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CPU Upgrade - AMD or Intel?

Smolex

Smolex

Smolex

Associate
Joined
1 Sep 2011
Posts
23
Location
Leeds
Hello!

I currently have a AMD A4-5300 and want to upgrade as it's only a dual core and my computer seems to be struggling. I don't know whether to stick with AMD or go for an i5 or i7? I'd like to get a quad core or better. I've got about £80 to spend. Any advice would be great :)

Thanks
 
Unless you're going second hand, you're going no where with Intel i5 or i7 (Ignoring the new motherboard requirement)

What's your current motherboard? As unless you get another AMD APU, you need to spend more than 80 quid.
 
For £80 it will be a case of "whats the best AMD CPU you can buy"

Will cost you much more to move to Intel unless you can grab a 2500k bargain.

If it was me, i'd save up longer and then move to Intel.
 
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What will you be using the PC for? If you plan to do some serious gaming/rendering and whatnot, I would wholeheartedly recommend saving up for at least an FX8320 or a cheap i5... Both AMD and Intel have some viable options on offer for budget-oriented customers but I don't think 80 quid will give you a performance boost big enough to really make a huge difference. If your current mobo is compatible with the FX-series CPUs you should definitely stick with AMD and go for the FX 8320:

http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CP-337-AM

It's a very decent chip which should last you for quite some time, especially when overclocked. If you really can't afford to spend that kind of money maybe you should try looking for second hand stuff? The i5 2500k suggested by JamesM would be a very good choice.
 
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Hi Guys.

Thanks for your replies and advice.

I got this bundle last year as my PC needed a serious upgrade. With hindsight I should have gone for a better CPU.

Bundle Specification
- CPU: AMD A4-5300 3.40GHz Dual Core APU (Upgrade CPU options available)
- Motherboard: Asrock FM2A55M-DGS (Socket FM2) DDR3 Motherboard
- RAM: Samsung Green 8GB (2x4GB) DDR3 PC3-12800C11 1600MHz Dual Channel (16GB Upgrade available)
- Cooler: Stock AMD Cooler

I may need to save up a bit more and go for something of higher spec to keep me going for a few years.
 
If you have a dedicated GPU then I would try and source an Athlon 750k. You can clock them over 4GHz easily even with the stock cooler.

If you don't then the other option has to be to buy a 5800k.
 
JonSmith said:
If you have a dedicated GPU then I would try and source an Athlon 750k. You can clock them over 4GHz easily even with the stock cooler.

If you don't then the other option has to be to buy a 5800k.
Click to expand...

I've got a GTX 660. I'll have a look.
 
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