I use the M5A99x R 1.0, roughly the same except only one 16x slot. I have used a 965II, 6100 and now an 8350. I would suggest any of the new pyledrivers, just because they are more efficient and the work better with Asus's AI suite regarding the TPU, overclocking and EPU, ECO mode switches from the MB. The 965 ran a little hotter, but only few degrees. I would get a 6350 or 8350. 6350 is best bang for the buck.