CPU Decision: G3258 v i3-4160 v i5-4460

[docjack]

My current parts list:

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($247.00)
Motherboard: MSI B85I Mini ITX LGA1150 Motherboard ($98.00)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($92.00)
Storage: Crucial MX100 256GB 2.5" Solid State Drive (Purchased)
Video Card: R9 280-tier or higher used GPU from ebay ($150.00)
Case: Fractal Design Node 304 Mini ITX Tower Case ($117.00)
Power Supply: Cooler Master 550W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($75.00)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (32/64-bit) (Purchased)
Wireless Network Adapter: TP-Link TL-WN725N 802.11b/g/n USB 2.0 Wi-Fi Adapter ($9.90)
Monitor: LG 23MP75HM 23.0" AH-IPS Monitor ($195.00)

Usage:

• 
  1. Dota 2 (max settings, 1920x1080, consistently over 60FPS)
  2. Microsoft Office
  3. Google Chrome
  4. Videos (e.g. Twitch, YouTube, movies, etc.) and music

My question is regarding the CPU; G3258 ($89) v i3-4160 ($149) v i5-4460 ($249). Considering my usage, should I spend less on CPU (get G3258) and spend the savings on a better GPU? Or is getting the i5-4460 worth it for the performance? I will attempt to OC the G3258 with stock cooler if it's not too difficult.

 

[badboyrog2]

I3 4160 + R9 270X minimum for smooth gaming

 

[endeavour37a]

"My question is regarding the CPU; G3258 ($89) v i3-4160 ($149) v i5-4460 ($249). Considering my usage, should I spend less on CPU (get G3258) and spend the savings on a better GPU? Or is getting the i5-4460 worth it for the performance? I will attempt to OC the G3258 with stock cooler if it's not too difficult. "

A G3258 is pretty much a non starter for a gaming rig today and moving forward. I could be wrong but the days of duel cores without H/T is coming to an end to high level gaming engines, so the i3 is really the only logical place to start from. Just read the Dying Light review, a new game engine that sort of points the direction things are going. Maybe looking at the CPU data would help you make the right choice for what your looking for..
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/dying-light-benchmark-performance-analysis,4060-4.html

With the new APIs in development to lighten the CPU load down the road our millage may vary a bit to close the gap between the i3 and i5 perhaps.

 

[docjack]

What if I will never play the latest and greatest games? I think I will only ever play Dota 2 and a tiny bit of Civ5 & The Sims 4. Given this fact, would you still recommend i3 and better?

 

[endeavour37a]

Yes, for the reasons above. Always think about tomorrow, an i3 would serve you longer.

 

[docjack]

I see, so now it's between i3-4160 and i5-4460. Is there any reason for me to take the i5-4460 over the i3-4160, considering the price difference of $100*?

*To illustrate how much $100 is, $100 here can buy another 8GB of RAM.

 

[FishMonkey]

how much more is the i5 4690k? since most motherboards let you change the multiplier now you would have the chance to make it a bit faster in the future so if it costs only little more I would buy that if you decide on the i5.

SSDs are nice but for the same price I would get a smaller SSD for windows/office/chome/ect & then a HDD for game/music/storage/backup/ect. afaik SSDs will decrease loading times hell of a lot but not make little difference gaming or in applications once everything is loaded/saved.

 

[RCFProd]

I see, so now it's between i3-4160 and i5-4460. Is there any reason for me to take the i5-4460 over the i3-4160, considering the price difference of $100*?

*To illustrate how much $100 is, $100 here can buy another 8GB of RAM.

Basically, if an i5-4460 still allows you to go for a good graphics card (R9 280 and better), go for it. It's definitely the route to take. i5 Haswell's will handle almost any game well.