CPU Vs. GPU

[fyske]

Hello,

 

 

I've been planning a new build with a $2.7k budget and I've come to a halt to the CPU and GPU choice.

 

I've been thinking of picking up either:

- 5960X + GTX 970

- 5820k + GTX 980

 

The reason I'd go with a 5960X is purely because I want a 8 core along with just being more "futureproof", I think the GTX 970 might be enough as I generally play at 1080p and I don't use anti-aliasing etc. On the other hand, the GTX 980 would be better but that would limit my purchase to a 5820K. I tend to expect my CPUs to last way longer than my GPUs for multiple reasons. My current CPU is a old i7 920 due to the fact that there wasn't really any reason (unlike the 5960X with its extra 2 cores) to go above and beyond. I expect the build to last at least 4 to 5 years.

 

Any suggestions? Thank you very much!

[RazerZ]

Why are you upgrading?

[The Toaster]

If you are simply trying to play games at 1080p with low settings all you need is: i5 4690k and a r9 280x.

Both of your setups are TOTALLY OVERKILL for that.

[LegacyStijncat]

- 5960X + GTX 970

- 5820k + GTX 980!

Future proof, 8 Core Intel goodness > a GPU which could be cut down to a 970 anyway cause 1080p.

 

GPU's need quite some upgrading down the line. That CPU, does NOT.

[fyske]

If you are simply trying to play games at 1080p with low settings all you need is: i5 4690k and a r9 280x.

Both of your setups are TOTALLY OVERKILL for that.

I realize it's a bit overkill, but I've been told the same thing when I built the 920 with a 5870 while playing at 1600*900. I realize this argument is foolish but it's not the first time my build is overkill, I just want it to last the long since I typically do not want to build more than 1 computer, usually 3 years min.

[fyske]

Why are you upgrading?

The old computer is gonna be used by my brother as he required a new one after his previous one bite the dust.

[MrKickkiller]

A. What resolution would you be gaming at.

B. What kind of productivity do you do? (if any)

[Guest Strangerbob]

and you have an appropriately awesome monitor for that sick system?

[fyske]

A. What resolution would you be gaming at.

B. What kind of productivity do you do? (if any)

1080p, I usually expect nearly all settings (outside of anti-aliasing) to be maxed, I generally check which settings have the least visual impacts and tone down settings accordingly.

 

Video game streaming, some video editing, video communication etc.

[RazerZ]

Don't waste your money then. If your PSU is sufficient, start with a GPU upgrade. See if you're happy with the performance. If not, look into an i7 4790k. It will game better than either of those CPUs when overclocked due to clockspeed advantage.

[MrKickkiller]

1080p, I usually expect nearly all settings (outside of anti-aliasing) to be maxed, I generally check which settings have the least visual impacts and tone down settings accordingly.

 

Video game streaming, some video editing, video communication etc.

 

6 Core with a 980 would do you REALLY good then.

But you could easily get away with a 4790K and 970 at that resolution.

 

Hell, my 980 destroys any game at 1440p

[fyske]

6 Core with a 980 would do you REALLY good then.

But you could easily get away with a 4790K and 970 at that resolution.

 

Hell, my 980 destroys any game at 1440p

The only reason I'm tempted with the 5960X is just for the sake of it being 8 core, being more "futureproof" and the fact I fully expect to upgrade my GPU down the line as opposed to my CPU.

[RazerZ]

Futureproof is BS. Until we see a significant benefit of having more than four cores in gaming, don't waste your money.

 

Read this:

 

http://www.anandtech.com/show/8426/the-intel-haswell-e-cpu-review-core-i7-5960x-i7-5930k-i7-5820k-tested/6

 

Also if your monitor has a refresh rate of 60Hz the max FPS you could see would be 60.

[tyrz_939]

Gaming wise, your better off building an i5 system now and another around the same price in ~4 years instead of building 1 expensive one now. My 2500K is still going strong after 4 years, no reason a 4690K wouldn't be as good 4 years from now, they cost almost 50% more than the 2500K did after all, lol.

[juretrn]

I realize it's a bit overkill, but I've been told the same thing when I built the 920 with a 5870 while playing at 1600*900. I realize this argument is foolish but it's not the first time my build is overkill, I just want it to last the long since I typically do not want to build more than 1 computer, usually 3 years min.

TBH, Nehalems were overkill for any gamer at the time.