i3 + GPU vs i5 iGPU Advices and opinions from experts needed!

Zack Ditan · Dec 28, 2014

I'm confused if I should go with i3 with a graphics card or i5 with iGPU but will take 3-5 months for my the GPU to arrive. I plan to game.

I will use my old Hard drive, Optical Drive. I already have ASUS B85 Pro Gamer Mobo. All I need is
CPU,PSU,CASE,RAM,GPU. My Budget is 350-360$. I have a 1600x900 Monitor bought it with my Mobo together last 2 months.

1. Is i3 enough for future proof gaming?
2. If I ever going to get the i5 4690, is it okay to game on it using iGPU for like 4-5 hours a day?
3. For how long can I game with i3 paired with good GPU? more than 5 hours won't give troubles to it?
4. What are the disadvantages if I'll get the i3?

Any additional information can be mentioned for optimizing the topic. I don't wanna waste money. Sorry for posting this again. I need more answers.

CTurbo · Dec 28, 2014

An i3 + mid to high end video card is actually a lot better than you think. An i5 will be near worthless on it's own for gaming.

CTurbo · Dec 28, 2014

This is with no rebates. You could get better deals if you don't mind rebates.

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

CPU: Intel Core i3-4150 3.5GHz Dual-Core Processor ($99.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: HIS Radeon R9 270X 2GB IceQ X² Video Card ($154.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($32.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($41.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $364.95
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-28 23:22 EST-0500

Zack Ditan · Dec 28, 2014

CTurbo :

What's the difference between i3 4130 and the one you mentioned? So getting an i3 is the best choice with no regrets? I'm planning to keep it for 4-5 years. Is it fine?

MasterDell · Dec 28, 2014

Agree with Turbo 100%. To answer all questions:

1. There is no such thing as future proof. However an i3 is tons for now.
2. I don't suggest using the integrated graphics at all on an i5.
3. You will find absolutely no hours with gaming 5 hours straight.
4. Disadvantages that come with an i3 would be less cache and two less cores. However you do get hyper-threading with an i3 and you don't with an i5. Trust me, i3's are plenty enough for gaming.

Zack Ditan · Dec 28, 2014

CTurbo :

This is with no rebates. You could get better deals if you don't mind rebates.

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

CPU: Intel Core i3-4150 3.5GHz Dual-Core Processor ($99.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: A-Data XPG V1.0 4GB (1 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Video Card: HIS Radeon R9 270X 2GB IceQ X² Video Card ($154.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($32.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: EVGA 500W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($41.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $364.95
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-28 23:22 EST-0500

Can you suggest any other Graphics card? I don't think it's available here.

CTurbo · Dec 28, 2014

For you budget, the i3 is the best you can do unless you want to try the Pentium g3258 for $60ish

The 4130 is 3.4ghz and the 4150 is 3.5ghz. There would be no difference between the 2 in the real world. The 4150 is just cheaper right now.

Zack Ditan · Dec 28, 2014

MasterDell :

you're number 3 confused me. lol

CTurbo · Dec 28, 2014

Just take a look at the 270 and 270x cards that are available where ever you are.

Zack Ditan · Dec 28, 2014

CTurbo :

The G3258 needs overclocking right? Or it can run same as i3 with stock? I have ASUS b85 PRO GAMER Mobo. I saw few people said that we can overclock with it. Just need to update bios

Zack Ditan · Dec 28, 2014

CTurbo :

http://www.priceme.com.ph/Sapphire-Radeon-R9-270X-2GB-GDDR5/p-888499713.aspx

Here. I live in the Philippines. Sorry for my horrible english

CTurbo · Dec 28, 2014

Sapphire makes excellent AMD video cards. I recommend.

Just stick with the i3.

Zack Ditan · Dec 28, 2014

CTurbo :

Won't it bottleneck? Anyways, have you heard about Xeon processors?

CTurbo · Dec 28, 2014

No and yes

Zack Ditan · Dec 28, 2014

CTurbo :

If there was an Intel Xeon same price with i5 4690k but strong as i7.

Is there a Xeon same price with i3 but strong as i5 too?

CTurbo · Dec 28, 2014

You are talking about the Xeon e3-1231v3 which is an i7 for roughly the same price as the i5 4690k.

Sadly, there is no such Xeon like that compared to the i3.

Zack Ditan · Dec 28, 2014

CTurbo :

Then my choice is an i3 then. Can I run Battalefield 4 ultra settings with my spec? And Crysis 3 same with Far cry?

MasterDell · Dec 29, 2014

Zack Ditan :

No you cannot run any of those on ultra for $350. $1000 builds have issues doing that.

Zack Ditan · Dec 29, 2014

MasterDell :

So, here's my plan. I will buy a i3 with R9 270x. Then just get an i5 on the future days. With that. Do I get good performance?

Zack Ditan · Dec 29, 2014

Will multi-tasking work in this build? For example, Playing game while alt+tab with Skype and Chrome?

MasterDell · Dec 29, 2014

Zack Ditan :

The i3 would be pretty good for now for multitasking. However the i5 would be far better than the i3 with multi tasking.

Zack Ditan · Dec 30, 2014

MasterDell :

I wont experience lag with doing it? I really hate delays when doing something

MasterDell · Dec 30, 2014

Zack Ditan :

It is hard to say if you would or not. The i3 is only a dual core and skypeing and gaming at the same time? You would probably be better off just getting an i5 right away. If you were playing LOL and skypeing then I would say you would be fine. What games do you play?

Zack Ditan · Dec 30, 2014

Not really hard games. Like for example. Dota 2 or CS:GO or A.V.A, Skype, Google chrome. I usually do this with my E4600 Dual core. Then I usually lag like I'm just getting black screen so I need to wait like 1 min to show desktop back. Those 3 games are the only thing i play most of the times. Sometimes skyrim if i get bored

MasterDell · Dec 30, 2014

Zack Ditan :

In that case I think you should definitely be fine!

i3 + GPU vs i5 iGPU Advices and opinions from experts needed!

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