Best CPU:GPU combo?

[JebKerman]

I began querying this when making another thread.

 

What would be better? (overclocking)

 

Pentium G3258 and 980

 

i5 4690K and 970

 

i7 4790k and 960

 

My initial plan was actually 4790k and 970 but it's a bit overly expensive. so these are technically my 3 options for a Z97 motherboard (similarly priced)

 

I'm really considering the Pentium/980 combo as i can always upgrade the CPU later when i have a bit more coin. Would 2 cores be enough for maybe 1 year?

[FloRolf]

i5 and 970 all the way

[Opcode]

4690k + 970 would be the best out of all three. G3258 cannot match or keep up with four true cores in thread heavy games. And the GTX 970 performs like the GTX 980 once overclocked. So you're really not giving up that much GPU performance and getting a much stronger CPU in the long run. If it's too expensive you can always switch over to AMD offerings and get a R9 290(X) to go with it instead.

[Johannes_Lazor]

i5 and 970(My personal choice would be a R9 290/x But it is really up to preference and what you do)

[squid4fl]

Dont go for a dual-core. The i5 would be perfect. There is not much development happening in cpus but in gpus there is. So get a good quadcore and a gpu that matches your budget. And later on you can upgrade your gpu if you need to. But just pick a cpu that you can stick with for a longer timer...

[Jitrah]

4690k and 980. The 970 has some issue when getting into higher end games that require lots of gpu power. The 4790k over kill for just gaming. 4670k can be good to if you can find a cheaper one then 4690k. Also if your not going to sli you can skimp on a mobo and that would allow you to afford a 980 and 4690k. Most z97 boards are great quality.

[Acerpwns]

The 970 has some issue when getting into higher end games that require lots of gpu power.

What are you blabbering on about? Its a cut-down GM204 and while it wont get up to the performance of a 980 its still a beast of a card for its price point

[evilmeister13]

4690k and 980. The 970 has some issue when getting into higher end games that require lots of gpu power.

Only if your running 4k. Occasionally 1440p will give me issues, but 1080p is perfect no matter what.

[msvelev]

4690k and 980. The 970 has some issue when getting into higher end games that require lots of gpu power. The 4790k over kill for just gaming. 4670k can be good to if you can find a cheaper one then 4690k. Also if your not going to sli you can skimp on a mobo and that would allow you to afford a 980 and 4690k. Most z97 boards are great quality.

Can you show us a 1080p/1440p (the card isn't meant for 4k) game that the 970 can't destroy? And don't show me benchmarks with 16xAA.

[Jitrah]

I'm blabbering about reality. We are soon running into higher graphically intense games why not get a 980 and not have to worry about longer then getting a 970 or just wait alittle longer for the new series of cards and get the 970 equivalent. I ran into issues in 1080 with my 970 maybe just because dual screen however it is relatively weak unless he want sli. The 980 does not have this issue and will not be needed to be upgraded as soon. I mean yes if he does not plan on dual screen and 1080 set up only 970 would be perfect. I'm just thinking of the future.

[Jitrah]

I never run x16aa. 970 does destroy alot of games I admit great card for the price. Im just thinking of future games and if he does ever want to make the jump to 4k if he got the 980 he may not need to immediately but another gpu. This ofc is obvious the he will need a new one however not immediately the next generation will handle 4k alot better then the 980 obviously which is why I say get the next generation 970 equivalent if he can wait.

[Jitrah]

On my phone sorry for typo's

[Briggsy]

I would save a bit more money and go with your initial plan.