|
Post by Xalazi on Jan 28, 2012 2:17:02 GMT -5
So I'm building a new PC and I'm torn between what processor-ram combo I should get: AMD Phenom II X6 1075T 3.0GHz, 16GB DDR3 1333 Ram AMD FX-8120 Bulldozer 3.1GHz, 8GB DDR3 1600 Ram
Both cost about the same. So do I go for the faster processor but less ram, or do I go with the slower processor and more ram? I plan on doing some light gaming(basically PC games from 2-3 years ago, or older), some heavy spreadsheet work(lots of pivot tables, lots of formulas), and some time in the next year I would like to give 3D modeling another stab(with Blender 3D).
So, what do you guys think?
|
|
|
Post by aztalanturf on Jan 28, 2012 14:36:40 GMT -5
Saying this without having looked at the processors...just going off the specs you posted. And I'm not a harware expert...
My general answer is always...get more RAM. You'll notice that. You likely won't notice a slightly faster processor. BUT, its a lot easier to upgrade RAM later (assuming there's room to upgrade) than to upgrade the processor. Make sure if you go with the 8GB that there is room to upgrade. Note that the 8GB option looks to be faster RAM. So if they're the same price and you can upgrade the memory later, I'd say go with the 8GB option with a slightly faster processor and slightly faster RAM. I'm guessing the 16GB RAM combo is already maxed out with memory.
|
|
|
Post by pdn on Jan 29, 2012 1:20:55 GMT -5
A few thoughts:
If you're building it yourself, I'd say the processor gets priority. The processor tests in Passmark shows the FX-8120 about 20% faster than the Phenom II. That's a lot of speed to leave on the table.
You're only planning on using it for light gaming and Office-type work in the interim, and 8gb is more than enough for that. (Presuming you know that, in order to utilize 8gb of RAM, you'll need a 64-bit OS. 32-bit OS can only address 4gb.)
When you get into 3d modelling, that's where additional RAM or an upgraded video card would help, and that's where you'd likely really see the difference between the Phenom and the FX. But since that's down the road, invest in the CPU now. RAM will probably come down in price and will be an easy upgrade when/if you need it.
|
|
|
Post by Xalazi on Jan 29, 2012 11:46:17 GMT -5
I did a bit of research and found out that 3d modeling software use the graphics card during creation process(which isn't too taxing on the hardware) and CPU to render(which is very taxing). So I've decided to downgrade my graphics card in order to get both the FX-8120 and the 16GB of ram. I originally wanted a Radeon 6870 graphics card, which can pretty much play anything that you throw at it. Now i'm getting a Radeon 6750, which is still pretty good as long as I'm not playing HD games(which I don't plan on doing).
Thanks for the advice guys.
|
|
|
Post by Tornado on Feb 23, 2012 17:03:51 GMT -5
The processor first, then the RAM. Later you can upgrade your computer by buying more RAM if you will need it.
|
|