AMD 6 core Processor

[Nicholas]

But you see, sometimes more than 4 cores is needed. You must remember that not only will the game be using the CPU, but other running programs and other hardware components will be communicating with the CPU as well.

[frostwyrm333]

they support lots of cores, but it all depends on the specifics, most people have/will get quadcore

[MissileMoose]

I would rather chew my own finger-tips off that purchase another AMD chip. I currently have a Phenom II X6 1090t. Intel have set the standard with processors, AMD have pretty much given up with desktop processors and are mainly focusing on mobile devices now. At least that was the last I heard. Bulldozer was a huge flop too, as stated before in this thread.

In April I'm going to build a new machine, my budget is around £2500. Without a doubt I'll be going for a Kepler series graphics card and a mother board with the future socket that supports SandyBridge-E and IvyBridge-E chips. I'm not sure when IB-E will be released but I could purchase one of the upcoming quad core SB-E chips with the intent of upgrading.

From my past experiences I wouldn't recommend ANY AMD chips to gamers, go with Intel. They have set the standard. Don't complain about prices either, the only reasons that a gamer would purchase an AMD chip for a new rig are: A) They are uneducated and/or have been lured into the 6Core Gimmick OR B) They are uneducated and have fallen for the low price.

I'm not really sure where I stand with AMD graphics cards though, formerly ATI. I currently have two R6870's in CrossfireX and have had terrible experiences with lower performance when both cards are enabled. Especially in ArmA 2 and DCS: A-10C Warthog. Though I'm still unsure who is responsible, AMD or the game developers. I have yet to experience Nvidia SLI driver/games support.

So if you're looking to purchase a new rig at this current time for ArmA 2/3, I would (without a doubt) recommend either an i5 2500k or i7 2700k depending on hyperthreading needs (video editing, 3D rendering ect). Make sure you add the 'K', they Overclock.

-

Wall of text much?

TL;DR I prefer Intel over AMD. However with graphics I am not decided.

[frostwyrm333]

if you have the money sure, go with intel, ill never pay that much for a cpu. arma is not supported by crossfire/sli AFAIK. no amd didnt stop making desktop cpus.

[Wen]

i am building a new computer with the goal of playing arma 3 with no problems and i was wondering if an AMD 6 core Processor was necessary? i dont know much about processors but it seems to be a duel between this and an i7. and do u guys think a 550 TI would be a good graphics card?

The 550ti was designed as a mid-range gaming card at its time. It is hardly more powerful than the GTX260, which is listed as the recommended GPU for Arma3. 8800GT is recommended for running Arma 2. Can you imagine playing ArmA 2 properly with a 8800GT?
I've got a 1090t@4Ghz & GTX560 OCed past 1Ghz core, and in certain official campaigns(Arma 2), the FPS rate drops to ~20fps. Expect the same ridiculous performance in Arma 3 as the nature of the calculation is the same: large amount of path finding, etc... and PHYSX in addition!!
Do yourself a favour and get a SNB platform... i5 2500k+ GTX 560ti will be good.

if you have the money sure, go with intel, ill never pay that much for a cpu. arma is not supported by crossfire/sli AFAIK. no amd didnt stop making desktop cpus.

Well, an i5 2500k is not much more expensive than a 1100t(less than $50 USD/AUD) and the performance at the same clock is not even close. Please do not mention OC ability as both CPUs have unlocked multipliers. 2500k does not use as much power either.

AMD did not stop producing desktop CPUs, yes, but its starting to give the majority of its attention to its APU product line. FM1 will be favoured over AM3+ and AM3, I'm afraid.

[CameronMcDonald]

arma is not supported by crossfire/sli AFAIK.

SLi makes a hell of a difference. Dunno about Crossfire.

[TimRiceSE]

No one has yet recommended a Bulldozer CPU. Just because AMD's Bulldozer line of CPU's was a failure, doesn't mean all of them are. My AMD Phenom II X6 1100T is an awesome processor, AMD really offers the best bang for your buck. I am currently overclocking mine and have so far made it to 4.0Ghz.

Tell me, what is wrong with AMD CPU's? Don't just tell me that Intel has more power.

Well, OK, theres nothing "wrong" with them. but are they really better "bang for the buck" up to a certain point maybe and then... nothing. no competition at all above low-mid range.

lets have a look shall we?

Lets take, for example, this benchmark, from a bulldozer review.

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/cpu...-8150-review/9

Notice at standard clock speeds,

intel i5 2500k - Avg: 100fps
amd phenom 3 x6 1100T BE - Avg: 68 fps

and now price, currently can find:
i5 2500k at 1839 SEK
AMD 1100T BE at 1799 SEK

and now TDP (thermal design power)
i5 2500k 95 watt
AMD 1100T BE 125 watt

...

I dont know, you tell me, whats better?

someone mentioned overclocking - i5 2500k can do 5ghz on AIR cooling...

Although I really do have difficulty recommending a 1 year old CPU.. so.. back to the topic, wait for ivy bridge before you buy anything... (intels next gen which due to be released Q1/2 this year)

[CarlosTex]

@TimRiceSE

You have to consider the price of the entire platform.

[CaptainBravo]

100 fps? wow!

That beats my 20-30 fps!!

Arma 3 is nopt out till end of year, plenty of time for new CPUs to hit the market and prices for current ones to drop significantly.

[TimRiceSE]

@TimRiceSE

You have to consider the price of the entire platform.

so.. the only other difference would be the price of the motherboard?

Cheapest AM3 mobo i can find is 439 SEK.

Cheapest LGA1155 mobo i can find is 539 SEK.

100 SEK i.e. 10 GBP / 15 USD. Yeah, that'll break the bank.

did you check yourself or are you just assuming that AMD must be OMG!111 much better value? Cos its not.

Or by all means, prove me wrong.

100 fps? wow!

That beats my 20-30 fps!!

Arma 3 is nopt out till end of year, plenty of time for new CPUs to hit the market and prices for current ones to drop significantly.

theyre running 590GTX graphics card, wihtout AA or AF so the bottleneck will be the CPU..