How low can i go?

[pleasenoname]

I want to build a mid-level inexpensive gaming rig for a friend.
I will include a 9500 GT GPU, i anticipate that they probably will change that to something better later.

What is the lowest power/cost CPU I can put in it, without the CPU causing the performance to downgrade?

 

[moody89]

Your best bet is probably a Phenom II X3 chip if you're talking budget; or you can go for an X4 if the money stretches a bet. Either way the AMD route is the way to go for a budget build.

 

[pleasenoname]

What about a x2 or even a neo or turion?

 

[moody89]

A high-end X2 should be ok, but I'd go for at least the X3; I don't think there's a massive price difference. And I definitely wouldn't go any lower than an X2 so a Turion is out of the question

 

[AMW1011]

The Athlon II X2 240/250 will do perfectly fine for your needs, no need for the expensive Phenom.

 

[pleasenoname]

Is your i5 Overclocked? I haven't tried that with my PhenomIIx4 955 yet.

 

[pleasenoname]

I want to use this 1.8 GHz dual core sempron: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductReview.aspx?Item=N82E16819103260

 

[Keiki646]

I want to use this 1.8 GHz dual core sempron: http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductReview.aspx?Item=N82E16819103260

This is better http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103726

 

[shravankale]

AMD Phenom II X2 555 is what you are looking for

 

[pleasenoname]

yes, it is better. I want to use the weakest possible though.

 

[saaiello]

This build makes no sence to me lLOL

 

[pleasenoname]

I like efficiency, there is no reason to put a quad core 3.6 MHz CPU on a machine that will only run KOTOR or something. I recently built my first with that CPU. Now i intend to build a low level gaming machine.

Consider that the Playstation One was only 33Mhz, yet the games looked better than any computer games at the time. This was because of the efficiency of the delivery system/build.

 

[shravankale]

What about a x2 or even a neo or turion?

AMD Phenom II x2 555BE is one good processors.....

EDIT: Sorry for double posting this

 

[shravankale]

yes, it is better. I want to use the weakest possible though.

Then go for Athlon II processors, or Semperon, Intel Pentium 4...

 

[pleasenoname]

Best answer selected by pleasenoname.