First budget build(400$) questions about dual graphics/crossfire with the a8 5600k apu.

[emj503]

Greetings! Just need some opinions and much needed wisdom, This is my first build ever of my own by myself(but I do have some experience with computers) anyways basically i'm stuck between choosing a motherboard. I'm going with the AMD a8-5600k and i'm curious about this whole cross fire thing is it worth it to cross fire a lower end card(the only ones compatible are lower end) the board I picked out is the MSI FM2-A75MA-E35 which is around 40-50 dollars cheaper then the one with crossfire, also has dual graphics and no cross fire at all. I'm really on a budget here any opinions would greatly be appreciated here's my build.

APU/CPU: AMD A8-5600K
MOBO: MSI FM2-A75MA-E35(no crossfire support) or A85XA-G65(cross fire support)
RAM: Corsair Vengeance 8 GB 1600(2X4)
PSU: Corsair 430w(CX430)
OPT: LG GH24NS95B
SSD/HD 2.5in(samsung 5400rpm(already owned+OS))
CASE: CORSAIR 200R

I wouldn't get the GPU until a later date anyways.

also I just want this computer for basic everyday use and basic older mmo's and games like League of Legends Emulators etc (I know this build even without a GPU is more then capable of all that)
any opinions wanted! trying to keep it under 400$ usd or at 400$ usd
thanks!

 

[Deemo13]

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/dual-graphics-crossfire-benchmark,3583.html

This is a good article. If you are not one to go through all of it or just jump to the end (kinda like me) then you would not want to go with the dual graphics solution. The thing about the Hybrid Crossfire, while a good idea, does not actually perform that well. This may be changed in the future with released drivers. So, if you want, you can get the APU with the AMD GPU and just run them separately for the time being.

 

[TBC1]

Try this -

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-4130 3.8GHz Quad-Core Processor ($93.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: MSI 970A-G43 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($66.98 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($73.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($35.94 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Antec 450W ATX12V Power Supply ($36.24 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($14.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $322.11
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-10-07 23:09 EDT-0400)

 

[emj503]

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/dual-graphics-crossfire-benchmark,3583.html

This is a good article. If you are not one to go through all of it or just jump to the end (kinda like me) then you would not want to go with the dual graphics solution. The thing about the Hybrid Crossfire, while a good idea, does not actually perform that well. This may be changed in the future with released drivers. So, if you want, you can get the APU with the AMD GPU and just run them separately for the time being.

I'm pretty sure I found my answer in the beginning of the article. am I going to be able to link my 1 GPU with my AMD APU on the cheaper MSI FM2-A75MA-E35 board(http://us.msi.com/product/mb/FM2-A85XMA-E35.html) is basically what my question boils down or am I going to have to go with the MSI FM2-A85XA-G65(http://us.msi.com/product/mb/FM2-A85XA-G65.html) to eventually do the crossfire/hybrid crossfire/dual graphics? I'm really confused and in need of some clarity. thanks

 

[Deemo13]

I'd recommend going with this ASRock:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157459

Bit more reliable, not saying MSI is bad, but still.

 

[emj503]

Try this -

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-4130 3.8GHz Quad-Core Processor ($93.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: MSI 970A-G43 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($66.98 @ Outlet PC)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($73.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($35.94 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Antec 450W ATX12V Power Supply ($36.24 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($14.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $322.11
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-10-07 23:09 EDT-0400)

Hey, I appreciate the quick reply but that is a little under my budget actually and I feel it really wouldn't fit my needs.

First off I'm quoting a user from these forums under the name of Madn3ss795 (http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-1702610/4130-5600k.html) and I quote:
"A8 5600k has its CPU performance on par with the fx4130, but the HD7560D inside A8 is far more greater than the AMD HD3000, not just at performance but features also, especially when teamed with dual channel RAM bars running at 1600mhz or greater. A8 is the obvious choice for your needs'

As for the case you suggested(i'm sure I could find a mounting bracket but I really don't want to go through the extra hassle I'd just like to assemble it with ease right when I get the parts delivered)but anyways I'd have to order a whole new SSD/hd (If i couldn't find the right mounting bracket for whatever reason)because I already own a up to par 2.5 ssd. this could just really throw me off so i'll stick with the 200r it supports both 3.5 and 2.5 drives tool free.

And I feel I should go with no lower then 1600mhz on my ram sticks to get the full potential out of my APU.

But the optical drive is something i'll have to look into though.

Thanks for the reply! i'm sure that's a great build for some one with less of a budget then I have! i'm open for any debates so please reply.

 

[emj503]

I'd recommend going with this ASRock:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157459

Bit more reliable, not saying MSI is bad, but still.

I was not set on MSI in any way shape or form I have just read a lot of good things about them lately. one look at this board on their site and I was sold they were actually able to answer my question right on the mobo's site, unlike MSI. Thank you sir!

 

[TBC1]

Ok, well how about this (better cpu, and case that fits your ssd) -

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI 970A-G43 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($72.91 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($73.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Cooler Master Force 500 ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec 450W ATX12V Power Supply ($36.24 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($14.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $323.10
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-10-07 23:40 EDT-0400)

 

[emj503]

Ok, well how about this (better cpu, and case that fits your ssd) -

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($109.99 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: MSI 970A-G43 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($72.91 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($73.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Cooler Master Force 500 ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec 450W ATX12V Power Supply ($36.24 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($14.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $323.10
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-10-07 23:40 EDT-0400)

You'll never sell me on the processor, the APU has much better integrated graphics and that is my whole purpose of this build.
anyways i've made my decision. ordering everything from amazon for 360$(don't feel like going through the hassle of all these different sites)
note I really did take everyone of your options into consideration but
the opt drive,case and ram you recommended are very limited stock and not much cheaper on amazon then the counter-parts I selected.
anyways heres the final build.
(still debating between the corsair or antec psu only 10$ price difference we'll see how I feel the day I order all these parts)

APU:AMD A8-5600K APU (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0095VPAVE/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

MOBO: ASrock Micro-ATX FM2A55M-DGS R2.0(http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E0V50T6/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER)


RAM:Corsair Vengeance 8 GB ( 2 x 4 GB ) DDR3 1600 MHz(http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004CRSM4I/ref=ox_sc_act_title_5?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER)

OPT:LG Electronics GH24NS95B (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009F1DYF8/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER)

PSU: Stuck between Corsair 430w(http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0092ML1SC/ref=ox_sc_act_title_6?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER and the Antec 430w(http://www.amazon.com/Antec-VP-450-Energy-Certified-Supply/dp/B004IZN3K2/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top) only about a 10$ price difference.

CASE: Corsair 200r(http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B009GXZ8MM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_7?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER)

SSD: already owned. but if you're curious its made by seagate actually 5400rpm 500gb 2.5in(http://www.amazon.com/Seagate-Laptop-Solid-Hybrid-ST500LM000/dp/B00B99JU5M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1381205135&sr=8-1&keywords=seagate+2.5+500gb+ssd)

Subtotal: $360.47(with the corsair PSU and without the ssd as I already own it+win7OS)


pretty dead set on all of that but go ahead and try to convince me other wise! still very interested in seeing any budget build around the 400$ price range that anyone can come up with.

I'd actually really be interested in seeing a Intel budget build like this around the same price point. not that'd i'd ever go intel just curious. I just don't feel like putting in the research/work in myself of coming up with something

 

[TBC1]

LOL you could have thrown in a gpu for a $400 budget -

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD A8-5600K 3.6GHz Quad-Core Processor ($92.23 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock FM2A55M-DGS Micro ATX FM2 Motherboard ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($73.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: HIS Radeon HD 7770 1GB Video Card ($89.99 @ Microcenter)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($35.94 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Antec 450W ATX12V Power Supply ($36.24 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($14.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $393.36
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-10-08 00:57 EDT-0400)

 

[emj503]

LOL you could have thrown in a gpu for a $400 budget -

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: AMD A8-5600K 3.6GHz Quad-Core Processor ($92.23 @ Amazon)
Motherboard: ASRock FM2A55M-DGS Micro ATX FM2 Motherboard ($49.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($73.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: HIS Radeon HD 7770 1GB Video Card ($89.99 @ Microcenter)
Case: NZXT Source 210 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($35.94 @ Amazon)
Power Supply: Antec 450W ATX12V Power Supply ($36.24 @ Amazon)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($14.98 @ Outlet PC)
Total: $393.36
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-10-08 00:57 EDT-0400)

this is no laughing matter i'm really putting a lot of thought into this, If I wanted a gpu right away i'd save my money and get a nice am3 board and go with the fx processors with a nicer card to take full advantage of it i'm not just going to fork out 100 dollars for a card and not use it's full potential. 360$ is also a perfect price point for me right now and I really feel there is no way to get more out of that apu for a cheaper price then what I came up with(everything on amazon one order one delivery(100%worth the few extra dollars per part))(the ram and cases you post are very limited stock and not much cheaper then the corsair counterparts)and again i'd have to find a working mounting bracket for my ssd to go into that case but other then that it does look nice and is much cheaper. but if you feel that configuration is worth it in the long run and will out perform mine but exceptionial amounts I will really consider it. like I said i'm not looking to play battle field or anything on this machine really. my preferred fps of choice is cs 1.6. and I think this will suite me perfectly until i decide to go bigger and better in the next year or two.