GTA V and my FX-8320

[cwburns32]

So I noticed GTA V recommends a FX-8350 or higher... Bring on the hate of AMD. I am only posing this question because I do not intend on swapping out my MoBo on this build anytime soon. I am building a second machine that will have an Intel processor and MoBo in it (more on that later)

My question is will my FX-8320 running at 3.8 be enough to run GTA V at maxed out settings or should I make a move to a FX-8350, 8370 or FX's 9000 series i.e 9370, 9390, 9590?

I currently have 16GB of G.Skill Ripjaw X series 1866 RAM, a FX-8320, a 750W PSU, GTX 670, a 256GB Samsung 840 Pro SSD, 2 TB WD Black HDD and can't think of MoBo model of top of my head

For those curious the Intel build I am planning

Intel i5-4690k 3.5 GHz or an i7 similar model
Asus Z9-Pro mobo
16GB G.Skill Ripjaw Z series 2400 RAM
1TB Crucial SSD
4TB WD Black HDD
860W Corsair Platinum rated PSU

Cost is not an issue when comparing the AMD's FX series... Think of the Intel build and my current build as 2 separate instances. I will be using the AMD build the most and have no idea when I will get around to the Intel build....

so for now stick with the FX-8320 or move to a better model?

 

[Justin Millard]

Wait until GTA V has been out for a couple of months before deciding on whether or not to upgrade your CPU. Odds are the graphics card will hold you back before that CPU does, but we can't say for sure until the game is out and has had a couple of patches.

Stay away from the 9000 series, they are basically just overclocked 8350 with water cooling, and still have high temperatures even with the water cooling. The 8370 is a good CPU, although I have trouble finding it in stores and instead keep seeing the 8370E. If you ever find you are CPU limited an upgrade to the 8370 should fix your problem.

 

[Justin Millard]

Then again the 8370 is probably just a 8320 with a slightly better cooling system. You can probably put a good cooler on an 8320 and overclock it to 4GHz.

 

[_Vass]

the gtx 670 would probably the limiting factor, not the fx-8320. Not only that but the difference between the 8320 and the 8350 is really not worth it. the difference is mostly faster stock clock cycles and a little more headroom to overclock. oh and the 860W psu is overkill for anything less than double enthousiast gpu's (like 2x 780ti, 2x r9 290x, 2x gtx 980)

 

[DarkSable]

...can I just ask, why in the world would you spend the money on a new, marginally better CPU instead of buying a good cooler and overclocking the one you have?

It's way less money and gets you way better performance.

 

[geofelt]

Stick with the FX-8320 and see how you do.
Perhaps, if necessary, you could overclock your chip.
The other variations on FX-8xxx and 9xxx are essentially the same cpu with better binning that have been overclocked.

Then, you need to check your particular motherboard.
Some are not suitable for the higher wattage loads.
This article might help with that:
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2383150/motherboard-tier-list.html

 

[cwburns32]

Wait until GTA V has been out for a couple of months before deciding on whether or not to upgrade your CPU. Odds are the graphics card will hold you back before that CPU does, but we can't say for sure until the game is out and has had a couple of patches.

Stay away from the 9000 series, they are basically just overclocked 8350 with water cooling, and still have high temperatures even with the water cooling. The 8370 is a good CPU, although I have trouble finding it in stores and instead keep seeing the 8370E. If you ever find you are CPU limited an upgrade to the 8370 should fix your problem.

I am definitely waiting for the game to come out before I make a decision. I have a

Then again the 8370 is probably just a 8320 with a slightly better cooling system. You can probably put a good cooler on an 8320 and overclock it to 4GHz.

My 8320 is 3.5 stock, have it running at 3.8
The 8350 is 4.0 stock with 4.2 turbo
The 8370 is 4.0 stock with 4.3 turbo

So for now an 8320 should do... I can squeeze it to 4.0 as I already have a Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo on my 8320.

the gtx 670 would probably the limiting factor, not the fx-8320. Not only that but the difference between the 8320 and the 8350 is really not worth it. the difference is mostly faster stock clock cycles and a little more headroom to overclock. oh and the 860W psu is overkill for anything less than double enthousiast gpu's (like 2x 780ti, 2x r9 290x, 2x gtx 980)

A suggestion for GPU upgrade that I won't have to fork over an arm and a leg for? Obviously going to see how my current build performs with game before I make a move. I noticed that GTA V recommends a GTX 580 or higher... was wondering what makes you think the GPU will hold me back before CPU?

As for PSU on Intel build would a 700-750W be more suitable?

 

[cwburns32]

...can I just ask, why in the world would you spend the money on a new, marginally better CPU instead of buying a good cooler and overclocking the one you have?

It's way less money and gets you way better performance.

I am sticking with my 8320 for now and I do have a Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo on it - currently clocked to 3.8. I was just curious if moving from the 8320 to a better model or the 9000 series was worth it?

Stick with the FX-8320 and see how you do.
Perhaps, if necessary, you could overclock your chip.
The other variations on FX-8xxx and 9xxx are essentially the same cpu with better binning that have been overclocked.

Then, you need to check your particular motherboard.
Some are not suitable for the higher wattage loads.
This article might help with that:
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2383150/motherboard-tier-list.html

Although I do not know specific brand off top of my head I do know my MoBo is rated for 125W CPUs which all the 8000 and 9000 series are.

 

[Justin Millard]

Usually frame rates and max settings are limited by the graphics card before they are limited by the CPU.
GTX 670 is fine for high settings. Can't say for sure if its fine for highest settings at 60FPS with all the customisation of options that game is sure to have, but it should handle it brilliantly. Its the point where you say maxed out settings that leaves me uncertain.

100% traffic density, draw distance, and everything set at highest will take a powerful system.

 

[geofelt]

The FX-9xxx chips are 220w .

If you decide you need both a motherboard and cpu change, it would be best to do your 4690K build and repurpose your current 8320 build.

------------------------------------------------------------
To help clarify your CPU/GPU options, 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.
-------------------------------------------------------------

 

[TheConsiderateIlliterate]

...can I just ask, why in the world would you spend the money on a new, marginally better CPU instead of buying a good cooler and overclocking the one you have?

It's way less money and gets you way better performance.

Pretty much this.

 

[Justin Millard]

You have a good cooler, a good CPU and a good graphics card. Enjoy the game on high settings when it comes out.

 

[cwburns32]

Usually frame rates and max settings are limited by the graphics card before they are limited by the CPU.
GTX 670 is fine for high settings. Can't say for sure if its fine for highest settings at 60FPS with all the customisation of options that game is sure to have, but it should handle it brilliantly. Its the point where you say maxed out settings that leaves me uncertain.

100% traffic density, draw distance, and everything set at highest will take a powerful system.

Doesn't necessarily have to be max but high at the very least.

The FX-9xxx chips are 220w .

If you decide you need both a motherboard and cpu change, it would be best to do your 4690K build and repurpose your current 8320 build.

------------------------------------------------------------
To help clarify your CPU/GPU options, 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.
-------------------------------------------------------------

I did realize that the 9000s were 225W after I typed that post.

I intend to do an Intel build at some point in the near future. After the game comes out and I run it through your tests - I will then determine if it is my GPU holding me back or CPU. If it is GPU I will upgrade that and keep the AMD build. If it is my CPU holding me back I will likely leave AMD build as is and start from scratch with a fresh Intel build.

You have a good cooler, a good CPU and a good graphics card. Enjoy the game on high settings when it comes out.

Thanks you sir!

 

[evolucion888]

Then again the 8370 is probably just a 8320 with a slightly better cooling system. You can probably put a good cooler on an 8320 and overclock it to 4GHz.

Nope, the FX 8370 is a better binned CPU with less leakage and less power consumption and heat dissipation.

 

[Justin Millard]

Cheers!

 

[spdragoo]

Depends on your budget. Micro Center has R9 290s available for $300 USD, or the 290X for $330 (a 2-tier GPU upgrade). The GTX 970 is running slightly higher but in the same neighborhood, from $340 to about $365 (also a 2-tier upgrade). Of course, with the recent issue regarding the 970s & their VRAM, I would suspect that GTA V (especially at higher settings) would have the same kind of problem. Either way, though, you've got some good card options avaialble.

While your 670 is still a decent card, it is an older model, & you would most likely see some performance boost by replacing it. If thprices are too much for your budget now...then I'd recommend you start saving up to maybe buy one of the replacements a few months down the road. Prices will most likely drop a bit, anyway.

 

[cwburns32]

Then again the 8370 is probably just a 8320 with a slightly better cooling system. You can probably put a good cooler on an 8320 and overclock it to 4GHz.

Nope, the FX 8370 is a better binned CPU with less leakage and less power consumption and heat dissipation.

Better binned CPU, less leakage and less power consumption enough to make switch though? Doubtful but curious on your thoughts.

Depends on your budget. Micro Center has R9 290s available for $300 USD, or the 290X for $330 (a 2-tier GPU upgrade). The GTX 970 is running slightly higher but in the same neighborhood, from $340 to about $365 (also a 2-tier upgrade). Of course, with the recent issue regarding the 970s & their VRAM, I would suspect that GTA V (especially at higher settings) would have the same kind of problem. Either way, though, you've got some good card options avaialble.

While your 670 is still a decent card, it is an older model, & you would most likely see some performance boost by replacing it. If thprices are too much for your budget now...then I'd recommend you start saving up to maybe buy one of the replacements a few months down the road. Prices will most likely drop a bit, anyway.

Budget not an issue but I will likely wait a few months after the game is out to truly see where I need to upgrade. If I can run GTA V at 1080p, on high and good frame rates I won't really require an upgrade.

 

[_Vass]

Wait until GTA V has been out for a couple of months before deciding on whether or not to upgrade your CPU. Odds are the graphics card will hold you back before that CPU does, but we can't say for sure until the game is out and has had a couple of patches.

Stay away from the 9000 series, they are basically just overclocked 8350 with water cooling, and still have high temperatures even with the water cooling. The 8370 is a good CPU, although I have trouble finding it in stores and instead keep seeing the 8370E. If you ever find you are CPU limited an upgrade to the 8370 should fix your problem.

I am definitely waiting for the game to come out before I make a decision. I have a

Then again the 8370 is probably just a 8320 with a slightly better cooling system. You can probably put a good cooler on an 8320 and overclock it to 4GHz.

My 8320 is 3.5 stock, have it running at 3.8
The 8350 is 4.0 stock with 4.2 turbo
The 8370 is 4.0 stock with 4.3 turbo

So for now an 8320 should do... I can squeeze it to 4.0 as I already have a Cooler Master Hyper 212 Evo on my 8320.

the gtx 670 would probably the limiting factor, not the fx-8320. Not only that but the difference between the 8320 and the 8350 is really not worth it. the difference is mostly faster stock clock cycles and a little more headroom to overclock. oh and the 860W psu is overkill for anything less than double enthousiast gpu's (like 2x 780ti, 2x r9 290x, 2x gtx 980)

A suggestion for GPU upgrade that I won't have to fork over an arm and a leg for? Obviously going to see how my current build performs with game before I make a move. I noticed that GTA V recommends a GTX 580 or higher... was wondering what makes you think the GPU will hold me back before CPU?

As for PSU on Intel build would a 700-750W be more suitable?

most cost efficient, and imo the only one worth upgrading too, is the gtx 970. Im fairly certain that you'll be able to play GTA V with your current setup just fine. At high settings 60 fps 1920x1080. if you're sticking with a gtx 670 or even a gtx 970 for your intel build, a good psu with anything more than 650(or 620)w should suffice. You'll probably find out that the difference between the i5 and the 8320 is not that significant in games as people say. sure you'll see the difference but there is absolutely nothing wrong with the 8320 as gaming cpu at the moment.

 

[cwburns32]

most cost efficient, and imo the only one worth upgrading too, is the gtx 970. Im fairly certain that you'll be able to play GTA V with your current setup just fine. At high settings 60 fps 1920x1080. if you're sticking with a gtx 670 or even a gtx 970 for your intel build, a good psu with anything more than 650(or 620)w should suffice. You'll probably find out that the difference between the i5 and the 8320 is not that significant in games as people say. sure you'll see the difference but there is absolutely nothing wrong with the 8320 as gaming cpu at the moment.

Thanks for the solid advice my friend. Going to play the game for a month or two before I make a decision to upgrade either CPU or GPU. As you mentioned might not notice much of a difference between an 8320 and i5 but I'd imagine I would notice a significant difference between 670 to 970.

 

[cwburns32]

...can I just ask, why in the world would you spend the money on a new, marginally better CPU instead of buying a good cooler and overclocking the one you have?

It's way less money and gets you way better performance.

Ended up overclocking my 8320 to 4.4 GHz and very nice temps with my CM Hyper 212 Evo... almost 50C margin when idling down to 30C margin when under load.

Ran a Prime95 torture blend test over night with no issues.

Happy camper

 

[Justin Millard]

Epic! Looks like you had one of the good CPUs. You should be fine for the next year of gaming.
Hopefully by the second half of next year AMD Zen CPUs are offering some nice cheap upgrade options compared to the i5 CPUs.
I'm not super keen on where intel is heading with their desktop CPUs.

EDIT:
AMD has a conference set for May 7 where they announce their roadmap.
Hopefully the new R9 300 series gets revealed with some release dates then.

I feel like an R9 380 would be a solid replacement for a 670, although the GTX 970 might even get a handy price cut by then if you want a cooler quieter card.

 

[cwburns32]

Epic! Looks like you had one of the good CPUs. You should be fine for the next year of gaming.
Hopefully by the second half of next year AMD Zen CPUs are offering some nice cheap upgrade options compared to the i5 CPUs.
I'm not super keen on where intel is heading with their desktop CPUs.

EDIT:
AMD has a conference set for May 7 where they announce their roadmap.
Hopefully the new R9 300 series gets revealed with some release dates then.

I feel like an R9 380 would be a solid replacement for a 670, although the GTX 970 might even get a handy price cut by then if you want a cooler quieter card.

Yeah I think I got lucky with my CPU. I am still fussing with voltages but right now I am right around 1.38 at 4.4 GHz and all appears to be stable. So it is allowing me to play with it nicely.

I'm sure the Zen CPUs will be a new socket type which in turn would mean new MoBo. I do intend to do an Intel build at some point but may wait and see. Like you said upgrading to a GTX 970 or a R9 380 might be all I need for a while now. Interested to hear what comes from the May 7 conference!

 

[WTFGamingZ]

Here is a video showing the FX 8320 not overclocked, plays above 30FPS and ultra
http://

 

[Justin Millard]

I just have to say 4.4GHZ at 1.38 volts is very good. Much better than I would have expected. You are very lucky to have got a chip in the 8350-8370 performance range for the price of an 8320.

At 4.4GHZ that should match up fairly well with an i5 4590 for performance. That's around the maximum power that is needed for gaming.

You would need an overclocked 4690K to really notice the difference if you find a game that is slightly CPU limited (which I wouldn't expect to find very often at that overclock). Future games that use new APIs like DirectX 12 and Vulkan are expected to actually make better use of the many cores on FX processors than our current DirectX11 games so you might not even need to future proof.

I would honestly say an intel CPU upgrade really isn't worth it at the moment.
Wait and see if Skylake offers any noticeable improvements around the end of the year, but more than likely you should be fine with your current setup until AMD Zen provides a lower cost upgrade path around the second half of 2016.