Home Office Build: AMD or Intel Version?

HulkSmash · Nov 30, 2014

Hello all,
I am going to be building a PC for my parents this christmas. It is just for basic computing, running microsoft applications, email, surfing the web, etc.

They do not need a monitor, OS, or any other accessories as I have already purchased that.
I have come up with 2 builds, one AMD and one Intel and I was hoping for some input on which will be better for their needs.

AMD:
CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI 970A-G43 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($55.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($64.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Asus Radeon R7 260X 2GB DirectCU II Video Card ($104.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair Builder 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($54.98 @ OutletPC)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($18.88 @ OutletPC)
Total: $509.78
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-30 16:34 EST-0500

Intel:
CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($185.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H97-D3H ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($88.61 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($57.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($64.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($32.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($18.88 @ OutletPC)
Total: $529.41
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-30 16:34 EST-0500

Thank you in advance for any input you may have.

MasterDell · Nov 30, 2014

The Intel without a question. Microsoft and basic applications are single threaded. This means that they will usually only use one or two cores. In that case, Intel is always a better option because it gets more work done faster. The worst Celeron is more than 50% faster than the FX-6300 in single threaded applications. Not to mention that upgrading in the future would be absolutely impossible. So yeah, Intel.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($169.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 PRO4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($80.54 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($55.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($64.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($34.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: Antec High Current Gamer 520W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($54.00 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($18.88 @ OutletPC)
Total: $529.35
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-30 16:53 EST-0500

Okay so I changed a couple things from your original build. I switched the 4590 to a 4460. Why? Because they are practically the same processor only the 4590 has a higher stock speed by .1ghz and a higher turbo speed. None of which will be noticeable by any means. Then for the motherboard, I changed it to the PRO4 because it seems to be getting better reviews from around the web. Also it is $8 cheaper so there is no point in getting D3H. Lastly, I changed the PSU to the Antec HCG. The PSUs you chose for both builds are Tier 3 overpriced junk. Especially the Builder. Corsair loves to over price their PSUs ever though they are terrible for what you pay. The HX and RM series are okay.. But they are so over priced its sad. Anyways, HCG because it is made by seasonic and it's fully modular. Hope that helped

zeyuanfu · Nov 30, 2014

I would go for the above build but change the RAM and the PSU to something like this:
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($56.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Rosewill Capstone 450W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $91.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-30 17:16 EST-0500
The RAM will offer faster speeds for a dollar more and a 520 watt PSU isn't needed for a non-gaming build, a quality 450 watt unit will do fine. Plus, the PSU in my partlist is an 80+ Gold unit for higher efficiency.

SioWolf · Nov 30, 2014

Debatable. The graphics card is a temptation that causes me to take a second glance at the AMD system. The question remains, however, whether they will benefit from this graphics card. Related, will they benefit from the SSD? You could potentially save a good sum of money by skipping the SSD and putting everything on the WD hard drive. The system you make for them will really depend on your parents. Are they tech savvy for example? Will the ability to upgrade in the future affect them at all? A lot of people who help others suggest parts that will allow them to upgrade easier in the future. If you have no plans of this, you could potentially save money by ignoring the expansion slots and capabilities.

I am heavily leaning towards the Intel version because of the stronger per-core performance. The AMD won't have anything on the Intel chip unless your parents do some hardcore family photo editing. That said, I suggest the Intel build. Get the same ram as you had chosen for the AMD build - the speed difference wont affect the system and you can save a couple bucks.

I agree with MasterDell's assessment.

zeyuanfu · Nov 30, 2014

I would stay with the Intel build. I don't think running Excel requires a 260X, right? Even for casual games, the 4460's integrated graphics does the job nicely.

MasterDell · Nov 30, 2014

Hahaha "hardcore family photo editing". I wouldn't get the Rosewill because I don't trust them with basically anything. Although the Capstones are pretty good, I have never heard good things about their customer support. Also, the 4460 doesn't technically support 1866MHz memory. Not to mention the fact that there would be absolutely no tangible performance difference.

zeyuanfu · Nov 30, 2014

Here's a review of the 750 watt version: http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story&reid=266
Did you know that Rosewill is Newegg's house brand? If you have a problem, it's probably Newegg who will help you.

MasterDell · Nov 30, 2014

Generally speaking, the different watt versions of PSUs are completely different. So comparing the 450w version to the 750w version is useless.

zeyuanfu · Nov 30, 2014

Not really, as both use the Super Flower Leadex Gold platform AFAIK. It's probably just the wattage output that's different.

MasterDell · Nov 30, 2014

zeyuanfu :

And I never said it was bad

. Can you send a link to prove they are Super Flower?

zeyuanfu · Nov 30, 2014

Have a look: http://www.jonnyguru.com/modules.php?name=NDReviews&op=Story4&reid=266

MasterDell · Nov 30, 2014

zeyuanfu :

Sad to see that the build quality only got 8.5. The 500B and CX430 are not that great of units and they got 9's for build quality.
Just using those as a comparison.

zeyuanfu · Nov 30, 2014

That doesn't seem too legit as Super Flower is a very good OEM.

HulkSmash · Nov 30, 2014

MasterDell :

The Intel without a question. Microsoft and basic applications are single threaded. This means that they will usually only use one or two cores. In that case, Intel is always a better option because it gets more work done faster. The worst Celeron is more than 50% faster than the FX-6300 in single threaded applications. Not to mention that upgrading in the future would be absolutely impossible. So yeah, Intel.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($169.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 PRO4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($80.54 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($55.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($64.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($34.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: Antec High Current Gamer 520W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($54.00 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($18.88 @ OutletPC)
Total: $529.35
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-30 16:53 EST-0500

Okay so I changed a couple things from your original build. I switched the 4590 to a 4460. Why? Because they are practically the same processor only the 4590 has a higher stock speed by .1ghz and a higher turbo speed. None of which will be noticeable by any means. Then for the motherboard, I changed it to the PRO4 because it seems to be getting better reviews from around the web. Also it is $8 cheaper so there is no point in getting D3H. Lastly, I changed the PSU to the Antec HCG. The PSUs you chose for both builds are Tier 3 overpriced junk. Especially the Builder. Corsair loves to over price their PSUs ever though they are terrible for what you pay. The HX and RM series are okay.. But they are so over priced its sad. Anyways, HCG because it is made by seasonic and it's fully modular. Hope that helped

Thank you good sir! This is the best response I have ever received!
I was leaning toward intel, just wanted to make sure the AMD+GPU didn't make it worth switching to the darkside

HulkSmash · Nov 30, 2014

MasterDell :

The Intel without a question. Microsoft and basic applications are single threaded. This means that they will usually only use one or two cores. In that case, Intel is always a better option because it gets more work done faster. The worst Celeron is more than 50% faster than the FX-6300 in single threaded applications. Not to mention that upgrading in the future would be absolutely impossible. So yeah, Intel.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($169.98 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: ASRock H97 PRO4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($80.54 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($55.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 120GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($64.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($34.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: Antec High Current Gamer 520W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($54.00 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Asus DRW-24B1ST/BLK/B/AS DVD/CD Writer ($18.88 @ OutletPC)
Total: $529.35
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-30 16:53 EST-0500

Okay so I changed a couple things from your original build. I switched the 4590 to a 4460. Why? Because they are practically the same processor only the 4590 has a higher stock speed by .1ghz and a higher turbo speed. None of which will be noticeable by any means. Then for the motherboard, I changed it to the PRO4 because it seems to be getting better reviews from around the web. Also it is $8 cheaper so there is no point in getting D3H. Lastly, I changed the PSU to the Antec HCG. The PSUs you chose for both builds are Tier 3 overpriced junk. Especially the Builder. Corsair loves to over price their PSUs ever though they are terrible for what you pay. The HX and RM series are okay.. But they are so over priced its sad. Anyways, HCG because it is made by seasonic and it's fully modular. Hope that helped

One more thing. Do you think the SSD is worth it? Would the speed be sufficient with windows 8.1 without the SSD?

MasterDell · Nov 30, 2014

No I don't think SSDs are worth it but if your parents are into fast load times for $65 then I would say it's worth it! I usually only suggest SSDs if they are really cheap and the person asking for a build has a high budget.

mdocod · Nov 30, 2014

My approach is just the opposite, the SSD offers more tangible performance than nearly any other part of the build. I would advise skipping the mechanical in favor of a BIG enough SSD to cover everything. I don't like to add unnecessary complication to a build for friends/family unless I believe them to be technically inclined enough to operate and manage it correctly.

The non-sequential read speed of a mechanical drive is like 1-4MB/s. The non-sequential read speed of an SSD is like 20-80MB/s in the same conditions. There is no other change to system configuration that will have this significant of an impact on real-world performance.

---------

I don't know what sort of budget this system has, but ponder this alternative approach:

APU, ITX, WIFI, ALL-SSD.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD A10-7850K 3.7GHz Quad-Core Processor ($129.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Silverstone AR06 40.2 CFM CPU Cooler ($39.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A88XN-WIFI Mini ITX FM2+ Motherboard ($84.69 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Mushkin Blackline 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($73.98 @ Newegg)
Storage: Sandisk Ultra II 480GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($179.00 @ Amazon)
Case: Lian-Li PC-Q28B Mini ITX Tower Case ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic 360W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply ($56.29 @ SuperBiiz)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NSC0B DVD/CD Writer ($12.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $661.92
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-30 22:25 EST-0500

Nice balance of performance, features, quality, and size. The 7850K offers about 80% of the compute performance of the i5-4460, and about double the GPU performance of the i5. I think that makes it a pretty good alternative as the iGPU in the APU is actually pretty competent (comparable to a DDR3 edition R7 250). The APU should age nicely as software slowly transitions towards leveraging the onboard SIMD pipelines.

MasterDell · Nov 30, 2014

mdocod :

I would have to disagree about the CPU. The 4460 actually is 80% faster in single threaded apps. The 4460 is definitely not only 20% faster. Meanwhile the 4150 is actually about the same. i3 is $95 right now and the A10 is $125. How on earth would it make sense to spend $30 on a CPU that is slower for what the build is doing?? If this is an office PC why would the GPU matter at all? You can play light games on integrated graphics so I doubt you will need an APU, or as you said r7 250, to open a word document.

mdocod · Nov 30, 2014

Masterdell,

Show me a benchmark where the 4460 is 80% faster than the 7850K and I'll concede. I haven't seen that anywhere. Haswell does have a significant advantage in terms of execution resources per core here, but what you're suggesting is a performance gap that would be DOUBLE in a clock for clock comparison. Haswell isn't even DOUBLE piledriver clock for clock, let alone Steamroller. (against piledriver, it's about 75% faster clock for clock), and against Steamroller, about 55% faster clock for clock. In this case, the STEAMROLLER CPU is clocked ~17.5% higher than the 4460, thus, the compute performance advantage of the i5 in this case is only ~30%.

I rounded to the nearest 10% for simplicity sake (note the word "about," chosen very carefully), that puts the 7850K at ~80% of the 4460's compute performance.

You're criticizing the suggestion to consider Kaveri from a position of significant ignorance. We all know haswell is faster than PileDriver and Steamroller. I'm usually the first person on the scene to point that out where it matters (real-time workloads where per-core performance very much effects user experience). You're suggesting a much larger performance gap than there really is here.

Furthermore, office applications and browsers are getting more and more threaded all the time. Chrome launches a new thread for every tab for example. The 7850K trades blows with an i3-4130 in compute performance, +/-30% depending on how the load presents. Sure the i3 is also a fantastic CPU for this build, as would be an i5, but there's nothing wrong with Kaveri either. You're implying that the 7850K is a really awful option here. It isn't.

MasterDell · Dec 1, 2014

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/product/1200?vs=288

Sorry I can't find the page where it originally stated that it was 80% faster. The 2500k has comparitive results to the 4460 in single threaded apps. However the 2500k has worse performance than the 4460 in multi threaded apps. In this example the 2500k ranges from ~46-66% faster.

Home Office Build: AMD or Intel Version?

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