Which is better:

FX-6300 + R9 280X

Or

FX-4300 + dual R9 270X

?

[Generally looking for overall bang-for-the-buck, but I do want to be able to run games like Skyrim, Dishonored and ESO at decent graphics level with 20-30+ FPS]

Both computers have 8GB DDR3-1600 and cost the same amount.

I don't like Crossfire or SLI for that matter, so I'm biased and would choose the first one. The performance of that 2nd Radeon 270X is not guaranteed to be double...can be anywhere from 0-95% depending on game and drivers. Single GPU takes less power, produce less noise, produce less heat, and also dont have issues with glitches/game compatibility. Bethesda games have a history of not working too well with Crossfire/SLI, so something to think about considering the games you want to play.

However, where crossfire does work well for the 270X, the performance can be significantly better than a single 280X.

CPUs are not too different when it comes to gaming.

....I'm sure others would say the dual 270X's is the better choice.

Okay thanks to you both for your help Will ring round see if I can get a cheap quote for someone to build the PC and get the parts. Will go with Tigs suggestion much appreciated.

It's obvious then...

The FX-6300 plus the R9 280X

-------------

However:

AMD FX-4300 advantages

• In single-threaded applications, the AMD FX-4300 is 6% faster.

AMD FX-6300 advantages

• In multi-threaded programs, the FX-6300 processor has 30% better performance.
• The CPU is 14% faster when running memory-intensive applications.

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There is no doubt the R9 280X is faster than the R9 270X

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/product/1043?vs=1041

> but I do want to be able to run games like Skyrim, Dishonored and ESO at decent graphics level with 20-30+ FPS <

you will get frame-rates more than double of what you suggested.

Is it also faster than two 270X's in CrossFireX though?

Oh, sorry i missed the dual...

Give me a sec...

--------------

OK, here is how it goes...

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More or less a 2 x R9 270X is faster than a single R9 280X.

But it depends on the game actually. If a game supports a multi GPU, an a crossfire configuration you will get more fps compared to a single R9 280X.

For example on Metro Last Night and Hitman Absolution the differences are not very high, even those two games supporting multi GPU

At 1920x1080 the difference will be between 5-17 fps, depending what GPU enhancements you will choose to use. (AA - AF and so on)

On the other side if you choose to play Tomb Raider or Sleeping Dogs, then the benefit will be much higher. !!!

(25-65 fps more on Tomb Raider, and 10-30 fps more on Sleeping Dogs)

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Keep in mind you should have a PSU with a good stamina for 2 x R9 270X GPU's.

Minimum 700 watt. !!!

----------------

How much have you found the system with the Dual R9 270X. Near 1000 bucks more or less ???

You could build it for near $ 1100. (http://pcpartpicker.com/p/KRwfnQ)

Like i said, when crossfire is working well, it will be quite a bit faster....even potentially surpassing the 290X. Its a tough call if you dont mind crossfire and the potential drawbacks.

Check the games you wish to play and its compatibility with scaling dual cards....i just know Bethesda games are not the kindest to it. But a large amount of other games scale well that it may be worth it.

I need a new gaming laptop. Yes yes i know desktops are better, so please dont say that. I need a laptop.

M requirements are simple:

Good GPU (1 dedicated gig of VRAM)
6+ GIGS of RAM (pref 8)
16.5 or larger screen (pref 17)
1K or less pricetag (US)

Any suggestions? Im not looking for future proofing or anything,just current titles. Even older ones.

I'm looking at this http://www.bestbuy.com/site/asus-15-6-laptop-intel-core-i5-4gb-memory-500gb-hard-drive-dark-gray-blue-gray/6643023.p?id=1219229364828&skuId=6643023&st=6643023&cp=1&lp=1 actually.

if not that one, than http://www.bestbuy.com/site/asus-15-6-laptop-amd-a4-series-4gb-memory-500gb-hard-drive-gray-black/3215024.p?id=1219089220013&skuId=3215024&st=pcmcat190000050007_categoryid$abcat0502000&cp=1&lp=5.

I dont think those are gaming laptops. Dont meet my specs. Thanks though!
Im willing to pay up to 1k.

Oh ,well then, try http://www.bestbuy.com/site/asus-17-3-laptop-8gb-memory-1tb-hard-drive-dark-gray/1308568322.p?id=mp1308568322&skuId=1308568322&st=pcmcat190000050007_categoryid$abcat0502000&cp=2&lp=2#tab=buyingOptions. Both of the ones I posted have upgradable RAM to 8 GB though, which I will be doing.

What specific gpu does it have? It just says hd video performance lol.

It has an Intel? GMA HD video adapter, if i can call it that way (not dedicated), and obviously not good enough for you. !!!!

---------

I see later if i can find anything with more punch. !!!

Just wait, until i finish my cigarette, and i will look at it.

I found one anyway, but i must check the performance so you should wait.

Ha, ha that will be a long Night. !!!

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That's your Laptop:

That's a fast one: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/msi-ge70-apache-pro-061-17-3-laptop-intel-core-i5-8gb-memory-1tb-hard-drive-aluminum-black/5211119.p?id=1219115309853&skuId=5211119&st=pcmcat138500050001_categoryid$abcat0502000&cp=7&lp=4

http://www.notebookcheck.net/NVIDIA-GeForce-GTX-860M.107794.0.html

There are better choices than anything mentioned here so far. Those come with intel integrated graphics, which is rather undesirable for gaming.

Moving this over to Tech Topic as this actually belongs there.

Yeah sadly it doesnt have dedicated vram and only 1600x900 resolution. My current laptop has better gpu and 1920x1080 res.

This is decent:
http://www.xoticpc.com/sager-np7378-clevo-w370ss-p-6990.html?wconfigure=yes

Needs operating system though, will cost $100 more if needed

Lenovo Y50 notebooks are nice if you'll consider 15":
http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/lenovo/y-series/y50/

Cheaper, but weaker gpu:
http://www.sagernotebook.com/index.php?page=product_customed&model_name=NP6658

How much is that lenova? Cant find it on the site

Its about $1050. There are models of the Y50 out there priced at $999, but come with a dualcore cpu as opposed to a quad. Just search Y-series and Y50...im on mobile so sorry about the link

http://www.xoticpc.com/sager-np7378-clevo-w370ss-p-6990.html

Seems too good to be true?

Well, if it's say so...

Thats a pretty good rig yeah?

Well yea....best could find so far for price