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 £140:
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 £140.
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.
Create a new thread in the UK Article comments forum about this subject
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2 HideWarlord Zorg , 24 January 2014 17:04aren't the i7-4770K and i5-4670k LGA1150 Socket?
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1 HideWarlord Zorg , 26 January 2014 22:15Us site Got it right?? And aparrently more people to comment!??
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1 Hidemironso , 27 January 2014 08:42"...while we generally recommend against purchasing any gaming..."Is there missing something, is this right, this sentence? Generally recommend against - not the best mix of words.
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1 Hidemironso , 27 January 2014 08:44"...while we generally recommend against purchasing any gaming..."Is there missing something, is this right, this sentence? Generally recommend against - not the best mix of words.
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1 Hidemironso , 27 January 2014 08:45"...while we generally recommend against purchasing any gaming..."Is there missing something, is this right, this sentence? Generally recommend against - not the best mix of words.
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0 Hideruban71 , 9 February 2014 22:38AMD FX 8320 is available for £110. Would be my choice for mid range