Suggestions on a cheaper alternative than the standard 6600k, 970/970/780 where performance isn't dr

coolbeaNs92

coolbeaNs92

coolbeaNs92

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*sorry, typo in title, 6600k*

Hey everyone!

I'm doing a new build, well, mostly barebones + gpu

Things I do need:

  • Mobo - currently just have an AM3 socket. Will need at least an AM3+ or intel alternative.
  • CPU - currently Phenom II X4 not cutting the mustard
  • Cooler - want to get a closed loop
  • GPU - currently got a 270x, would bottleneck a decent cpu

Now, from what I understand the standard setup that a lot of people run is a 6600k (or just the 6600) with something like a 970. I only play games on the weekend and my current setup is more than enough to run the VMs and other sysadmin learning things I run.

So a 6600k with a 970, a new mobo a decent closed loop cooler is around £600 give or take a little. Now that's a bit far for what I need. I did look at things like the FX-8320 but I didn't hear great things. Most of the games I run are more CPU intensive than GPU (H1Z1, CSGO etc)

So what my question is to you fine peoples is, where can I get the least amount of compromise on performance with say a 400 budget? Or, do you think the hit in performance from one of the standard setups isn't worth saving the couple of hundred? Just as an FYI, money isn't an issue, it's just I am careful and I find it hard justifying £600 when only needing that performance on the weekend.

Any help most appreciated :)
 
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What you want is a 6400 and a z170 motherboard thats blk overclcoking so the cpu can be overclocked. You can also overclcok the 6100 on such boards but if the games you play need 4 cores then i5 6400 is the option.
 
mickyflinn said:
What you want is a 6400 and a z170 motherboard thats blk overclcoking so the cpu can be overclocked. You can also overclcok the 6100 on such boards but if the games you play need 4 cores then i5 6400 is the option.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice dude. I was looking at the 6400 and also the 6500. 6500 Might be worth the extra £20. What do you think?
 
The 6400 has a lower clock speed and can be matched by the 6100 in a lot of games so unless you going to overclcok the 6400 then the 6500 would be my choice.

There is another option a budle that you follow a guide in the forum to overclcok .

My basket at Overclockers UK:

Total: £377.92
(includes shipping: £0.00)
​


​

For the 8 Pack Overclock settings for this bundle, please see this thread on our forum:
http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18709079
 
mickyflinn said:
The 6400 has a lower clock speed and can be matched by the 6100 in a lot of games so unless you going to overclcok the 6400 then the 6500 would be my choice.

There is another option a budle that you follow a guide in the forum to overclcok .

My basket at Overclockers UK:

Total: £377.92
(includes shipping: £0.00)
​


​

For the 8 Pack Overclock settings for this bundle, please see this thread on our forum:
http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18709079
Click to expand...

That's a really good suggestion dude! A bundle could be a good option. Part of my current rig is a bundle from OC. Shame the 6600k bundle is sold out :( Could have recycled a fair amount and kept the cost down with that. I'll have to keep my eye out :)
 
Just remember that with bclk overclocking you lose all power saving features, can't use the likes of Realtemp to read cpu temps and you can never update the bios. The lack of power saving is the deal killer for me but you really need to consider not being able to update the bios. If a gpu comes out and is incompatible with the motherboard until you update the bios you either lose all overclocking or do without a newer gpu. This scenario happens all the time so nobody can say that there is little chance of it happening. Just something to consider if thinking of going down this route. It's not that much cheaper than buying the unlocked 6600k either so the downsides far outweigh any positives.
 
I wouldn't skimp on the CPU, it lasts longer than any other part of the PC, if I were building right now I would buy the i5 6600k to be future proof and overclock as and when, then depending on the funds get either the rx470 4gb (runs the 480 close by on a few frames at less than £200) or the 1060 6gb

Either of those builds and you will be a happy gamer, with an upgrade path
 
coolbeaNs92 said:
That's a really good suggestion dude! A bundle could be a good option. Part of my current rig is a bundle from OC. Shame the 6600k bundle is sold out :( Could have recycled a fair amount and kept the cost down with that. I'll have to keep my eye out :)
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What pastymuncher says basically. I would NOT personally get one of those hacked unlocked board bundles.

Your 270X isn't that bad, is it able to stretch its legs in the games you're playing? Check the usage in game and share a screenshot if possible showing GPU and CPU usage. I'm wondering which you need to prioritise.

To get a good GPU upgrade you're looking at about half your budget for something like a 470 (£180+) or 970 (£200+).

With the remaining £200-220 there aren't really any good options, since Intel prices have gone mad. You'd have to spend over half that on an i3 and then be left with ~£100 for motherboard, cooler, and memory. Not happening.

The only way I see it working is something like an FM2+ motherboard and an 860K (£66). Tbh though you're best off getting a complete second hand system, which you could easily do with this budget.
 
You could get a decent air cooler in place of the clc and put the savings to the card /gpu. Second hand 980ti might be an idea also.
 
DONOHUE07 said:
I wouldn't skimp on the CPU, it lasts longer than any other part of the PC, if I were building right now I would buy the i5 6600k to be future proof and overclock as and when, then depending on the funds get either the rx470 4gb (runs the 480 close by on a few frames at less than £200) or the 1060 6gb

Either of those builds and you will be a happy gamer, with an upgrade path
Click to expand...

I agree, but I don't want to run into a bottleneck with my 270x. I'm happy to keep the 270x, I like the card, but I assumed I would be getting some bottleneck with 6600k (let's say on stock) and a 270x.
 
joeyjojo said:
What pastymuncher says basically. I would NOT personally get one of those hacked unlocked board bundles.

Your 270X isn't that bad, is it able to stretch its legs in the games you're playing? Check the usage in game and share a screenshot if possible showing GPU and CPU usage. I'm wondering which you need to prioritise.

To get a good GPU upgrade you're looking at about half your budget for something like a 470 (£180+) or 970 (£200+).

With the remaining £200-220 there aren't really any good options, since Intel prices have gone mad. You'd have to spend over half that on an i3 and then be left with ~£100 for motherboard, cooler, and memory. Not happening.

The only way I see it working is something like an FM2+ motherboard and an 860K (£66). Tbh though you're best off getting a complete second hand system, which you could easily do with this budget.
Click to expand...

I did actually have a second thought about this over the weekend. As I said, I play mostly CPU intensive games like CSGO and H1Z1. Additionally, I run a lot of VM's and simulations in GNS3, which again, are CPU based

I would be happy not upgrading my 270x, but as I said previously, I just assumed that I would be seeing bottleneck with that.

I'm not a massive fan of second hand. I like my warranties and knowing what's been stressed/pushed. Great idea, just for me personally I'd rather not.

But yeah, I have mostly gone of an OC bundle at this point :)
 
pastymuncher said:
Just remember that with bclk overclocking you lose all power saving features, can't use the likes of Realtemp to read cpu temps and you can never update the bios. The lack of power saving is the deal killer for me but you really need to consider not being able to update the bios. If a gpu comes out and is incompatible with the motherboard until you update the bios you either lose all overclocking or do without a newer gpu. This scenario happens all the time so nobody can say that there is little chance of it happening. Just something to consider if thinking of going down this route. It's not that much cheaper than buying the unlocked 6600k either so the downsides far outweigh any positives.
Click to expand...

Indeed. As I said previously, I had seconds thoughts over the weekend on this myself. It did also seem silly to get a 6600k (which is super easy to OC) and get a bundle. Also great points on the bios as well.
 
you have said earlier that the games you play are cpu intensive rather than gpu so yea I personally would spend your budget on a good cpu and board then through time upgrade the gpu. hopefully the prices on new cards will settle and there will be deals to have on them on the run up to christmas
 
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