Which cpu for gaming?

[us11csalyer]

I been looking at the new i5 ivy bridge cpu. Right now it is cheaper than the i5 sandy one. I'm also looking at amd processors. Here are my main needs...

- fast boot, load times
- won't limit new games under 60fps
-1155 or fm2

 

[Z1NONLY]

Most newer games are more dependent on the graphics card rather than the CPU.

An i5 will give you a few more FPS when compared to an AMD rig using the same graphics card.

However, if you apply the same overall budget to both rigs, the money you save with an AMD CPU can be put toward a better graphics card.

So the real comparison is i5 with weaker graphics card vs an AMD with a stronger graphics card. If you are not budget limited, i5 > AMD for games.


If you are asking about FM2 sockets because you want to use integrated graphics, this is one area where AMD has a performance edge over Intel.

That being said, I doubt you are going to get 60FPS many games with any integrated graphics.

 

[us11csalyer]

I'm on a budget of 700 dollars after tax. So I was think AMD cpu are cheaper so it'd let me put more into other areas but not if it meant a big hit to performance versus the i5.

 

[us11csalyer]

Almost forgot but I already have a 650w psu and a case I can use for now.

 

[mi1ez]

Your best bet it listing what you need, location, budget, games you want to play, monitor resolution.

 

[us11csalyer]

United states with 7.5% tax, 700 dollars, I need:

cpu, ram, mobo, hdd/ssd, and gpu.

If someone could just tell me if I'd notice the difference between amd vs intel quads during gaming that would be nice.

Game wise.. I play planetside 2, XCOM: EU, and would like to play skyrim and BF3.

My 21" wide screen lcd only does 1680x1050 which is fine for me.

 

[cbrunnem]

If you wanna play bf3 the only option is Intel. At least for Multiplayer it is. You will have lower fps and shuddering with an amd cpu on that game for sure.

 

[Kamen_BG]

In most of the games you listed, Intel CPU's will be significantly faster than competing AMD ones.
The difference can be as much as 25%.
What this basicly means is that if you're getting 50 FPS with the AMD you'll get 60 with the Intel.Assuming you're using the same graphics card.

But then, when you consider the price difference, you can buy a card that is 20% faster with the AMD CPU and get the same performance.

I made you a combination of parts (half build) which is pretty much the best you can afford, assuming you're not going to overclock.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3470 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($149.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock B75M-DGS Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($61.97 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Intel Extreme Master, Limited Ed 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($31.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Galaxy GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($319.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $653.93
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-12-07 09:05 EST-0500)

 

[mi1ez]

In most of the games you listed, Intel CPU's will be significantly faster than competing AMD ones.
The difference can be as much as 25%.
What this basicly means is that if you're getting 50 FPS with the AMD you'll get 60 with the Intel.Assuming you're using the same graphics card.

But then, when you consider the price difference, you can buy a card that is 20% faster with the AMD CPU and get the same performance.

I made you a combination of parts (half build) which is pretty much the best you can afford, assuming you're not going to overclock.

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i5-3470 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($149.99 @ Microcenter)
Motherboard: ASRock B75M-DGS Micro ATX LGA1155 Motherboard ($61.97 @ Newegg)
Memory: Patriot Intel Extreme Master, Limited Ed 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($31.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Western Digital Caviar Blue 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Video Card: Galaxy GeForce GTX 670 2GB Video Card ($319.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $653.93
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2012-12-07 09:05 EST-0500)

That's a pretty sweet build!

 

[us11csalyer]

WOW! Didn't think I'd be able to afford a gtx 670 all though I'd prefer EVGA. I don't know much about galaxy.

 

[envy14tpe]

I'd go i5. Yes, it is slightly more expensive, but it is way more efficient in terms of power. Your electricity bill will be higher due to the AMD CPU. How much? I'm sure at least $20 or more in two years. Save money on electricity and put it into the CPU.

 

[us11csalyer]

Best answer selected by us11csalyer.

 

[ittimjones]

Intel + NVIDIA = winning

 

[envy14tpe]

WOW! Didn't think I'd be able to afford a gtx 670 all though I'd prefer EVGA. I don't know much about galaxy.

You chose the wrong best answer. Gipped the guy.

 

[mi1ez]

You chose the wrong best answer. Gipped the guy.

Yeah, not sure I deserved that one to be honest!