intel core i5 vs amd fx-8320

nader samir · Jun 13, 2014

I have to choose between intel core i5 4440 and AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz Eight Core 16MB Processor AM3+ which one is better for heavy gaming??please help me because im going to buy it next week.

maddogfargo · Jun 13, 2014

The good news is that they will both be very close in most games and apps. So you could go with either and still be fine.

The only difference I would consider is that I don't think the i5 can be overclocked, but the 8320 can.

If price is equal, I would also consider the new Devils Canyon i5 series if you can afford it. The recent Intel refresh was just released and it should cost the same, has better TIM on the IHS, lower temperatures and higher stock speeds. Good stuff.

geofelt · Jun 13, 2014

It depends on the games you will play. If your game is truly multicore enabled like FSX then the FX-8320 will be good.
But... few games can take advantage of more than 2-3 cores so the faster intel cores are better.
In this comparison, the i5-4440 is stronger than the i5-3350 in the chart, and the FX-8320 is weaker than the FX-8350.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-processor-frame-rate-performance,3427-9.html

Your budget is so close to the i5-4690K that I would pick that hands down.

nader samir · Jun 14, 2014

Thank you for your help.and one last question is it worth waiting for the new intel cores??i realy want to play games as soon as possible.

Akhil Potukuchi · Jun 17, 2014

nader samir :

Buy the fx 8320. It is unlockeed and has high overclocking potential. It also runs all latest multithreaded games well. But in older singlethreaded games the i5 is better. But you will have to buy a cooler and a mobo with 8+2 power phase if you plan to overclock. So it mmight just cost you a little more. However seeing how close these two processors are, you will not regret buying one over the other.

unknownofprob · Jun 17, 2014

now the i5 would be the way to go, later the FX 8320/50 is the way to go.

In the long run, the FX with more cores and more threads will make you better off in ultra gaming for next gen for longer.

gamer1411 · Jul 2, 2014

unknownofprob :

You don't know that.
i5-4690k is by far better theb fx 8350. It use less power,less noise,less temperature,and single core is much much faster. Even now games don't really use more then 2 cores. And i5 will probably be better in more then 5 years,also you can overclock it to 4.6ghz,put evo 212 for 30$ on it,and there you go.

bicycle_repair_man · Jul 2, 2014

Just to point something else out, the AM3+ socket of the FX-8320 is getting long in the tooth and I wouldn't be surprised if AMD announced its successor soon. If that happens, you don't have much of an upgrade path.

Between the two, I'd choose the i5 because of its better per-core performance, much lower TDP and future upgradeability. Overclocking is a good hobby, but it's hit and miss as to whether games benefit from it.

DHFF · Jul 2, 2014

I personally don't get worked up about a platform's longevity. Both companies change sockets like I change my socks. Intel has been through 4 platforms in the last 5 years. Unless you are an extreme enthusiast with a very large amount of disposable income, chances are you are only going to be upgrading every 5-7 years so even if you get the newest platform out today it will be a relic by the time you next upgrade.

bicycle_repair_man · Jul 2, 2014

DHFF :

Completely agree.

I'm still happily running an LGA1155 socket which I have no intention of upgrading anytime soon. When I do, it'll be to an Ivy Bridge i7 or Xeon.

DHFF · Jul 2, 2014

I am actually partial to the LGA2011 design. I went with an LGA1150 layout for work but when I build my wife's rig next I will probably go with the 2011.

unknownofprob · Jul 3, 2014

gamer1411 :

put 212 EVO on FX 8320/50, clock it to around 5GHz, there you go. It depends on the game, if it is well threaded the FX 8XXX will do somewhat better, but poorly coded games the intel CPU's will outperform.

DHFF · Jul 3, 2014

If you are clocking it to 5Ghz, I would go with something a little beefier then the 212. I absolutely love the Hyper 212Evo but for that kind of Overclocking I would lean towards a liquid cooling system. I love AMD, I have used them for almost a decade but one of the reasons I made the shift to Intel is the heat. AMD chips get so bloody hot and it is practically a full time job keeping them cool.

gamer1411 · Jul 3, 2014

unknownofprob :

Like DFHH said,problem is heat. Also there is no game today(which doesn't mean that it won't be in next 6 months) that really use hyperthread.
I watched benchmarks and i5-4690k at stock is better then fx 8320 or 8350. Amd does have better perfomance/price ratio,but it also use much more power(I read that amd use 220W and i5-4690k about 80W)
And i5-4690k has better cooling etc.
So amd is winner if you go for processor for about 150$,then you can choose 6300 or something like that,but if you go processors over 150$-200$ Intel will outperfom any amd processor. Also New series of intel cpu will have 8 cores,and 16 threads,that is just gonna kill amd when it comes to perfomance. But yea,amd is choice only if you are on tight budget.
I had amd,and I switch to intel just to see difference,and I can say that intel is better.

DHFF · Jul 3, 2014

The 220W chip you are referring to is AMD's new 9500 series chip. It has a 5GHz stock speed so it is extremely powerful, its new so its hard to say but it might give the i7 a run for its money. However...220W, that is just insane. Even with a very large liquid cooler you are going to have issues keeping that thing tame. I dont know what AMD was thinking.

AMD is indeed a good selection for entry level. Their A series APU chips are actually pretty damn good and blow Intel out of the water when it comes to integrated graphics.

gamer1411 · Jul 3, 2014

DHFF :

Yes amd integrated graphics is about 2 times better then Intel,and amd is choice if you are on budget,but since we are talking about high end cpu,intel is winner with my opinion.

DHFF · Jul 4, 2014

Agreed. I used AMD for years but I just swapped my MB and CPU out for a Xenon 1230 an the difference was pretty clear. sluggishness that I had long tolerated just vanished. games that hung for 30 seconds on loading screens now only take a few seconds. Considering the 1230 is towars the bottom end of the Xenon class, I was pretty impressed. All this and my temps are down by 10 C. So I think I am a convert. I still don't like the price but its the clear choice for performance.

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