Trying to decide on CPU for strictly gaming

[pixelhungry]

hey, I'm trying to build a gaming computer for the first time. At first i was just going to go the Intel route, but if there's a cheaper option going AMD while still maintaining power I'd like to go that way instead. I want to stay under $1800 (including a 21.5 in. monitor) preferably, but i also want to have a future proof system that can tackle games such as "Crysis 2" on ultra settings with ease. Any suggestions? I was at first thinking of an Intel I5 3570k Ivy Bridge.

 

[clutchc]

Good choice.

 

[pixelhungry]

This probably isn't the right forum to be asking this, but can i use crossfire on a Mobo that says "SLI Ready" or am i forced into the gtx rather than a radeon.

 

[clutchc]

This probably isn't the right forum to be asking this, but can i use crossfire on a Mobo that says "SLI Ready" or am i forced into the gtx rather than a radeon.

Some motherboards do both. Some only xfire or SLI. Do you have the make/model of the board?

 

[pixelhungry]

It's the "ASUS Maximus V Formula" the one without thunder FX.

 

[clutchc]

Yes, that board does both SLI and Crossfire.
http://www.asus.com/Motherboards/Intel_Socket_1155/Maximus_V_Formula/#overview

 

[pixelhungry]

Awesome, thanks for your help Clutchc! that saves me 30 bucks.
I wasn't planning on going dual gpu's right off the bat, but later on down the road.

 

[clutchc]

Glad to be of assistance

 

[i8myhippo]

the 3570k is a great deal. Remember that whatever motherboard you get needs LGA1155 socket for that CPU (the one you mentioned does work). As far as putting Crysis 2 on Ultra, you need to start research on a GPU. You mentioned wanting to start with only one card, and then add later on, maybe you should look at a 670, 7950, or 7970? I have a Gigabyte 670, and it can run Crysis 2 on Ultra decently well at my resolution (2048x1152 23"), but I prefer High because it runs so much smoother with no (noticeable) loss in quality.

 

[hbeduryan818]

Awesome, thanks for your help Clutchc! that saves me 30 bucks.
I wasn't planning on going dual gpu's right off the bat, but later on down the road.

Id recomend getting an amd 8159 or 6100 processor for $100 cheaper and spend $100 more for a ery high end gpu like gtx 670 or amd 7970

 

[pixelhungry]

I was planning on going with either a Gigabyte Radeon hd 7970 or an EVGA superclocked+ geforce gtx 680. I read the benchmarks wrong at first thinking that a radeon 7970 outperformed the gtx 680 on crysis but it was actually a crossfire radeon 7970. I might end up going with the gtx 680.

 

[pixelhungry]

Id recomend getting an amd 8159 or 6100 processor for $100 cheaper and spend $100 more for a ery high end gpu like gtx 670 or amd 7970

How would AMD compare to the I5 3570k, i saw a benchmarking of a Zambezi with 4.1 ghz (4.2 turbo) and the i5 was much higher. Is there an AMD chip that is as powerful as the I5?

 

[jaideep1337]

No not as of now. As far as gaming is concerned, no AMD chip can beat the 3570k YET!
The only comparable chip in terms of performance would be a phenom ii x4 980

If you really want to go AMD then I suggest you should wait for a few weeks until piledriver is released!

 

[pixelhungry]

No not as of now. As far as gaming is concerned, no AMD chip can beat the 3570k YET!
The only comparable chip in terms of performance would be a phenom ii x4 980

If you really want to go AMD then I suggest you should wait for a few weeks until piledriver is released!

I looked at speculations people have of the piledriver series and at a quick glance it doesn't seem like it will be as powerful as the i5, so they say.

 

[clutchc]

Stay with Intel for now if you want the fastest gaming processor. But if you are looking at moving up to dual GTX 680s or HD 7970s, be sure to get an adequate PSU of good quality. No cheapie. 750W minimum. A pair of HD 7970s will require 520W at peak. That is a 43A draw on the +12V rail(s) when maxed out. Of course, you may never max them out if you only use one monitor.

 

[hbeduryan818]

How would AMD compare to the I5 3570k, i saw a benchmarking of a Zambezi with 4.1 ghz (4.2 turbo) and the i5 was much higher. Is there an AMD chip that is as powerful as the I5?

People make the amd 8150 look like crap well its not. The only thing th i5 really neats in amd is single core processing but if yoi do gaming and photoshopyoure going to use at least 3 cores

 

[pixelhungry]

heres my list of parts atm: (subject to change hahaha)

Case-Cooler Master HAF X
Mobo-ASUS Maximus V Formula
GPU-EVGA superclocked+ geforce gtx 680
PSU-Rosewill Capstone series-750 750w
CPU-Intel i5 3570k 3.4 Ghz (3.8 turbo)
SSD-Samsung 830 series 128 gb SATA III
RAM- G.Skill sniper gaming series 16gb (2x 8gb)
DVD Drive- ASUS DRW-24B1ST/BLK/AS-OEM
Monitor- ASUS VS series VS228H-P
and then windows 7 home premium....

 

[hbeduryan818]

heres my list of parts atm: (subject to change hahaha)

Case-Cooler Master HAF X
Mobo-ASUS Maximus V Formula
GPU-EVGA superclocked+ geforce gtx 680
PSU-Rosewill Capstone series-750 750w
CPU-Intel i5 3570k 3.4 Ghz (3.8 turbo)
SSD-Samsung 830 series 128 gb SATA III
RAM- G.Skill sniper gaming series 16gb (2x 8gb)
DVD Drive- ASUS DRW-24B1ST/BLK/AS-OEM
Monitor- ASUS VS series VS228H-P
and then windows 7 home premium....

Thats a very nice build. I would try to get liquid cooling or one more fan for the cpu sonce intel used cheap thermal paste on the ivy bridge lineup and i mean CHEAP as in overheating on a small load like gaming.

 

[pixelhungry]

Thats a very nice build. I would try to get liquid cooling or one more fan for the cpu sonce intel used cheap thermal paste on the ivy bridge lineup and i mean CHEAP as in overheating on a small load like gaming.

would i be okay with an after market cpu fan?

 

[pixelhungry]

such as this cooler master?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065&name=CPU-Fans-Heatsinks

 

[hbeduryan818]

such as this cooler master?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835103065&name=CPU-Fans-Heatsinks

Anything should be fine ots just the choice they made woth the thermal paste is hprrible and cheap so ya that shouls be perfect. good luck with ypur build that should oplay ultra on future games for 5 years

 

[clutchc]

heres my list of parts atm: (subject to change hahaha)

Case-Cooler Master HAF X
Mobo-ASUS Maximus V Formula
GPU-EVGA superclocked+ geforce gtx 680
PSU-Rosewill Capstone series-750 750w
CPU-Intel i5 3570k 3.4 Ghz (3.8 turbo)
SSD-Samsung 830 series 128 gb SATA III
RAM- G.Skill sniper gaming series 16gb (2x 8gb)
DVD Drive- ASUS DRW-24B1ST/BLK/AS-OEM
Monitor- ASUS VS series VS228H-P
and then windows 7 home premium....

That looks pretty good. The PSU is a very good one, even got a Gold rating. If you're going to O/C the processor, the 212EVO will be an excellent cooler for the money. The Intel HS/F will be adequate if you run at stock speeds, in spite of what you hear.
With 2 x 200mm, a 140mm, and a 230mm fan all in the correct locations, the HAF X has more than enough air circulation for your build.

Find a good tutorial to familiarize yourself with some of the pitfalls that can be associated with installing Win7 on a SSD. It's not any harder than installing to a HDD, just a few things to do different.
http://www.overclock.net/t/1156654/seans-windows-7-install-optimization-guide-for-ssds-hdds

 

[pixelhungry]

Thanks =)
for windows 7, can i get the OEM or is that for something else? whats the difference between that and the $300 dollar one?

 

[hbeduryan818]

Thanks =)
for windows 7, can i get the OEM or is that for something else? whats the difference between that and the $300 dollar one?

Theres no difference one might be a proffesional or ultimate and the windows home if you need advanced business like features go ofore pro or ultimate

 

[clutchc]

Thanks =)
for windows 7, can i get the OEM or is that for something else? whats the difference between that and the $300 dollar one?

An OEM version is only licensed to the system (motherboard) it is originally installed on. The retail version is a transferable license. Most folks here buy the OEM. And most of them buy the Home Premium version. The OEM version is the same as the retail version other than the license agreement.

I would recommend you get the OEM, as long as you are aware that if you change motherboards in the future you will have to jump through a few hoops to get it relicensed so it can be legal again. An OEM version is what comes with most pre-built machines.