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Which is the superior bang/$ + future-proof Gaming Rig? [build ready; poll]

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  • Gaming
  • Evo
  • Systems
  • ATX
  • Build
Last response: in Systems
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Which one is better?

Total: 2 votes

  • #1
  • 0 %
  • #2
  • 100 %
November 10, 2013 6:15:42 AM

My situation:

  • Most intensive activity will almost certainly be gaming. I wish to be able to play BF4 at max settings at 45+ fps as a baseline.
  • Budget ~1,000 but main focus is on bang per buck and future proofing
  • I frequently have many tabs, processes open at the same time.
  • Don't care about "freebies" that come with particular GPU's.
  • Will want to start OC'ing further down the line to keep up with the requirements of newer games.


  • Number One (recommended to me on Reddit)

    PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

    CPU: AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor ($158.98 @ SuperBiiz)
    CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
    Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-990FXA-UD3 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($99.99 @ Newegg)
    Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($79.98 @ OutletPC)
    Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($174.99 @ Amazon)
    Video Card: Gigabyte Radeon HD 7970 3GB Video Card ($303.98 @ Newegg)
    Wireless Network Adapter: Encore ENEWI-2XN45 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($14.99 @ SuperBiiz)
    Case: Antec One ATX Mid Tower Case ($34.99 @ Newegg)
    Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($54.99 @ Microcenter)
    Monitor: Asus VS238H-P 23.0" Monitor ($134.99 @ NCIX US)
    Other: Windows 8.1 ($20.00)
    Total: $1107.86
    (Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
    (Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-11-10 09:07 EST-0500)

    Number Two (as built by myself)

    PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

    CPU: Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4GHz Quad-Core Processor ($209.97 @ SuperBiiz)
    CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
    Motherboard: ASRock Z77 Extreme4 ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($99.99 @ Newegg)
    Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($79.98 @ OutletPC)
    Storage: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($174.99 @ Amazon)
    Video Card: Sapphire Radeon R9 290 4GB Video Card ($406.13 @ Newegg)
    Wireless Network Adapter: Encore ENEWI-2XN45 802.11b/g/n PCI-Express x1 Wi-Fi Adapter ($14.99 @ SuperBiiz)
    Case: Corsair C70 Gunmetal Black (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ Newegg)
    Power Supply: Corsair CX 600W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($54.99 @ Microcenter)
    Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (32/64-bit) ($20.00)
    Monitor: Asus VS238H-P 23.0" Monitor ($134.99 @ NCIX US)
    Total: $1316.00
    (Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
    (Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-11-10 09:07 EST-0500)

    Quick Notes

    1) If I go with #2, I will be waiting for the non-reference R9 290's to come out with better coolers. I heard that they will become available at the end of November or beginning of December. I am in no particular hurry.

    2) Just one 250GB SSD - what am I smoking!? Explain. Basically, I adore the super quick loading times offered by SSD's, and I don't have a lot of information floating about anyway. I'm pretty religious about not accumulating junk and uninstalling programs I don't use. Seriously, I have a 250GB SSD card now, and there's still has ~100GB empty. If I do end up needing space sometime in the future, I'll just buy a second 250GB SSD.

    Thanks for your opinions and votes!
  • More about : superior bang future proof gaming rig build ready poll

    November 10, 2013 6:23:18 AM

    To be honest I would go with the first build and then instead of the 7970 get the 290. The 8320 outperforms the i5 3570k and is cheaper. And if you plan on playing bf4 Dice optimized it around amd so the 8320 would run it a lot better than the i5
    a b 4 Gaming
    November 10, 2013 11:43:07 AM

    duhmentia said:
    To be honest I would go with the first build and then instead of the 7970 get the 290. The 8320 outperforms the i5 3570k and is cheaper. And if you plan on playing bf4 Dice optimized it around amd so the 8320 would run it a lot better than the i5

    This. Wait for the R9 290 (non-X) to come out as it will perform better than the 7970; and yes, it will probably come out beginning of December.

    Related resources
    November 10, 2013 4:10:22 PM

    Thanks for the feedback guys.

    I'm not sure I understand the logic of why the 8320 is better than the i5-3570K. This website lists the latter as belonging to a higher hierarchy.

    I agree on the R9 290. There's hardly an argument to be had there.

    PS. An additional question: The R9 290 is a real power hog. Especially if I end up OCing, would a Corsair CX 600W be sufficient, or should I get the 750W model?
    a b 4 Gaming
    November 10, 2013 4:28:58 PM

    you should go for an in between and replace the i5 3570k in your own build with an FX 8320, then use the money saved to bump up your power supply a bit (700+W seasonic or one of the better corsair lines), then you should have no problems giving both your FX 8320 and your R9 a large overclock
    !