Best processor for ~$160 USD.

T

Tumultus

Member
I'm looking for the best processor for $160 or so. I'll have a discrete graphics card and don't give a shit about APU or anything else, purely and simply just processing power. I've mostly been looking at the Intel i5-3350p, or the AMD A10-7700k. Another thing to keep in mind is upgrade-ability. I personally feel the LGA1155 core doesn't have as much longevity as the FM2+ boards, but I'm also fairly ignorant when it comes to the last few quarters of chipsets and processors.
 
I was looking at the FX series too, however they're AM3+ and that's being discontinued in favor of the FM/2+ series of boards - my current build has more or less last me about 6 years, I'm still using an AMD 720 even. I want a motherboard that will have at least 5 or so years of support and processor upgrades; part of the reason I'm hesitant to go LGA1155 (however I've not heard of how long they'll be supported/revised.)
 
Neither socket AM3+ or FM2+ will last that long. Its not even a sure thing that the Excavator core will fit FM2+
 
StrangleHold said:
Neither socket AM3+ or FM2+ will last that long. Its not even a sure thing that the Excavator core will fit FM2+
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That's why I'm so hesitant to go with the best, being on the AM3+, or going with FM2+ and a Kevari just for the sake of upgrading the cpu in a year or so, or anything on the LGA1155 line. The 1155's been used for awhile now but it still looks like it will be along for awhile.
 
Well LGA 1155 is dead now. LGA 1150 is the current socket.

You would be far better off with the FX-8320 than the 7700K. I would honestly advise that you go for the 8320 and don't worry too much about the AM3+ socket. LGA 1150 likely won't stick around for much longer than a year anyway, going by the fact that LGA 1156 only supported one generation and LGA 1155 two generations.
 
I haven't bought either, but given that most people don't think anything has much longevity to it I think I'm going to go AM3+ and the 8320 (or whatever, depending on deals current when I buy.)
The only thing that's a major turn off is the TDP. 125w when similar Intel chips use 60% of that. I have a Zalman 9700 (which I actually bought from mep some four or five years ago?) so I'm not worried about cooling, just not happy about having that much more power draw.
 
Don't worry an awful lot about the power draw. The FX-8320 is the best CPU you can get for $160.

You'll have to make sure that your cooler will fit on the AM3+ socket. It may or may not.
 
The only Intel chips that last somewhat "long" are the ones on the X** series chipsets. Such as the X58 and the current X79
 
spirit said:
Don't worry an awful lot about the power draw. The FX-8320 is the best CPU you can get for $160.

You'll have to make sure that your cooler will fit on the AM3+ socket. It may or may not.
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I know it will for sure. As far as building goes I'm not concerned, but I do appreciate your guys' help ha. I've actually been on this sight since 2005 or so, and have built god knows how many computers. There's a decent combo/instant off deal on Newegg for an 8320 and a GIGABYTE GA-990FXA-UD3. Like $30 off or something.
 
I wouldn't worry about a new motherboard, if you have the ASRock 990FX Extreme3 already. You'll be able to run you CPU at 4.4GHz and keep it cool without a problem.
Spend the money you would've spend on a motherboard and buy a new/second GPU. An HD 5770 1GB only uses 108W at peak, so your 600W PSU will be able to handle it all.
 
Jiniix said:
I wouldn't worry about a new motherboard, if you have the ASRock 990FX Extreme3 already. You'll be able to run you CPU at 4.4GHz and keep it cool without a problem.
Spend the money you would've spend on a motherboard and buy a new/second GPU. An HD 5770 1GB only uses 108W at peak, so your 600W PSU will be able to handle it all.
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I've been having problems with this board, memory compatibility and errors, bios inconsistencies, etc. I've flashed the bios to supposedly fix my ram issues but to no avail. The onboard analog sound isn't working - it shows up in windows as installed, but won't recognize anything plugged into it. Since I first noticed it I've (unrelated to the problem, but still should fix it) flashed the bios two revisions newer, and reinstalled Windows. I've also made sure that all sound options in the bios were enabled.

I'm also buying a new PSU, this one's quite old and the voltages are slipping. I'm getting a modular 550w OCZ. I plan on getting an AMD 7770 open box from newegg for $90.
 
I'm guessing that PSU is about $70? I would go for this instead:
SeaSonic M12II 520W Modular: $75
And it does look like a motherboard refresh is a good idea. An 8320+970A-UD3 is $26 less, and the only real difference is Crossfire/SLI and color scheme.
 
That's the PSU I have and it's solid. Also I got my HD7770 at Newegg for $99,99 so is it worth saving $10 for an open box?
 
I suggested one a few days ago, it was $90 with a rebate. Don't buy open box, or buy an R7 250 instead. Pretty much the same.
 
Most sockets only last about 2 generations these days, so worrying over that kind of thing is a bit stupid if you ask me.
 
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