Cannot decide between FX-4100 and Phenom 965. HELP!!

[saintsfan81]

Okay, so I am upgrading my mobo to an Asus M5A97 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131767) and I am seriously stuck between 2 CPU's, the FX-4100 Zambezi (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103996) and the Phenom II X4 965 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103727). I have read the comparisons and still have not seen anything conrete on which way to go. Price isnt an issue for me since 10$ separates them. I only play BF3 and my wife will be doing light photo editing using Adobe Photoshop Elements 10.

Here are my concerns:
1. Performance (which cpu is better for my needs?)
2. Balance (want to avoid any bottleneck with the 970 chipset/560 Ti/cpu setup)
3. Overclocking (considering each cpu's OC limits, does this make a differnce?)

My current system:
Phenom II X2 555 BE Unlocked to quadcore (OC'd to 3.3)
Asus M4N98TD-EVO
EVGA GTX 560 Ti 1GB
G Skill Ripjaws 6GB DDR3 1333 (OC'd to 1600)
WD 640 GB HDD 7200 RPM
ZALMAN CNPS10X QUIET 120mm 2 Ball CPU Cooler
CM 590 Case (w/ 4 case fans and fan controller)
OCZ 750W PSU
Windows 7 64 Pro

Side Note: My previous setup ran BF3 on high settings at 45-60 FPS flawlessly.

 

[$hawn]

Phenom II X4 965 BE. Way more powerful

The FX-4100 is a joke in front of this processor, don't be fooled by its high clocks If u want to buy an FX, the FX-6200 or FX 8120 is what you shud be looking at

 

[DJDeCiBeL]

Since you're comparing a "true" 4 core CPU (the 965) against a 2 Bulldozer module CPU (the 4100), the 965 wins here. I would say if you want a FX CPU, just go for a FX-8xxx. The 965 will be much better than a 4100 in almost everything.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

FX 8120 < easy OC to 4ghz with decent cooling like a 212 evo

 

[DJDeCiBeL]

FX 8120 < easy OC to 4ghz with decent cooling like a 212 evo

^ Exactly. No point in a 4xxx or 6xxx, IMO.

 

[Dapake]

I was in this same predicament not too long ago. And I chose the Phenom II 965 BE because of its much better reviews. Also take into account that the Bulldozer isnt all that its cracked up to be....

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

DJDeCiBeL i agree!

 

[swifty_morgan]

you know you can run the 965 on your present board with the right BIOS ?

the 4100 also has an updated memory controller. not sure if this will work on current board.

 

[rds1220]

Since you're comparing a "true" 4 core CPU (the 965) against a 2 Bulldozer module CPU (the 4100), the 965 wins here. I would say if you want a FX CPU, just go for a FX-8xxx. The 965 will be much better than a 4100 in almost everything.

Yes definitly. I would go with a 965 for exactly what DJ said.

 

[saintsfan81]

Hey thanks everyone for the replies, exactly what I was looking for. Looks like the overwhelming winner here is the 965 and that is what I will be purchasing.

 

[Dark Lord of Tech]

No doubt the 965 is a little beast!

 

[saintsfan81]

Best answer selected by saintsfan81.

 

[Maziar]

This topic has been closed by Maziar