Should I Switch Motherboards in Order to Have an AMD Processor?

[OsamaBinLaggin]

OK people, I've got a tricky decision to make. I've been looking to upgrade my desktop, and wanted an AMD A-8 Quad core processor that clocked in at 3.8 Ghz ( $90 bucks on Amazon). Unfortunately, I realized my motherboard couldn't support AMD processors, only Intel (Using a H81M-K motherboard right now). This means the best processor I could get was the i3-4160, a dual core at 3.6 Ghz ( $120 bucks). I searched around, and found a GIGABYTE motherboard that has good reviews and was on sale for $35 ( could support AMD). The decision is to either shell out the extra 5$ for the new motherboard and the AMD processor, or get the $120 Intel processor. The AMD processor is $90, the new motherboard is $35, $125 total, which is $5 more than the Intel processor. Should I go for the Intel, or switch Motherboards and go with AMD? My budget is $130~$150.



Sorry for the long read, but this was the shortest way I could sum it up.

 

[Shneiky]

The I3 is vastly superior in CPU tasks compared to the A8. But the A8 has superior GPU.

What is the intended purpose of your machine? Do you work on it? Office? Games? Do you have a dedicated video card? What is your current processor?

Give more information so we can help you.

 

[Brillis Wuce]

I always recommend Intel. They are ahead of AMD in every way except for price (at the moment). You also have the option for a Pentium, which is considerably cheaper than an i3, and even has an overclockable version (but would require a Z-series motherboard).

Stick with Intel 😉

 

[zarugal]

Don't even think about switching to AMD. They're prices are low for a reason.. Put the best Intel CPU you can afford in your current motherboard and it will serve you better than any AMD ever could.

 

[OsamaBinLaggin]

I realized I didn't give many system specs, right now I have a GTX 750ti graphics card, and 4gb of ram. I probably will get the i3 now, but I'm wondering if it's worth getting the i5-4460 ( or another i5 brand that's cheaper) in sacrifice of the 4gb of ram I'm planning on getting.

 

[zarugal]

RAM capacity is a bit of a myth when it comes to performance. Unless you want to run background tasks, or load the game using a RAM drive, then you'll cope just fine with 4GB.

 

[Brillis Wuce]

Zarugal is correct. As long as you don't run a ton of other programs while gaming, 4GB will be okay. Invest in an i5. They're the best option for gaming by far. You can always throw in another 4GB of RAM down the road.

 

[zarugal]

Zarugal is correct. As long as you don't run a ton of other programs while gaming, 4GB will be okay. Invest in an i5. They're the best option for gaming by far. You can always throw in another 4GB of RAM down the road.

+1 RAM is easy to deal with as-and-when. CPUs are something you want to get right from the start.

 

[Shneiky]

If you have a GTX 750 TI it will perform much better with an I3 or a low I5.

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646i34150

Or if you can stretch to 180 then best is:

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646i54440

As it goes for the RAM - 8 GB is recommended. 4 GBs is too little nowadays, even for games. You must count that you have at least 2 GB for Windows and then 2 for the rest. Games that do not fit in 2 GBs will page themselves on hard drive or will constantly load when you enter/exit a scene. If I were you, I would go with an I3 and an extra 4 GBs of RAM. Keep in mind though - get the same model and brand as the one you already own. This way you can minimize compatibility issues.

 

[DanZGaming]

I would get a AMD FX 6300 is much better Its a $99 dollars and has a 6 core processor

 

[crispytheone]

I would get a AMD FX 6300 is much better Its a $99 dollars and has a 6 core processor

He already has an Intel Board

I am morally opposed to any dual core in a gaming machine, hypethreaded or not, if you could find a way to squeeze that I5 into your budget you would be golden

The AMD built in graphics are very good, and really way better than Intels, but you have a 750ti, which is better than AMDs built in graphics by a good margin.

I5, then upgrade RAM later when you can afford it, even with 4 gigs it should run pretty good

I5-4460 here $168

http://pcpartpicker.com/part/intel-cpu-bx80646i54460