Which of these Two Builds is Better for Gaming?

InfernalSurge · May 26, 2015

They're about the price. One compromises the CPU, while the other one sacrifices the GPU.

1) https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/user/InfernalSurge/saved/#view=fXBJ7P

2) https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/user/InfernalSurge/saved/#view=NH6ypg

So which one is better for gaming @1080p, doing school work, and future proof?

turkey3_scratch · May 26, 2015

For one thing, you do not need the Hyper 212 EVO with either processor unless you're overclocking, and you cannot overclock the I5-4460 so forget about it there. You could also buy Crucial Ballistix Sport RAM for about $15 cheaper, great RAM that'll give great performance still. I would go with the I5-4460 option because you're more safe with that for a variety of heavily CPU-intense games. I also think the 960 is more suited for that power supply, as the EVGA 500W is a Tier 3 power supply which will be fine for a 960 or 970 but with a 970 it'd be better to go with a Tier 2 or 1.

InfernalSurge · May 26, 2015

turkey3_scratch :

Thanks for the reply. If I were to get a better PSU, would it be worth going for the extra graphics horse power in the 970 in terms of "future proofing"? I understand that AMD CPUs are nowhere near Intel, but I could upgrade to a FX 8350 or 9350 when I have more cash.

turkey3_scratch · May 27, 2015

InfernalSurge :

turkey3_scratch :

Thanks for the reply. If I were to get a better PSU, would it be worth going for the extra graphics horse power in the 970 in terms of "future proofing"? I understand that AMD CPUs are nowhere near Intel, but I could upgrade to a FX 8350 or 9350 when I have more cash.

Many may disagree with me, but I'd always pick the option with the better CPU than GPU, because GPU lag can usually be avoided by turning down settings whereas CPU limitations have no solution.

Mayank0809 · May 28, 2015

You're better off with the 970 and you could replace the fx6300 with a 4th gen i3. Overclocked, the 6300 performs on par with the i3s. Also, you wouldn't need the CPU cooler. CPU overclocking only marginally improves perfomance.

InfernalSurge · May 28, 2015

Mayank0809 :

My bad for including the cooler. I guess I could go with an i3 but, that is only if the GTX 970 drops $50 in CAD. after AMD releases it's R9 300 series. From my understanding, both AM3+ and LGA 1150 sockets are dead right?

Jake Held · May 28, 2015

I'll keep my post and opinion simple as I am late to this game...Intel is FAR BETTER than AMD for CPU's especially in gaming, no question.

So even from the first glance and seeing AMD or Intel, the Intel set wins hands down.

RaidHobbit · May 28, 2015

InfernalSurge :

Neither. Focusing on the second option why are you pairing up an i5 you cannot overclock with a non-stock cooler and H97 motherboard? That specific EVGA PSU is also not Bronze certified.

Get a H81 motherboard. Get the Bronze version of the PSU. Stick to the Intel stock cooler. Put the money you save into a better graphics card.

Finally only use that site as a what is compatible with what guide because if you shop around you can reduce the overall cost by about a third.

InfernalSurge · May 28, 2015

turkey3_scratch :

InfernalSurge :

Many may disagree with me, but I'd always pick the option with the better CPU than GPU, because GPU lag can usually be avoided by turning down settings whereas CPU limitations have no solution.

Hm I guess I see your point as games are getting more CPU intensive.

RaidHobbit · May 28, 2015

InfernalSurge :

turkey3_scratch :

Hm I guess I see your point as games are getting more CPU intensive.

They are and if you drop the non-stock cooler and that motherboard you can get an i5-4690 with the 970. Also don't buy from that site as there are cheaper ones available.

hotter-than-Vishera · May 28, 2015

I agree with turkey that you don't need a 212 EVO unless you overclock. Unless you just have that much money to spend, which it seems you don't. I would go with something smaller and cheaper - something less crappy and unreliable than the stock Intel cooler. AMD CPU coolers aren't so bad, at least not as bad as Intel coolers, maybe you can eliminate an aftermarket cooler altogether.

I would recommend the first build with the 6300, and upgrade to an FX-8350 later. Of course, er, look at my profile pic... you will want an aftermarket cooler on the 8-core CPU. Of course that would be later when you have money again. Don't get the Asus GTX 970 though, I'd recommend an EVGA. Most of the EVGA models are better with the exception of the cheapest Asus Strix which delivers better bang-for-buck.

InfernalSurge · May 28, 2015

hotter-than-Vishera :

The kinda like the Asus' feature where the fans turn off while under small load, by Gigabyte G1 can do the same if it's any better. I think I'll wait for the R9 300 series first.

InfernalSurge · May 28, 2015

RaidHobbit :

InfernalSurge :

Neither. Focusing on the second option why are you pairing up an i5 you cannot overclock with a non-stock cooler and H97 motherboard? That specific EVGA PSU is also not Bronze certified.

Get a H81 motherboard. Get the Bronze version of the PSU. Stick to the Intel stock cooler. Put the money you save into a better graphics card.

Finally only use that site as a what is compatible with what guide because if you shop around you can reduce the overall cost by about a third.

Wait hold on, so you're saying I can reduce the cost by 1/3 if I drop the cooler and get an H81 board? Prices are high here in Canada :/ What's a good budget H81 board you'd recommend?

RaidHobbit · May 28, 2015

InfernalSurge :

RaidHobbit :

Yes, and use different sites to purchase the components from. That website is not the cheapest available. You don't need a non-stock cooler or better motherboard. Those are for if you overclock.

InfernalSurge · May 28, 2015

RaidHobbit :

InfernalSurge :

Yes, and use different sites to purchase the components from. That website is not the cheapest available. You don't need a non-stock cooler or better motherboard. Those are for if you overclock.

By alternative you mean alternative to PC part picker? I've found ChooseMyPC, Logical Increments, and Pangoly...

RaidHobbit · May 28, 2015

InfernalSurge :

RaidHobbit :

InfernalSurge :

Yes, and use different sites to purchase the components from. That website is not the cheapest available. You don't need a non-stock cooler or better motherboard. Those are for if you overclock.

By alternative you mean alternative to PC part picker? I've found ChooseMyPC, Logical Increments, and Pangoly...

Yes. Newegg too if they ship to Canada on the cheap without adding tax.

InfernalSurge · May 28, 2015

RaidHobbit :

InfernalSurge :

RaidHobbit :

By alternative you mean alternative to PC part picker? I've found ChooseMyPC, Logical Increments, and Pangoly...

Yes. Newegg too if they ship to Canada on the cheap without adding tax.

I've just tried the other sites and they're far from PC part picker in terms of customizability

I've never heard of Newegg not adding tax (13%) but I will look out for offers.

RaidHobbit · May 28, 2015

InfernalSurge :

RaidHobbit :

InfernalSurge :

Yes. Newegg too if they ship to Canada on the cheap without adding tax.

I've just tried the other sites and they're far from PC part picker in terms of customizability

I've never heard of Newegg not adding tax (13%) but I will look out for offers.

Use the part picker to create your buy list. Then search between different sites to find the cheapest purchases for individual/collection of components.

InfernalSurge · May 28, 2015

RaidHobbit :

InfernalSurge :

RaidHobbit :

I've just tried the other sites and they're far from PC part picker in terms of customizability

I've never heard of Newegg not adding tax (13%) but I will look out for offers.

Use the part picker to create your buy list. Then search between different sites to find the cheapest purchases for individual/collection of components.

That makes sense now

Thanks.

Mayank0809 · May 28, 2015

InfernalSurge :

FX series is dead (AMD is now focusing on its APUs) but LGA1150 wil still go on for a year with broadwell, before Skylake comes out on a new chipset and socket.

InfernalSurge · May 28, 2015

Mayank0809 :

InfernalSurge :

FX series is dead (AMD is now focusing on its APUs) but LGA1150 wil still go on for a year with broadwell, before Skylake comes out on a new chipset and socket.

Wait I'm confused... What's the difference between Broadwell and Skylake? Are they two separate upcoming generations? I'm a noob :/

Mayank0809 · May 29, 2015

Intel follows a tick-tock generation cycle, where first they shrink transistor size, improving power efficiency (like Broadwell) and in the next generation change the whole architecture, bringing many new features(like current Hasswell and upcoming Skylake) and more performance improvements.

InfernalSurge · May 29, 2015

Mayank0809 :

Thanks, now I understand.

RaidHobbit · May 29, 2015

InfernalSurge :

When you build a computer you select the components to meet your needs. Right now (and for the next 2-4 years) a good standard for a gaming PC with a 1080 monitor/tv is:

i5-4660
8 GB DDR3 1600 (plus another 8GB in 2 years)
Socket 1150 motherboard
GeForce 960
1 x 1TB HDD
1 x DVD drive
1 x Keyboard + 1 x Mouse + 1 x gamepad or joystick
Win 8.1

If the above is you then you don't require a motherboard that takes 2-3 graphics cards, 4 hard drives, 2 DVD drives or has loads of USB slots. You don't require a motherboard that allows you to overclock either. A H81 chipset meets your needs as it does most gamers.

Future motherboards are for future chipsets and memory types. They are irrelevant if you are buying a pc this year. Save that until your next future upgrade in 3-4 years time. At that point you will want an 8-core cpu and a motherboard that takes DDR4 memory.

Which of these Two Builds is Better for Gaming?

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