The FX-8350 is seriously overclocked while the i5-6600k remains standard.
The FX-8350 is seriously overclocked while the i5-6600k remains standard.
I am aiming to assemble a new custom PC for gaming and everyday tasks—no video editing required. I’m reaching out hoping you can provide guidance.
Regarding performance, would an overclocked FX-8350 or even a 9590 match the capabilities of an Intel i5-6400 or 6600K? I intend to use liquid cooling and want to run everything at full capacity in 1080p, aiming for around 60+ frames per second without too many problems. I understand it depends on the GPU, but I don’t want the CPU to limit my experience.
I’m not sure if I can afford a premium Intel CPU alone when a powerful octa-core FX series CPU and motherboard would be more cost-effective. However, if it makes sense, I’d consider increasing my budget.
THANK YOU!
Owner of an Fx 8320 for two years. I wouldn't suggest AMD right now. Almost every i5, starting from Sandy Bridge (2xxx lineup), offers superior single-core performance. With Skylake and 6xxx series, AMD is significantly ahead. Until we can compare Zen's performance and pricing fairly, AMD doesn't seem worth it if you aim for smooth gaming at 1080p. Most games need a strong GPU, which you're correct about. But don't overlook the CPU's role either. My Fx 8320 runs at 4.4Ghz and still falls short of my friend's 2500k (non-overclocked). You'd be much better with any i5, i7, or Xeon from the latest Intel generations.
even after its release, the 8350 struggled to match the performance of a 2500k, making it a significant gap compared to a 6600k. In specific scenarios such as large zip unpacking or highly threaded tasks, the FX8 core often requires an i5 to keep up, whereas gaming only demands a substantial overclock from the FX processor to reach similar speeds at default settings.
I am a 2+ year owner of an Fx 8320. I wouldn't suggest AMD right now. Almost any i5, from the early days up to Sandy Bridge (2xxx series), offers better single-core performance. With the Skylake and 6xxx series, you're gaining significant advantages over AMD. Until we can compare Zen's performance and pricing accurately, AMD isn't worth it if you want smooth gaming at 1080p.
Most games will need a strong GPU, which you're correct about. But don't overlook the value of a solid CPU. My Fx 8320 is already overclocked to 4.4Ghz and still lags behind my friends' 2500k (non-overclocked). You'd be much better off with any i5, i7, or Xeon from the latest Intel generations. If you're purchasing new, I'd recommend a 4690k or 6600k, especially if you're using a liquid cooler. Otherwise, you could opt for a 4460, 6500, 6600, etc. There are definitely alternatives that outperform AMD's FX lineup now.
I'm referring to Intel's Haswell series, 4xxx, because with DDR3 RAM you can reuse or find suitable motherboards without buying new ones—they remain solid choices. Skylake isn't as far ahead as some people think.
In short, prioritize a strong CPU and GPU. If you play open-world games with preloaded content, a good CPU is essential. For smaller maps, a lower-end CPU with a high-end GPU will suffice. I suggest checking various benchmarks for the games you enjoy to see what performs best.
I own an Fx 8320 for two years. I wouldn't suggest AMD right now. Almost any i5, from Sandy Bridge up to 2xxx, offers better single-core performance. With the Skylake and 6xxx series, AMD is significantly behind in terms of both performance and price if you want smooth gameplay at 1080p. Most games need a strong GPU, which you're correct about. But don't overlook the CPU's role. My Fx 8320 runs at 4.4Ghz and still lags behind my friends' 2500k (non-overclocked). You'd be better off with an i5, i7, or Xeon from the latest Intel lines. If you're buying new, consider a 4690k or 6600k, especially if you plan to overclock with a liquid cooler. Otherwise, go for 4460, 6500, 6600, etc. There are definitely better options than AMD's FX series right now.
The reason I reference Intel's Haswell series is that with DDR3 RAM, you can reuse or use an existing motherboard without needing a new purchase—they remain solid choices. Skylake isn't as far ahead as some think.
In short, prioritize a strong CPU and GPU. For open-world games with preloaded content, a solid CPU is essential. For smaller maps, a lower-end CPU with a powerful GPU works well. I recommend checking various benchmarks for the games you plan to play to find the best setup.
What CPU and motherboard combo would you suggest? I'm leaning toward Intel now—do you see much advantage in the 6400-6600 series? Can the 6400 be overclocked? I'm planning to play a lot of open-world titles like GTA.
the i5-6500 offers great stability and can be boosted on certain motherboards using the appropriate firmware.
codee500 :
2+ years as a user of an Fx 8320.
I wouldn't suggest AMD at the moment. Virtually any i5, starting from Sandy Bridge (2xxx lineup), offers superior single-core performance. With the Skylake and 6xxx series, AMD is significantly lagging behind in terms of overall gaming capability. Until we can compare Zen's performance and pricing fairly, AMD isn't a solid choice if you aim for smooth gameplay at 1080p.
Generally, most games demand a strong GPU, which you're correct about. Still, don't overlook the CPU's role. My FX 8320 runs at 4.4Ghz and still falls short of my friends' 2500k (non-overclocked). A better investment would be any i5, i7, or Xeon model from the recent 3-4 generations. If you're purchasing new, consider a 4690k or 6600k, especially if you plan to overclock with a liquid cooler. Otherwise, options like 4460, 6500, or 6600 are viable and could outperform AMD's current offerings.
I'm referring to Intel's Haswell series, 4xxx, because DDR3 RAM allows for reuse or compatibility with existing motherboards—still solid choices. Skylake isn't as far ahead as some people think.
In short, prioritize a reliable CPU and GPU. For open-world titles with preloaded content, a strong CPU is essential. For smaller maps, a mid-range CPU with a powerful GPU works well. I'd suggest benchmarking different setups to find what performs best for your needs.
What CPU and motherboard combo would you prefer? I'm leaning toward Intel now—do you see much advantage in the 6400-6600 series? Can the 6400 be overclocked? I'm interested in playing many open-world games like GTA.
As mentioned, my FX 8320 at 4.4Ghz with a GTX 770 handles GTA V just okayly. Long loading times and stuttering on high render distance are noticeable, especially since it's saved on an HDD. If you're serious about overclocking, the cost isn't justified unless you notice significant gains (overclocking this unit was clearly felt in WoW).
Here are some suggestions:
- If you won't overclock.
- PCPartPicker part list
- Price breakdown by merchant
CPU:
Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor
($174.89 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard:
Gigabyte GA-B85M-D3H Micro ATX LGA1150 Board
($64.89 @ OutletPC)
Memory:
Corsair Vengeance 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 RAM
($49.99 @ Newegg)
Storage:
Kingston SSDNow UV400 240GB 2.5" SSD
($63.88 @ OutletPC)
Video Card:
Gigabyte GeForce GTX 1070 8GB Windforce (OC)
($379.49 @ SuperBiiz)
Case:
Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case
($44.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply:
EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 650W 80+ Gold Certified
($74.99 @ Jet)
Total:
$902.01
Includes shipping, taxes, and available discounts.
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-11-19 11:54 EST-0500
If you intend to overclock.
- If you're not planning to OC.
- PCPartPicker part list
- Price breakdown by merchant
CPU:
Intel Core i5-6600K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor
($219.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler:
CRYORIG C7 40.5 CFM CPU Cooler
($26.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard:
Asus Z170-P ATX LGA1151 Board
($92.98 @ Newegg)
Memory:
Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB DDR4-2666
($78.99 @ Newegg)
Storage:
Samsung 850 EVO-Series 250GB SSD
($94.89 @ SuperBiiz)
Video Card:
EVGA GeForce GTX 1070 8GB (FTW)
($389.99 @ Newegg)
Case:
Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower
($44.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply:
EVGA SuperNOVA NEX 650W 80+ Gold Certified
($74.99 @ Jet)
Total:
$1072.59
Includes shipping, taxes, and discounts.
Generated by PCPartPicker 2016-11-19 12:10 EST-0500