🚀 go-pugleaf

On Sunday, March 15, 2015 at 5:52:04 AM UTC-7, DMP wrote:
> Getting ready to config a new PC.
> 
> Torn between the Z97 4790K or one of the X99 series; I've done some 
> reading and think I don't require an X99 because I don't intend on 
> running multiple video cards and think 4790K will be all I'll need.
> 
> The other issue then becomes the videocard..willing to get a 980, but 
> not sure I need that either; can save a few dollars with a 960 or 970 
> oc'd version.
> 

I haven't run into any CRPGs I can't play reasonably well with what's now I think a 7 year old 2 core CPU at 2.75 GHz, 4gb of ram and a GX 275, so I wouldn't sweat it.  Heck some recent games I can max out graphics with no noticeable lag.  In fact every game I've had noticeable lag in I've investigated and it turned out it was something beyond my control like with Marvel Heroes, even people with brand spanking new boxes equivalent to what you're looking at had issues similar to mine.

Generally I'd go with GPU over CPU, but some of the more recent console ports are relying more on the CPU - especially the GTA series I've noticed.  So if you're planning on playing those, you might look at a more balanced approach.  

Another factor to consider is your pixel count on your monitor.  The higher resolution you run at (and if an LCD you want to be running at native), the more you'll need out of your GPU.  I'm running a pretty old LCD at max resolution of 1440x900 so it may make my GPU needs considerably less.

Also if you can invest in an SSD or hybrid drive instead of a standard HD, it'll make a noticeable difference to boot, save & load times, which may be far more noticeable than a slight difference in GPU & CPU.

After all that, I've found this site pretty good for comparisons on price/performace on GPUs:
http://www.videocardbenchmark.net/gpu_value.html

Looks like there's about a 10% performance difference between a 980 and an 970.  There's about a 25% difference between a 970 and 960... and just to compare even the 960 is about 5x faster than my 275. :)

- Justisaur