Which CPU for gaming?

[danieljamesm]

AMD Phenom II X2 555 Black Edition 3.2GHz
Core Speed (MHz) 3200
6MB L3 CACHE
CMOS 45nm SOI

I'm thinking the L3 cache in this may really help.

or

AMD Athlon II X3 450 3.2GHz

Clock Speed - 3.2 GHz
Cache Memory - L2 1.5 MB ( 3 x 512 KB)
45 nm
Socket - Socket AM3

Exactly the same speed but with an extra core, although no L3 cache. I think this would be good for when I have background programs?

I would be playing the older Call of Dutys, Crysis and some other games. GTX 460 GPU.
Over at computerforums.org they think the Athlon would be best.

 

[sportsfanboy]

The X3 is slightly slower clock for clock, 3 to 7 percent I believe. So to me it's makes sense to go for the triple core. You also have a chance of unlocking the 4th core with the right mobo.

Overclock the triple to an easy 3.6ghz and happy gaming.

 

[gordon_81]

It hardly Goes Unlocked & stabkle with 3X & 2X amd CPUS ! so why dont you get x4 950 BE & get your self Out of unlocking & ocing Trouble & experience Pure Quad Core , i recommand Phenom 965BE if u ahev enough money ! its greatest AMD Option or phenom 950 !

Unlocking is Risky , you may Fail & after unlocking 3rth or 4rth core you get your 4rth Core Unstable ! but if you still wanna accept this risk then from 2 Listed CPU

AMD Phenom II X2 555 Black Edition 3.2GHz is better because Phenom is better than Athlon ! compare them at ANANDtech.com

face palm