Best CPU for intensive gaming under $200?

[Poltregeist]

I am looking for a good CPU to run games well with a 7850 in games like BF3, Planetside 2, etc. My current CPU in my dream build is a i5-3570k, but I am afraid that I may not be able to suffice the money for it and the expensive mobo that comes with it. I have been looking at AMD a bit, and also I do not want i3s as a suggestion. They may be a good processor, but I just don't like them for some reason. I have a A10-5800k on a backup build for less money, so I know about that. Suggestions?

 

[burgessanthony]

low end i5 ivy like a 3450 or 3550. will turbo quite high and there will be basically nod ifferent in gaming between that and a non-OC 3570K

 

[Rockdpm]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115234

 

[sookster54]

Phenom II X6 1100T if you can get your hands on one (that's if you already have an AM3/AM3+ mobo), otherwise yes the A10 5800K and a A85 MicroATX mobo combined will get you JUST over $200 (in Canadian $ at least).

I'm personally looking at an i5 3570K and an Asus P8Z77 board combo for $369 CDN, too cheap to pass up on.

 

[watters1996]

I'd say the fx series are a good amd series, i have one and it does game quite well considering it only cost £140

 

[Regor245]

On that price range, get the i5-3450/70 ^

 

[spookyman]

If you have a Microcenter in your neck of the woods, you can pick up a i5-3570k Ivy Bridge for $189.99. They have i5-2500k's going for $159.99 at the moment.

 

[Poltregeist]

Phenom II X6 1100T if you can get your hands on one (that's if you already have an AM3/AM3+ mobo), otherwise yes the A10 5800K and a A85 MicroATX mobo combined will get you JUST over $200 (in Canadian $ at least).

I'm personally looking at an i5 3570K and an Asus P8Z77 board combo for $369 CDN, too cheap to pass up on.

Might resort to that X6, but otherwise I will check out that i5 combo

 

[apocalypse619]

I just paid 270$ for I5 3550 and Asrock H77M Mobo.

 

[eshepard]

Tiger direct has a 3570k for 182 shipped right now

http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/81440/tigerdirect.com-intel-core-i5-3570k-ivy-bridge-3.4ghz-lga-1155-quadcore-desktop-processor

I paired this with an msi z77a-g41 motherboard I got for $63 on amazon with a mail in rebate
it is 60 at newegg with specials and rebates
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130653


Newegg has a 7850 for 142 on special

http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/81238/newegg-xfx-core-edition-radeon-hd-7850-1gb-256bit-gddr5-pci-express-video-card-fx785aznfc-two-worlds-pc-game-coupon


combine those and you got a what i think is a pretty awesome budget build, $384 for cpu, mobo, and video

 

[Rockdpm]

Tiger direct has a 3570k for 182 shipped right now

http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/81440/tigerdirect.com-intel-core-i5-3570k-ivy-bridge-3.4ghz-lga-1155-quadcore-desktop-processor

I paired this with an msi z77a-g41 motherboard I got for $63 on amazon with a mail in rebate
it is 60 at newegg with specials and rebates
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130653


Newegg has a 7850 for 142 on special

http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/81238/newegg-xfx-core-edition-radeon-hd-7850-1gb-256bit-gddr5-pci-express-video-card-fx785aznfc-two-worlds-pc-game-coupon


combine those and you got a what i think is a pretty awesome budget build, $384 for cpu, mobo, and video

You got real potential

 

[Poltregeist]

Tiger direct has a 3570k for 182 shipped right now

http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/81440/tigerdirect.com-intel-core-i5-3570k-ivy-bridge-3.4ghz-lga-1155-quadcore-desktop-processor

I paired this with an msi z77a-g41 motherboard I got for $63 on amazon with a mail in rebate
it is 60 at newegg with specials and rebates
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130653


Newegg has a 7850 for 142 on special

http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/81238/newegg-xfx-core-edition-radeon-hd-7850-1gb-256bit-gddr5-pci-express-video-card-fx785aznfc-two-worlds-pc-game-coupon


combine those and you got a what i think is a pretty awesome budget build, $384 for cpu, mobo, and video

Wh, I have heard that everything MSI dies within a few months...but if you can find me a few great deals and combos on Newegg, I will love you forever

 

[Rockdpm]

Idk MSI Overclocking is what makes it die. the motherboards them selves are fine as long as you get a good one

 

[eshepard]

I have never had a problem with msi, the 3570k is built for overclocking, the g41 is advertised as such, but it's not great, but at 60 bucks who is complaining??

i overclocked mine to 4.2 ghz, but I am running at stock mostly, my gpu is bottlenecking, not my processor so why bother

 

[Poltregeist]

I have never had a problem with msi, the 3570k is built for overclocking, the g41 is advertised as such, but it's not great, but at 60 bucks who is complaining??

i overclocked mine to 4.2 ghz, but I am running at stock mostly, my gpu is bottlenecking, not my processor so why bother

What GPU do you have?

 

[eshepard]

What GPU do you have?

i picked up an HIS 7870 for $200 on special at newegg

I really wanted an nvidia card, I think they are bettr, but i was working on a budget build, bang for your buck, and this was a better value.

http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/647?vs=548

the comparable performing nvidia card, the 660ti is 300

also the motherboard is crossfire, so I am thinking that down the line i can add another video card on the cheap, and get some more life out of the system

 

[Poltregeist]

Best answer selected by Poltregeist.