Need help with CPU on build.

[Razanel]

Alright, so I am building a computer for a friend but I am not sure which way to go. He can either pay for all of it himself or I can chip in a little if need be. He is looking to do some medium gaming (that being games like Fallout and Civilization 5). He doesn't care about the graphics, just that it is really good fps. On this build I have a 550 ti graphics card paired with an AMD FX4100. I know the graphics card is fine, but what about that processor. I have never used an AMD processor. Would it be wiser for me to chip in and get him an i3 2330? Thanks for your help!

 

[stickmansam]

For Civ5 and Fallout I would look to at least the FX6300. With only a 550ti, I am pretty sure a FX6300 or even the i3 3220 (that what you mean i think).
Civ5 should benefit form the extra threads of the FX6300 over the i3 3220. It seems to use up to 4 threads or more(user responses not personal experience)

I would consider the original i7 to be roughly the same as the FX6300 for CIV5

The FX6300 offers a upgrade path to a new arch later on while the Intels do not.
If you friend is not fond of upgrading and will be using stronger graphics later on and is willing to pay more, he can get the i5 3470.

General game performance overall
FX4100 < i3 3220 < FX6300(wins overall average) < i5 3470
With the 550ti the strongest CPU I would be comfortable pairing it with is the FX6300. Even with setting toned down, the FX6300 would get roughly the same as the i5 3470. (someone can clarify?)

http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/cpu/display/fx-8350-8320-6300-4300_6.html#sect0
review of the FX6300

 

[Razanel]

For Civ5 and Fallout I would look to at least the FX6300. With only a 550ti, I am pretty sure a FX6300 or even the i3 3220 (that what you mean i think).
Civ5 should benefit form the extra threads of the FX6300 over the i3 3220. It seems to use up to 4 threads or more(user responses not personal experience)
http://static.techspot.com/articles-info/320/bench/CPU_02.png

I would consider the original i7 to be roughly the same as the FX6300 for CIV5
http://static.techspot.com/articles-info/320/bench/CPU_01.png

The FX6300 offers a upgrade path to a new arch later on while the Intels do not.
If you friend is not fond of upgrading and will be using stronger graphics later on and is willing to pay more, he can get the i5 3470.

General game performance overall
FX4100 < i3 3220 < FX6300(wins overall average) < i5 3470
With the 550ti the strongest CPU I would be comfortable pairing it with is the FX6300. Even with setting toned down, the FX6300 would get roughly the same as the i5 3470. (someone can clarify?)

http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/cpu/display/fx-8350-8320-6300-4300_6.html#sect0
review of the FX6300

I did mean the 3220, thanks. Apparently I have dyslexia at night... And I can do the 6300. The only reason I am getting AMD is because of bundle deals at Microcenter (that and the board on the 6300 for I think $130). Don't know if I read it wrong but is the 550 ti not that good of a card (just sounded like you were saying the card isn't that great). I will take a look at the 3470 though. And unrelated question, I have an i5-2500k (no mobo or anything, just OEM CPU), and maybe 3 of the gold plates on the back fell off. You think its still useable? If I get the 3470 I can always try, but I just want an opinion. Thanks for your input, it was very helpful.

 

[stickmansam]

The 550ti is a decent card, but its just not a good match for anything higher than an i3/Fx6300. I would compare it to a Geforce 650 and the AMD 7750. It would be like pairing up a Usain Bolt with a random university track team member for a relay. The track team memebr would be holding back Usain Bolt causing their overall score to be lower than if Usain was paired with someone faster. It could lead to a situation where a better combo (2 average olypmic runners) like a 560ti and a i3 (costing $x) would beat a 550ti and i5 3470 (costing the same as x)

What resolution does your friend want to play at? The 550ti would be good for 1080p low/med settings in the latest games. or med/high for 900p (1600x900).

If you mean the pin connectors on the CPU bottom fell off you can't use it. You might want to try and get a warranty claim on that if its still in time.

 

[Razanel]

His monitor runs at 1440x900

 

[stickmansam]

The 550ti would do great for that resolution on high settings

 

[Razanel]

Best answer selected by Razanel.