Gaming CPU Question...

[MTSe7en]

I'm up in the air about a few things, so I decided to make a thread asking you guys. Ok, i'm on a budget between $400-450 for a moderate gaming CP that can run Planetside 2, and GW2 with good FPS. I have two builds that were suggested to me, and they both look pretty decent, but I can't choose which one I want, based on the CPU. Here are the two builds...

BUILD #1
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Pentium G860 3.0GHz Dual-Core Processor ($67.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock H77 Pro4/MVP ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Intel Extreme Master, Limited Ed 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($31.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: Galaxy GeForce GTX 650 Ti 1GB Video Card ($134.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: NZXT Gamma Classic (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($34.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Antec 450W ATX12V Power Supply ($30.95 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Sony AD-7280S-0B DVD/CD Writer ($18.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $439.88
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-12-31 17:04 EST-0500)


BUILD #2
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: ASRock 970 Extreme3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 500GB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI Radeon HD 7770 1GB Video Card ($109.99 @ Newegg)
Case: NZXT Gamma Classic (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($34.99 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Antec 450W ATX12V Power Supply ($30.95 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Sony AD-7280S-0B DVD/CD Writer ($18.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $439.88
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-12-31 17:04 EST-0500)


I know a lot of people suggest the intel processors because it provides a great upgrade path, while AMD really doesn't. But.. AMD is so cheap, and a 3.4GHz quad core processor that can be overclocked for $100 is just amazing. What build/CPU do you guys think is better?

 

[Z1NONLY]

For gaming? #1.


If you wanted the rig to do video rendering or something that can use the extra cores, the 965 is close enough in gaming performance and considerably better in multi-threaded stuff.

Even then, I would opt for the 650ti with the 965.

But if gaming is the primary use, build #1 is the way to go.

 

[MyAKAndI]

I'd go with the AMD option, but you might want to go with a AM3+ socket CPU since thats the socket with the best processors. If you go with a FX-4300 you could easily upgrade it to a 6100 or a 8350 down the road.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4904563&csid=_61

It's only 30 dollars more but will provide a better gaming experience.

 

[MTSe7en]

For gaming? #1.


If you wanted the rig to do video rendering or something that can use the extra cores, the 965 is close enough in gaming performance and considerably better in multi-threaded stuff.

Even then, I would opt for the 650ti with the 965.

But if gaming is the primary use, build #1 is the way to go.

Alright, i've just been pushed more towards the 965 because I have a few friends that get good performance in the games I want to play, while I haven't really seen anyone play Planetside 2 on an Intel Pentium yet.

 

[cmi86]

Alright, i've just been pushed more towards the 965 because I have a few friends that get good performance in the games I want to play, while I haven't really seen anyone play Planetside 2 on an Intel Pentium yet.

Se I look at it there is no such thing as a "gaming" computer There are either performance PC's or non performance PC's. So when I build a PC I build it to be a well rounded performer in all aspects of use. Yes the first rig will game slightly better, but that is if you are only running the game. Now throw in an internet browser with 5 or 10 tabs and few of those being flash vids or streaming apps, downoads, media players, documents, and whatever other programs you may want to use or tab back and forth in between while gaming and that Dual core intel is going to fall flat on its face while that quad core Phenom II will be humming along just fine. Also the phenom can be overclocked by a large margin, you will be lucky to get a couple hundred mhz out of that intel.

 

[clutchc]

The dual core G860 is almost as fast at gaming as the PhIIX4 965BE (at stock) thanks to its architecture. But if gaming is your main desire, I would recommend the 965 BE with a mild O/C which you can do simply by increasing the multiplier. And the 4 cores will be a help with heavily threaded apps and games in the future.

The GTX 660ti is a bit faster than the HD 7770 IMO, so there is no problem there either. The card should be good for fast frame rates in modern games up to 1920x1080 with reduced settings in some games... maybe even maxed out settings at 1680x1050.

 

[Z1NONLY]

Alright, i've just been pushed more towards the 965 because I have a few friends that get good performance in the games I want to play, while I haven't really seen anyone play Planetside 2 on an Intel Pentium yet.

Nothing wrong with the 965 at this price point.

Consider running the 650ti with it though.

 

[MTSe7en]

The dual core G860 is almost as fast at gaming as the PhIIX4 965BE (at stock) thanks to its architecture. But if gaming is your main desire, I would recommend the 965 BE with a mild O/C which you can do simply by increasing the multiplier. And the 4 cores will be a help with heavily threaded apps and games in the future.

The GTX 660ti is a bit faster than the HD 7770 IMO, so there is no problem there either. The card should be good for fast frame rates in modern games up to 1920x1080 with reduced settings in some games... maybe even maxed out settings at 1680x1050.

Alright, thanks for all the replies. I've just seen a lot of back and fourth between people saying the G860, and others saying the 965 BE. I think i'll stick with the 965 BE as my friend has it, and he usually maxes out most of the games we play together, with no problems at all.

 

[clutchc]

Alright, thanks for all the replies. I've just seen a lot of back and fourth between people saying the G860, and others saying the 965 BE. I think i'll stick with the 965 BE as my friend has it, and he usually maxes out most of the games we play together, with no problems at all.

Remember, in spite of the processor, fast frame rates are mainly due to the graphic card.

 

[payturr]

When it comes to upgrading a component for gaming, the GPU is always the first thing that should go.

 

[stanistheman]

It really depends, if you plan on upgrading the cpu later on go for the intel option you can get the i5 3570k. but if you wanna stick with the cpu for longer get the amd build and overclock the 965 to around 4ghz and it will stomp all over the pentium

So if you wanna keep the cpu for long oc the 965

wanna upgrade cpu later on go for the pentium

The intel board has better upgrade options but the amd 965 is a better cpu it can be overclocked and is a quad core

 

[MTSe7en]

It really depends, if you plan on upgrading the cpu later on go for the intel option you can get the i5 3570k. but if you wanna stick with the cpu for longer get the amd build and overclock the 965 to around 4ghz and it will stomp all over the pentium

So if you wanna keep the cpu for long oc the 965

wanna upgrade cpu later on go for the pentium

The intel board has better upgrade options but the amd 965 is a better cpu it can be overclocked and is a quad core

Alright, but if I overclock it, shouldn't i get something extra to help cool the CPU down, or is that not necessary? Also, is the 7770 worth picking up, or should I go with the 650 Ti?

 

[Z1NONLY]

Alright, but if I overclock it, shouldn't i get something extra to help cool the CPU down, or is that not necessary? Also, is the 7770 worth picking up, or should I go with the 650 Ti?

Yes, you should upgrade your CPU cooling when you overclock. And I would go with the 650ti over the 7770.

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/680?vs=536

 

[MTSe7en]

Yes, you should upgrade your CPU cooling when you overclock. And I would go with the 650ti over the 7770.

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/680?vs=536

Alright, i'll probably go with the AMD build, and if I have enough money considering I still have to buy an OS, i'll go with the 650 Ti, and if not, i'll stay with the 7770.