CPU Power for Gaming AMD vs Intel

[RedSky_Eagle]

so I have an AMD FX-6300. it runs all my games on high settings but i don't really play high powered games. One I'm hooked on now is Rust. My question here is, Ive heard the AMD processor core speed doesn't even compare to intel, but I've also noticed that ill pay a lot less for AMD. So there has to be a happy medium. Im looking to get a new CPU in the future, but I'm new to this. For my next CPU should I shoot for the AMD octal-core or should I switch over to intel? I'm not an expert so I'm not even sure it is possible to just switch over without getting a whole new MOBO. but even if you can't, can someone tell me which would be more worth my money, as far as gaming goes anyways.

 

[jhaydon81]

Switching from Amd to Intel would require you to get a new motherboard. If your looking for an upgrade the fx8320 or 8350 would be a good bet however I think the 6300 is fine for rust. I currently have the 8320 clocked at 4.0 and a 280x and I play rust with no problems at all. My best guess would be its your GPU that's slowing you down. What GPU are you using?

 

[sincreator]

In this case it sounds as if your video card may need an upgrade, not your CPU. The FX-6300 is still a very good chip. What video card are you using?

 

[HmanHman]

the tdp for the fx-6300 is 95w. could i ask what exact mobo you have? because if you were to upgrade to the fx-8350 for example i know that has a 125w tdp. your mobo might no support it even though they are both am3+ socket ..

 

[geofelt]

Few games use more than 2-3 cores, so upgrading to a 8 core cpu may not do what you want.
Most games want fast cores which Intel excels at.

Unfortunately for you, changing to Intel will require a motherboard change.

The cheapest thing for you to do is to try to overclock your FX-6300.

To get an idea of what results might be,
run these two tests:

a) Run your games, but lower your resolution and eye candy.
If your FPS increases, it indicates that your cpu is strong enough to drive a better graphics configuration.
If your FPS stays the same, you are likely more cpu limited.

b) Limit your cpu, either by reducing the OC, or, in windows power management, limit the maximum cpu% to something like 70%.
Go to control panel/power options/change plan settings/change advanced power settings/processor power management/maximum processor state/
This will simulate what a lack of cpu power will do.
Conversely what a 30% improvement in core speed might do.

You could also experiment with removing one core. You can do this in the windows msconfig boot advanced options option. set the number of processors to less than you have.
This will tell you how sensitive your games are to the benefits of many cores.

If your FPS drops significantly, it is an indicator that your cpu is the limiting factor, and a cpu upgrade is in order.

It is possible that both tests are positive, indicating that you have a well balanced system, and both cpu and gpu need to be upgraded to get better gaming FPS.

 

[RedSky_Eagle]

Switching from Amd to Intel would require you to get a new motherboard. If your looking for an upgrade the fx8320 or 8350 would be a good bet however I think the 6300 is fine for rust. I currently have the 8320 clocked at 4.0 and a 280x and I play rust with no problems at all. My best guess would be its your GPU that's slowing you down. What GPU are you using?

Oh no I'm sorry guys. I didn't clarify. I do not have any issues with Rust. It plays on highest settings with no issues. My question was simply would it be cheaper to upgrade that or just switch to intel w/ a new MOBO. But i suppose my real question should be, If i have the radeon 270x with the AMD FX-6300, which should I upgrade first and what to? do I even need to ever? I am also studying mechanical engineering and computer science currently, will I need to switch to an Intel eventually (like when i get a job)? I suppose that goes past the title, but I'm just wondering.

 

[RedSky_Eagle]

I also have 8GB RAM. Will I need to add more eventually?

 

[jhaydon81]

I would probably stay where your at currently or upgrade you video card. I don't believe it's worth the money to switch to Intel just yet since your current system should be able to handle most games at 1080p. I say wait till you get a job and then switch to Intel and have the money to do so.

 

[Intel999]

With future games using DirectX12 and or Mantle the value of core count will become more advantageous. Additionally, in a little over a year AMD's new 14nm offering (ZEN) will support both CMT and SMT, most likely, at a better price point than Intel.

Since the 6300 seems to be meeting your needs now it might be best to hold off to see what the future offers. A year plus from now Intel will be cheaper and AMD will be much better in single threading capabilities. You will have more to choose from if you wait.