Best APU for the price for PCSX2 and Dolphin emulation

bloodroses75 · Mar 21, 2014

I am looking at building a mini pc soon dedicated to streaming movies and running emulators up to PSCX2 and Dolphin. I am curious what is the lowest APU I can get away with and still have 100% performance. I am only looking at integrated graphics due to size of the case and using a pico power supply. This may be a factor in deciding between AMD and Intel. Inside space could also bring up concerns in regards to heat from the APU. I am not looking at overkill either as in getting say an i7 when an i3 could do the job properly. Ideally, it would be nice if Toms Hardware did an article on this as they could benchmark a larger variety of APUs. Until Toms does an article like this, any suggestions? Benchmark numbers of the rigs are a plus.

XCalinX · Mar 21, 2014

Intel doesnt make APUs, and their iGPU sucks, and how about your budget, dont go far, my old e8400 and gt 430 were able to run pcsx2 good and dolphin kinda good.

logainofhades · Mar 21, 2014

How small of a system you thinking? There are mini-itx solutions that would allow you to use the more powerful APU's or even something like an i3 or pentium g with a 7770.

bloodroses75 · Mar 21, 2014

Yeah, I was just saying APU to simplify saying AMD APU vs intel+integrated. As with Intel's igpu, the 4600 may be sufficient for emulation, especially since I don't know if pcsx2 and dolphin are heavily graphics dependent as well as CPU dependent. That was one of my main reasons for asking. Are you better off with better integrated graphics or a faster core. Also, is 4 cores of any advantage over 2 in regards to those 2 emulators.

Again, dedicated graphics are not an option as this will be stuffed in a very small case (either an old Nintendo 8 bit console or a Mini Box M350).

Btw, I have tried PCSX2 on an i3 sandy in a laptop with integrated graphics and the performance was at best 50%. However, the Haswell i5k I have for my desktop seems to think nothing of it unless I start enabling tons of enhancements, but the price is quite a bit higher compared to an i3 or AMD; overkill for a mini pc. I'm basically looking for the best bang for the buck. Overall, I'm looking at around 400 total for case, power, mb, cpu, ram since I already have the rest.

logainofhades · Mar 21, 2014

Yea, an AMD APU is probably your best bet here. I was looking at something like this. Keep in mind, I did this out of pure boredom and am not suggesting you go this route. Maybe the case. :lol:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i3-4130 3.4GHz Dual-Core Processor ($118.93 @ OutletPC)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master GeminII M4 58.4 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($34.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-B85N-WIFI Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($61.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial M500 240GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Hitachi Travelstar 1TB 2.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.00 @ Amazon)
Video Card: PNY GeForce GTX 750 Ti 2GB Video Card ($159.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 110 Mini ITX Tower Case ($49.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 430W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $839.84
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-03-21 15:47 EDT-0400)

APU motherboards tend to be expensive in mini-itx, also.

bloodroses75 · Mar 21, 2014

I am already running something similar for my desktop as this is what I've marked so far (working on building a review for it).
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($234.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Seidon 120M 86.2 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($64.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z87N-WIFI Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: AMD Entertainment Edition 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1333 Memory
Video Card: PowerColor Radeon HD 7770 GHz Edition 1GB Video Card
Case: Silverstone RVZ01B Mini ITX Desktop Case ($84.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Silverstone Strider Gold 450W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular SFX Power Supply ($94.99 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - 64-bit (OEM) (64-bit)
Keyboard: Rosewill RK-9000I Wired Standard Keyboard ($99.00 @ Mechanical Keyboards)
Mouse: Perixx MX-2000 Wired Laser Mouse ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $738.94
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-03-21 16:03 EDT-0400)

What I'm looking at for the second PC (which will mainly be hooked up to a TV) would be along the lines of these 2 builds (one he overkilled, the other he underkilled):
http://pcpartpicker.com/b/O3p (Mini Box M350 case)
http://pcpartpicker.com/b/FVm (NES case)

logainofhades · Mar 21, 2014

If you go the intel route, I would consider going with this board and SSD. Being M-SATA, the drive actually mounts to the motherboard.

Since space sounds like an issue, that would be very helpful, imo. Probably be better off going with a 4440 as well over a 4670k since you will not be overclocking.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4440 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($174.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master GeminII M4 58.4 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($34.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-B85N-WIFI Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Crucial M500 240GB mSATA Solid State Disk ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $419.95
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-03-21 16:18 EDT-0400)

bloodroses75 · Mar 21, 2014

the parts I listed are for an already built system (my desktop). I just haven't market the hard drive yet as I've been trying to remember off the top of my head at work the parts list.

The one I am asking about is for a 2nd computer. Storage space really an issue as everything will be streamed to it from the desktop. Basically, I am hosting a Plex server on the desktop and would like to have movies stream to the other side of the house through another PC, but would still like the ability to be able to play Wii and Playstation 2 games on it w/o having to unhook my consoles and move them over there each time (and have to kick the wife off the game...lol)

logainofhades · Mar 21, 2014

You listed a 4670k in your M350 build. That is why I made the suggestion I did.

It would make that build a little cheaper as well. I was thinking this for the M350 build. Keep in mind, you really want faster ram to get the most out of IGP. 2133 is generally the sweet spot for this, right now.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-4440 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($174.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-L9i 57.5 CFM CPU Cooler ($46.99 @ Mwave)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-B85N-WIFI Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial M500 240GB mSATA Solid State Disk ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (32/64-bit) ($100.00)
Keyboard: Logitech K400 Wireless Slim Keyboard w/Touchpad ($30.00)
Other: Mini Box picoPSU-160-XT + 192W Adapter Power Kit ($80.00)
Other: Mini Box M350 Universal Mini-ITX PC enclosure ($40.00)
Total: $766.95
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-03-21 16:34 EDT-0400)

bloodroses75 · Mar 21, 2014

Ah, yeah, that was someone else's build.. As mentioned, they did severe overkill in that.

The thing is though is an i5 even necessary or will the top end i3 (with better integrated graphics) suffice better?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116944 (i3)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116895 (i5)

and again, would an AMD be possibly a better choice?

bloodroses75 · Mar 21, 2014

Actually, I just noticed your i5 was very close in price to the i3 and i5s i listed and did have the better integrated graphics as well, so that very well could be a possibility.

logainofhades · Mar 21, 2014

The NES case, I don't think what you selected will cut it. I would go with this at minimum.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i3-4130 3.4GHz Dual-Core Processor ($118.93 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-B85N-WIFI Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($99.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: FSP Group 220W 80+ Certified Mini ITX Power Supply ($54.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($97.98 @ OutletPC)
Keyboard: Favi FE01-BL Wireless Mini Keyboard w/Touchpad ($19.77)
Other: Nintendo Entertainment System ($30.00)
Other: StarTech.com Replacement Power Reset LED Wire Kit for ATX Case Front Bezel BEZELWRKIT ($6.99)
Total: $513.63
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-03-21 16:39 EDT-0400)

bloodroses75 · Mar 21, 2014

Based on our setup, removing the hard drive (i have extras laying around and ssd isnt really needed for the setup), using a stock cooler (should suffice fine), cutting the ram in half (4 is plenty for what I need), dropping the OS (running Linux), and already having that exact keyboard/mouse, the price comes out to around $437; within the budget range on the m350 case. The nintendo one is below the budget even with the same adjustments. Guess I just need to find out now if the i3 will cut it or jump up to the i5.

logainofhades · Mar 21, 2014

If graphics are of a concern, yes AMD will be better. You also want to stick with faster ram for the IGP. The 7850k is the fastest IGP setup you can get.

logainofhades · Mar 21, 2014

I cannot say exactly how powerful of a system you need here. I have only done old NES/SNES/GAMEBOY/SEGA games for emulation. I never could seem to get any playstation ones to work. :lol:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD A10-7850K 3.7GHz Quad-Core Processor ($179.99 @ TigerDirect)
Motherboard: ASRock FM2A88X-ITX+ Mini ITX FM2+ Motherboard ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: FSP Group 220W 80+ Certified Mini ITX Power Supply ($54.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($97.98 @ OutletPC)
Keyboard: Favi FE01-BL Wireless Mini Keyboard w/Touchpad ($19.77)
Other: Nintendo Entertainment System ($30.00)
Other: StarTech.com Replacement Power Reset LED Wire Kit for ATX Case Front Bezel BEZELWRKIT ($6.99)
Total: $564.69
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-03-21 17:00 EDT-0400)

Another APU build but with a cheaper 6790k.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD A10-6790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor ($109.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock FM2A88X-ITX+ Mini ITX FM2+ Motherboard ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: FSP Group 220W 80+ Certified Mini ITX Power Supply ($54.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8 (OEM) (64-bit) ($97.98 @ OutletPC)
Keyboard: Favi FE01-BL Wireless Mini Keyboard w/Touchpad ($19.77)
Other: Nintendo Entertainment System ($30.00)
Other: StarTech.com Replacement Power Reset LED Wire Kit for ATX Case Front Bezel BEZELWRKIT ($6.99)
Total: $494.69
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-03-21 17:00 EDT-0400)

bloodroses75 · Mar 21, 2014

K. Thank you very much. At least I have a ton of options here to look at now. I guess I'll just have to look around the PCSX2 forums to see what I can find out CPU wise will be sufficient. I emulate the older systems as well, but with those I've had no problems running them on older hardware so this will be overkill.

nikoli707 · Mar 21, 2014

the a10-6790k is going to be your best bang for buck when it comes to emulation and gaming. running 720p on an hdtv it offers better performance and visuals than the ps3/360 in modern games like battlefield 4 etc.

http://www.anandtech.com/show/7752/msi-x79agd45-plus-review-building-up/7
there is a benchmark, if you scroll down you will see the dolphin emulator benchmark with the wii scoring 17.53. the a10-7850k scores much better in the benchmark and the 6790k wont be that far behind the 7850k. obviously the pcsx2 games will be have no problem.

bluray quality 1080p will be a breeze for the 6790k.

bloodroses75 · Mar 27, 2014

Only problem with the a10-6790k though is the thermal envelope is quite high for tiny enclosures and its wattage requirements quite high; pushing most pico power supplies to or over their limit. That could be a major concern with the build. I am keeping an eye out though for the a8-7600 when it eventually gets released and see how it compares. The link is very handy as it is nice to actually see one of the emulators benchmarked.

bloodroses75 · Mar 27, 2014

The other thing I've been reading about that has me curious is Valve's beta streaming software for Steam. That could make quite a large difference in part choices since the heavy work can be offloaded to the desktop. Since this is something I am looking at building a couple months from now, I am probably just best off waiting and see what all unfolds.

Best APU for the price for PCSX2 and Dolphin emulation

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