Need Final CPU Help, AMD or Intel?

[PrinceNaga]

For the past month I've been doing colossal research into computer parts, how multi-cores work, what GPU's do, and non-stop Internet searching of differences between AMD and Intel. And I'm lost.

My initial research lead me to building an AMD computer (my first time), because they're the "most bang for your buck" of the two. Their products are usually cheaper and usually one or two-steps below an Intel alongside any of their own.

The thing is, after reading some real descriptive, detailed, and lengthy comments by some people online at TomsHardware, Anand, or somewhere else they persuaded me to the beginning again to go down the route of Intel for knowledge-sake. After belittling and destroying AMD's quarterly market shares, quality of their computer parts and something else, I just can't decide.

So my budget is more than 800$, but if I could miraculously hit around 600$ at the end, great. I'm building this custom computer for high-end music producing, and playing games with at least moderate graphics. I'm more concerned about CPU-intense games than GPU-intense games.

-AMD FX 4100 Quad-Core Processor: (110.00$)

-AMD Radeon HD7850 or HD7750/70?: (100-200$)

-ASUS AMD+ Motherboard most likely: (80-150$)

-ATX/ATX+ Mid-Tower or Full-Tower: (100-200$)

-High-end Sound card for music: (50-150$)

-700-1000PW PSU: Hopefully around (50-100$)

-G.SKILL Ares Series 16GB (4 x 4) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3-1600: (88.99$)

My concerns are:

1. Can Intel components give me an Intel-computer with comparable parts being same prices but better performance?

2. I'm not concerned about ultra-high graphics, but great performance for games, software, but most importantly which choice is better down the next 2-3 years if I wanted to upgrade my AMD CPU or Intel CPU to something superior? I really don't want to end up making an Intel-board to only find out the "AMD FX 4170 Quad-Core Processor" or that "Trinity" is far superior to anything Intel-based later on.

3. I'm truly concerned if I do go AMD, will the AMD FX 4100 Quad be great for FL-Studio at max settings, Galactic Civilizations, Civilization 5, etc to handle intense CPU-usage?

So can anyone help me with my dilemma? It feels like I'm half-way through some game, and I have to permanently decide between siding with the AMD faction, or the Intel faction. Y'know, either the Atlas or Daishi...

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

I assume you are in the US??

[PrinceNaga]

I assume you are in the US??

Yes I do sir. New York.

[dfour]

I would drop less money on the case (Rosewill CHALLENGER Black Gaming ATX $55 and buy a better chip. Within your budget I would stick with the amd option but buy a 6 or 8 core chip over the 4 core.

fx6100 $149

With your rig as it is you wont need anything over a 600 watt psu so buy a decent branded one- dont scrimp here.

[bigdaz84]

How much is an i5 2500k in the US?

[dfour]

How much is an i5 2500k in the US?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...5072&Tpk=2500k

$219:99

Google is your friend (sometimes)

[wasabi]

If you're into music production you might want to think about background noise from fans- maybe lay off the gamer cards and invest in midrange passively cooled ones, plus spend a bit on on big quiet CPU coolers like Scythe or Noctua range.

[andy572]

That depends what was meant by production, doesn't it? Were you thinking the works, with external mic recording?

It's a difficult compromise if going further than sequencing and wanting a games machine. If "high-end" means serious, I'd certainly be following your advice, Robert.