Best Gaming CPU for £90:
Core i3-3220
| Core i3-3220 | |
|---|---|
| Codename: | Ivy Bridge |
| Process: | 22 nm |
| CPU Cores/Threads: | 2/4 |
| Clock Speed (Max. Turbo): | 3.3 GHz |
| Socket: | LGA 1155 |
| L2 Cache: | 2x 256 KB |
| L3 Cache: | 3 MB |
| Thermal Envelope: | 55 W |
Intel's Ivy Bridge-based CPUs are very capable gaming processors. Benchmark data makes it clear that Intel's Hyper-Threading technology is effective in mitigating the limitations of a dual-core CPU in games. Although a locked multiplier limits overclocking to a few-megahertz bump in BCLK frequency, we still consider this chip to be a good starting point for gamers who might upgrade to a faster LGA 1155-based processor in the future.
Read our review of the Ivy Bridge-based CPUs here.
Honourable Mention:
FX-4300
| FX-4300 | |
|---|---|
| Codename: | Vishera |
| Process: | 32 nm |
| CPU Cores/Threads: | 2/4 |
| Clock Speed (Max. Turbo): | 3.8 GHz (4.0 GHz) |
| Socket: | AM3+ |
| L2 Cache: | 2 x 2 MB |
| L3 Cache: | 8 MB |
| Thermal Envelope: | 95 W |
At stock clock rates, AMD's FX-4300 is able to keep up with the Phenom II X4 965 and just about reach the Core i3-3220. However, its TDP is 35 W lower than the Phenom, and an unlocked multiplier is an advantage over the Core i3. We're giving it an honorable mention for the few reasons folks might want to consider a low-cost CPU built on the Piledriver architecture.
Read our review of the Vishera-based FX CPUs here.
Best Gaming CPU for £135:
Core i5-3350P
| Core i5-3350P | |
|---|---|
| Codename: | Ivy Bridge |
| Process: | 22 nm |
| CPU Cores/Threads: | 4 |
| Clock Speed (Max. Turbo): | 3.1 GHz (3.3 GHz) |
| Socket: | LGA 1155 |
| L2 Cache: | 4 x 256 KB |
| L3 Cache: | 6 MB |
| Thermal Envelope: | 69 W |
Intel's Sandy and Ivy Bridge-based Core i5 processors are well-known for their gaming prowess at reasonable prices, and the Core i5-3350P is a particularly interesting option at £135.
The P suffix is an indication that Intel disables its HD Graphics engine, but we're perfectly alright with such a decision. If you're buying a gaming processor, you're going to want discrete graphics anyway. Consequently, this CPU ducks in under 70 W.
Read our review of the Ivy Bridge-based CPUs here.
This is also one of the reasons why 680 matches 7970 despite having less VRAM. It also has better memory controllers.