Switching from Intel i7 960 to AMD for Gaming, Best Option?

[igot6strings]

What would be my best option if I was to switch from my i7 960 to an AMD based cpu?
I'm looking for the best bang gaming wise, not concerned about anything else.
Games I play are mostly FPS. I have a 6870 for my gpu.
Lets say my budget is $300 for a board, chip and ram. Whats the best I can get?

[Bond007]

Realistically I would expect close to the exact sale fps between your 960 and a new AMD based cpu. If its for gaming only I would stay with your 960 unless its actually failing.

[SugarJ]

Probably a Piledriver chip like the FX-8320. Pick a $100 mobo. And use your existing memory.

I don't think you'd notice much of a difference unless you get it highly overclocked though. What HSF are you using?

[igot6strings]

EVGA Superclock is my cooler, its up there with the DH-14 performance wise.
With the 8320/8350 would I be able to use the dual/hybrid gfx mode or whatever its called with my 6870? Would that give much benefit?

[SugarJ]

To be honest, I think you'd be better off upgrading your GPU and adding a SSD rather than replacing your CPU and motherboard. You'd notice more of a difference.

[Bond007]

Originally Posted by SugarJ

To be honest, I think you'd be better off upgrading your GPU and adding a SSD rather than replacing your CPU and motherboard. You'd notice more of a difference.

agreed

[igot6strings]

I don't think my budget(or should I say my wife) would allow me to upgrade my gpu much but I could possibly add a second 6870. I have a 750W NZXT Hale 90 Gold so I should be ok psu wise. Do you guys think that'd be my best bet? I'd like to get a solid 60fps in most of my games at high-ultra settings where possible.

[Bond007]

Because you sound like you are after gaming fps my recommendation for your $300 budget would be to sell the 6870, and grab a 7950. That would be your best gaming fps improvement with your $300 budget.

Current sale: for $299.99, but $30 MIR and the following included
1. Never Settle Enthusiast Bundle Far Cry 3 Sleeping Dogs Hitman Absolution Download *AMD Promo Only* (a $170 value!) 2. Nexusz PC Game Coupon - MSI Promotional (a $50 value!) 3. Shogun 2 PC Game Coupon - MSI Promotional (a $50 value!) 4. Dirt Showdown PC Game Coupon - MSI Promotional (a $50 value!)

MSI Radeon HD 7950 Twin Frozr III 880MHZ 3GB 1250MHZ GDDR5 DVI HDMI 2XMINI DP DX11 PCI Video Card

Another option, if you are after a more generally fast feeling computer (and load times), is to just keep everything as is and add a 120-240gb SSD. Save the difference for a future upgrade or something else you need.

Keep your eyes open tonight/tomorrow and monday for even better deals.

[DarKStar]

oh ... :D I just upgraded my AMD to an Intel for gaming. TO be honest past Phenom II x4 / x6, I wouldn't bother. The BD / PD are not really good for gaming and not meant for gaming, IPC still not up to par, you would be better off with the Phenom II x4 965BE or latest X6 than an FX. I upgraded from my X4 965BE to Intel Core i5 3570k and no regrets !

Unless you are playing CPU intensive games or lower res, the most important upgrade will be the GPU at this point but personally,

[Your_friendly_gamer]

Originally Posted by igot6strings

What would be my best option if I was to switch from my i7 960 to an AMD based cpu?
I'm looking for the best bang gaming wise, not concerned about anything else.
Games I play are mostly FPS. I have a 6870 for my gpu.
Lets say my budget is $300 for a board, chip and ram. Whats the best I can get?

Why would you downgrade? As SugarJ suggested, upgrade your gpu and or get a ssd.
960 clocks easily to 4.0ghz, I don't think there is any AMD mainstream offering that will match it's performance at 4.0 at gaming and or anything else. I would NOT recommend doing so.