Getting a new CPU

[twistedtraceur]

I'm looking at getting a new cpu but im at a conflict.
I want to know if i should just get a hyperthreaded 3.0ghz dual core. or get a 2.6ghz quad core.
I'm building it for gaming

Also what is currently the best of the two. and what mobo would go good with it.

 

[hunter315]

Which two are you currently looking at? Realize that hyper threading creates logical cores, which do not process as many instructions per clock as a physical one would. If you are looking at an i3 vs an i5 the i5 will will in multithreaded tasks, but most games are still only dual threaded. You have to consider more than just the CPU, what will you be using the system for? Whats the budget range? Is the hyper threaded dual core significantly cheaper than the quad or are they fairly close? If they are fairly close go for the native quad.

 

[twistedtraceur]

well this goes into the question intel or amd. and trying to keep it under 300. using it for gaming

 

[Raidur]

For a budget of $300 for the CPU alone the i7-920 is your best bet. It runs about $280 (worth every penny) if i remember correctly, and is on the best socket available; 1366.

And for the mobo, this one tickles my fancy, and should do you the same pleasure.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131365

If that exceeds your budget and/or you don't plan on ever doing TRI SLI/Xfire then a cheaper option is this.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131386

If that seems a little costly then the i5-750 ($200) will still be enough for any GPU setup out there so far and into the future, the i7-920 on LGA 1366 will just give you a bit better future-ability and upgrade path.

AMD is still a great choice and is strong enough to power most GPU setups out there as well (if using the Phenom II 955 or better). However if you can afford it the intel is worth the price premium and will last you a bit longer without bottlenecking future graphics card setups.

Either way you go you'll be more than impressed. HF.