Advice and Help Deciding Between an AMD Gaming Build and an Intel Gaming Build (On a Budget)

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J

Jacktheoff

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Mar 21, 2012
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10,510
Through some research and numerous questions across the web, I have devised two gaming builds that I hope meet my gaming needs and that fall within my budget ($1000-$1300ish). The more money I can save the better, but my primary goal is to be able to play current an upcoming next gen games on the highest settings I can possibly muster.(Watchdogs, Titanfall, thief ext.). I have a keyboard and mouse, and intend to use my 32 inch HDTV as a monitor until I can afford a better one (I do not want to gimp my system just so I can afford a 27 inch monitor).

Intel Build

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3f0Xp
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3f0Xp/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3f0Xp/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock Fatal1ty Z87 Killer ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Kingston HyperX Blu 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Kingston SSDNow V300 Series 240GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 770 4GB Video Card ($379.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Phantom (White) ATX Full Tower Case ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Case Fan: Noctua NF-P14 FLX 65.0 CFM 140mm Fan ($12.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1262.88
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-03-23 15:45 EDT-0400)

AMD Build

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3f4ka
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3f4ka/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3f4ka/benchmarks/

CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($179.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($125.00 @ Newegg)
Memory: Kingston HyperX Blu 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: PNY XLR8 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($64.99 @ TigerDirect)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($59.63 @ Amazon)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 280X 3GB Video Card ($359.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 w/Window (Black Pearl) ATX Mid Tower Case ($99.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($89.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Case Fan: Noctua NF-P14 FLX 65.0 CFM 140mm Fan ($12.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1172.52
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-03-23 15:46 EDT-0400)

Conclusion

I would like to know hot to improve the builds, which build is more powerful (Average settings such as Low, Medium, High or hopefully Ultra) and which build will have the most potential for future upgrades. I have read that AMD "may" have the advantage in future gaming thanks to consoles 8 core tech, but I also understand future-proofing is not a thing. I do not have my heart set on anything, all parts, processes or builds are subject to change and complete annihilation. My only constant is the cost.

Show no mercy and thank you in advance.

 
Solution
geofelt
The Intel build will be stronger in most games from a cpu point of view.

The graphics card performance is comparable.

I very much like using a 240gb ssd instead of a mix. 240gb will hold a fair number of games; you can always add a hard drive later.
The price for 240gb seems like a steal.
I would normally go for the proven Samsung evo, but at that price....

For the psu, consider the EVGA750w unit for about the same price. High quality, stronger, 5 year warranty:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817438007
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J

Jacktheoff

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Mar 21, 2012
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I never considered AMD would have problems with older games, I am not TOOOO Terribly worried about that but it would be nice to have options. I am definitely open to suggestions. My priorities are High gaming performance and staying within my budget.
 
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geofelt

geofelt

Titan
Oct 9, 2006
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The Intel build will be stronger in most games from a cpu point of view.

The graphics card performance is comparable.

I very much like using a 240gb ssd instead of a mix. 240gb will hold a fair number of games; you can always add a hard drive later.
The price for 240gb seems like a steal.
I would normally go for the proven Samsung evo, but at that price....

For the psu, consider the EVGA750w unit for about the same price. High quality, stronger, 5 year warranty:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817438007
 
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Solution
J

Jacktheoff

Honorable
Mar 21, 2012
12
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10,510


Thank you for your feedback! I have a couple questions if you don't mind.
1. Any thoughts on AMD 8 core processor's in next gen games?
2. Do you see any way to save money on either of these builds?
3. How do these systems compare with overclocking as an option?
4. What settings do you foresee these systems performing at (low, med, high or ultra)?
 
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J

Jacktheoff

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Mar 21, 2012
12
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10,510
It seems that the general consensus I am recieving is that the Intel build is superior (with a few tweeks here and there.) I am a little surprised as it seemed like AMD was getting some promise given the whole next gen console 8 core thing, but I am glad to have a forerunner.

I am still left wondering where this build will fall in terms of performance. Would it benefit ftom two 760's in lew of the solo 770?
 
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onderbakirtas

onderbakirtas

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Mar 24, 2014
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I have a feeling that AMD side will perform better in more games in the future with extra cores and Mantle API. You may have reach 4.8GHz with that CPU and it'll have same performance in "old" games as good as Intel. And you have some more bucks left! You won't regret buying any of them, but it will be helpful if you get some recommendations in details like PSU, RAM etc. Good luck!
 
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J

Jacktheoff

Honorable
Mar 21, 2012
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10,510
I have revised my two builds as I have not had the opportunity to make a purchase for some time. I have increased my budget slightly allowing me to go with a GTX 780 on both builds. I plan on overclocking whichever build I get so I have included some better cooling for the Processor. I am primarily looking at which build has the most quality as they are very similar as far as performance, parts and cost are concerned. I am looking to increase the quality without increasing the overall cost too terribly much.

Intel

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3tyIW
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3tyIW/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3tyIW/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4670K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($209.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($89.99 @ Best Buy)
Motherboard: ASRock Fatal1ty Z87 Killer ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($129.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card ($529.99 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT Phantom 630 (White) ATX Full Tower Case ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Rosewill Hive 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.98 @ OutletPC)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.98 @ OutletPC)
Wireless Network Adapter: Rosewill RNX-N250PCe 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($21.14 @ Amazon)
Total: $1411.02
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-04-20 12:09 EDT-0400)

AMD

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3v7Fa
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3v7Fa/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/3v7Fa/benchmarks/

CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($186.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H100i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($89.99 @ Best Buy)
Motherboard: Asus Sabertooth 990FX R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($182.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Kingston Blu 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($64.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($56.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 780 3GB Video Card ($529.99 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT Phantom 630 (White) ATX Full Tower Case ($139.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Rosewill Hive 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - 64-bit (OEM) (64-bit) ($94.99 @ Best Buy)
Wireless Network Adapter: Rosewill RNX-N250PCe 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($21.14 @ Amazon)
Total: $1440.03
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-04-20 12:10 EDT-0400)
 
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P

PsychoGamingLemon

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Sep 23, 2013
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11,160


Go for the Intel build, that CPU is way more powerful for games.
 
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