A10-6800k, FX-6300 or wait for Kaveri?

[rainfern]

This has been discussed before, I know, but I couldn't find an answer specific enough. I think the iGPU in the A10 won't be enough for me. I'm not a hardcore gamer but do enjoy smooth fps nevertheless. I also want to explore 3D fractals.

My question is: If I was to use an external (budget) GPU anyway, is the A10 still a good processor? Or should I just go with a similarly priced FX-6300? What makes me doubt the FX is the supported RAM speed (up to 1833) whereas the A10 should do fine with 2133. Do you think it makes a difference?

I could also just wait for January and see what Kaveri can do, although that might explode my budget too much. Has anyone seen any pricing estimates?

 

[CTurbo]

The A10 will work for 720p. It's not powerful enough by itself to handle 1080p. If you want to use a discrete video card, avoid the A series. The FX 6300 would be much better for the same cost.

 

[enemy1g]

I would go with the 6300. If getting a dedicated GPU is even an idea, there would be no point in investing in an APU.

 

[CTurbo]

Any time you are depending on integrated graphics, you need the fastest RAM possible. An igpu with 2133mhz RAM is almost 30% faster than it would be with 1333mhz RAM. If you're using a FX cpu + video card, RAM speed will not matter. There is almost 0 difference between 1333mhz and 2133mhz.

 

[rainfern]

Thank you! (I meant 1866 obviously)

 

[CTurbo]

I bought an A10-6800k with a fm2+ motherboard so I can upgrade to Kaveri next year. I'm not a big gamer, but everything I have thrown at it have been very smooth. My setup is more of a HTPC media server.

 

[jaguarskx]

The FX series will still be more powerful than the Kaveri APUs.