Which CPU? (AMD)

[C4C]

I recently visited my neighbors house and noticed that his gaming rig is running an AMD Phenon II X4 @ 3.4GHz (Quad core)..

I'm having a hard time deciding whether to save $60 and buy it instead of an FX8320 @3.5GHz (8 Core)...

I want to be able to run Sony Vegas, After Effects, Cinema 4D and Photoshop with the least amount of time spent on rendering.

I would invest the extra money in a better GPU or save up to crossfire the 7870's..

 

[voyagerfan99]

The Phenom II X4's are old, but still decent processors. I just upgraded my 965BE to a 1055T. Both are perfectly capable. It's up to you on what you want to do.

 

[spirit]

The FX-8320 will be faster than the Phenom for rendering, so if you can get yourself an 8320. Not to mention that the Phenom IIs are two generations old now.

You probably want an NVIDIA graphics card so that you can make use of CUDA GPU acceleration which most of those programs support and benefit from.

 

[Darren]

I'd save and get the 8320. I went from a Phenom to an 8320 and didn't notice much gaming difference but rendering and the like will definitely benefit from it. Also +1 on getting an Nvidia card for rendering.

 

[C4C]

Thanks for the help, guys! I'm going to stick with the FX-8320 and finalize the planning of my build

 

[S.T.A.R.S.]

FX8320 with 8 cores is a great processor so I would definetely take that one if the time waiting for something to finish (such as rendering) is important.
But AMD Phenon II X4 @ 3.4GHz with 4 cores is great too!

 

[spirit]

Thanks for the help, guys! I'm going to stick with the FX-8320 and finalize the planning of my build

Sounds great. I think you made the right decision (I think you'd regret getting the Phenom II now).

 

[C4C]

I actually went back to looking at CPU's because my dad reminded me it's my first build. I don't really need to go all out on my pre-college PC.

FX-8320 ---> FX-4130

I don't think it'll be too big of a deal.. Didn't have plans to OC the 8320, but I'll be OC'ing the 4130.