Intel i5 4690k Quad core CPU or AMD FX-8370 Eight core CPU

jammez

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Jun 14, 2015
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I am building a new gaming pc and I am stuck between the Intel i5 4690k (Quad Core, overclocked to 4.6Ghz) or the AMD FX-8370 (Eight core, 4Ghz).

From reading around, the i5 seems to be the preferred choice, however, it seems to be more expensive and all I am going to use this pc for is gaming. I would also like this to last me a good few years.
 
Solution
I wouldn't get either of those. Yes the i5 would be a lot better, but I would go with a locked i5 like the i5 4590 and a H97 motherboard.

The 4590 would outperform any FX cpu by a large margin while not being anymore expensive if paired with a H97 motherboard. The 4690k + Z97 motherboard + cpu cooler would cost about $100 more and it's not worth it unless your budget if really high. If you are on a tight budget, that extra $100 you save by getting the 4590 + H97 would be better spent on the video card.
I wouldn't get either of those. Yes the i5 would be a lot better, but I would go with a locked i5 like the i5 4590 and a H97 motherboard.

The 4590 would outperform any FX cpu by a large margin while not being anymore expensive if paired with a H97 motherboard. The 4690k + Z97 motherboard + cpu cooler would cost about $100 more and it's not worth it unless your budget if really high. If you are on a tight budget, that extra $100 you save by getting the 4590 + H97 would be better spent on the video card.
 
Solution
Either the 4690k or a locked i5 would be better for just about anything, especially gaming.

A locked i5 with h97

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4590 3.3GHz Quad-Core Processor ($188.95 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H97M-D3H Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($81.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $270.94
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-06-14 08:56 EDT-0400

The 4690k with z97 motherboard and cooler for moderate overclocking.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG H7 49.0 CFM CPU Cooler ($34.50 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97 PRO4 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($89.99 @ Micro Center)
Total: $354.48
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-06-14 09:02 EDT-0400

The 8350 and 8370 are around the same price as a locked i5 (the 8370 and i5 4590 are the same price) and don't have the performance despite having twice the cores. Even an i3 competes head to head with the 8350 in just about every game and costs around the same as an fx 6300. That's why many people prefer the intel cpus, they offer better performance at the mid to upper end and the same 'bang for the buck' at the lower budget ranges.
 


thank you, this is very helpful