Intel vs AMD?

[mrcrazyshoes]

Hi, I'm trying to figure out which parts to use for my first gaming pc. I was wondering which processor I should buy because I've heard that AMD is a lot cheaper. Right now I'm looking at a 3.1 ghz intel quad core i5, is there any cheaper AMD processors with similar performance? Thanks in advance!

 

[Aastii]

What is your budget?

 

[mrcrazyshoes]

For the CPU, around $200, for the whole computer, around $600-$800.

 

[mihir]

I would go with an AM3+ board with an AMD Phenom II 955.

And your other option can be a Z68 Board with an i5 2400

 

[ktec]

wait for AMD Bulldozer to come out. (again?)
It will lead to
1) cheaper am3 phenom II chips if u want to pay less
2) hopefully lead to cheaper intel i5/i7
3) BD might beat out intel for same price.

 

[mihir]

For an $800 gaming build AMD would be your best bet.
You can get a Phenom II x4 and spend the extra cash on the GPU.

 

[jonnyp11]

the phenom prices will also drop cuz they will stop shipping any and all to distributors on january 1st, already stopped a couple, started weaning them out at beggining of summer.

 

[ktec]

the phenom prices will also drop cuz they will stop shipping any and all to distributors on january 1st, already stopped a couple, started weaning them out at beggining of summer.

Look at this deal they had a few days ago.
Phenom II x3 720 Black Edition for $60! http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/56126

 

[jonnyp11]

never heard of the site. but that is a decent deal, and if you plan to overclock you didn't waste moneu getting the oem coolers.

 

[StrangleHold]

The Phenom II x6 will be phased out when Zambezi is released.

The Phenom II X4 will start being phased out when Zambezi is released and by the end of the year, be gone.

The Athlon II will start going in the third quarter, will be gone in the 1st. quarter of 2012.