What's the cheapest/best processor for running games at 60fps

I'm building an HTPC with a Radeon 6850. Since I'll be playing at 1080p, my frames would be limited to 60fps (?). What is a good CPU that can run games at 60fps? I was planning on an i3-2100, but I think there are cheaper options available.

A pentium 4 will play street fighter at 60fps so you should get that, no seriously you have to say what games?

and you may not get 60fps on all games with a 6850. two 6870's in crossfire is the cheapest set-up to play battlefield 3 in 1080p on ultra. after that you need either a 590, 6990, 7950, or 7970.

some games are cpu heavy like skyrim, others are gpu heavy like battlefield 3.

Depends what games you wanna play

I'd like to play games like Fallout 3 on max settings. And maybe Skyrim and Battlefield 3, but I don't need to max them. I play at a resolutions of 1920X1080 (1080i), 1080X720 (720p), and maybe 1280X1024. I'm trying to spend the least amount of money as possible while still maintaining good performance.

XPEH states: "I was planning on an i3-2100, but I think there are cheaper options available."


the following two examples...

First example... Someone who doesn't comprehend well...

Our Second Example... Someone who comprehends well...

esrever has provided two great examples.

If the OP is looking at saving money they can still get a 1155 socket pentium cpu and be able to have upgradablity to an i5/i7 later. The i3 is a good option but without overclocking and HT pretty much useless in games (if not harmful) The OP can save some cash and get a pentium like esrever suggested.

g860, g850 or g840 all will do.

The g860 is 10 dollars less. Would it bottleneck a 6870?

Then I'm going to get a G860 then. Plus, I can upgrade to an i3/i5/i7 later on. Also, is the G860 overclockable?

I'm trying to get more of a budget gaming build. Do you know any Socket 1155 motherboards that support Ivy Bridge that are under $70? I don't plan on overclocking. Just playing games and watching HD movies.

Spend a bit more for an asrock z68 extreme 3 gen 3.

This looks like an average board: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813130612

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813157241

@esrever +1000. you are on fire with this thread

G860 will do that fine, you may squeeze a bit more life out of the i3 2100 but the Pentium line SB are capable of playing said games bar BF3 on comfortable FPS and they cost next to nothing (sort of).

Sadly I don't see you running BF3 at 60FPS for $70 but Skyrim perhaps.

As long as I get at least 30 frames a second, I'm fine. The less I spend, the better.

I'm more of a fan of older games. Would I be able to completely max Fallout 3?

yes you can max fallout3.

also can max skyrim.

can generally max all older games.

You will probably play it on High/Ultra balance, the G series 1155 processors are by and large faster than a Core2 Duo, so if a C2D can, then I don't see why not.

The trick here is not to put to much expectations on the chip, it is a good build but you cannot compare it to a i5 or i7, even to the i3. But for a budget you will get vastly better performance than the old setups.

Enjoy your upgrade, I hope it brings you many late mornings.