Switching from AMD to Intel - need advice.

[jihadmonkey75]

I bought a system a few months back with an AMD Fx-4100 processor and so far it isn't living up to my expectations. Right now I'm in the process of switching from AMD to intel but still using as many parts of my current computer as possible. So I could use some advice and answers to a few questions.

My current computer is this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883229285
I added in a 6870 and a Corsair 750w but am willing to replace those. My first question is would it be better to stay AMD and just upgrade the PSU, the GPU to a GTX 680 and the CPU to a FX-835 or would it be better in the long run to switch to an i7? While its in my budget to swap mobos and chipsets, if the performance for gaming (Gw2, Skrim, Planetside) is minimal with the FX-8350 then compared to an intel i7 I suppose I would stick with AMD. If anyone could clarify that it'd be great.


Now if I do decide to change mobos I will be using my original computer (linked above) and just swapping out pieces. However as this is my first time (re)building a computer I need to know what additional parts (if any) I'll need. So far I have:

-Intel Core i7-3820
-BIOSTAR TPOWER X79 LGA mobo ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/ComboDealDetails.aspx?ItemList=Combo.1162390 )
-Corsair HX750w PSU
-GIGABYTE GTX 670 2GB ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125423 )
- For ram my original AMD computer came with 2x4Gb sticks (1333) so I believe I am good there.
- (cooler) CORSAIR Hydro Series H60 ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835181015 )
- An additional HDD: Western Digital 500GB ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136769 )

This is what I have so far and from what I've gathered this is all I'll need to make my computer Intel compatible but I could also use some clarification on that. Also should I go with the currently selected mobo or choose something like Asrock?

Also I can't seem to decide between the i7 3770k or the i7 3820. Is there a real difference between the two? I doubt I'll overlock the core as that's not anything I'm experienced in. So if the 3770k is better then the 3820 what mobo should I choose for it? I hear Asrock is good.

EDT: Now that I look back, it seems I've just about built a computer from scratch instead of actually replacing parts on my old AMD computer. Would it be better if I just bought a new case and then have two computers? Considering what I've listed it would seem the case and a new set of ram would be the only things I need to build a new computer.

Ty!

 

[FinneousPJ]

So why isn't it living up to your expectations?

 

[jihadmonkey75]

Bad performance mostly. While playing CPU intensive games I regularly drop below 20fps with all settings on low. This is especially annoying as I like to mod my games heavily (skyrim, New Vegas, GTA IV).

With future games like Arma III and GTA V coming out I have doubts I'll be able to play above 30FPS or on the highest settings.

 

[FinneousPJ]

Unfortunately it doesn't list the other games but an FX8350 should function well in Skyrim at least, if you're looking to save the money of a platform upgrade: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/fx-8350-vishera-review,3328-14.html

 

[thequn]

Its the not CPU that limiting theses games. In Skyrim/windows 8 both cpu's are ability to hit 190+ fps given the correct gpu setting/setup

Its your gpu that is not up to spec.

 

[djscribbles]

Mods sometimes cause performance issues. I would suggest running vanilla skyrim to see what your performance looks like. I don't think you should be getting 20fps with all settings on low, AMD CPUs are behind, but it's at worst 10-20% slower than Intel.

 

[jihadmonkey75]

Hey thanks for the reply guys! As for the modded skyrim they're mostly visual mods so it may have just been the graphics bogging the game down as you all said (although I was still having trouble with some mods that added groups of npcs).

Anyways I decided to just go ahead and build a computer from scratch using the parts I've already listed, along with a few others.

http://pcpartpicker.com/ca/p/te2b
Anyone experienced with building computers proof check my list? I think it's good but just want to make sure.

 

[rudi95]

If you are willing to spend a tiny bit more i would consider getting the zotac GTX680 ($20 more)

 

[djscribbles]

I modified your build quite a lot:
http://pcpartpicker.com/ca/p/teVf


LGA2011 is definately not worth the expense for gaming, an i5-3570k will do just as well for gaming, the i7s add hyperthreading and slightly higher stock clocks, but as games are primarily single threaded, the hyperthreading doesn't do anything good. Add on to that, the LGA2011 i7's are based on sandy bridge (last gen cpus), they have very little benefit over a LGA1155 i7 from this generation and are much more expensive (the Mobo is also more expensive for the lga2011 platform, it amounts to about 150-200 extra cost at least)

A good air cooler such as the hyper212 evo will be nearly as good (if not better) than the prebuilt water kits; water is only worth doing if you build a custom loop (from what I have heard).

The PSU you picked is larger than you need, and not a great deal for corsair's builder series (which is lower quality generally than their others). I swapped it for a HX650, which should be a better quality supply. If you plan to go for SLI in the future, you will need a larger PSU (750w should be plenty for that, but you may want 800w if you OC much just to be safe).

I think you could get a nice case for less, but it's personal preference so I didn't change it, check out CM HAF922 and the Fractal Define R4 (two I would go for on a new build).

I added an SSD, it's not necessary; but at your price point they make a nice addition, huge improvement to boot time, general responsiveness and level load times for games (great for games like skyrim with frequent load screens), they don't really improve FPS, so it's not a big deal to remove, but I personally don't build PCs without them unless the budget is low.

 

[jihadmonkey75]

Appreciate the time and effort you put into that, thanks! It really helps. It all looks good now, and yeah the case is expensive although about 50bucks cheaper on the actual site I'll be buying it from. Thanks again!

 

[jihadmonkey75]

Best answer selected by jihadmonkey75.

 

[twelve25]

I would get an 8350, a nice PSU, a high end video card and call it a day.