Best processor for gaming?

[fgin23]

Hey everyone, I want to know what is the best processor for gaming, and also the best bang for the buck. I am leaning towards getting the i5 3570k. Also I plan on overclocking.

Currently I am planning to use the Gigabyte GA-Z77X-UD5H mobo with it.
Along with a AMD radeon 7970 3gb graphics card.

So my questions are
1. Is the i5 3570k a good processor for gaming and will it be a good processor with my mobo and graphics setup?
2. I dont think I need an i7 but if you think I do please explain why.

Thank You!

 

[clutchc]

Here's how Tom's ranks them. http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-cpu-review-overclock,3106-5.html
The i5 is more than adequate for gaming with a HD 7970.

 

[rds1220]

An I5 is fine for gaming. There is no need for an I7 if all you're doing is gaming. The I7 comes with hyperthreading and more L3 cache two things that most games really don't make use off. So you would be paying for extra stuff that games makes use of. I would go with an I5 2500k especially if you plan on overclocking. The new Ivy Bridges only gives a 10-15% performance increase with better graphics. The better graphics aren't going to matter because you're using a dedicated video card. Ivy Bridges also runs hotter than the older Sandy Bridges especially when overclocked. IMO it's not worth it.

 

[devinsmit]

Yes, get the i5 3570K 3.4GHz LGA 1155 Processor, its only $190 at microcenter (brick and mortar only). It is very similar to the 2500k but has less power consumption, there is no reason to get a 2500k over the 3570k.

 

[amuffin]

Why are you not getting a GTX 670?

 

[sarinaide]

The 3570K is the best and only choice for a gaming machine right now.

As for the 7970, I don't really understand why people are now considering it a bad card? While the 670 is cheaper and offers great performance which on a budget recommendation is feasible, performance the 7970 is still faster, the GTX 670 doesn't come close to a GTX 680 contrary to the old rumour that it matched a 680 on a minor bump, that is fallacy and completely untrue, notwithstanding pointless comparing a overclocked highest end mid level card to a stock high end card, on that priciple alone I can get a higher score with overclocked 7850's and 7870's, doesn't make them better than a GTX 680. Overall the choice in a 7970 is still a very good one.

 

[FlintIronStagg]

Yes, get the i5 3570K 3.4GHz LGA 1155 Processor, its only $190 at microcenter (brick and mortar only). It is very similar to the 2500k but has less power consumption, there is no reason to get a 2500k over the 3570k.

Have you researched the 3570? I assume so you would have read that the 3570 might be the "step up" to the 2500k but thermals are alot higher which means although its slightly faster per clock its a wash with the 2500k having a higher Possible overclock due to better thermals.
Nobody interested in gaming would want the integrated gpu
The 2500k is still a very viable and capable option for gaming today and at 169 bux at micro center its kind of a no brainer

 

[bjugs365]

Yes, get the i5 3570K 3.4GHz LGA 1155 Processor, its only $190 at microcenter (brick and mortar only). It is very similar to the 2500k but has less power consumption, there is no reason to get a 2500k over the 3570k.

Have you researched the 3570? I assume so you would have read that the 3570 might be the "step up" to the 2500k but thermals are alot higher which means although its slightly faster per clock its a wash with the 2500k having a higher Possible overclock due to better thermals.
Nobody interested in gaming would want the integrated gpu
The 2500k is still a very viable and capable option for gaming today and at 169 bux at micro center its kind of a no brainer

 

[Flakkattack]

I agree with the comment about i5's being the best right now for gaming. At least with my setup, I have a really good clock on it and see a great performance. This chip also works real well with the mobo that you have.