How to convince first-time builder of gaming system to stay away from AMD FX-8320

[Headfoot]

http://dellrefurbished.ca/product/computers/desktops/optiplex/catcomdeskoptiplex//si6861269
Use code Summer16, and it's $371 taxes and shipping paid (unless you have HST of course).
Spend the other $350 on a 1060, and call it a day.

Do we know the PSU size in that? If it can handle a 1060, then that would be a very competent gaming machine on a small budget.

 

[MrTeal]

Do we know the PSU size in that? If it can handle a 1060, then that would be a very competent gaming machine on a small budget.

It's a 265W one in that Optiplex so it's cutting it close with the 1060, but it has a 6 pin plug and more importantly it's got ATX mounting holes so it can be replaced if you really want to down the road. Some of the small desktop and SFF Dell units can be a bit of a pain to work on, but the mini tower's really aren't that bad at all.

Another fun option would be to buy a used T3500. They go super cheap used these days (I see them locally at resellers with a dual core and 8GB ram for CAD$150), and you could toss in a CAD$100 six core X5670 (edit: or W3670). Those have a 525W supply and a bulletproof chassis. That platform's getting a little long in the tooth, but for <$250 it's a hell of a value given how rock solid those Dell workstation cases are.

Edit: And the $250 T3500 conversion with the Xeon version of the i7-970 is still as fast or faster that an FX8350 unless you really overclock the FX-8350.
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/product/157?vs=697

 

[AnitaPeterson]

A reminder, folks...

OP is in Canada.

Therefore, U.S. deals don't apply

 

[whm1974]

A reminder, folks...

OP is in Canada.

Therefore, U.S. deals don't apply

I feel sorry for those who live in Canada, they have to pay more for everything.

 

[Bobsy]

http://dellrefurbished.ca/product/computers/desktops/optiplex/catcomdeskoptiplex//si6861269
Use code Summer16, and it's $371 taxes and shipping paid (unless you have HST of course).
Spend the other $350 on a 1060, and call it a day.

That's a pretty nice deal. I have just proposed it to my friend.

 

[Bobsy]

OP is in Canada.

The proposed Dell system is from Dell Canada, so yay!

I feel sorry for those who live in Canada, they have to pay more for everything.

Yeah... I had a shock this morning when I saw the price of the RX 470. While in the US most are saying that 180 USD is too high vs. RX 480, for us here it's priced at 280 CAD (the PowerColor Red Devil, other models are more expensive). With the current exchange rate, it should be 235 CAD. At 280 CAD, it's like 215 USD.

 

[jardows]

That is false. The memory controller is in the CPU not the chipset, and it is dual channel.

Then what's the deal with Intel saying 1 DIMM per channel with the H110, and 2 on the other chipsets? I'm a little confused here obviously.

 

[NTMBK]

Then what's the deal with Intel saying 1 DIMM per channel with the H110, and 2 on the other chipsets? I'm a little confused here obviously.

That means you can't get a 4 DIMM slot motherboard with a H110 motherboard. You can still get a 2 DIMM motherboard, where each DIMM maps to one memory channel (i.e. dual channel).

 

[Phynaz]

I feel sorry for those who live in Canada, they have to pay more for everything.

A good friend of mine works in the US and lives in Canada. He's currently enjoying the exchange rate a great deal .

 

[jhu]

A good friend of mine works in the US and lives in Canada. He's currently enjoying the exchange rate a great deal .

Must not live anywhere near Vancouver.

 

[JimmiG]

The proposed Dell system is from Dell Canada, so yay!



Yeah... I had a shock this morning when I saw the price of the RX 470. While in the US most are saying that 180 USD is too high vs. RX 480, for us here it's priced at 280 CAD (the PowerColor Red Devil, other models are more expensive). With the current exchange rate, it should be 235 CAD. At 280 CAD, it's like 215 USD.

Here in Sweden, they start at about 2300 SEK which is around US$ 270. So, yeah. Poor Canadians. I guess.

 

[Headfoot]

It's a 265W one in that Optiplex so it's cutting it close with the 1060, but it has a 6 pin plug and more importantly it's got ATX mounting holes so it can be replaced if you really want to down the road. Some of the small desktop and SFF Dell units can be a bit of a pain to work on, but the mini tower's really aren't that bad at all.

Another fun option would be to buy a used T3500. They go super cheap used these days (I see them locally at resellers with a dual core and 8GB ram for CAD$150), and you could toss in a CAD$100 six core X5670 (edit: or W3670). Those have a 525W supply and a bulletproof chassis. That platform's getting a little long in the tooth, but for <$250 it's a hell of a value given how rock solid those Dell workstation cases are.

Edit: And the $250 T3500 conversion with the Xeon version of the i7-970 is still as fast or faster that an FX8350 unless you really overclock the FX-8350.
http://www.anandtech.com/bench/product/157?vs=697

Wow that's awesome, ATX mounting holes seem unusually scarce for those OEM towers. My guest computer just crapped the bed so I'm looking to build a replacement, the 7950 in it is still good so that might be exactly what I'll do, especially because I have a spare PSU laying around too.

Thanks for the tip

 

[TeknoBug]

Must not live anywhere near Vancouver.

lol tell me about it, everything in Vancouver is so expensive but I've gotten smart with grocery shopping and you have to look in the right place if you're buying an apartment or condo (detached homes costs too much).

 

[Leyawiin]

lol tell me about it, everything in Vancouver is so expensive but I've gotten smart with grocery shopping and you have to look in the right place if you're buying an apartment or condo (detached homes costs too much).

Got family in Bellingham, Washington and they say that town is overflowing on weekends with BC tags (especially at the Costco).

 

[Phynaz]

Must not live anywhere near Vancouver.

Other coast

 

[superstition]

He should get the 8370(E) if he's going to go AMD though.

There is no reason to spend more on an 8370E unless you're getting a high-end board and going for a high overclock. It would be better to put the extra money into a better-quality cooler. You'll get more than you will out of a tiny amount of binning and the thicker stock fan.

The 8320E was measured at around 86 watts of power consumption and the 8370E was higher. I don't remember but I think it was over 95, maybe even 102. I'm skeptical that there is much difference between the two chips other than the better stock fan.

If one isn't overclocking and won't replace the stock cooler then go for the 8370E, though.

 

[Madpacket]

Core i3 6100 is a good gaming chip. Overall better than the 83xx but if your friend plans on anything more intensive (gaming and recording, video editing, 3D rendering, VM's) the 83xx systems are better balanced overall despite the age. Sure you can always upgrade the 6100 down the road but most people simply don't upgrade the processor. They use a computer until some component dies and then upgrade. If that's your friend don't worry about buying the 83xx system.

I have both systems and won't deny the 6100 feels snappier for day to day tasks but it can be overburdened pretty quickly if stressed with multiple tasks.

Can't go wrong with either setup. If however you're going for a 83xx system the 8300 is on sale for just under $150 at NewEgg.ca and comes with a decent game (Warhammer).

 

[TurtleCrusher]

When I built my desktop I was looking at i3's first until TigerDirect had the 8350 for $125. It's a tougher sell at 150+, but I'd still go with it knowing how it performs. An i5 is a better choice if you have the money. The entire i3 lineup is just too gimped for my liking.