Which of the following CPU and GPU combinations would offer best performance? (Gaming)

[StarTrek2013]

Firm budget for GPU and CPU: $370

Combination (CPU-intensive):
Pick one of the two following CPUs:
-FX-8350 ($190)
-i5-3570k ($220)
Pick one of the two following GPUs:
-Radeon 7870 ($160) [Goes above budget if I choose the i5]
-Any Nvidia GPU around the same price that does not go above the firm budget.

Combination 2 (GPU-intensive):
Pick one of the two following GPUs:
-Nvidia GTX 760 ($250)
-Radeon 7950 ($290)
Pick one of the two following CPUs:
-FX-6300 ($100)
-Pentium G3430 ($100)


You can recommend another combination if you have one that is better than these. My main activity will be gaming.

 

[rolli59]

For budget builds FX6300 with a strong GPU like GTX760 is a good starting point.

 

[StarTrek2013]

Which is better the GTX 760 or the Radeon 7970?

 

[rolli59]

7970 is stronger!

 

[spartan barton]

Which is better the GTX 760 or the Radeon 7970?

Take into account what games you plan to be playing. Games these days will be optimized for specifically for certain card manufactures such as NVIDIA or AMD. Battlefield 4 has been completely optimized for AMD cards. AMD will also be releasing a new API this december which is supposed to increase AMD card performance greatly and is rumored to block out NVIDIA cards. Also the new consoles being released are also using AMD GPU's. So ports to the PC may be optimized for their cards.
If you're considering buying a 7970 just purchase the R9 280X.
It is pretty much an updated, re-branded 7970 and has some new audio features integrated into the card. The R9 280X is also going for $300. Its a good deal for a 3gb card.