Pc configuration advise

I'm looking to build a new PC for games, the primary purpose will be AC and possibly Project Cars (when it's released and if the gameplay is to my liking). Up until now I've been playing on my old iMac which is fine for hotlapping (native res with no AI cars runs around 4-60 fps with all graphics on low) but when adding traffic the fps drops to around 30 with constant drops which makes it impossible to drive races or go online.

I was looking at the next configuration

Intel Core i5-4460
MSI H97 GUARD-PRO
Asus STRIX-GTX970-DC2OC-4GD5
Crucial Ballistix Tactical BLT2C4G3D1608ET3LX0CEU (8GB)

Fractal Design Define R4 Pearl Black
Seasonic M12II Evo 520W
Crucial MX100 256GB

I'm planning to use it with a 1080p display.

The questions I have is if the CPU is quick enough. I've read that normally the CPU is not that stressed in gaming but I would like to use this configuration for a couple of years. Also if I'm on the right track with this configuration or if there are some reasons why this system would not enough to run high graphics settings.

Thank you very much.

(I hope this topic is okay, I wouldn't know where to post it other than chit chat.)

 

Looks like an awesome build, if you can afford it, I'd be tempted to swop the i5 for an i7. then your looking at a really top end system, I upgraded to an i7 and have noticed the benefits in terms of FPs in certain games I play. the devils canyon looks like a nice option if your not an overclocker.

Although im sure you can play pretty much anything if you decide to stick with the i5, the 970 looks like the best value card on the market right now and I think ill make that my next choice too.

 

the gigabyte and msi versions of the gtx 970 are better than asus and evga.

 

From the research I have done so far I get the feeling that the i7 does not provide any boost over an i5. The main difference being hyperthreading and games not using it. Is it something that is expected from games being released in the future?

Again from reading about these cards I read the fastest one is the EVGA, the MSI seems to have some coilwhine (and has fans running every 30 seconds) and the Asus one is a good allrounder. I'll read around some more, thanks for the heads up.

 

i5 > i7 for gaming...
However!
I'd go for 'K' series, as they can be OC'd, and Intel CPU's can be nicely OC'd.

 

I'm not speaking from research, I am speaking from experience, and the I7 has more cores and that is not a disadvantage.

 

The I7 does not have more cores than the I5, it has 4 cores but with hyperthreading (each core being able to run two threads), that's why it's showing up as 8 cores. 8 cores is not always better than 4, the game needs to be able to exploit that, and it also depends on the processor. With the first generation of I7 and I5 processors and the games of those times the I5 actually performed better than the I7, however that changed with the latest generations of CPU and the newer games.

 

Looks like a good build, although you may find yourself a little short of storage space at 256GB, but then you may not, depending on how many games you play. If you have the extra cash, go for a GTX 980.

i5 should be plenty.

 

Isn't i7 current gen is 5, 6 cores, 12 threads, 40 PCI-E lines.
http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=Intel+Core+i7-5930K+@+3.50GHz

 

Yes, you're right, there are 6 and 8 core I7's, but last time I checked they were twice the price of an I5, so I'm not sure it would be fair to compare them

 

Yep, latest gen price/performance index is not that great. But hey, it should still be up to snuff a couple of years from now.

 

Thank you guys for the responses. It really helps in making the decision.

256GB should be fine to begin with, I still have a spare 1TB hdd if needed but with only Windows and AC on it I think it'll be enough for now. I was looking at the 980 but I think the extra investment will not be worth it for me. Thanks for the information as well.

 

yes the 980 is good if you plan to play on triple monitor or more high resolution, keep in mind that more resolution is high more is graphic demanding on the other side if you play on low resolution(eg 800*600) is more CPU intesive, whith the i5 and the 970 @1080p you are good, the difference in game for i5 and i7 is very little I think 2/3 fps maybe.
For multiplayer the cpu is very important not only the graphic card but as I told the i5 is fine

 

Purchase has been done and fun has been had so far. Thank you guys for the information, PC is definitely up to snuff so I'll be enjoying AC so much more now.