CPU Suggestions: $1400 Budget For The PC

[rilasiggs]

Building a new pc and I was wondering which cpu to go with. Slight preference towards AMD but it really doesn't matter. I plan to play lots of video games and likely stream as well. Its been a while since I've put together a parts list so I'm not quite on top of all the new specs and parts. And there are so many options to choose from. Any recommendations?

[TheSLSAMG]

A Ryzen 7 5800X or Intel Core i7-11700K would probably fit best in a machine in that budget (assuming USD), though don't be afraid to consider the Ryzen 5 5600X or Core i5-11600K since it could give you more wiggle room for better components in other areas. 

 

However, it's an incredible pain in the butt to get a GPU at the moment. Seeing as you're building a machine from scratch, purchasing a pre-built from a company like NZXT's BLD, Digital Storm's Redux or another machine might be an easier route depending on your ability to get a GPU at or near MSRP.

[Chris Pratt]

For AMD, I'd go with a 3700X or 5800X. The 5800X is the better option with higher clocks and IPC, but it's also more expensive. Something like a 3600 or 5600X are also good options for gaming, but 6 cores is probably going to be limiting for gaming within the next year or two.

[CryingWimp]

IMO avoid Ryzen 3000. 10th/11th gen intel are faster and cheaper than Ryzen 3000 these days.

 

Zen3 is very fast but more expensive than intel. Zen3 is 3-5% faster than Intel on average for gaming.

 

IMO Price/Performance CPU tier list: 10400(f) / 10700(f,k,kf) / 10850k / 5900x/5950x

 

If 10th gen isn't much cheaper than 11th in your area, get 11th gen instead. Out of which model: non k, f, kf,k get which ever is on sale for the cheapest. You'll only see a difference in a benchmark. The f models don't have an iGPU. Some people avoid the f modes so they can have the iGPU for a potential later purpose, or using it now.

 

A lot of people will recommend the 5800x, but the 10850k is cheaper and faster. (even without microcenter)

 

The 10850k is $319 at microcenter, if you have access to that deal its literally a top tier high end CPU at mid tier pricing. No other CPU anywhere near that price makes any sense over it. The only CPUs faster than a 10 core i9 10850k are the Ryzen 9s and the 5900x is $550.

 

If your stuck on AMD don't get Ryzen 3000. Get Zen3, either the 5600x or 5800x.

 

IMO throw brand loyalty out the window. If a CPU is cheaper and faster than the competition, buy it no questions asked. If the cheaper one is slower then it becomes personal preference if the extra amount is worth the better performance or not. Both Intel and AMD have a cheaper/faster CPU, in very different price ranges though.

 

To get a GPU you'll almost certainly end up needing to buy a prebuilt PC. GPUs have been out of stock since last year, only luck will get you one at retail prices. I wouldn't buy anything until you have a GPU or decide on a prebuilt. Happy hunting. Cheers.