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Computer Upgrades: A-10 APU or i3?

PizzaPenguin_'s Avatar PizzaPenguin_12/18/14 10:16 pm
1 emeralds 1.2k 11
12/20/2014 9:56 pm
Leeberator's Avatar Leeberator
I have an old computer, for which I'm looking to make some cheap upgrades. I'd like to be able to run Minecraft with at least 40 fps (better if possible) on medium to high settings, and, of course, do basic things like school work. The original model is a Dell Inspiron 531s. Anyways, I'd like to keep the same monitor, case, hard drive, and PSU. I also have 4gb of 1600mHz DDR3 RAM already. All I need for my upgrades (maximum $130) is a new CPU/Motherboard combo that can run MC with 4gb of ram and no dedicated GPU. I've narrowed it down to using an AMD APU build with an A10-5800k and mobo or using an Intel i3-4150 and mobo.

Which is better for my needs?
Posted by PizzaPenguin_'s Avatar
PizzaPenguin_
Level 30 : Artisan Architect
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1
12/20/2014 9:56 pm
Level 46 : Master Button Pusher
Leeberator
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HD 4400 can play Minecraft at over 100 FPS...

OP, go with the i3 for good performance in the long run and a good upgrade path.
1
12/20/2014 9:15 pm
Level 33 : Artisan Engineer
RoboShadow
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The A10, it has more physical processing cores and AMD APU's have, in terms of integrated graphics, a pretty good GPU. Anyone saying the HD 4400 can do anything is lying to themselves and to everybody who believes them.
1
12/20/2014 9:01 pm
Level 13 : Journeyman Network
OutbreakPrisonServer
OutbreakPrisonServer's Avatar
i3
1
12/20/2014 4:12 pm
Level 30 : Artisan Architect
PizzaPenguin_
PizzaPenguin_'s Avatar
Anyone?
i3 4150 or AMD A10-5800k?
1
12/19/2014 5:59 pm
Level 30 : Artisan Architect
PizzaPenguin_
PizzaPenguin_'s Avatar
Bump
1
12/18/2014 11:18 pm
Level 30 : Artisan Architect
PizzaPenguin_
PizzaPenguin_'s Avatar
Yeah, to get any sort of upgradability out of the old thing, I'll need a new motherboard. It's from 2007... I think I'm leaning towards the APU
1
12/18/2014 10:49 pm
Level 36 : Artisan Blockhead
Woodilicious
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For just Minecraft and schoolwork, go with the APU. It's true that Minecraft is more-so a CPU-based game, but GPU performance does play a significant role.

When comparing Integrated Graphics, AMD will always* be the champion.


*Most of the time.


(Edit)
TheEliteTacoIf you're going to use an APU then I would suggest more RAM instead of a new motherboard especially if you have windows 8 (or 8.1). The discrete graphics card in an APU uses your system RAM while a dedicated GPU would use it's own VRAM (or video memory). If you have some empty RAM slots then find out what type of RAM you have (brand, frequency, and latency) then just buy 4 more GB of the same stuff. If you don't have any empty RAM slots then just do a little research about your computer and find out what type of RAM is compatible with it and get 6-8GB


...Without a new motherboard, the APU won't do anything, because it won't fit into the socket of the previous motherboard.
1
12/18/2014 10:47 pm
Level 1 : New Crafter
TheEliteTaco
TheEliteTaco's Avatar
If you're going to use an APU then I would suggest more RAM instead of a new motherboard especially if you have windows 8 (or 8.1). The discrete graphics card in an APU uses your system RAM while a dedicated GPU would use it's own VRAM (or video memory). If you have some empty RAM slots then find out what type of RAM you have (brand, frequency, and latency) then just buy 4 more GB of the same stuff. If you don't have any empty RAM slots then just do a little research about your computer and find out what type of RAM is compatible with it and get 6-8GB
1
12/18/2014 10:45 pm
Level 61 : High Grandmaster Hero
GarretSidzaka
GarretSidzaka's Avatar
if you are buying a separate graphics card then get the i3, but if you want to save hundreds on not getting a graphics card, get the a10 its great graphics
1
12/18/2014 10:36 pm
Level 29 : Expert Modder
generalcedric
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Here are some benchmarks with intel gfx 4400:
CS:GO average fps: 57
Leauge Of Legends Ultra: 55
1
12/18/2014 10:32 pm
Level 29 : Expert Modder
generalcedric
generalcedric's Avatar
My gaming build uses an i3, got it for $90, nice performance per core, and intel integrated graphics should be able to run mc without a dedicated gpu..

correct me if im wrong about the intel gfx tho

(also, i have the cpu that you want)
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