Build advice for AM3+

[JustaTinkerer]

Hi, new here.
Have been reading W1zzards reviews since his ATI Radeon X1950 back in 2005 I think, I never had much time, for forums so never joined one, I find myself with more time now so it seemed right to join one that had in its ranks such a , for lack of better words, wizard.

On to the first question I have ever ask online that didn't involve "where is my RMA" or "have you sent it yet"

The last time I built a PC for myself was the one I am using now back in 2007:

PD820
MSI P6N Platinum
HIS 3850 <new addition 2009ish
2 gig of corsair XMS2 <new addition 2009ish
.......

I got a deal from a bloke at work to buy a Asus M5A99X EVO 990X Socket AM3+ and with the price of DDR3 and the good deal on the AM3+ board I thought its a fine time to upgrade.

now the question....what processor, the choice seems limitless, I have £150 processor budget (less is more right enough) but all I am reading is the AM3+ chips, FX-4100 right up to the FX-8150 are simply awful.

I know I can fit AM2/AM2+/AM3 chips but for the life of me I have been out the game so long I cant read that much news/reviews/views.

I have got it down to a FX-6100 or a 1090t....well I hope I have, are there better chips out there for the same price or less?

I know it could be a BIOS issue or a scheduling issue or a just not very good issue but since I don't plan on a new rig for at least another 5 years do I just go for the FX-6100.

Could be its just not very good and buying the 1090t is the better processor.

Maybe neither of those is what I need and I could save a shed load and just go for a x4.

I do overclock heavily
I watercool with a good custom setup
I do play games (though not for some time on my PC moved to PS3, but would like to move back)
I also have 3 19" monitors 1440x900, but think a 5870 would more than cover me for that.

Any views / laughter at how wrong I am / answers?

Thanks

 

[eidairaman1]

check my thread for a system build idea

http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/showthread.php?t=149008

 

[Dent1]

now the question....what processor, the choice seems limitless, I have £150 processor budget (less is more right enough) but all I am reading is the AM3+ chips, FX-4100 right up to the FX-8150 are simply awful.

I have got it down to a FX-6100 or a 1090t....well I hope I have, are there better chips out there for the same price or less?

That is harsh. The FX are far from awful, granted they are not the monsters we all hoped for. The FX 4xxx is dirt cheap perfect for somebody on a tight budget.

The 1090T is nice, very decent. I'd take it over the FX 6xxx TBH

The FX-8150 is actually a very good CPU. Demonstrates some of the best multithreaded performance around. Decent in Single threaded applications and to be frank if you're contemplating keeping a the rig for 5+ years it's your best option for longevity.

I do overclock heavily
I watercool with a good custom setup
I do play games (though not for some time on my PC moved to PS3, but would like to move back)

I also have 3 19" monitors 1440x900, but think a 5870 would more than cover me for that.

Any views / laughter at how wrong I am / answers?

Thanks

3x19" monitors..seems like a pretty high resolution. Probably look at the 6950 upwards. Although the 5870 is a keeper if you've already got it.

PowerColor HD 6950 2GB GDDR5 DVI HDMI 2mini.. | Eb...

 

[eidairaman1]

it was the same conundrum that happened when Intel released the P4 with HT ability, It took Software time to catch up, Windows 7 utilizes the HT of the P4 properly compared to WIndows XP. If you want to wait for Piledriver but cant wait on a new machine, Grab a PH2 X2 555BE or a PH2 X4 955 BE and call it a day. N personally majority of reviewers on these sites are paid to do it. So they will pitch favor to the other side

 

[JustaTinkerer]

3x19" monitors..seems like a pretty high resolution. Probably look at the 6950 upwards. Although the 5870 is a keeper if you've already got it.

Yeah now I think on it 4320x900 is a fair amount of pixels to be pushing about.

I didnt mean awful in the "oh no I just bought a Extra Value Casecom 500W Power Supply"
The FX-8120 is a strong contender for what I would buy.

it was the same conundrum that happened when Intel released the P4 with HT ability, It took Software time to catch up, Windows 7 utilizes the HT of the P4 properly compared to WIndows XP. If you want to wait for Piledriver but cant wait on a new machine, Grab a PH2 X2 555BE or a PH2 X4 955 BE and call it a day. N personally majority of reviewers on these sites are paid to do it. So they will pitch favor to the other side

I had little idea "piledriver" was coming kinda settled me.

From the last answers The conclusion I am forming is to go for a x4 overclock it till it smokes and put the extra cash into a 6950, wait for piledriver, job done.

All this cos I picked up a M5A99X EVO 990X for £35, I would have waited till after Christmas and gone Intel if it wasn't such a steal on the board.

Cheers off to find a cheapo 955.