PH2 x3 vs i5 750 for gaming/longevity

[phatphoeater]

I had a thread a week ago asking about an x4 955 vs the i5 750 and most people suggested going x4 and spending the cash towards a better gpu. After thinking it over and looking at the length of time I run a rig (5years on current), I thought "what the heck" and decided to spend the extra $ on i5+5850.

After some more thought and seeing some deals on an ph2 x3, I'm asking the question again. This time the cost differential is even greater. I'm looking at a platform cost of $220 for the amd route after rebates/discounts vs. $400 for i5. microcenter is running a deal for x3 for $99 and $30 off any amd mobo. i'm looking at the asus M4A785-m for $72-30=$42. Newegg has some ocz platinum 2x2gb ddr 1066 for $80ish after MIR.

My main question is will the x3 hold back a 5850? I game at 1680x1050. I intend to play bfbc2 and bf3 when/if released. I read that it's possible amd will continue to use the am3 socket for the next set of CPUs. This would give me an upgrade path should i need it in a couple years. I also see its possible to unlock a 4th core but wouldn't make this decision on that.

 

[grimpr]

Highly unlikely considering the current state of PC games being mere console ports with some exceptions. For optimized ports such as Dragon Age Origins, you most definitely want an Intel CPU.

"Intel® V Tune™ Performance Analyzer and Intel® Thread Checker were critical to not only developing the multi-core capabilities of the game engine, but also the even longer process of iterating and tuning it. –

— Mark Darrah
Executive Producer of the Dragon Age franchise"

http://software.intel.com/sites/billboard/game-gallery/dragon-age.php

 

[jvroig]

I read that it's possible amd will continue to use the am3 socket for the next set of CPUs. This would give me an upgrade path should i need it in a couple years.

I don't think AM3 will be that useful in a couple of years. Bulldozer in 2012 might use AM3, or possibly something like AM3+, which means a BIOS update is necessary, and manufacturers never guarantee they will have BIOS updates for each and every model they have. What's official is that Bulldozer will be DDR3, whether it is actually AM3 or another socket seems not to be confirmed yet - or at least, I haven't read of it.

What I'm saying is that if socket longevity measured in "couple of years" is your measuring stick, then even AM3 really won't cut it, so you might as well go either way.

The Phenom II X3 is a great value processor, no question, but if you plan to make a rig last for the next 5 years, the i5 will simply age more gracefully. You are comparing two processors, one tri-core and one quad-core, and the quad-core even has turbo mode which makes it perform great even in single-threaded apps. If you can take the cost, you will be better off with the i5.

I have trouble reading your prices. What exactly is the price difference between the i5 and the Phenom II X3 system you are planning to build? Is it >$100? $200?

 

[soccerballtux]

x3 won't hold it back if you overclock it, but the i5 750 will last you longer.
If you have to give up the 5850 to get the i5 750 then you shouldn't do that.

 

[SlowSpyder]

For $120 difference I'd go with the x3 for a gaming rig. With the extra money you could even get a 5870 and still be slightly cheaper than the i5 rig, though I don't know that it'd really be needed for 1680x1050. Also, either rig should give you some room to grow if you decide you need more CPU power a year or two later.

 

[EnzoLT]

yeah, i would personally just go for the tri-core and spend the money on a very good gpu. with the state of pc games right now....progress will be slow in terms of pushing the system to its limits gaming-wise.