AMD x4 vs x6 vs i5 2500k

[k20a2typer]

Hey all I am trying to build a gaming rig under 800 bucks and I am stuck at what processor to choose...

AMD Phenom II x4 965 Black Edition -- $116
Intel i5 2500k -- $219


Obviously pricing and power is what im concerned with. I want a gaming computer that I can run crysis 2 and BF3 on. I am going to get a 200 + ish dollar graphics card if that helps. What should I do ?!

EDIT : I decided to go with the i5 2500k processor.

My next question is ... How much ram do I need... 4gb of 1600 or 8gb of 1600 ?

 

[jasonalwaysready]

i'd go for the i5, though i dont think you would max that amd out.

if you are gaming, there probably isnt a lot to gain from the x6.

 

[k20a2typer]

The 100 dollar difference I can put into upgrading the GPU

 

[Slaymate]

For gaiming I would stick with the i5 2500K or the PII X4 965BE.

 

[k20a2typer]

is the i5 really worth 100 bucks more then the X4 ?

 

[Roark]

Here is a $800ish system that can play those games, though I wouldn't expect to max graphics on BF3.

CPU + OS: $217 AMD Phenom II X4 965 BE + Win7 Home Premium 64-Bit OEM.
MB: $100 Gigabyte GA-970A-D3 AM3+.
RAM: $33 4GB G.Skill Ripjaws X 1600 CAS9.
HDD: $59 750GB WD Caviar Black 7200RPM.
ODD: $18 LITE-ON 24x DVD/CD Burner.
GPU: $250 XFX HD 6950.
PSU: $75 600W OCZ ModXStream Pro.
Case: $50 Sentey Black Box Series 4284 v2.1.

Total = $802
+$10.55 for shipping, -$65 in rebates = $747.55

 

[k20a2typer]

Hey Roark ... do you think the GeForce 560ti would still be adequate in that set up ?

Newegg.com - PNY VCGGTX560TXPB GeForce GTX 560 Ti (Fermi) 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Support Video Card

Also if I went with the i5 how much would the build cost change due to changing the components that would relate ..

 

[MindoverMaster]

The 6950 and 560ti are well matched. If you have one preference over the other, I don't think you'll be left with anything less.

 

[k20a2typer]

Well i know that I am going to be getting the 560 ti as my graphics card... I have read a lot of great reviews of it.. However I am still unsure weather to get the i5 or the AMD.. Will this GPU work with either set up.. basically is it safe to order this thing now?

 

[MindoverMaster]

It will work fine with either CPU. As to what to go with, I'd go with the Intel. But what is best for you, IDK.