Best Gaming CPU for £85:
Honourable Mention:
FX-6300
| FX-6300 | |
|---|---|
| Codename: | Vishera |
| Process: | 32 nm |
| CPU Cores/Threads: | 6/6 |
| Clock Speed (Max. Turbo): | 3.5 GHz (4.1 GHz) |
| Socket: | AM3+ |
| L2 Cache: | 3 x 2 MB |
| L3 Cache: | 8 MB |
| Thermal Envelope: | 95 W |
The FX-6300 fares fairly well in gaming, presumably thanks to better multi-core utilization and optimization for AMD's architecture over time. While Intel's Core i3-4130 offers a bit more gaming performance, we don't think you'll be able to tell the difference. On the other hand, the FX-6300 costs £5 less, and features six integer cores that unquestionably benefit performance in threaded desktop applications.
Read our review of the Vishera-based FX CPUs here.
Best Gaming CPU for £90:
Core i3-4130
| Core i3-4130 | |
|---|---|
| Codename: | Haswell |
| Process: | 22 nm |
| CPU Cores/Threads: | 2/4 |
| Clock Speed (Max. Turbo): | 3.4 GHz |
| Socket: | LGA 1150 |
| Integrated GPU: | HD Graphics 4400 (350 MHz, 1.15 GHz Turbo) |
| Cache: | 2 x 64 KB, 2 x 256 KB, 3 MB |
| Thermal Envelope: | 54 W |
Intel's Haswell-based CPUs are very capable in games, though we're increasingly seeing dual-core Pentiums lagging behind in our favorite titles. Conversely, benchmark data makes it clear that the company's Hyper-Threading technology is effective in helping improve the performance of Core i3 CPUs in those same blockbusters. Although a locked multiplier limits overclocking to a few-megahertz bump in BCLK frequency, we still consider Intel's Core i3-4130 to be a good starting point for gamers who might upgrade to a faster LGA 1150-based processor in the future.
Read our review of the Haswell-based CPUs here.
Best Gaming CPU for £130:
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 £130.
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.
When (if ever) are we going to see updated FX processors to challang Intel in the mid range? Have AMD just given up on this area?
Though, if HSA is transparent to all forms of software (I.E, already-made programs/games), I'd expect AMD to become the champ. At least for a short while.
Not all game support Hyperthreaded logical cores, but more do support multi core CPUs like AMD's 8 cores.
Sure right now I do not see an OC'd i5 holding you back much either, but can only be a good thing to see AMD do well and help make the CPU market even more competative in the near future... really feels like Intel have been dragging their feet in recent years while keeping prices up (also good for AMD who were left a bit far behind for a while there)
And I think they recommended the i5 3570K instead of the Haswell i5 4670K, because Ivy Bridge can clock much higher than haswell and also runs cooler.
Aren't gamers most likely to buy a stand alone GPU?
Why bother with CPU's with integrated GPU.
Why pay for something you will never use?
What about the guys that pimp their systems with all kinds of water, led, etc..
And isnt it much easier to upgrade just your GPU instead of CPU + MOBO?
The table states 2 cores but I'm pretty sure it has 4.