Fx4300 vs Fx6300

TesH20XX

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Nov 21, 2014
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Hi guys,

When comparing processors that have a similar clock speed but different # of cores, does it mean that the (relatively) same amount of processing power is spread amongst more cores?Comparing the AMD FX-4300 (4 cores at 3.8Ghz) and the FX-6300 (6 cores at 3.5Ghz), I want to figure out if the 6 core has less computing power per core. So all other things equal, if i'm running a program that uses 4 cores, which processor would give me better performance?

Also, I'm looking to overclock so how would that play into this scenario?

This is my first time building a pc and here are my proto-specs. I'm trying to decide on the FX 4300 or 6300. Trying to keep it around $650. Feel free to de/reconstruct!

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-4300 3.8GHz Quad-Core Processor ($86.47 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI 970A-G46 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($78.98 @ OutletPC)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($64.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($48.77 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: XFX Radeon R9 270X 2GB Double Dissipation Video Card ($150.00 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair SPEC-01 RED ATX Mid Tower Case ($34.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($44.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($16.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($88.98 @ OutletPC)
Total: $615.16
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-23 22:50 EST-0500

Any feedback would be appreciated, Thanks!
 
Solution
When your looking at the same chip architecture & comparing single thread performance it's largely determined on which has a higher clock speed. According to this - http://cpuboss.com/cpus/AMD-FX-6300-vs-AMD-FX-4300 - They're tied, this isn't the case however; I believe this is more accurate, http://www.cpu-world.com/Compare/295/AMD_FX-Series_FX-4300_vs_AMD_FX-Series_FX-6300.html This says the fx 4300 has 6% better single threaded performance. The fx 4300 has a 8.1% higher clock speed; in conclusion every chip is slightly different and higher clock speed doesn't result in exact percent gains, but you can except similar gains relevant to the overclocking percent.

If they're both same clock speed, they will perform exactly the same (Or...

rmark45matsu

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Aug 23, 2014
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When your looking at the same chip architecture & comparing single thread performance it's largely determined on which has a higher clock speed. According to this - http://cpuboss.com/cpus/AMD-FX-6300-vs-AMD-FX-4300 - They're tied, this isn't the case however; I believe this is more accurate, http://www.cpu-world.com/Compare/295/AMD_FX-Series_FX-4300_vs_AMD_FX-Series_FX-6300.html This says the fx 4300 has 6% better single threaded performance. The fx 4300 has a 8.1% higher clock speed; in conclusion every chip is slightly different and higher clock speed doesn't result in exact percent gains, but you can except similar gains relevant to the overclocking percent.

If they're both same clock speed, they will perform exactly the same (Or so marginally different it's not worth mentioning). So, overclocking would make the 6300 a better chip over the 4300.

This gpu will give you much better performance, and will stay in your budget.
http://www.ncixus.com/products/?usaffiliateid=1000031504&sku=101468&vpn=AXR9%20285%202GBD5-TDHE&manufacture=PowerColor&promoid=1242

Not sure how long the $30 rebate will last, but it's worth picking up.
 
Solution
These are the benchmarks for these specific CPUs in gaming ( Back in 2012 when games were strictly single threaded , now more games are going multithreaded in which more cores will yield you more performance ).

51123.png


51138.png


It is clearly that the FX 6300 is stronger in single threaded apps despite the lower frequency , In short terms frequency means nothing when you compare two different CPUs nowadays.

Here's a another strong proof of the Strength on the 6300 in single threaded apps ( compared to other AMD competitors , Intel dominates this sector ) :
51119.png


Cinebench:
51135.png


In Multithreaded apps this is where the 6300 shines and really never fails to deliver :
51120.png


Even for General usage the 6300 spanks the 4300
51137.png


Conclusion : In real world terms frequency doesn't mean anything unless you're comparing two identical counterparts and for marginal price difference you get lots of horse power capable of even handling the strongest graphics cards when overclocked , unlimited potential and Multithreaded strength.

Get the 6300 and you won't regret it :)

Also dump that motherboard as it's known to burn and get the Gigabyte GA-970 UD3P which will handle overclocking like a champ thanks to its 8+2 power phase.
 

TesH20XX

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Nov 21, 2014
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Ah I understand now. Thank you all for the help.

@rmark45matsu Ill go with the 6300 and up the Gpu to the R9 285!

@TopLuca Thanks for the heads up on the mobo, definitely going to switch!