Not with the times! Help!

Mr Gimp · 16 Jul 2010 at 15:32

If I were putting together a modest, not overboard gaming machine based around an ATI 5770 or 5870, would an AMD processor be just as reasonable as speccing a Core i3/i5 system or is Intel the way forward?

I don't want to be spending a fortune as my days of spunking 3k on rigs are well over!

JW1993 · 16 Jul 2010 at 15:35

You could do it with AMD but I believe most people go for i3/i5 or a high end AMD

Mr Gimp · 16 Jul 2010 at 15:37

Thanks for the quick reply

What's classed as high end these days AMD wise as I honestly don't have a clue. Tri or Quad core or sticking with a dual core? Am I going to notice a massive difference in performance between a Core processor or an AMD?

Reaper652 · 16 Jul 2010 at 16:39

Mr Gimp said:
Thanks for the quick reply

What's classed as high end these days AMD wise as I honestly don't have a clue. Tri or Quad core or sticking with a dual core? Am I going to notice a massive difference in performance between a Core processor or an AMD?

Youd probably be best going for either:
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CP-244-AM
or if you want more cores
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CP-267-AM&groupid=701&catid=6&subcat=1328

Iirc the 955 performs similarly to Core 2 Quads, which are still more than powerfull enough for gaming. The 1055t is clocked lower, but has more cores. Games are only starting to really use multiple cores, so the 955 might be a better option (if you don't do lots of multi threaded work, which the 1055t would excel at).

Imho the 1090t is a bit pricy compared to the 1055t for 400mhz and an unlocked multiplier.

pastymuncher · 16 Jul 2010 at 18:15

Intel is definately not the way forward. All of their sockets are going to be replaced over the next year with 1156 going later this year now that Sandybridge has been brought forward.

Destination · 16 Jul 2010 at 18:50

pastymuncher said:
Intel is definately not the way forward. All of their sockets are going to be replaced over the next year with 1156 going later this year now that Sandybridge has been brought forward.

I honestly don't see this as a valid point.

Most people, when they upgrade, change several components of their system. Few people simply upgrade by popping in a faster processor.
It also assumes that all future processors will be on AM3 and that all will have enough juice through the motherboard and BIOS updates for them actually to work.

JW1993 · 16 Jul 2010 at 18:53

Even if the sockets are replaced, Intel stuff is generally ahead of the game anyway.

olivier renault · 16 Jul 2010 at 20:39

Depends on need and budget. For general use and gaming, even a prety low spec machine will handle everything well. For games, the limiting factor is the GPU, but then again, a 5770 or GTX260 will handle anything at reasonable resolutions (1080p or less).

Look at the pre-builds to get an idea of price / performance. AMDs are generally cheaper, Intels have more horsepower but more expensive.