Considering upgrading CPU , Any Significant Benefits??

NichoXE

Reputable
Dec 22, 2014
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4,520
I have an AMD FX 8320 @4GHZ , and is considering making the move to Intel.

I'm a real gamer and was thinking what kind of fps increase I would achieve if I had upgraded to something like

- Core i7 6700K
- Core i5 6600K

Ive looked online with not much success trying to compare the AMD and Intel. In some cases I saw a 20fps increase from an 8350 and others I saw a increase in about 5-6fps , so I don't know what to believe.

My Computer Tasks Are:

- Streaming/Transcoding media from plex server to chromecast/devices etc.
- Playing Games like GTA V , ARMA 3 , Witcher 3 etc.

OR I could just ditch the CPU idea and get a r9 390 for the money , but I've been wanting to upgrade the CPU for a while now.
 
Solution
I'm sure you know this, but just want to be clear.....to go from AMD to Intel CPU, you'll need a new motherboard. With a new motherboard (unless you own a retail version of Windows), you need a new OS. And if you go to Skylake, you should have DDR4 too......So, it's not quite as a simple as "an i7 costs X".

Anyway, forget the i7's if you're looking to go Intel. For your needs, and i5 is ideal (and do you need an unlocked multi?).

For gaming, you'll likely see a FPS 'boost', but as you've noted, it doesn't appear to be huge in some games.
It really does depend on the games, but what you'll see more of is a shorter gap between low-average FPS. Your Max FPS will likely increase, but marginally. But your low point in FPS will improve...

Barty1884

Retired Moderator
I'm sure you know this, but just want to be clear.....to go from AMD to Intel CPU, you'll need a new motherboard. With a new motherboard (unless you own a retail version of Windows), you need a new OS. And if you go to Skylake, you should have DDR4 too......So, it's not quite as a simple as "an i7 costs X".

Anyway, forget the i7's if you're looking to go Intel. For your needs, and i5 is ideal (and do you need an unlocked multi?).

For gaming, you'll likely see a FPS 'boost', but as you've noted, it doesn't appear to be huge in some games.
It really does depend on the games, but what you'll see more of is a shorter gap between low-average FPS. Your Max FPS will likely increase, but marginally. But your low point in FPS will improve dramatically.

As far as ditching the CPU idea and grabbing the R9 390 ....... well it depends what you have at the moment?
An R9 390 is around $275-$350. If that;s your budget, you won't get an i5, motherboard, RAM & windows for that - you're looking at more of a $500 upgrade there.

That assumes your GPU is capable too, and that upgrading the CPU/Mobo/RAM etc is worthwhile & won't be bottlenecked by the older GPU.
 
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