Which processor is better? AMD Phenom II or i5?

friend863 · 09 Nov 2010

I want to build a gaming PC so need some suggestions. Here it is what I am upgrading.
Ram- 3GB DDR3
Hard Disk - 512GB
Processor - AMD Phenom II 4x

I already have a graphic card 9600GT 1GB. I wanted to upgrade to i5 processor but I heard AMD Phenom is much better and has same features as i5 at low price. I am mainly upgrading for gaming. So what do you think about this?

What do you think processor is better for gaming? AMD Phenom II 4x or i5-570?

thefabe · 09 Nov 2010

Here's a review Core i5 vs. Phenom II X4 CPU Review | Hardware Secrets
Fabe

pparks1 · 09 Nov 2010

Personally, I would go with the Intel right now. Their prices are very much inline with AMD and their performance is often better, with lower power consumption and less heat being given off.

In most cases, the Core i5-760 quad core outperforms the AMD 1055 and 1090T six cores and costs less.

friend863 · 09 Nov 2010

I know i5 is best if you are a graphic designer but I need it only for gaming purpose. Add to the fact that I already have a 9600GT 1GB Graphic card, will AMD Phenom II 965/955 be a good choice for gaming? also being cheaper than i5

. My first choice was i5 but heard AMD Phenom is best if you need it only for gaming.

fseal · 09 Nov 2010

You rarely hear the words "only" and "gaming" put togeather like that. Gaming is just about the most demanding thing a CPU can do. CPUs and GPUs of the same generation generally end up being equal partners in getting you your FPS. A slow CPU can prevent your GPU from being fully utilized and visa versa. If your graphics card were hobbled then it might not matter what cpu you get, but if you have a good GPU then you should get the better CPU to match it.

If money is really the issue, go for the best price, but there is no performance difference related to purpose between the two brands.

Luckystar · 09 Nov 2010

friend863 said:

I know i5 is best if you are a graphic designer but I need it only for gaming purpose. Add to the fact that I already have a 9600GT 1GB Graphic card, will AMD Phenom II 965/955 be a good choice for gaming? also being cheaper than i5

. My first choice was i5 but heard AMD Phenom is best if you need it only for gaming.

Bit of hike up but....

You could try the i7 8xx series.

I heard these are pretty good for gaming.

Intel Core i7 860 2.80GHz (Nehalem) (Socket LGA1156) - Retail [BX80605I7860]

or for £30 extra

Intel Core i7 875K 2.93GHz (Lynnfield) (Socket LGA1156) - Retail [BX80605I7875K]

Lucky

shozum · 09 Nov 2010

A good friend and I purchased comparable systems roughly about the same time. He went the i5 route, I went the AMD Phenom II 965 black edition route. He got a newer 240, I went w/2 9500GTs in SLI. We both went with Win7 64 and 4GB RAM.

We play BF:BC2, CiV, WAR, and a ton of other games. He has had constant issues with odd disconnects, random hardware conflicts, BSODs, etc... with every game so far. None here. I have heard the intel chips are wonderful when you are an experienced PC enthusiasts and someone who likes to O/C and tinker, but I would suggest an AMD to anyone who wants true plug and play with minimal complications.

I have also heard the rumor that AMD is for gaming while Intel is for data crunching but I can only speak from personal experience so, there's my 2 pennies.

SlackerITGuy · 09 Nov 2010

friend863 said:

I know i5 is best if you are a graphic designer but I need it only for gaming purpose. Add to the fact that I already have a 9600GT 1GB Graphic card, will AMD Phenom II 965/955 be a good choice for gaming? also being cheaper than i5

. My first choice was i5 but heard AMD Phenom is best if you need it only for gaming.

Nahh.

An OC'ed 955/965/970 would probably reach the performance baseline of that of a i5 750/760 CPU.

But clock for clock: i5 for sure.

If I would be in the market for a CPU right now, i5 750/760 would definitely be my choice.