[LAST] Which PC Build is better? (Version 3)

jwilson03

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Jun 21, 2011
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This is my final post on this matter.

I have configured two different models. One being AMD and other being Intel. As you know by now, I would like a build to get me high fps on games like Crysis 2 and GTA IV on max settings, and also do a little Photoshop/Dreamweaver work.

AMD Desktop - Price: $677 After rebate.

- AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition (CPU)
- HIS IceQ X Turbo Radeon HD 6950 2GB (Graphics Card)
- ASRock 890GX PRO3 (Motherboard - Yes, giving ASRock a try. Has pretty good reviews.)
- G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 (RAM)
- 1TB Hard Drive (HDD)
- Corsair Builder Series CX600 600W (PSU)
- Case w/ about 6-7 fans (NOT STOCK FANS)
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The AMD Desktop has a much better graphics card, but not as good a CPU or RAM.


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Intel Config - Price: $720 after rebates.

- Intel Core i5-2500K (CPU)
- GIGABYTE Ultra Durable VGA Series GV-R685OC-1GD Radeon HD 6850 (Graphics Card)
- GIGABYTE GA-Z68X-UD3-B3 LGA 1155 Intel Z68 SATA 6Gb/s USB 3.0 (Motherboard)
- G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (RAM)
- Corsair Builder Series CX600 600W (PSU)
- 1TB Hard Drive (HDD)
- Case w/ about 6-7 fans. (NOT STOCK FANS)

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The Intel Desktop has a better CPU, Better RAM, but a crappier graphics card.


 

ps3hacker12

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id go for the AMD build, with a 6950 you would get much better gaming performance than with the intel build. make sure the mobo you get is AM3+ compatible, since you have a high budget. a phenom 955 OCed would also be a good choice if you want to save some cash, and dont forget an optical drive to install your OS with!
 

jwilson03

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Jun 21, 2011
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Yes, It is AM3+ compatible. But why though?

I have an optical drive lying around here so... the list is just parts i'm buying.
 

ps3hacker12

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so you can upgrade to future bulldozer CPUs, and make sure that optical drive is sata not ide.
 

jwilson03

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Ok, Thanks. Should I go for a 955 instead of a 965? With the money save should I upgrade anything?
 

ps3hacker12

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ram? to either 1600Mhz 4gb or all the way to 8gb. (4gb would do fine though too, you would receive very little performance oncrease if you chose 8gb over 4gb).

you could use that money for this, 8gb ddr3 1600Mhz ram:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231445

the ram would cost $15 more than the ram in your first post, but the saving from the phenom 955, would be $13, so you pay $2 more for 8gb ddr3 1666mhz ram.
 

jwilson03

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Jun 21, 2011
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Ok. But should I go for the 955 instead?
 

ps3hacker12

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yes both overclock to the same level, both cant overclock further than 3.8 ghz, you could overclock the 955 to 3.4 Ghz quite easily on the stock cooler so it would have the same performance as the 965.
 

jwilson03

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Jun 21, 2011
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Even without overclocking would i still get great gaming performance?