AMD Phenom x4 vs I3 2100

[Tortuga]

From a budget gaming standpoint, which would be the better choice, coupled with a Gtx 460.

Core I3-2100

http://www.newegg.co...5-078-_-Product

or

http://www.newegg.co...5-078-_-Product

Phenom II x4 955

They are basically the same in price. The AMD can be overclocked and the intel cannot. So which do you think would have better performance? I know the i3 540 crushes AMD quads in some situations. And the SB i3's perform even better by the looks of it. Just wanting opinions. Remember, just gaming. Thanks!

*EDIT might have posted this just as well in the Processor section. oops

 

[Karlos_the_n00b]

If there are any games you really like to play then it might be worth finding out how many cores they use.

I personally would go for the 955 as more games are being released that are taking advantage of multiple cores however I tend to build a PC then run it into the ground and replace the whole thing. Apart from that I really don't like how Intel lock down there CPU's stopping you from running them any higher than they want you to, anyway... Others would go for a 1155 2100 because its faster and probably leaves you a better upgrade path for the future.

These might help you make up your mind.

Benchmarks of the 2100 vs the 955: http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/88?vs=289

Article reviewing how many cores games are using: http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/cpus/2010/07/05/how-many-cpu-cores-do-games-need/9

Toms hardware CPU buyers guide: http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/best-gaming-cpu-intel-core-i7-amd-phenom-ii,review-32177-3.html

Hope this helps.

 

[Tortuga]

Thanks Karlos. Those are interesting comparisons for sure. I guess the I3 saving grace has been hyperthreading. Shame the i3s don't have turbo boost. I play alot of WoW, and am trying to build something that will handle ToR decently when it comes out. I built a P55 Setup for a friend with the i3 530 And 460 and really cranked out great performance in WoW. So I wanted to do something similar. But considering the 2100 in lieu of the Last gen i3.

 

[sheroo]

Its amazing how much cross over there is in terms of performance sometimes. Makes choosing even more difficult. I'd love to see a comparison between an i3 540 @ 4.4 vs an i3 2100. I suspect the 540 would walk all over it (but I don't know)?

 

[Tortuga]

I guess all choices will not disappoint.