Best CPU for the money?

AustinMS · Nov 22, 2014

It's that time again, the holiday season and I am looking into getting a completely new computer. Keep in mind this will be my first gaming rig.

I am looking to get the BEST CPU for my money.
I plan on doing some YouTube videos and rendering, but if there is a minute difference in the rendering speeds between the two CPU's, I can wait that extra minute to save a few bucks. Please keep this in mind.

I have set up a base build that I want. Please edit this build to best suit my needs. Also, please keep the GTX 970 unless you strongly feel there is something better.

Explain your choices.

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/cvwxWZ

BUDGET: $700-$850! (Give or take)

Vexillarius · Nov 22, 2014

The i5-4690K is better value.

Almost identical performance in games. The i7 renders faster, but I wouldn't spend the extra $100 on it if all you do is some Youtubing.

EDIT: Also, get a Z97 board if you're getting an i5-4690K or i7-4790K. Z87 is for older Haswells.

AustinMS · Nov 22, 2014

Vexillarius :

Do you mind editing this build with the motherboard you would go with?
http://pcpartpicker.com/p/j8F7yc

rockie_ · Nov 22, 2014

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($208.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M PRO4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($67.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($69.98 @ OutletPC)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.89 @ Directron)
Video Card: Zotac GeForce GTX 970 4GB Video Card ($327.85 @ B&H)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($44.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($14.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $828.65
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-22 12:13 EST-0500

Vexillarius · Nov 22, 2014

Sure:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($209.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus Z97-A ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($129.99 @ Amazon)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($76.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.59 @ Directron)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($368.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Thermaltake Commander MS-I ID ATX Mid Tower Case ($32.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: Cooler Master VSM 750W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24F1ST DVD/CD Writer ($14.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1002.49
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-22 12:12 EST-0500

The GA-Z97X-Gaming 5 is also a good choice in that price range. There's also the Z97 version of the board you picked originally.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($209.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI Z97-G45 Gaming ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($121.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($76.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.59 @ Directron)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($368.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Thermaltake Commander MS-I ID ATX Mid Tower Case ($32.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: Cooler Master VSM 750W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24F1ST DVD/CD Writer ($14.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $994.49
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-22 12:13 EST-0500

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($209.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-Gaming 5 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($119.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($76.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.59 @ Directron)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE Video Card ($368.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Thermaltake Commander MS-I ID ATX Mid Tower Case ($32.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: Cooler Master VSM 750W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24F1ST DVD/CD Writer ($14.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $992.49
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-22 12:14 EST-0500

AustinMS · Nov 22, 2014

Would this motherboard be perfect for the following build:
Motherboard: http://pcpartpicker.com/part/gigabyte-motherboard-gaz97xsli
Build: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/j8F7yc

Vexillarius · Nov 22, 2014

It'd be a good fit.

CptBarbossa · Nov 22, 2014

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/JJLzCJ
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/JJLzCJ/by_merchant/

CPU: AMD FX-8350 4.0GHz 8-Core Processor ($149.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Corsair H80i 77.0 CFM Liquid CPU Cooler ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Kingston Fury Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($74.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($83.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.89 @ Directron)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB Video Card ($319.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($44.99 @ Micro Center)
Total: $857.82
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-22 18:38 EST-0500

This should get you much closer to your target price. The fx 8350 overclocked will be awesome at rendering with the extra cores. The i7 would be ideal, but it cost a lot more. For your money you can't go wrong with the fx 83xx lineup when it comes to multi-threaded applications.

mlga91 · Nov 22, 2014

$900 without rebates, best i could do without taking away the 970, and discarding overclocking:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($209.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($88.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.59 @ Directron)
Video Card: Gigabyte GeForce GTX 970 4GB Video Card ($319.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Thermaltake VL80001W2Z ATX Mid Tower Case ($21.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($44.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24F1ST DVD/CD Writer ($14.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $839.49
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-22 23:21 EST-0500

CTurbo · Nov 23, 2014

If you REALLY want the "best cpu for the money"

It's either the i5 4440 for $168

or

the Xeon e3 1231v3 for $249

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/t9FzCJ
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/t9FzCJ/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Core i5-4440 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($168.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 Anniversary ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($74.78 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($76.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.59 @ Directron)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB ACX 2.0 Video Card ($329.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Thermaltake Commander MS-I ID ATX Mid Tower Case ($32.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: XFX TS 550W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply ($62.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24F1ST DVD/CD Writer ($14.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $815.30
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-23 00:35 EST-0500

or

PCPartPicker part list: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/njLtrH
Price breakdown by merchant: http://pcpartpicker.com/p/njLtrH/by_merchant/

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231 V3 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($248.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 Anniversary ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($74.78 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($76.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($53.59 @ Directron)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB ACX 2.0 Video Card ($329.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Thermaltake Commander MS-I ID ATX Mid Tower Case ($32.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: XFX TS 550W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply ($62.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24F1ST DVD/CD Writer ($14.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $895.29
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-23 00:36 EST-0500

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