Best Gaming CPUs For The Money: January 2012 (Archive)

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When I stated that I do not do proprietary computers I meant brand name machines. I will not buy a Dell, Gateway, HP, or anything like that. I used to by Acer but only until they also started putting crapware on their machines.
 

Except the total compute performance on those 8-cores console SoCs is barely on par with current desktop CPUs and with desktop CPUs being more efficient at less heavily threaded code with around twice the throughput per core, I would not expect game developers to bust their asses trying to maintain the same degree of multi-threading if they conclude merging threads which are not necessary on PCs is easier than debugging inter-process communication, mutexes, etc.

So I would not expect much change game-wise any time soon.
 
"JustPosting101Wow... serious AMD Bias in this article, I mean... an Athlon II x4? Really???"

I think you need to look up the specs on the Athlon II X4 750K. It's not a Propus-based chip like you seem to be inferring, it's a Trinity-based CPU (a Vishera without Lvl 3 cache).
 


Their comment system is screwed. When he posted that, it was Propus. Look at the date.
 
That's what the chart says. But it's kinda inaccurate. In single-threaded performance, sure. Not so much in well threaded software.

Just another example of the limitations of a simple hierarchy chart.
 
Well even the recommendations are not entirely right. FX 8320 should also have at least an honorable mention. I wouldn't want an i3 at all, even in a mini-ITX gaming rig. I wouldn't want anything less than an i5 on any intel rig, even if I had to hit up Ebay for a used Sandy Bridge one. If someone wants a mini ITX rig, save up to get a better CPU if wanting to go Intel. It is a shame there are no mini itx boards for FX.
 

Except the bulk of mainstream software is still poorly/lightly threaded so there is no getting around single-threaded performance accounting for a large chunk of the chart ranking.

You could always start your own chart using only titles that show decent scaling with extra CPU cores/threads.
 

After seeing the results from the "$400 Spirit of Mini-ITX" build, I must respectfully disagree. On a tight budget, especially willing to accept modest but still "decent" settings, it would appear that even a Pentium can be used in a competent gamer. Particularly for non-bleeding edge titles, the Pentium looks to be at least a match for AMD's similarly-priced offerings, and some higher.
As to the lack of a mini-ITX AM3+ board, I have mixed feelings about that. The issues of power use and heat might give such a system a distressingly short life for anyone who doesn't know exactly what he's doing as far as cooling is concerned.

 
Well APU's are not really much different power wise than some of the FX's so I see no issue on heat or power use. I would go an buy a used sandy bridge i5 before I bought an i3. If I am looking at a Pentium sized budget, I would get a 750/760k before I bought a Pentium.
 
For some well-threaded titles, the 750K might be the better choice for performance. Still, the AMD option will cost more (I get $175 for CPU+mobo) than the Intel option ($160 for CPU plus the cheapest board I'd buy; could be as low as $120 with a cheap H61), and may not always outperform the Pentium.
There's still the system-killing heat issue if you try to OC the 750K.
For my part, this isn't meant to be an Intel vs. AMD debate though; my point is that, as shown by the benchmarks, a Pentium doesn't automatically suck as a gaming CPU.
 
Newest games, on high / ultra settings, yes. Older games, or with more modest settings, the benchmarks in the build article I cited showed the Pentium is still quite capable of providing an enjoyable experience. If I can afford an i5, of course that's what I'll choose, but if I can't, I'm not simply doomed, and can still enjoy games.
 
To those who can not buy into the latest and greatest.Do not fall into the hole.I have a MSI P6N SLI Motherboard Socket 775 with a Q6600 oc'd to 3.0 ghz, 6 gig 800mhz ram a GTX 650ti boost and the most important part a great 600 watt power supply from corsair.I have two 500gig sata 300 HD's one with win7 and one with XP.I run everything from rendering 3d models on 3dsmax,skyrim with HD texture packs to crysis 3 with no lag and "no issues" at 1080p on a 42 inch 240hz TV through HDMI and yes in 3d on some games.My total cost 350dollars minus the TV I already had.Do your research on the parts before you buy them.I have had no issue with buying used,refurb parts(obtained the above mentioned PC off craigs list for 100 dollars just replaced broken power supply with new one added, videocard and hdd with win 7,Sold the 8800 ultra that came with it for 50 bucks on ebay).I also look for rebates and sales.The one part I would not buy used or buy cheap is my power supply as this can make or break any system.This is not a money issue for me as I could plop down 3 grand for a system right now but why I have other hobbies too.I did not comment here to dish those who buy the latest and greatest as I commend them for keeping up on the leading edge of tech.I wrote this comment for those who bow there heads because they our not in a position to have the latest and greatest and want to game and such on the PC.There our low cost options for you.Just take my advise above and shop around and do your research.Just because it is new or the latest does not mean its better....PC gamer to the END........................................Peace
 
^Agreed, darkone. I know what the charts show you "have to have" in order to play modern games on "UltraMaxOhWOW," but you are absolutely correct that even way down the hierarchy charts you can play modern games on "enjoyable."
 

Holy wall'o'text Batman!

But yeah, for most intents and purposes, the latest and greatest CPUs are greatly over-rated. Particularly for people who are only looking for casual gaming.
 
That really depends on the workload. For light use, office productivity, Internet surfing, and email, the i3 wins thanks to its greater IPC and efficiency. In heavier threaded loads, the 6300 comes out on top.
 
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