $50 tho. There's still plenty of games the Pentium can handle.

I see the 740 is not a terribly old processor (less than a year older than the Pentium), coming out in October 2012. It gets generally great reviews on newegg as a budget quad (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113329) with just a few warnings about it running hotter than desirable with the stock cooling, but many seem to think the stock is adequate.
 
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Jay Jenkins

Jay Jenkins

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sapperastro,
Thanks for the input. I'm getting close.. am assembling a new version of the machine now with the 740 and a MSI FM2-A55M-E33. Am seeing what other changes I can make to get the costs down

Incidentally, I just now stumbled on a new site quite by accident and discovered a A8-5600K going for only $93, about $15 less than I've seen, just to complicate matters further
 
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Jay Jenkins

Jay Jenkins

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Feb 17, 2014
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CPU: A8-5600K THB $93.23
Mainboard: MSI FM2-A55M-E33 'STrek' $53.23
RAM: DDR3(1600) 4GB. Kingston 'Ingram/Synnex' $44.84 ( might get 4 gb corsair from another site cheaper)
HD: 1 TB. SATA-III Western (64MB, Blue, Synnex/Com7) $63.55
VGA: 1GB (V) PCIe ATi 7770 'Power Color' $106.13
Case: Tsunami i-robot (Black-Red) $33.87
Power: PS 580W Tsunami Red Strom (Box/Cable) $23.23

Total $418 (Budget was originally around $350-375)


I'm thinking that the A8-5600k is a better buy than the Athlon 740k, esp if i can get it for only $93. Does that sound reasonable?
 
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sapperastro

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Well, the a8 is a bit faster than the 740, so I agree with you on that. With your current mobo pick, you can only upgrade as far as a 6800k, otherwise, you will want a FM2+ motherboard.

Unsure about the tsunami red storm psu. Sounds like a local brand? I am guessing the corsairs, antecs, seasonics cost a fortune there? If so, with your low power requirements, you shouldn't have problems with your pick.

In any case, that build will get you gaming. Pity your choices are limited.
 
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Jay Jenkins

Jay Jenkins

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Feb 17, 2014
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Thanks for that tip about the mobo. I'll be sure to get an FM2+.

Getting that A85600 at that price might be a problem. Right now I'm thinking I'll go with the 740, using the FM2+

The main difference I can see is the the 5600k is 400mhz faster and can be overclocked. Since i'm buying a separate GPU the onboard GPU is of no value to me.

This article is encouraging: http://ixbtlabs.com/articles3/cpu/amd-athlon-fm2-p1.html

"Athlon X4 740 is just like an A8-5500 with the GPU disabled. Athlon X4 750K, in turn, is similar to a A10-5700 with the GPU disabled, but it also has unlocked multipliers and higher TDP.
Read more at http://ixbtlabs.com/articles3/cpu/amd-athlon-fm2-p1.html#HfDMt2g7Z237ZahB.99"

This might be oversimplified, but I think I'm going with the 740, all the same. I've managed to get a system with the 740 to the same cost as one with the Pentium G. It seems like a fair compromise and keeps me a bit closer to budget with the option to upgrade. http://gamesystemrequirements.com seems to like the 740 as well

That Tsunami PSU is indeed an Asian brand (out of Taipei, i think). It seems pretty common here. I still might switch to find something else from seasonic, perhaps. One of the ways I opted to get cost down was to not get a $60 PSU

Thanks for the input
 
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