2 Options: AMD or Intel for Gaming

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Kayla1632

Kayla1632

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I have 2 options. Both cost the same. One has a 4th Generation Intel Core i3-4130 Processor. The other has an AMD Quad-Core A4-5000 Processor. Which is better for gaming?
 
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bignastyid
Unfortunately neither one is going to game well. And adding a better gpu to either system will require a PSU upgrade. If you can spend a bit more and don't mind assembling it yourself.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($59.99 @ Micro Center)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H97M-HD3 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($82.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Team Vulcan 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($68.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($50.40 @ Amazon)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R7 260X 1GB Core Edition Video Card ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Case:...
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InvalidError

InvalidError

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If the A4 and the i3 are priced the same, there must be some fairly significant corner-cutting on the i3... what are the two systems' specs?

In terms of raw processing power, the i3 is in a completely different league from the A4 so on that metric alone, the i3 wins hands-down.
 
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bignastyid

bignastyid

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The i3 paired with a dedicated GPU(you'll want this for gaming) will be much better than an a4 with the same dedicated card. The A4 only has a better integrated GPU and even it is not a good gaming option. Plus the i3 has a better upgrade path as you will most likely have the option to get a i5 or i7 later.
 
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Kayla1632

Kayla1632

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Not very much, I'm afraid. I've managed to save up to $550 just for a new desktop. The Intel comes with tower, mouse, keyboard. AMD comes with monitor, tower, mouse, keyboard. Which I'm not worried about choosing AMD just for the extra accessories since I have an extra monitor floating around the house.
Here are the options I've been looking at. They're in store so I haven't really looked at much else.
http://www.walmart.com/ip/HP-Pavilion-500-223w-Desktop-PC
http://www.walmart.com/ip/HP-110-243wb-Desktop-PC
 
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bignastyid

bignastyid

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Unfortunately neither one is going to game well. And adding a better gpu to either system will require a PSU upgrade. If you can spend a bit more and don't mind assembling it yourself.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($59.99 @ Micro Center)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H97M-HD3 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($82.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Team Vulcan 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($68.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($50.40 @ Amazon)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R7 260X 1GB Core Edition Video Card ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Case: BitFenix Merc Alpha (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($34.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($60.74 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-14 DVD/CD Writer ($12.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $571.07
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-07-26 15:08 EDT-0400
The g3258 is just a bit slower than the i3, but the g3258 is unlocked so you can add a better cooler later and overclock it. THe 550w XFX is a good psu and will allow for future cpu and gpu upgrades.
 
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LookItsRain

LookItsRain

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You cant OC on a h97 board, unless the 3258 gets a special case..
 
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bignastyid

bignastyid

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http://www.tomshardware.com/news/asus-overclocking-h87-h97-b85,27076.html
Asus has done it and so does gigabyte(they even mention overclocking on the motherboards product page). It was done specifically because the anniversary edition pentium(G3258).
 
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LookItsRain

LookItsRain

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Very intresting.
 
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theonerm2

theonerm2

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This one is perfect for you. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883220445R

It has a decent CPU. FX 8300 and a very capable graphics card the HD 8760. It's a good quality prebuilt system.

This is the best deal I have found so far.
 
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Kayla1632

Kayla1632

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Thanks I appreciate you looking around but I don't have an ethernet cable to plug into it so it would have to be wi-fi capable. I know there are USB Network Adapters and such out there but I kinda just want an all-in-one thing. I'm not trying to spend more than I have on extra bits and pieces.
 
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theonerm2

theonerm2

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Now it doesn't matter anyway... It was such a good deal that it has already sold out. Neither of the computers you listed from Walmart are able to play games. Well they can play games but the experience would be like a slideshow.

This one has everything you want. It can play some games, it has wifi, and even has bluetooth built in. http://www.amazon.com/Gateway-DX4380-UR23-Desktop-Black/dp/B00CP18XFQ#productDetails

Though if you're serious about gaming I'd suggest you just get a PS4 with your budget.
 
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