Best processor in the $80-110 range?

[Nicklovn]

I've been debating between the Phenom II X4 965, Phenom II X6 1045t, fx 4100, fx 4170.

I can get the X6 at Micro Center for about $90 but they don't seem to have the X4 (currently $85 on NewEgg).

Also, what's the best motherboard for the processors? I was originally looking at the m5a97 Asus board but now I'm not so sure.

The Uses will be mostly gaming. Thanks in advance.

 

[socialfox]

Well for the motherboard it will depend if you plan on overclocking. If not the M5A78L-M LX plus will do just fine. Also for gaming I would settle for the X4 965.

Edit: This should be interesting to watch
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjvKgj3Kb3o

Though just don't take all benchmarks seriously since every setup varies and so on, there are many factors.

 

[Nicklovn]

Oh I have no problem Overclocking. I'm planning on buying a heat sink so I don't need to use the stock fan. Overclocking isn't an issue Thanks for the reply.

 

[mace200200]

You want to OC? Go with a Phenom 965, I've seen people take those up to 4.5Ghz before. For a heatsink I'd recommend the Cooler Master 212 EVO, I threw one on my friends 965 a while back, it's very nice. I also run the smaller version of it the TX3. Both are nice coolers.

 

[socialfox]

You want any help with finding a cpu cooler? You could settle with either an Enermax ETS T40 or the Hyper 212 if looking for some of the best price/performance coolers. I currently have the Kuhler 620 on my processor which is the Phenom II X4 955 Black edition and it keeps it below high 50's @ 4 ghz. That being said the Hyper 212 EVO and the Kuhler 620 are pretty much equivalent in cooling performance.

On a side note, how much are you buying the m5a97 for?

Edit: Pretty much what mace200200 said, im starting to get slower at typing 🙁

 

[Nicklovn]

Well, see, I was looking to do another build a couple of months ago (before these new bulldozers game out). The m5a97 was offered as a combo deal at Micro center with the 965.

Now I see it on New Egg for $90.

 

[socialfox]

Are you located in the states or in Canada? I can look for a motherboard if you want.

 

[Nicklovn]

I'm in the states. I actually have a Micro Center very nearby. I found a bundle with the
fx 6300 and an m5a97. Though I can go with the fx 4170 too. I figure I won't get an improvement in any games with 6 cores.

 

[socialfox]

The FX-6300 is a viable alternative to the 965, you should get that over the FX-4170. However if you do still find a deal with a 965 and a motherboard it would not hurt to get that. It is a controversial topic on whether the 965 or the 6300 is better as usually people go for either and it is not clear which one is better (to me 😛 )