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

[xpeh]

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.

 

[seumas_beathan]

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

 

[nagol567]

the i3-2100 is the best gaming processor at that price point.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-fx-pentium-apu-benchmark,3120-10.html
after that you need a i5-2400 or 2500k if you plan on overclocking.

 

[nagol567]

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.

 

[WR2]

What is a good CPU that can run games at 60fps?

Are low graphics setting and low monitor resolutions OK?

 

[deejayburnout]

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

Depends what games you wanna play

 

[esrever]

the pentium g840 is a good cpu for cheap gaming.

 

[xpeh]

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.

 

[esrever]

check the pentium G series. They are cheap and capable for gaming.

 

[biscuitasylum]

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...

the i3-2100 is the best gaming processor at that price point.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-fx-pentium-apu-benchmark,3120-10.html
after that you need a i5-2400 or 2500k if you plan on overclocking.

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

the pentium g840 is a good cpu for cheap gaming.

check the pentium G series. They are cheap and capable for gaming.

esrever has provided two great examples.

 

[mahin1islam]

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.

yes, there are cheaper options. you could get a Athlon II x2, or a AMD a6. but i recommend the i3, it is a lot better, and u future-proof your self

 

[omega21xx]

yes, there are cheaper options. you could get a Athlon II x2, or a AMD a6. but i recommend the i3, it is a lot better, and u future-proof your self

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.

 

[xpeh]

Which Pentium model would be optimal? I just need something capable of playing a 1080p and playing games.

 

[esrever]

g860, g850 or g840 all will do.

 

[amuffin]

860, or i3-2100, man that thing won't even bottleneck a gtx 580.

 

[xpeh]

860, or i3-2100, man that thing won't even bottleneck a gtx 580.

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

 

[esrever]

no

 

[xpeh]

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?

 

[amuffin]

Nope, though get a mobo that can support ivybridge, and you might be able to upgrade to an i5-3570k or an i7-3770k.

 

[xpeh]

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.

 

[esrever]

why do you need upgradability with a htpc???

 

[amuffin]

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

 

[xpeh]

I meant to type HTPC/Gaming build. And the Asrock z68 would be too big to put on a drawer or a shelf. But I'm probably going to sell the desktop before upgrading it, so I actually won't need the option to upgrade. Do you know any good Socket 1155 MicroATX motherboards?

 

[amuffin]

I meant to type HTPC/Gaming build. And the Asrock z68 would be too big to put on a drawer or a shelf. But I'm probably going to sell the desktop before upgrading it, so I actually won't need the option to upgrade. Do you know any good Socket 1155 MicroATX motherboards?

This looks like an average board: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130612

 

[xpeh]

Well, I still need a motherboard that's under 70 dollars. I'm building with a budget of 600 and have 70 dollars for a mobo.