Which build is better?

DaronMal · Mar 17, 2014

I have two computer builds I'm looking at right now, I like both, but I'd like outside opinions. Which one is better? Which one is more bang for my buck? I'm looking for a computer for hardcore gaming, Battlefield 4 and Skyrim and whatnot at high quality.

Intel build: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/2mqXc

AMD build: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/37lDQ

I'm leaning more towards the AMD build myself, any other opinions or changes?

barto · Mar 17, 2014

Well, by picking the finite numbers, the Intel build is better. However, the performance difference between them is really small. You could save some money by getting a cheaper AMD motherboard and even getting a 8320 and overclocking to 8350 speeds (and higher).

Both are really good and you'll be happy either way.

DaronMal · Mar 17, 2014

I benchmarked both CPU's and the AMD cpu is better I believe.

CoolBeans222 · Mar 17, 2014

I would go with Intel, AMD is cheaper and so is their quality.

Your Intel build looks pretty good, but i made a few tweaks and was able to shave off $40 and get you some better quality stuff.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3brlI < I personally am going with the EVGA version of the Geforce GTX 770, but the MSI one is cheaper and technically the same.

Also i would like to add, you will need an OD (optical drive) to instal your OS/Watch movies. < plus you'll need an OS if you don't already have one.

DaronMal · Mar 17, 2014

CoolBeans222 :

I already have an OD in my current computer I can just install from there, I have a Win7 install disk already as well, so both aren't a problem. You did however switch out my 2Tb for a 1TB, but I already got a 1TB, and I'll use the 2TB as my backup drive.

So I'll have a 1TB and a 2TB in my comupter, usign the 1TB for basic stuff and windows and stuff, then eventually I'll save up again and buy an SSD and put windows on that and sell my 1TB, but I need the 2TB

CoolBeans222 · Mar 17, 2014

DaronMal :

CoolBeans222 :

I already have an OD in my current computer I can just install from there, I have a Win7 install disk already as well, so both aren't a problem. You did however switch out my 2Tb for a 1TB, but I already got a 1TB, and I'll use the 2TB as my backup drive.

So I'll have a 1TB and a 2TB in my comupter, usign the 1TB for basic stuff and windows and stuff, then eventually I'll save up again and buy an SSD and put windows on that and sell my 1TB, but I need the 2TB

Well you obv know more than me, and this obv isn't your first build.

I know about 1 week worth of reading about this stuff so i cant help much

gl though!

DaronMal · Mar 17, 2014

CoolBeans222 :

DaronMal :

Well you obv know more than me, and this obv isn't your first build.

I know about 1 week worth of reading about this stuff so i cant help much

gl though!

Don't get the wrong idea xD This is my first build, but Im going to college for computer repair and stuff so I need to know a lot about systems, Im just looking for general inquiries at least, and it's always nice if someone responds

barto · Mar 17, 2014

Be careful with benchmarks. They aren't absolutes. You should use them as a general idea of a performance level. So if Product-X beats Product-Y by 10 units, that doesn't mean Product-X is the absolute best choice. Here's a quick comparison between the two CPUs. I say quick because there are many more benchmarks that support both CPUs.

http://cpuboss.com/cpus/Intel-Core-i5-4670K-vs-AMD-FX-8350

Typically, Intel leads the gaming area. But AMD isn't far behind and depending on the game and budget, the AMD CPU can be a better choice. Considering your budget, I'd go with Intel.

How much space have you used on the 1 TB drive? Personally, I'd say forget the 2TB and get the SSD. There's nothing like a crisp quick boot and fast game loads. I'll never build another computer without one. I just built a PC for my grandparents from old parts I had. I bought a brand new SSD just for their primary drive.

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/samsung-internal-hard-drive-mz7te120bw

As for the RAM speed, if you don't want to overclock the RAM for benchmarking or just to learn how to OC RAM, there's no reason to buy it. You will not gain any performance for gaming from OC'd RAM. The primary practice is to simply OC the CPU and not the RAM.

The Extreme4 is a good motherboard for OC. It has a 8+2 power phase design for OC. Power phases are important when overclocking because typically, the more phases the higher, cooler and more stable OC can be achieved. But you don't have to buy a 16 phase board, those are overkill.

I like Coolbeans build but the PSU. The CX series has a bad rep around here because of the cheap capacitors in them. If you stick with Corsair, I suggest the TX or HX series PSU. If too pricey, the XFX PSU in the first build is a good choice.

DaronMal · Mar 17, 2014

barto :

Be careful with benchmarks. They aren't absolutes. You should use them as a general idea of a performance level. So if Product-X beats Product-Y by 10 units, that doesn't mean Product-X is the absolute best choice. Here's a quick comparison between the two CPUs. I say quick because there are many more benchmarks that support both CPUs.

http://cpuboss.com/cpus/Intel-Core-i5-4670K-vs-AMD-FX-8350

Typically, Intel leads the gaming area. But AMD isn't far behind and depending on the game and budget, the AMD CPU can be a better choice. Considering your budget, I'd go with Intel.

How much space have you used on the 1 TB drive? Personally, I'd say forget the 2TB and get the SSD. There's nothing like a crisp quick boot and fast game loads. I'll never build another computer without one. I just built a PC for my grandparents from old parts I had. I bought a brand new SSD just for their primary drive.

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/samsung-internal-hard-drive-mz7te120bw

As for the RAM speed, if you don't want to overclock the RAM for benchmarking or just to learn how to OC RAM, there's no reason to buy it. You will not gain any performance for gaming from OC'd RAM. The primary practice is to simply OC the CPU and not the RAM.

The Extreme4 is a good motherboard for OC. It has a 8+2 power phase design for OC. Power phases are important when overclocking because typically, the more phases the higher, cooler and more stable OC can be achieved. But you don't have to buy a 16 phase board, those are overkill.

I like Coolbeans build but the PSU. The CX series has a bad rep around here because of the cheap capacitors in them. If you stick with Corsair, I suggest the TX or HX series PSU. If too pricey, the XFX PSU in the first build is a good choice.

I think I'm going with my Intel build tbh, CPU wise at least. My 1TB has about 600GB free of movies and stuff, Im thinking a 2TB for storage + SSD for booting and other stuff will be perfect though. Im not looking to overclock anything because I'd rather not let my build die quicker, I plan to keep this build for a LONG time and keep it somewhat future proofed.

barto · Mar 17, 2014

DaronMal :

Overclocking does shorten the life of a CPU but it's not drastic. I remember reading the typical lifespan of transistors in a CPU is something like 20+ years. Overclocking would shorten that lifespan but let's say it reduces the lifespan to 15 years (most likely only 2-3 years less than 20). Why on earth would you want that CPU for gaming 15 years from now? Even more drastic decline, 10 years? If you are serious about gaming, you would have bought 2 new computers in that time.

If you don't to overclock, than we can change quite a few things to save you money. You can change the 4670k to a 4570 and the Extreme4 to H87 board.

But, the best way to make a computer last is to overclock to squeeze some performance out after a few years.

DaronMal · Mar 17, 2014

Well I guess I'll try it, the CPU I picked it unlocked I believe so I should be okay to overclock

barto · Mar 17, 2014

Well you don't have to. Just a thought.

DaronMal · Mar 17, 2014

How much would it help? With the way computers/tech in general advance, I'll probably buy a new build sooner than 15 years since it'll be straight up outdated

barto · Mar 17, 2014

OC right now, will add a small performance bump with the higher clocks. Some people don't think it's necessary. It really depends on the chip designers and games. Right now, Intel has the higher budget for R&D, however they aren't being challenged so they have no incentive to innovate. For example: 4670k is roughly 10% faster than the 3750k which is roughly 10% faster than the 2500k. As simple overclock from a 3 year old chip is and you have a stock 4670k (minor differences). But how does that relate to games? Minor minor differences.

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/product/701?vs=288

As for the future, no know knows that.

DaronMal · Mar 17, 2014

Which is why I kinda wanna build a computer that can handle modern games VERY well, and be as future proofed as possible.

barto · Mar 17, 2014

DaronMal :

The i5 and 770 will handle pretty much every game on Ultra @1080 for a few years (depending on the game title).

DaronMal · Mar 17, 2014

barto :

Well for example, I plan on getting Battlefield 4 and possibly beefing up games like Natural Selection 2. If it can run BF4 perfectly, I'm a happy gamer.

barto · Mar 18, 2014

DaronMal :

Well, I can tell you from experience, you'll play BF4 on Ultra @1080 (MSAA x4) no problems. The frames jump a little but I never saw frames below the mid 50s.

DaronMal · Mar 18, 2014

barto :

I'll be able to figure it out tbh, as long as it's reliable and can do the job I paid it to do, i'll be happy xD

barto · Mar 18, 2014

Oh it will. You'll enjoy it.

DaronMal · Mar 18, 2014

So my original build maybe overclocked will be perfect?

barto · Mar 18, 2014

DaronMal · Mar 18, 2014

Sweet, thanks

Which build is better?

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