Which CPU to go with the 6950

[raktorn]

Hello there.
I'm putting together a gaming rig.
I have decided on the sapphire radeon HD 6950 as mf GPU and I would like some advice on which would be an appropriate CPU
Would a I3 2120 suffice or should I get a slightly better CPU to get the best out of my GPU?
I do not plan on over clocking and my budget for a CPU is upto about £150.
any money not spent on the CPU can go into other parts of my build making it more reliable or pretty (the case).

thanks for reading.

 

[antonisrsx]

it is better to go with a quad core cpu. Intel Core i5-3450 3.10GHz is a good choice for £155.
http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CP-407-IN&groupid=701&catid=6&subcat=567

 

[raktorn]

would a mid- top range i3 be alright with the 6950 or would I not get the full benefit of the GPU?

 

[amuffin]

An i3 will be able to use the 6950 to it's full potential, in fact it won't bottleneck even the highest end cards.

 

[raktorn]

will i see a massive iprovement when gaming with an I5 over and I3 or just a few FPS? is it worth the extra few £'s?
My system is purely for gaming so wont be gaming while listening to music and browsing at the same time.

 

[amuffin]

What games?

 

[raktorn]

Planning on getting metro 2033(or w/e its called) SC2, Diablo 3, crysis 1+2( I know 2 is less demanding but still want to get it), witcher 2 and some CoD like shooting games for the multiplayer mainly.