Recommend this noob a CPU!

[NewPCBuild]

Hey guys, I'm new to the custom PC scene, and have been reading through many tech articles & watching videos. However, I'm feeling slightly overwhelmed by the variety offered.

Correct me if I'm wrong, Intel i5 will suffice for gaming purposes? I will not be looking to overclocking the CPU, so I won't be considering the K-series.. (So most probably, just the 4690, 4590, 4570, 4460?) I have also looked through AMD's CPUs (such as FX6300) but till now, I don't really have a list of CPUs that I can narrow the list down from.

My budget for the entire system unit is around $800 (converted to USD).

Any good recommendations for the most bang-for-buck CPU? And also, any recommendations for a good mobo? 😀

 

[reedo_43]

I just purchase i5 4590 non k and asrock h97 pro 4 as well as saphire R9 270. Knowing I would not crossfire or overclock. I am very happy with the setup. Not a huge gamer, but it plays bf4 at highest settings at 30-40 fps, no lower, seems smooth enough for me.

 

[frag06]

Yes, an i5 will do. You won't see a performance increase with an i7. There is very little performance difference between the CPU's you listed, just go for whatever is cheaper or if the price difference is negligible, the 4690.

I recommend the Asus H97-Plus. So, something like this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4440 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($194.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus H97-PLUS ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($100.24 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($81.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 280X 3GB DirectCU II Video Card ($229.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case ($58.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($44.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $783.15
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-10 12:52 EST-0500

 

[ThatAfricanDude]

Core i5 4690 without thinking two farts about it!!! Best cpu for the price by FAR, you cant go wrong!!! Also dont go with AMD unless you are willing to pay extra on your electricity bill, and sit with an oven because they run very hot!

EDIT: asrock z97 extreme4 Is amazing for the price

 

[Ninjawithagun]

Tom's Hardware already did the work for you!

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-cpu-review-overclock,3106.html

 

[NewPCBuild]

Yes, an i5 will do. You won't see a performance increase with an i7. There is very little performance difference between the CPU's you listed, just go for whatever is cheaper or if the price difference is negligible, the 4690.

I recommend the Asus H97-Plus. So, something like this:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4440 3.1GHz Quad-Core Processor ($194.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($29.98 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus H97-PLUS ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($100.24 @ Amazon)
Memory: G.Skill Sniper Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($81.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($54.98 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: Asus Radeon R9 280X 3GB DirectCU II Video Card ($229.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case ($58.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($44.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $783.15
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-10 12:52 EST-0500

Core i5 4690 without thinking two farts about it!!! Best cpu for the price by FAR, you cant go wrong!!! Also dont go with AMD unless you are willing to pay extra on your electricity bill, and sit with an oven because they run very hot!

EDIT: asrock z97 extreme4 Is amazing for the price

Tom's Hardware already did the work for you!

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-cpu-review-overclock,3106.html

Reedo_43:
Hi reedo_43, thanks for the recommendation! May I ask what's the meaning of crossfire?

Frag06:
Hi Frag06! Thanks for your reply (even coming up with a build that I can use)! Is it better if I spend a little more money for the 4460, or even the 4690? Also, what should I be looking out for a Mobo - because I'm really still quite clueless on that area.

ThatAfricanDude:
Hi ThatAfricandDude! Is the main difference between AMD and Intel chips regarding their overheating issue? From what I have seen, some AMD cards have similar if not better specs compared to Intel at a much cheaper price. Is that why its so much cheaper? :lol:


Ninjawithagun:
Hi Ninjawithagun, I have actually checked that site out previously, but just wanted to hear your opinions on the matter too. Is 4460 indeed the most superior in that price aspect?

 

[frag06]

If the 4690 is $20 or so more expensive than the rest, that is fine, but any more than that and it's not worth the premium.

Look for H97 boards since you aren't overclocking. I recommend the Asus H97-Plus.

AMD has some good value processors (e.g. 8350), but they lack good single core performance compared to Intel's processors. In games like BF4 they perform well, but in single-threaded games they fall short compared to Intel's offerings.

 

[reedo_43]

If the have a board the the right slots, you can connect 2 gpu together maximizing the performance.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AMD_CrossFireX

 

[Mac266]

If you can afford the extra $20...

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($184.96 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: MSI H97 Guard-Pro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ares Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2133 Memory ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($49.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: EVGA GeForce GTX 970 4GB ACX 2.0 Video Card ($329.99 @ NCIX US)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX 550W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($54.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $819.90
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-11-10 18:23 EST-0500

... This will be quite good.