Build : Stronger CPU vs Stronger GPU?

[Daniel68]

Which is better build for gaming? And which should last longer without the need for replacement with better parts in the future?

i5 3570K (will overclock it of course)
HD 7870
Z77 Extreme 4
Hyper 212 EVO

770$

i5 3570 (non K)
HD 7950
Z 75 Pro 3

750$

The price is not a big difference but second one is a little bit cheaper. (Local price in my country). So with which one should I go with? Thank you all in advance!

 

[tenaciousk]

the z series motherboards are for overclocking. If you dont get the K series cpu in the second build, get a motherboard with a h77 chipset. obviously the 7950 is the better card here. So will be able to game great. here are the benchmarks between the two. http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/548?vs=550

However if you know how to overclock at all you can get the 7870 almost up to the stock 7950 performance. So personally i think the 7870 is more bang for your buck being almost $60 dollars cheaper. i personally would probably go with the first build. But i like tinkering with overclocking.

 

[Wolfshadw]

The CPU will definitely last you a lot longer without need for replacement over the GPU. You'll likely go through two or three graphic card replacements before really needing to replace the CPU (maybe four if you overclock). An overclocked Intel Core I7-920 is still not going to have any problems keeping up with the latest graphic cards.

I'd say go with the first (I5-3570K) set up... and this coming from someone who doesn't overclock.

-Wolf sends

 

[Daniel68]

Thanks guys. Any other opinions out there? 2 for 3570K for now.

 

[Outlander_04]

The margins between a 7870 and 7950 are not that great . Some overclocked 7870 's perform identically to a 7950.

If get the stronger mb/cpu buid and fit a 7870 [ which already plays all games well at 1080p]

That way you have a system thats much more likely to be worth upgrading with a new graphics card in a couple of years