Best CPU to pair with a HD5870

[Skumbo]

So, I just got BF3 and sadly.. my old core 2 duo is bottlenecking me now, I believe. (running 100% cpu on both cores in bf3 and even sometimes in Rift even when reducing the resolution to 800x600), i normally run at 1920x1080

I recently had a gpu fry on me, but luckily it was an XFX, and they replaced it with a (hearty) upgrade in an HD5870.

I'm running it with a E6550 overclocked to 2.97 ghz with a tuniq 120 air cooler, it never gets close to hot, but was never stable above 3 ghz for some reason. I'm not an expert (my brother helped me build this rig, as it was my first, about 4 years ago), but have since built a few setups for friends.

i have ~$300 for a new mother board/CPU.


Basically, im wondering what would be best to avoid bottlenecking the 5870?

Would I be fine with a FX 4100 (i know how "crappy" bulldozer turned out to be) overclocked to 4.8 or so (i see a ton of people getting this easily, apparently)? I ask this because i can grab a 4100 for $100 shipped from amazon right now, and that would open up my options for a nice mother board.


If not, the i5 2500k is obviously a proven processor, but what mother board could i use to keep it around $300?


thanks! Ive always read reviews/etc here but havent upgraded or had questions enough to have to make an account until now

 

[toneekay]

I remember seeing the 2500K for $170 2 weeks ago at Microcenter. Check that out if there's one around you.

Wow, I've been on MC looking for a deal like that and there's none with that price 🙁

 

[spentshells]

4150 a mobo with no overclocking needed would be fine. DDR3 couldn't be cheaper. You could also recover moeny from your DD2 you can sell on ebay or local for a small recovery the CPU is really at the edge of usefullness.

 

[Skumbo]

there isnt even a microcenter in my state, sadly.
in case it helps anyone else:
http://www.microcenter.com/single_product_results.phtml?product_id=0354589
I'll tough it out a few days or something and see if newegg throws a sale on it. thats -$15 sale on newegg was for the 2500, not the 2500k. and i'd definitely be overclocking this.

I figure its about time to "switch platforms" I guess, as if i upgrade to the i5 and OC it well, it'll last me another 4 years like this core duo did.

A big thing with me is customer service, and i read some pretty bad reviews on gigabytes service... any of you guys had to deal with them? tons of ppl are getting boot loops and theres no US phone number to call, apparently. That sketches me out..

 

[toneekay]

Microcenter also has an online store in which you can just order and have them ship it to you...

 

[Skumbo]

Microcenter also has an online store in which you can just order and have them ship it to you...

yes but that deal is listed as "in store only" hence, my comment about not having one in my state. 🙁

 

[toneekay]

Ahh... I didn't see that little caption. I went out to Microcenter yesterday and noticed that you can purchase the 2500K or 2600K paired with a P67/Z68 as a combo AND recieve an additional $60 off.

 

[hell_storm2004]

@OP: You decided on what you want to get?

 

[Skumbo]

Ahh... I didn't see that little caption. I went out to Microcenter yesterday and noticed that you can purchase the 2500K or 2600K paired with a P67/Z68 as a combo AND recieve an additional $60 off.

ugh. wish one was near me 🙁


I looked heavily into that gigabyte board, and half.. literally HALF of the threads/etc i found on people getting one involved them trying to RMA it because of issues or bent pins when it arrived.

I'm looking at this, and its basically an extreme4 with one less PCI slot, which I'm only using one anyway:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157271

then, i5, obviously:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115072

and this gskill ram (though it looks kind of lame lol):

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231428

comes out to $392 with a tube of thermal paste as well, since ive moved and i forgot my email since i last ordered from newegg (years ago for my original setup) so i got a $10 off new customer thing.


as for cooling, im using my tuniq tower 120, that will fit right? The "new" 120 says it fits the old and new boards, id assume this will fit?

I wish i could afford a new case, since im pretty much rebuilding the whole thing, but i dont have the $$ for one 🙁

The problem is i cant find that board on amazon, so im getting the core there. which after the gift card came out to like $25 lol

 

[toneekay]

I was looking at that board, it looks sooo awesome! I've yet to try it myself, but I'm on the same path as you with the components.

 

[Skumbo]

Im all set to pull the trigger, but the g skill ram is showing as $59 on my cart 😵

might just grab some corsair vengeance, its a tad cheaper anyway and ive been running corsair ram overclocked for 4 years straight with no blips

also - the 25% off thermal paste coupon isnt working.. its only about $3 difference, but still.

 

[Skumbo]

Got in the i5 2500k, extreme3 mobo, and ram, then stripped my old case of the psu, gpu, wires/etc, cd drive, and whatnot. just waiting on the case to get here monday.

hope my tuniq 120 fits