CPU for gaming PC, no OC

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Morzan

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Aug 27, 2014
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Hi, so I was thinking I'll buy this:
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/MPpcgs
Plus my HDD and HD 7950. It will be used mainly for games, no video editing, no 3D modeling. I'm not really sure about the CPU though, I can afford the Xeon but if i5 4590 or 4690 would be enough, I'll happily buy them.
 
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MeteorsRaining


For any locked CPU, an af cooler is entirely optional. Intel stock ones are pretty decent until the CPU is OCed, which in this case, isn't a possibility. So you don't need an af cooler.

Don't cheap out on PSU, it really is an essential component and should be purchased carefully.

Also, Xeon...
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MeteorsRaining

MeteorsRaining

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Jul 27, 2014
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The i5 will suffice, also I just got a cheaper and equally good memory, with a better PSU:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($223.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M-ITX/AC Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($82.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($76.50 @ Newegg)
Case: BitFenix Phenom Midnight Black Mini ITX Tower Case ($79.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: SeaSonic S12II 520W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($59.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $523.45
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-27 11:35 EDT-0400
 
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logainofhades

logainofhades

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I would probably want to stick with the Xeon. I know case is generally a personal choice, but I would give the Coolermaster Elite 130 a look. It is a good deal cheaper, and still and excellent mini-itx case. These are the changes I would make.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($247.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M-ITX/AC Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($92.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 130 Mini ITX Tower Case ($44.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 620W 80+ Bronze Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $527.93
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-08-27 11:50 EDT-0400
 
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M

Morzan

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Aug 27, 2014
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I suppose I should clarify I'm not from US so the prices are not really relevant. I just used the site since it's in English and you can easily link to it. And around here, the Crucial Ballistix Sport are by far the cheapest (they are still 10$ more expansive then the G.Skills but that's what you get for living in Central Europe). The PSU is cheaper, I just picked the Corsair 'cause it's supposed to have Gold certification whereas this one was only Bronze. But if it's still better, I'll go for that one. Yeah and also, is the 4690 really worth it over the 4590?

 
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MeteorsRaining

MeteorsRaining

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Jul 27, 2014
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I see. Well get the cheapest memory you can get in 1600/9 or 1866/9 from A-Data/ Crucial/ Corsair/ G.Skill/ Patriot/ Kingston. Anyone will do fine, I just mistook that you're from US.

Certification won't be of any use when the capacitors CSM uses are low grade, that SeaSonic 520W will be far more reliable and stable. You can get any 520W or higher PSU from Antec/ SeaSonic/ EVGA/ XFX. I'd prefer Antec HCG or SeaSonic S12II, whichever you find cheaper, both are great units.

As for CPU, it depends on how long you wish to keep the build. If its for 3-4 years, then 4590 will suffice, but if its for longer time period, 4690's 200MHz extra speed will be useful for titles of that time. Both are great for any game right now though.
 
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M

Morzan

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Aug 27, 2014
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Well, I would like for it to last as long as possible so... now I'm back where I started. I guess I should take the middle road and pick the i5 5960. Also, do you think I should consider an aftermarket cooler or is the stock one good enough? If I go for the i5 and cheaper PSU I suppose I could easily afford one.
 
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MeteorsRaining

MeteorsRaining

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Jul 27, 2014
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For any locked CPU, an af cooler is entirely optional. Intel stock ones are pretty decent until the CPU is OCed, which in this case, isn't a possibility. So you don't need an af cooler.

Don't cheap out on PSU, it really is an essential component and should be purchased carefully.

Also, Xeon is nothing but a locked i7 w/o integrated graphics. In the coming years, games *shall* become more multi core optimized and there the hyperthreads will be really useful. Its the best option, if you can get a Xeon, get it. Its really powerful with those virtual cores and 3.8Ghz boost clock will suffice for atleast another 5 years, if not more.

Xeon, a good PSU and no af cooler would be my advice :)
 
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M

Morzan

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Aug 27, 2014
10
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4,510


OK, I'll stick with the Xeon and stock cooler. I guess I can always buy the cooler later, if I find it I dunno... too loud maybe? By cheaper I meant that the Seasonic S12II 520W is actually cheaper than the one I originally had in mind (the Corsair one). I can go either with the S12II, M12II or Cooler Master GM Series 550W. I can't really get my hands on XFX and the Antecs HCG are way too expansive (like 40$ more).

 
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MeteorsRaining

MeteorsRaining

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Jul 27, 2014
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Yeah you can get an af cooler later. Thumb rule in building: Get raw power first, accessorize later. Well if you can afford the S12II, then get it, its a lot better quality than Corsair. And M12II is even better quality and will be a bit more expensive. S12II will do the job here though. Avoid the GM. M12II>S12II but both are solid PSUs.
 
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