AMD sockets, chipsets etc

[Freaky_spider]

Hello, 

 

so my friend is asking me to build him a console killer, and im thinking of going with AMD, but ive never used AMD CPU's before so could someone give me like a AMD 101 about there chipsets and sockets, im really confused.

 

Thanks for the help anyway

[Kuzma]

For FX cpus you should look at 970 Chipset for single card and 990X chipset for crossfire but 990FX is best for SLI and/or 3+ gpus

[Jack.EXE]

i think i have a console killer on hand somewhere, I'll look it up.

 

*a few short moments later*

 

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1HaQV

 

it's $100 more than an XBone, but if you have an existing valid copy of windows, you can go ahead and take $100 off.

[Freaky_spider]

For FX cpus you should look at 970 Chipset for single card and 990X chipset for crossfire but 990FX is best for SLI and/or 3+ gpus

seeing as this is a console killer, i dont think his budget will allow for SLI/XF, thank you very much, looks like i'll be going to order parts this or next month

 

thank you very much

[Freaky_spider]

i think i have a console killer on hand somewhere, I'll look it up.

 

*a few short moments later*

 

http://pcpartpicker.com/p/1HaQV

 

it's $100 more than an XBone, but if you have an existing valid copy of windows, you can go ahead and take $100 off.

thanks, ill see what i can get in belguim, and if there are any improvements i can make money wise (we don't have mail in rebaits and all the good stuff  )

[88borus]

You have two choices an APU (for a cheaper build) or a CPU and graphics card

 

-----APU-----

Your first choice is using an APU (a CPU with higher end graphics, so you don't need a graphics card) if so you will be looking for a socket FM2 APU. More specifficly you probably want to buy a Richland APU (Richland is the code name for AMDs newest APUs). Richland is good because they have slightly better performance than AMDs older APUs at about the same price.

These are the current Richland APUs (listed from highest performing, most expensive APUs on top to lower performing, lower costing APUs on bottom)

A10-6800K

A10-6700

A8-6600K

A8-6500

A6-6400K

(Note: The K indicates you can overclock the APU)

AMD has also stated that any new APUs will becoming out on the FM2 socket, so you will be able to upgrade you chip if you want to in the future.

If you are looking for an APU then get which ever is in your budget.

You can also add a dedicated graphics card to your APU system and run them in Crossfire. This effectively gives you higher frame rates, because you are using the graphics processor of the APU and a dedicated GPU.

 

-----CPU-----

If you are planning on buying a graphics card then you should look at CPUs which include Athlon 2, Phenom 2, and FX chips. These chips will require you to have a graphics card.

Now there are two other socket types that FM3 and FM3+.

 

On FM3 you will find the less expensive, but lower performance Athlon 2 and Phenom 2 chips. This socket is older and hasn't had any support in the past couple years. So I warn, if you do buy an FM3 CPU, you will most likely need to buy a new motherboard when you want to upgrade your CPU. I advise against a CPU on the FM3 socket.

 

Your final major choice is the socket FM3+ which has AMD's FX chips, which are their current mainstream platform (socket type). There is a wide range of CPUs that vary widely in price and performance (from 100 USD to 200 USD). This is the best option if you can afford it (and are not looking to buy an APU). As AMDs highest end platform you will have the most room for upgrade. I am unsure if AMDs next generation processors will be on the FM3+ platform, but the current line of FX processors are varied enough to give you some room for upgrade if you choose to.

 

 

 

Remember to buy a compatible motherboard with whatever processors  you buy.

I hope this helped,

If you post your budget I would be happy to suggest an APU/CPU and motherboard (or even build if you need help with it). I apologize if I explained the meaning of words you already know.