Best Gaming CPU for ~£50:
Pentium G860
| Pentium G860 | |
|---|---|
| Codename: | Sandy Bridge |
| Process: | 32 nm |
| CPU Cores/Threads: | 2 |
| Clock Speed: | 3.0 GHz |
| Socket: | LGA 1155 |
| L2 Cache: | 2 x 256 KB |
| L3 Cache: | 3 MB |
| Thermal Envelope: | 65 W |
It turns out that the budget-oriented Sandy Bridge-based Pentium family performs very well in games. Specifically, Intel's Pentium G630 beat the FX-4100, -6100, and -8120 in our sub-£160 CPU gaming comparison. In fact, it finished right on par with the Phenom II X4 955.
At 3.0 GHz, the Pentium G860 is 300 MHz faster than the G630, earning our recommendation at the £50 price point. There's not much else to add, except that if you consider the Phenom II X4 to be a capable gaming CPU, Intel's Pentium G860 is an even faster option that uses less power.
Best Gaming CPU for £70: None
With the discontinuation of Intel's Pentium G2120, there's little reason to spend more than £50 on a Pentium G860 until you can afford to step up to the FX-4170 or Core i3-3450, at least. We expect this position to remain until Intel introduces another Ivy Bridge-based budget processor at ~£70.
However, running the standard clocks then of course 3570K is better, as well as colder with lower TDP.
Paul
ITFT Computers
However, running the standard clocks then of course 3570K is better, as well as colder with lower TDP.
Paul
ITFT Computers
@ 4.8ghz the 3570k is faster than a 2500k @ 5ghz. Most people have no need to go above these clocks so I'd say the Ivy is the better choice. Theres not much in it though and as you stated the ivy don't o/c as good as the sandy. I wouldn't go past 4.8 on ivy
However, running the standard clocks then of course 3570K is better, as well as colder with lower TDP.
Paul
ITFT Computers
@ 4.8ghz the 3570k is faster than a 2500k @ 5ghz. Most people have no need to go above these clocks so I'd say the Ivy is the better choice. Theres not much in it though and as you stated the ivy don't o/c as good as the sandy. I wouldn't go past 4.8 on ivy
You can push over 5Ghz on Sandy no problem - no point doing that, but it is possible! Ivy as well as new Haswell is a fail for desktop in my opinion, yes they consume less power, but only about 5% faster than Sandy if that!!! Ivy overheats very quickly under overclocking - loads of info about it online.
For games it wouldn't make any difference anyway - no matter what CPU have you got IVy or Sandy - the i5 - 2500K or any i7...
Paul
ITFT Computers
However, running the standard clocks then of course 3570K is better, as well as colder with lower TDP.
Paul
ITFT Computers
@ 4.8ghz the 3570k is faster than a 2500k @ 5ghz. Most people have no need to go above these clocks so I'd say the Ivy is the better choice. Theres not much in it though and as you stated the ivy don't o/c as good as the sandy. I wouldn't go past 4.8 on ivy
You can push over 5Ghz on Sandy no problem - no point doing that, but it is possible! Ivy as well as new Haswell is a fail for desktop in my opinion, yes they consume less power, but only about 5% faster than Sandy if that!!! Ivy overheats very quickly under overclocking - loads of info about it online.
For games it wouldn't make any difference anyway - no matter what CPU have you got IVy or Sandy - the i5 - 2500K or any i7...
Paul
ITFT Computers
My 3570k @ 4.5 max temp on a gaming load is 60c and full load prime test is 65c. I'm only using a Xigmatek Gaia cooler also. I don't get why people say ivy runs hot! It's not that much of an issue until you really push it. 2500k and 3570k are both a good choice for any gamer.