Budget Gaming - Recording 960t?

[scyin]

My system just crapped out on me "old Core 2 D with a 4870". I'm pricing out a build to replace it and these CPUs are all driving me nuts on which one to go with.

I'm basically at the below list:

960t
FX 4100
FX 6100
FX 8120 (the wattage scares me)
Note:: I dont have to stay with these specifics if there is a better choice, but in this price range though.
Memory - 8gigs
This build will be using an HD 6850 GPU by Sapphire. I do want to stick with AMD as I've never had one and want this to be the first.



Tasks:
Gaming - Mainly BF3 (lower settings), League of Legends, LFD2, Minecraft, all the basic stuff.
Recording - I do gameplay commentary so I record a lot of footage.
LiveStreaming - same as recording but streaming to twitch.tv

Not sure if this helps in the a decision but I would REALLY appreciate any suggestions. Most of the posts I've read so far are just a toss up and I really don't wanna screw myself over and have to upgrade in 6 months. This CPU needs to handle most gaming for the next year or 2, but not at ULTRA settings just average levels.

 

[nna2]

i would suggest an I5 2500k cpu over any FX series cpu, also if your using fraps for recording, i would suggest getting an ssd just for that, such as this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820167050

 

[thenerdal]

Go with at least an Intel i3 depending on your budget.

 

[scyin]

I'm trying to stay around 600ish , I built out a system that was amd based with a 4100 at 589. If I can stay around the 600 range with a intel setup I guess I can do that.

I do not use Fraps, I use DxTory for all my recording. Fraps was a massive hog on my system so I had to switch.

I really didn't think much about my old parts but I guess I could keep the Case / PSU and 1 of the drives (sata 7200 1tb).

if so then:
CPU
GPU
Memory
MB

would be all I'd need.

 

[scyin]

What is the model of your old PSU? You may want to pick up something more up to date depending on what it is.

Old PSU:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817152036&Tpk=RX-730SS

Old Case:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811156078

 

[scyin]

i5 Setup + my old usable gear:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822145299
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157271
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.851248

$635.95
Bit over, but I'm wondering if this would be doable over the AMD setup. I thought AMD FX would be a longer lasting cpu but I'm beginning to find out that series is kind of a Flop.

 

[scyin]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827151244
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119233
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128521
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139020
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103995
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835233082
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.851248

Total = $620.92 - $15 promo code "EMCNGJE23" - $10 MIR - $15 MIR - $15 MIR = $565 before taxes and shipping

Enjoy

(Don't forget you may be able to unlock the 960T to a 6 core)

Would the 960t be a smarter option over the i5? since it has a possible 6 core unlock.

 

[Uther39]

If it unlocks to 6 cores, it trades blows with the i7s, especially in the area of video encoding and stuff of that nature. You can also get a more complete overhaul for the money by doing the AMD system. For your budget, I would go with AMD. If you were going to spend about $1000 or more, I would go strictly Intel. Performance wise, you will be happy either way. However, I suggest going with a full rebuild since you are getting the same relative performance in the CPU, yet you are updating everything. Your power supply simply isn't going to cut it. That Raidmax PSU you have is pretty terrible. I'm surprised you haven't had a failure yet to be perfectly honest. With regard to the computer case, the HAF912 actually has cable management, much better airflow, and a bottom mount for the PSU. Your current case looks nice, but isn't doing your equipment any favors with severe airflow restriction, cheap fans, and a top mount for the PSU.

In addition to my list, I suggest seriously considering a "splurge" item. A solid state drive such as the Crucial M4 128 ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148442 ). Use it for your OS, programs, and games. Use your existing 1TB drive for storage and other non-critical software. Crucial is on the top of everyone's list for SSDs. I warn you though, once you have an SSD as your boot drive, you will never go back.

Very good advice and good component recommendations here, +1

 

[scyin]

Best answer selected by Scyin.

 

[scyin]

If it unlocks to 6 cores, it trades blows with the i7s, especially in the area of video encoding and stuff of that nature. You can also get a more complete overhaul for the money by doing the AMD system. For your budget, I would go with AMD. If you were going to spend about $1000 or more, I would go strictly Intel. Performance wise, you will be happy either way. However, I suggest going with a full rebuild since you are getting the same relative performance in the CPU, yet you are updating everything. Your power supply simply isn't going to cut it. That Raidmax PSU you have is pretty terrible. I'm surprised you haven't had a failure yet to be perfectly honest. With regard to the computer case, the HAF912 actually has cable management, much better airflow, and a bottom mount for the PSU. Your current case looks nice, but isn't doing your equipment any favors with severe airflow restriction, cheap fans, and a top mount for the PSU.

In addition to my list, I suggest seriously considering a "splurge" item. A solid state drive such as the Crucial M4 128 ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148442 ). Use it for your OS, programs, and games. Use your existing 1TB drive for storage and other non-critical software. Crucial is on the top of everyone's list for SSDs. I warn you though, once you have an SSD as your boot drive, you will never go back.

Thank you very much for the detail and time out of your day / night to get me the links and information. I'm building out a total replacement right now. I've always just read the forums and only signed up last night to ask this question. I'm glad I did.

 

[dr1337]

even if it the 960t doesnt unlock its still a pretty safe bet you can get it to 4 ghz with a minimal voltage increase, (not with the included hsf though)