Which CPU is the best fit for a Radeon 4870 1GB?

[Randy_Marsh]

I know most people probably build new computers around their CPU, but after reading a bunch of material i've pretty much been sold on this card:

SAPPHIRE 100259-1GL Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready $240 retail

Meanwhile i've read countless articles about CPUs and can't make up my mind except i know i want to go with Intel. I still can't even decide between Dual, Quad, or i7... (i do know i want to try overclocking whatever i buy)

So my question is: which Intel CPU would "fit" best with the 4870 1GB in terms of neither one bottle-necking the other while playing games?

All comments are greatly appreciated,

Marsh

 

[Proximon]

It depends on your specific usage. See my guide, linked in my sig, for a discussion of quad vs. dual core.

Different games have different demands. Some need more processing power, some need more GPU power.

I'll give you a shotgun kind of estimate though. Q9550 OR E8500.

 

[Randy_Marsh]

thank you very much proximon

 

[HDLD]

I just built up a system after having selected my video card - an ASUS 1Gb 4870 Dark Knight. I was very undecided on CPU and thus MB and memory as well. Figured I should go big or stay home (i7 vs C2D). Since I will be OC'ing everything the C2D made good sense so went with an E8500. Haven't had time to play many games so can't speak to that very well yet but from what I can tell, I don't think I'll be disappointed.

I wanted to keep things reasonably simple so went big on the video card hoping to avoid multiple GPU's.