Build for a racing setup

[dt_matthews]

I'm in the process of getting parts for a build that will be for general use and specifically racing games.

I have the following already:

• Asus - ENGTX560Ti Nvidia PCI-E Graphics Card - 1GB
• Cooler Master GX-Lite 500 W PSU
• Logitech G27 Wheel & Pedals
• SATA Seagate 7200 (from prev. pc)

I am thinking of these to complete the setup:

• AMD Bulldozer FX-6 Six Core 6100 Black Edition
• FX Compatible motherboard (recommendations please)
• Asus TA-861 Black/Silver Mid Tower Value Performance Case w/o PSU
• 4/8Gb DDR3 (recommendations please)

Any comments or advice gratefully received, as well as any recommended retailers or deals.

[Samwood]

I'd recommend a sandy/ivybridge i5 or i7 over any of the FX series. Benchmarks on the Bulldozer series have been very low, with even the 8-core performing significantly worse than both the 2500k and 3570k and miles worse than the 2700k and 3770k. The intels are a little more expensive, but offer better VFM IMO. Plus the intels chips use close to half the power.

RAM: 8GB 1600mhz for £30 - http://www.scan.co.uk/products/8gb-(...4-xmp-dhx-165v

[ladcrooks]

Even an i3 would do you, for your purpose, they spank any amd chip, sad to say! I wish amd would get back in the game - always better for the likes of us!

[Samwood]

If are set on AMD it might be worth waiting a little bit. AMD are apparently making a range of APUs with the next generation of FX processors (code named 'Piledriver'), i'd expect them to have better GPUs than the current A4/6/8 series (maybe even up to HD6670 or there abouts).

[dt_matthews]

If are set on AMD it might be worth waiting a little bit. AMD are apparently making a range of APUs with the next generation of FX processors (code named 'Piledriver'), i'd expect them to have better GPUs than the current A4/6/8 series (maybe even up to HD6670 or there abouts).

eek, is the 8 core amd that bad - my thread notification got pushed in to spam and Ive only just seen them (after ordering the 8 core, bugger)?

[dt_matthews]

addendum: when I checked the benchmarks for it on cpubenchmark it looked pretty good - are the benchmarks on there rubbish then?

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

What are the racing games you are running?? What is your budget for the parts??

[dt_matthews]

race 07, f1 2011, anything else that takes my fancy in the future.

budget is modest [ < 500 ]

[scaryjim]

eek, is the 8 core amd that bad ...

Depends on your definition of bad, really. It's still a powerful CPU, it' just not as good as Intel's latest and greatest, and in some measures it's actually not quite as good as the Phenom II processors it replaced. Realistically, when paired with a GTX560Ti it should be powerful enough to run the games you want to play smoothly, which is all that really matters

[dt_matthews]

but from the sounds of it I might be better stumping up another £60-100 and getting an ivybridge i5?

[shaz]

[QUOTE=Samwood;2567685]I'd recommend a sandy/ivybridge i5 or i7 over any of the FX series. Benchmarks on the Bulldozer series have been very low, with even the 8-core performing significantly worse than both the 2500k and 3570k and miles worse than the 2700k and 3770k. The intels are a little more expensive, but offer better VFM IMO. Plus the intels chips use close to half the power.

This. Bulldozer bench marks have not lived up. a 2500k would do and would be a better investment.

[dt_matthews]

Thanks guys [rep on its way], i will adjust accordingly - do you have any mobo recommendations to tie with one of those intel chips [and any recommended retailer]?

Cheers!

[ladcrooks]

well without mentioning any names - put the retailers name in google and ask for their review! i.e sc*** reviews and you will find out for sure!

[dt_matthews]

well without mentioning any names - put the retailers name in google and ask for their review! i.e sc*** reviews and you will find out for sure!

I suppose for the sake of not a huge amount more I might as well go for an intel i5 quad, rather than an i3 as I dont think I will upgrade the machine much once purchased so it will be good to keep it for as long as possible...

Are there any stand-out bargain/performance chips of the ivybridge i5's?

Cheers

[Doc]

I suppose for the sake of not a huge amount more I might as well go for an intel i5 quad, rather than an i3 as I dont think I will upgrade the machine much once purchased so it will be good to keep it for as long as possible...

Are there any stand-out bargain/performance chips of the ivybridge i5's?

Cheers

i5 3570K, it's £5 more than a 2500K, if you have the money you should go for that. You could also get a locked CPU but then if you did get the 'K' you would have that option to OC if you did and not have to fork out another £170 or whatever on a new CPU, unless you plan on never OCing and are confident then you could just a locked one and save some cash.

[dt_matthews]

went for the i5 3570k