AMD A10-7870K or Intel I3-6300?

[mrwolf33]

I am upgrading to improve over my existing integrated GPU (i3-4340) and I would like to choose between Intel I3-6300 and AMD A10-7870K, this is what I came up so far:

Pros Intel I3-6300:

• 
  ■ uses LGA1151 architecture, which will last longer than counterpart
  ■ low TDP (although I do not care much about this)
  ■ better technology (14nm etc)

Cons Intel I3-6300:

• 
  ■ worse GPU performance than counterpart

Pros AMD A10-7870K:

• 
  ■ better GPU performance

Cons AMD A10-7870K:

• 
  ■ uses FM2+ architecture, which is a dead end
  ■ worse TDP (although not a decision point)

In both cases I will need to upgrade motherboard and RAM.

Any other ideas? I am bent towards the AMD solution at this moment, as I want to avoid doing a full rebuild.

(spin-off thread from http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/id-3196028/upgrade-advice-gpu-integrated-cpu.html)

Edit: I just found an interesting review here: http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/a10-7870k-vs-core-i3-6100-cpu-review/

Edit 2: the thread has become now about relocating my existing setup (mini-itx) into a better case and using a discrete GPU. Upgrade I am going with:

• 
  ■ Silverstone ML07 case
  ■ Be quiet SFX Power 2 300W
  ■ Gigabyte Nvidia GeForce GTX 950 2GB

 

[Guest]

Go for the i3 for exactly the reason you said. The A10 isn't that much faster with its igpu then the i3 http://gpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Intel-HD-530-Desktop-Skylake-vs-AMD-Radeon-R7-Graphics/m33102vsm8791

Anyways the A10 igpu really isn't that good anyways.

 

[mrwolf33]

Go for the i3 for exactly the reason you said. The A10 isn't that much faster with its igpu then the i3 http://gpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Intel-HD-530-Desktop-Skylake-vs-AMD-Radeon-R7-Graphics/m33102vsm8791

Anyways the A10 igpu really isn't that good anyways.

Thanks for your input, but it's still a difficult choice If you look at the review here about games' FPS: http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/a10-7870k-vs-core-i3-6100-cpu-review/8/ it seems like if I am upgrading for the GPU, then I leave behind the main reason for upgrading by not picking the best integrated GPU here...

 

[mrwolf33]

I am going for this upgrade:

• 
  ■ A10-7870K
  ■ ASRock A68M-ITX
  ■ Corsair Vengeance Pro DIMM DDR3 2400 CL11 - 16GB (2 x 8GB)

So I will sell my current CPU/mobo/RAM they served me well, but time to upgrade!

 

[Guest]

I wouldn't call it a "upgrade" since your current i3 is faster the the A10 besides the gpu. I would buy a better gpu with the money and still use your current i3 since it is faster.. Its also got no upgrade path and the graphics "card" in it isn't even that good and if you buy a better gpu it defeats the purpose, but you do you man

http://cpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/AMD-A10-7870K-APU-vs-Intel-Core-i3-4340/m29728vs2877

 

[mrwolf33]

I wouldn't call it a "upgrade" since your current i3 is faster the the A10 besides the gpu. I would buy a better gpu with the money and still use your current i3 since it is faster.. Its also got no upgrade path and the graphics "card" in it isn't even that good and if you buy a better gpu it defeats the purpose, but you do you man

http://cpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/AMD-A10-7870K-APU-vs-Intel-Core-i3-4340/m29728vs2877

Well, I want to upgrade the integrated GPU and this is a mini-ITX, so I cannot just plug in a better discrete GPU, that's the whole point. If I have to use a normal case I'll just do a completely different build, I want to keep the form factor and going on the Intel solution would cost a bit more while delivering less GPU power.

Who cares about the raw CPU speed anyway? It's not like I am factoring prime numbers

 

[madmatt30]

What mitx case exactly ??
Can you not even fit a low profile card in there??
Even a lowly 750ti easily surpasses any integrated solutions.

If not then the 7870k is easily a better all in one chip if better graphics are the reason .

The CPU side is far weaker than the Intel, the graphics are far more powerful.

 

[Guest]

Well if you were unable to install a discrete gpu you probably should of said that. Anyways the A10 already offers pretty bad single core performance and the i3 (according to userbench) is 41 percent faster. Do you know what games like? Single core performance! (and quad core and the i3 is still faster) I know you're going to be playing games with this because that is why you started this entire question. But you can't install discrete a gpu so it doesn't matter.

 

[mrwolf33]

What mitx case exactly ??
Can you not even fit a low profile card in there??
Even a lowly 750ti easily surpasses any integrated solutions.

If not then the 7870k is easily a better all in one chip if better graphics are the reason .

The CPU side is far weaker than the Intel, the graphics are far more powerful.

Case is an Antec ISK300-150, I think it should be possible to fit a low profile card there...I am looking at this now, it just seems I need to be lucky though that it fits and I can close the case

 

[mrwolf33]

Well if you were unable to install a discrete gpu you probably should of said that. Anyways the A10 already offers pretty bad single core performance and the i3 (according to userbench) is 41 percent faster. Do you know what games like? Single core performance! (and quad core and the i3 is still faster) I know you're going to be playing games with this because that is why you started this entire question. But you can't install discrete a gpu so it doesn't matter.

Yeah sorry it was mentioned in my previous question. Maybe I can fit in a discrete GPU...considering this option now

 

[mrwolf33]

Mini-ITX GPUs cannot be used, because then the PSU wouldn't be enough anymore (and the discrete GPUs that can feed on 150W are worse than the current I3 integrated GPU anyway), without considering that mini-itx GPUs would cost more.

So yeah, I think I can either upgrade the integrated GPU or buy a low profile one like GT 710 or similar

 

[Guest]

The 750 ti uses 75watts http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814487025
its 134 percent better then the A10 http://gpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Nvidia-GTX-750-Ti-vs-AMD-Radeon-R7-Graphics/2187vsm8791
its 172 percent better then a i3 6100 http://gpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Nvidia-GTX-750-Ti-vs-Intel-HD-530-Desktop-Skylake/2187vsm33102
So, no its not garbage, I will tell you what is though integrated gpus

 

[madmatt30]

The best strategy is replacing that case with a mitx or very small matx that will take a full size GPU.
A new 300w+ PSU & a RX 460.

The cost is more or less the same (less I'd say) the performance for gaming will be vastly superior.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Video Card: PowerColor Radeon RX 460 2GB Red Dragon Video Card ($104.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Thermaltake Core V1 Mini ITX Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec 450W ATX Power Supply ($33.69 @ Directron)
Total: $168.66
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-09-25 09:26 EDT-0400

 

[Ecky]

If you want to stick with your current case, a GT 630 or R7 240 are both comparable to the 7870K's iGPU. The 630 has a 25w TDP, while the 240's is 30w.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/xfx-core-edition-radeon-r7-240-2gb-ddr3-pci-express-graphics-card-black/2517024.p?skuId=2517024&ref=212&loc=1&ksid=426147ea-40d4-4826-afcb-0d245f49d7fc&ksprof_id=8&ksaffcode=pg199169&ksdevice=c

It's kindof expensive, but the HD7750 has a typical board power of 55w:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA4M53T22527

A 750 Ti would be fastest but also the most power hungry, and may have trouble with your 150w unit. I suspect if you downclock it a bit, it will run fine on your power supply.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/44793420?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222227032179315&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=62503306136&wl4=pla-109733064296&wl5=1027365&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=44793420&wl13=&veh=sem

 

[Guest]

If you want to stick with your current case, a GT 630 or R7 240 are both comparable to the 7870K's iGPU. The 630 has a 25w TDP, while the 240's is 30w.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/xfx-core-edition-radeon-r7-240-2gb-ddr3-pci-express-graphics-card-black/2517024.p?skuId=2517024&ref=212&loc=1&ksid=426147ea-40d4-4826-afcb-0d245f49d7fc&ksprof_id=8&ksaffcode=pg199169&ksdevice=c

It's kindof expensive, but the HD7750 has a typical board power of 55w:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA4M53T22527

A 750 Ti would be fastest but also the most power hungry, and may have trouble with your 150w unit. I suspect if you downclock it a bit, it will run fine on your power supply.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/44793420?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222227032179315&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=62503306136&wl4=pla-109733064296&wl5=1027365&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=44793420&wl13=&veh=sem

Yeah https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sph6cjJeRdI

I would personally go with madmatt30 idea

 

[Ecky]

My build is ITX. I'd like to go even smaller, but my case is the smallest I could fit a full ATX power supply and full-height card into. Due to length restrictions I can't use really long cards, but most RX 480's and 1060's will fit into my ~27cm long case.

 

[mrwolf33]

The 750 ti uses 75watts http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814487025
its 134 percent better then the A10 http://gpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Nvidia-GTX-750-Ti-vs-AMD-Radeon-R7-Graphics/2187vsm8791
its 172 percent better then a i3 6100 http://gpu.userbenchmark.com/Compare/Nvidia-GTX-750-Ti-vs-Intel-HD-530-Desktop-Skylake/2187vsm33102
So, no its not garbage, I will tell you what is though integrated gpus

Thanks, this is a good tip. I might go with the 750 ti because it seems like I should be able to handle it with the current setup (http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/geforce-gtx-750-ti-review,review-32889-21.html)

 

[mrwolf33]

The best strategy is replacing that case with a mitx or very small matx that will take a full size GPU.
A new 300w+ PSU & a RX 460.

The cost is more or less the same (less I'd say) the performance for gaming will be vastly superior.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

Video Card: PowerColor Radeon RX 460 2GB Red Dragon Video Card ($104.98 @ Newegg)
Case: Thermaltake Core V1 Mini ITX Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Antec 450W ATX Power Supply ($33.69 @ Directron)
Total: $168.66
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-09-25 09:26 EDT-0400

Yeah well, I am really trying to keep this mini-itx case because it fits perfectly where I have it. I know that cramming in a GPU might make it overheat in there, but I was trying here to not redo the build

 

[mrwolf33]

If you want to stick with your current case, a GT 630 or R7 240 are both comparable to the 7870K's iGPU. The 630 has a 25w TDP, while the 240's is 30w.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/xfx-core-edition-radeon-r7-240-2gb-ddr3-pci-express-graphics-card-black/2517024.p?skuId=2517024&ref=212&loc=1&ksid=426147ea-40d4-4826-afcb-0d245f49d7fc&ksprof_id=8&ksaffcode=pg199169&ksdevice=c

It's kindof expensive, but the HD7750 has a typical board power of 55w:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA4M53T22527

A 750 Ti would be fastest but also the most power hungry, and may have trouble with your 150w unit. I suspect if you downclock it a bit, it will run fine on your power supply.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/44793420?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222227032179315&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=62503306136&wl4=pla-109733064296&wl5=1027365&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=44793420&wl13=&veh=sem

I just checked, 750 Ti is impossible to fit in there. For reference, one that would fit is the GeForce 610 (http://www.geforce.com/hardware/desktop-gpus/geforce-gt-610/specifications) which is 2.7" tall and 5.7" long. The 750 Ti is 4.3" tall...

So I either would have to get a bad price/quality ratio card or rebuild this in a slightly bigger case..

 

[Ecky]

The 750Ti is only 4.3" tall when it's not using the low profile bracket. It will fit.

 

[mrwolf33]

My build is ITX. I'd like to go even smaller, but my case is the smallest I could fit a full ATX power supply and full-height card into. Due to length restrictions I can't use really long cards, but most RX 480's and 1060's will fit into my ~27cm long case.

I am looking at this case now:

http://www.silverstonetek.com/product.php?pid=210

 

[mrwolf33]

The 750Ti is only 4.3" tall when it's not using the low profile bracket. It will fit.

Yeah? That'd be good news! The whole Antec ISK 300-150 height is 3.78" (222mm, http://www.antec.com/product.php?id=705168&fid=5022033&lan=nz) from where one has to subtract some space for the mobo too

 

[madmatt30]

I still think your 150w PSU will be right on the edge with a 750ti personally.

That sugo with a RX 460 would just be in another league entirely

 

[Ecky]

I really dislike cases that put the power supply over the motherboard, it makes accessing things a nightmare.

I use this case, but I added an extra fan to the side because airflow in the top is pretty poor. My HD7850 wasn't overheating, but it was definitely warmer than it would be in other cases. Adding the extra fan brought GPU temps down ~20c, to roughly what they are in any full-size case. I imagine a less hungry card like a 750Ti would be fine.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811353044


This TT case is larger (a major downside to me) but the power supply location is good:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133260


This case has a really nice layout, and seems to make good use of its space:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811553021


The Silverstone Raven and Milo are probably my favorite ITX cases, given how much they can pack into such a small space, but they need SFX power supplies rather than ATX ones, which are a little more expensive. There are still some great, affordable SFX units though:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163287

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163252

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA4RE4SK9921

 

[madmatt30]

You are missing the ml07b which is not much bigger than a current gen console (deeper though as it support 350mm gpu's)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811163256

I always fancied mitx but could honestly never fibd anything suitable .
Went with the matx gd06 in the end simply because there's very very little restriction & it fits in nice under the TV rack.

http://www.silverstonetek.com/product.php?pid=293