Best CPU Match For MSI GTX 960 2G

[Edwin_9]

Hey.
I was wondering what would be a great CPU for the MSI GTX 960 2G. Budget is $250.

Thanks.

 

[raisonjohn]

What's your motherboard/platform?

 

[Edwin_9]

What's your motherboard/platform?

I will be buying a new MOBO with the CPU

 

[raisonjohn]

If you are to max. out that $250 budget for the CPU, the best you can get is:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD - Ryzen 5 1600X 3.6GHz 6-Core Processor ($245.98 @ PCM)
Total: $245.98
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-05-28 15:48 EDT-0400

or

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel - Core i5-7600K 3.8GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.00 @ Amazon)
Total: $229.00
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2017-05-28 15:49 EDT-0400

The first option is 6-core/12-thread AMD CPU ideal for gaming AND multitasking. The second option is a 4-core/4-thread Intel CPU ideal for pure gaming. Both CPUs are overclockable (doesn't include a stock cooler so you need to purchase that separately). The AMD CPU needs an AM4-socket motherboard (ideally, a B350 or X370 mobo, which supports OC). The Intel CPU needs an LGA1151-socket motherboard (ideally, a Z270 mobo, which supports OC). Both CPUs will handle your GTX 960 2GB easily.

Getting any of those 2 GPUs will give you the opportunity to upgrade your GPU to a more powerful one in the future.