Need some help choosing a CPU

[Multicrosman]

Hello everyone!  I am slowly starting a PC build.  All I purchased so far is the case (Corsair Graphite 230T).  I intend to purchase a part once every week or two weeks.  I think I'll start off with some bigger purchases though.  Keep in mind that I only work twice a week @ minimum wage ($9.95).  I was planning on getting in Intel Core i5 4440, but I heard that Intel will be releasing the Haswell Refresh pretty soon.  But will that option be pricey?  Is there a better, less expensive option that I can go with? (perhaps AMD?) Thanks in advance guys.

[SirRoderick]

An AMD chip is often the best choice for a value oriented build. I might suggest the FX-6300 or the FX-8320 both of which are cheaper than that intel chip and work great for 1080p gaming

[DarrenP]

Hello everyone!  I am slowly starting a PC build.  All I purchased so far is the case (Corsair Graphite 230T).  I intend to purchase a part once every week or two weeks.  I think I'll start off with some bigger purchases though.  Keep in mind that I only work twice a week @ minimum wage ($9.95).  I was planning on getting in Intel Core i5 4440, but I heard that Intel will be releasing the Haswell Refresh pretty soon.  But will that option be pricey?  Is there a better, less expensive option that I can go with? (perhaps AMD?) Thanks in advance guys.

The Haswell Refresh, Or Devil's Canyon as intel is calling it is more geared towards overclockers. You haven't planned to get an overclockable chip so i don't think Devils Canyon is really going to be for you. Also it's not going to be groundbreaking performance differences. I think that you will be more than fine with the I5-4440 you have picked out already. Match that with a decent H85 or B85 motherboard and you'll be off to the races. You could also look at an AMD chip if you want, Something like the 8320 would do fine for you. Just ensure you get a decent 990FX AM3+ Motherboard. I can recommend those too. With that chip you will also want to invest in aftermarket cooling, whereas the Intel chip you would be fine with the stock cooler. 

[Tech_Dreamer]

since your budget it somewhat small, have you considered an AMD apu? value wise its good enough for gaming.

 

 

 

 

 

a ninja kills all rumors

[i_build_nanosuits]

Here is what you need for the best performance per dollar for gaming/streaming/recording/editing/rendering...the FX-8320 is just as good as the FX-8350
only lower clock speed but it's the same chip and it's unlock so a simple change of the multiplier wich takes 12 seconds really will make it just as good and
even better than the 8350 and you save $$...this motheboard is the best 970 board it has an 8+2 digital power phase with high quality heatsinked VRM's
this motherboard will allow for the craziest overclocks on this chip...and this CPU cooler is the best bang for the bucks it will allow to clock the CPU as far
as 4.6ghz 24/7 no problem, this is the exact kit i'm using for gaming and rendering and i couldn't be any happier...it games extremely well too when paired
with an high-end GPU like a GTX 770 or GTX 780 for example. The CPU cooler is 158mm tall and it fit in your case, and if you plan on
using two GPU'S (sli/cfx) you have to pick the 990FX version of this motherboard because it has only one 16x PCIe slot, the 2nd slot is running at 4x speed.
 
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU:  AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor  ($148.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler:  Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($29.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard:  Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard  ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Total: $268.97
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-07 08:46 EDT-0400)

 

See, you get all that for about the price of a core i5 cpu alone...can't go wrong with something like this, if you find this too much for your need i can make an FX-6300 kit for you wich will do pretty much just as well for gaming.

[deathjester]

Hello everyone!  I am slowly starting a PC build.  All I purchased so far is the case (Corsair Graphite 230T).  I intend to purchase a part once every week or two weeks.  I think I'll start off with some bigger purchases though.  Keep in mind that I only work twice a week @ minimum wage ($9.95).  I was planning on getting in Intel Core i5 4440, but I heard that Intel will be releasing the Haswell Refresh pretty soon.  But will that option be pricey?  Is there a better, less expensive option that I can go with? (perhaps AMD?) Thanks in advance guys.

 

If you don't play MMO's AMD is fine.

 

If you have a Microcenter in your state? Buy the combo there.

 

http://www.microcenter.com/site/products/amd_bundles.aspx

 

Shoot they are giving away a free board with the 6300fx lol. Won't OC well but hey  if you are on a super budget? Go for it.

 

If you do play MMO's? Grab an I3 and pick out their MATX cheapo Asrock board. When you buy a CPU/MB there at the same time they knock off 30-40 bucks. Intel board costs 22 bucks when you do that.

 

As far as an I5? Price should drop a bit on the non K's. If you don't have a Microcenter in your state try to price match them through staples online. Has worked for others in the past. Lot of people pricematched the 4770k for 199 during black friday through staples.

 

8320 might also hit 99 bucks there again soon. 130 atm. New Intel's will prob drive it down again. K's (overclocking)? That price isn't budging much probably. There are no new K intels for awhile.

[DarrenP]

Here is what you need for the best performance per dollar for gaming/streaming/recording/editing/rendering...the FX-8320 is just as good as the FX-8350

only lower clock speed but it's the same chip and it's unlock so a simple change of the multiplier wich takes 12 seconds really will make it just as good and

even better than the 8350 and you save $$...this motheboard is the best 970 board it has an 8+2 digital power phase with high quality heatsinked VRM's

this motherboard will allow for the craziest overclocks on this chip...and this CPU cooler is the best bang for the bucks it will allow to clock the CPU as far

as 4.6ghz 24/7 no problem, this is the exact kit i'm using for gaming and rendering and i couldn't be any happier...it games extremely well too when paired

with an high-end GPU like a GTX 770 or GTX 780 for example. The CPU cooler is 158mm tall and it fit in your case, and if you plan on

using two GPU'S (sli/cfx) you have to pick the 990FX version of this motherboard because it has only one 16x PCIe slot, the 2nd slot is running at 4x speed.

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU:  AMD FX-8320 3.5GHz 8-Core Processor  ($148.99 @ Amazon)

CPU Cooler:  Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($29.99 @ NCIX US)

Motherboard:  Gigabyte GA-970A-UD3P ATX AM3+ Motherboard  ($89.99 @ Amazon)

Total: $268.97

(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-07 08:46 EDT-0400)

 

See, you get all that for about the price of a core i5 cpu alone...can't go wrong with something like this, if you find this too much for your need i can make an FX-6300 kit for you wich will do pretty much just as well for gaming.

You realize you wont be overclocking that 8320 on the motherboard without the VRM's and MOSFETS crying. Right? 

[i_build_nanosuits]

That would be the FX-6300 kit :

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU:  AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor  ($115.98 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler:  Cooler Master Hyper TX3 54.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler  ($18.16 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard:  ASRock 970 Extreme3 R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard  ($69.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $204.13
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-07 09:22 EDT-0400)

[shayned1997]

i would recommend amd on a budget build. or i know for me i wanted to stay intel. i have an ivy bridge chip the 3570k and its great as for the intigrated graphics. not the best but not the worst. before i bought my gpu i was playing skyrim on medium settings. but if you dont have a problem with amd than go for the new apu they  have

[i_build_nanosuits]

You realize you wont be overclocking that 8320 on the motherboard without the VRM's and MOSFETS crying. Right? 

 

No you are wrong as i said in my post this motherboard is the highest quality 970 chipset motherboard it has an 8+2 digital power phase with very high quality heatsinked VRM's and mosfets, in fact this board is a later design from gigabyte to support the FX-9370 and 9590 chips, so yes it will handle the craziest overclocks possible for the FX-8320 i have my chip stable at 4.6ghz all day long on this board and it's rock stable and the temps are all very good all around, don't worry i know my stuff i wouldn't recommand something that i'm not 100% sure about.

 

see for yourself:

http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=4717#ov

[deathjester]

No you are wrong as i said in my post this motherboard is the highest quality 970 chipset motherboard it has an 8+2 digital power phase with very high quality heatsinked VRM's and mosfets, in fact this board is a later design from gigabyte to support the FX-9370 and 9590 chips, so yes it will handle the craziest overclocks possible for the FX-8320 i have my chip stable at 4.6ghz all day long on this board and it's rock stable and the temps are all very good all around, don't worry i know my stuff i wouldn't recommand something that i'm not 100% sure about.

 

see for yourself:

http://www.gigabyte.com/products/product-page.aspx?pid=4717#ov

 

^ 100 percent right. That Gigabyte board is 8 plus 2 and will oc a 8320 pretty darn well. Not like a Sabretooth, but when you get into that cost? AMD makes no sense, plus there is no way to know if you are going to get a chip that is going to do near 5, now that they have the higher bins sold as 9xxx. Past that Asus/Gigabyte make a 990fx that is on sale often, but if they are not, and if on a budget build? That Gigabyte is the way to go.

 

That and a 8320 are pretty much the ultimate budget build if you could care less about MMO's. Will take a decent oc, will render like a boss, and will play games damn well going forward, minus mmo's because the geniuses at MMO companies like to make primarily 1-2 core games. 

[H4X3R]

The Haswell Refresh, Or Devil's Canyon as intel is calling it is more geared towards overclockers. You haven't planned to get an overclockable chip so i don't think Devils Canyon is really going to be for you. Also it's not going to be groundbreaking performance differences. I think that you will be more than fine with the I5-4440 you have picked out already. Match that with a decent H85 or B85 motherboard and you'll be off to the races. You could also look at an AMD chip if you want, Something like the 8320 would do fine for you. Just ensure you get a decent 990FX AM3+ Motherboard. I can recommend those too. With that chip you will also want to invest in aftermarket cooling, whereas the Intel chip you would be fine with the stock cooler.

Wrong. You are getting confused just like i first did the haswell refresh are all non overclockable processors while devils canyon will come about 1 month later and those will consist of the overclockable variants. I suggest you wait for haswell refresh as the motherboards offer soany more features (am3+ mobos still use pcie 2.0) such as m.2, sata express, better capacitors and heatsinks, more functionality and much more.

[s3ns3]

the i5 4440 and b85 board is a very good choice.its high end for gaming. here are the prices for haswell refresh http://www.tomshardware.com/news/intel-haswell-refresh-price-tray,26556.html

 

i5 4460 182$

[Multicrosman]

Sorry guys, forgot to mention that I also have an AMD Radeon HD 7750 that I got like a year ago

[i_build_nanosuits]

Sorry guys, forgot to mention that I also have an AMD Radeon HD 7750 that I got like a year ago

 

No problem, then with every modern CPU's including a core i3 the GPU will be your weakest link, do you have a CPU in hands ATM?

[24OscarM]

That's a pretty small budget you got there, have you though of getting an AMD apu or Anything AMD since they are for most the time cheaper? Cause trust me... If you're going for Intel you're gonna be needing more than that since usually motherboards for Intel are a lot more pricey. 

[s3ns3]

That's a pretty small budget you got there, have you though of getting an AMD apu or Anything AMD since they are for most the time cheaper? Cause trust me... If you're going for Intel you're gonna be needing more than that since usually motherboards for Intel are a lot more pricey. 

he has a dedicated gpu,no need for apu. and intel boards are not a lot more pricey. there are boards for every budget.

---

if its for gaming,get an i3 haswell and some 50$ mobo and in the future upgrade gpu,the i3 can handle any card

[Multicrosman]

Wrong. You are getting confused just like i first did the haswell refresh are all non overclockable processors while devils canyon will come about 1 month later and those will consist of the overclockable variants. I suggest you wait for haswell refresh as the motherboards offer soany more features (am3+ mobos still use pcie 2.0) such as m.2, sata express, better capacitors and heatsinks, more functionality and much more.

AM3+ Boards still use PCIe 2.0??

[i_build_nanosuits]

AM3+ Boards still use PCIe 2.0??

 

Yes they do and it makes no difference what so ever, PCIe 2.0 is plenty fast enough for any high-end GPU's and this will hold true for at least the next 5 years...

only some high-end workstation grade PCIexpress SSD's that costs over 1000$ can see a VERY MINIMAL advantage on the PCIe 3.0 additional bandwidth.

It's more a marketing gimmick than anything else to tell you the thruth.

 

But AM3+ board does come with SATA 3.0 and USB 3.0, that is important...but PCIe 3.0 is useless for 99.9999% of the users.

 

That being said if you need a new CPU get one now because there will always be something better around the corner anyway and if you wait for the next best thing

you will wait forever...but you didn't answered my previous question: do you have a CPU in hands ATM and if you do what it is because you have now a very low-end GPU

and you really don't need a good CPU to take advantage of a 7750...chances are you would be better just buying a new GPU...

[Multicrosman]

Thanks for the replies guys!  That was fast.  For me, performance per core is more important, as I still play some games that use only one core (eg.  Garry's Mod).  So I was thinking of the Core i3 4340, or waiting for the Haswell Refresh, because apparently the cost of the first "i5" is about $180 (about $10 more than the i3 4340).  I will probably just get a $100 motherboard; I want it to be a full ATX size.  Leave more suggestions if you like.

[Multicrosman]

And the only store around me is Memory Express

[Faa]

Thanks for the replies guys!  That was fast.  For me, performance per core is more important, as I still play some games that use only one core (eg.  Garry's Mod).  So I was thinking of the Core i3 4340, or waiting for the Haswell Refresh, because apparently the cost of the first "i5" is about $180 (about $10 more than the i3 4340).  I will probably just get a $100 motherboard; I want it to be a full ATX size.  Leave more suggestions if you like.

Just get this:

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

 

CPU:  Intel Core i5-4430 3.0GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($179.99 @ Newegg) 

Motherboard:  Gigabyte GA-H81M-H Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($44.99 @ Newegg) 

Total: $224.98

(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)

(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-07 11:55 EDT-0400)

Avoid AMD at any cost, theyre not worth their money for their performance in games

[i_build_nanosuits]

If you play some old games and single-threaded games like MMO (skyrim, planetside 2) then yes a core i3 is a good option it has a good price considering the good core performance...but you only have two of them on there so for more modern games that uses more heavy threads like BF4 (BF5...) and next gen games the core i3 will suffer on the long run...a core i5-4430 with a cheaper 70$ motherboard for example would do a much better job for a much longer period of time...here :

 

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU:  Intel Core i5-4430 3.0GHz Quad-Core Processor  ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard:  Gigabyte GA-H81.Amp-UP ATX LGA1150 Motherboard  ($69.69 @ Newegg)
Total: $249.68
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-05-07 11:59 EDT-0400)

[i_build_nanosuits]

OMG Faa LOL we replied basicaly the same thing...i went with an ATX board tho cause OP mentionned he wanted a full ATX but i would personnaly go with a microATX the one you choosed would be perfect there's nothing wrong with microATX OP...put more money on your CPU instead of motherboard, there's no point in spending more money on a motherboard if your going to get a locked CPU anyway...

[i_build_nanosuits]

And the only store around me is Memory Express

 

order from the internet you will save a lot $$$ man