Best Motherboard & CPU for under $400 USD

[johnstilwell22]

I am looking to upgrade my AMD FX-8310 cpu to a better one for heavy gaming. From what I see, there are not many better cpu's for the AM3+ socket, so I am also looking to upgrade my motherboard. So what I am asking is, what is the best CPU and Motherboard combination for under $400?

 

[Herc08]

Well, that depends. Do you have DDR3 ram? If so, the Haswell chipset should be plenty for you.

 

[Kavinqt]

I'd suggest an i5-6600k ($230) with an Asus z170-a Motherboard ($150) so $380 total also make sure you have a decent CPU cooler Problem is you would need DDR4 so haswell might be best.

Since you have DDR3 ram It would be best to go with haswell with your budget so: http://pcpartpicker.com/user/Kavinqt/saved/gpPJxr $1 over $400 but if you have a decent CPU cooler already you wouldn't need the 212 evo.

 

[Herc08]

This is probably BEST motherboard/combo set with DDR3 RAM in that budget, but you will get maximize performance, plus ability to overclock. It has an upgrade path to an i7 processor.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($235.99 @ Jet)
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG H7 49.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($34.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI Z97-GAMING 5 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($137.37 @ OutletPC)
Total: $408.24
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-12-28 14:22 EST-0500

If you are thinking about changing RAM sticks, this is probably the best combo within that budget. It's a $40 stretch, but it is worth it, if you plan on changing out the RAM.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-6600K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($26.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z170-HD3 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($99.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Crucial 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2133 Memory ($82.99 @ Jet)
Total: $439.85
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-12-28 14:24 EST-0500

 

[johnstilwell22]

This is probably BEST motherboard/combo set with DDR3 RAM in that budget, but you will get maximize performance, plus ability to overclock. It has an upgrade path to an i7 processor.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($235.99 @ Jet)
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG H7 49.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($34.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI Z97-GAMING 5 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($137.37 @ OutletPC)
Total: $408.24
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-12-28 14:22 EST-0500

If you are thinking about changing RAM sticks, this is probably the best combo within that budget. It's a $40 stretch, but it is worth it, if you plan on changing out the RAM.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-6600K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($26.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z170-HD3 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($99.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Crucial 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2133 Memory ($82.99 @ Jet)
Total: $439.85
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-12-28 14:24 EST-0500

So say I went with the 6600K, how much better is this cpu than the FX 8310? How much of an impact will upgrading to this setup have?

 

[Herc08]

This is probably BEST motherboard/combo set with DDR3 RAM in that budget, but you will get maximize performance, plus ability to overclock. It has an upgrade path to an i7 processor.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($235.99 @ Jet)
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG H7 49.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($34.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI Z97-GAMING 5 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($137.37 @ OutletPC)
Total: $408.24
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-12-28 14:22 EST-0500

If you are thinking about changing RAM sticks, this is probably the best combo within that budget. It's a $40 stretch, but it is worth it, if you plan on changing out the RAM.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-6600K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($26.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z170-HD3 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($99.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Crucial 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2133 Memory ($82.99 @ Jet)
Total: $439.85
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-12-28 14:24 EST-0500

So say I went with the 6600K, how much better is this cpu than the FX 8310? How much of an impact will upgrading to this setup have?

I meant honestly, a GREAT leap in performance than that of the FX. For one, Intel i5/i7 chips are better at performance per core than AMD is. Just because AMD has a high core count, doesn't mean it is efficient at using those cores. Not to mention, the i5 has hyper-threading which allow for better multi-tasking. With my setup, I am able to do so much at one time. I wish I saved $100 to get the 6700k, but I am happy with that I have, coming from a laptop.

 

[johnstilwell22]

This is probably BEST motherboard/combo set with DDR3 RAM in that budget, but you will get maximize performance, plus ability to overclock. It has an upgrade path to an i7 processor.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($235.99 @ Jet)
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG H7 49.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($34.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI Z97-GAMING 5 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($137.37 @ OutletPC)
Total: $408.24
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-12-28 14:22 EST-0500

If you are thinking about changing RAM sticks, this is probably the best combo within that budget. It's a $40 stretch, but it is worth it, if you plan on changing out the RAM.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-6600K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($26.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z170-HD3 ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($99.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: Crucial 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR4-2133 Memory ($82.99 @ Jet)
Total: $439.85
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-12-28 14:24 EST-0500

So say I went with the 6600K, how much better is this cpu than the FX 8310? How much of an impact will upgrading to this setup have?

I meant honestly, a GREAT leap in performance than that of the FX. For one, Intel i5/i7 chips are better at performance per core than AMD is. Just because AMD has a high core count, doesn't mean it is efficient at using those cores. Not to mention, the i5 has hyper-threading which allow for better multi-tasking. With my setup, I am able to do so much at one time. I wish I saved $100 to get the 6700k, but I am happy with that I have, coming from a laptop.

Sounds great, ill probably go with this option. Its fine with me so long as it can run games like GTA V better than my current amd.

 

[Herc08]

Don't know what GPU you have, but either build you select will be able to play any game up to today, and probably the next few years as well.

 

[johnstilwell22]

Don't know what GPU you have, but either build you select will be able to play any game up to today, and probably the next few years as well.

I have the Sapphire Radeon R9 270 (Dual-X)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202090

 

[Herc08]

Don't know what GPU you have, but either build you select will be able to play any game up to today, and probably the next few years as well.

I have the Sapphire Radeon R9 270 (Dual-X)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814202090

Then yes, any game up to that point will work (with the upgraded build).

I applaud you for a complete AMD build. That's dedication.

 

[SgtScream]

In my humble opinion an intel core i5 6600k paired with an asus z170-a motherboard hands down.