What are the best value for money CPUs at the moment?

[slideyep]

Hey,

I just upgraded to an HD7850 and am wondering what a good, value for money CPU would be to accompany it? I'm currently running an Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU Q8200 @2.33GHz 2.34GHz. Cheers

PS I'm running a P5QL/EPU motherboard and my budget would be around $300

 

[stanistheman]

core i5 2500k or i5 3570k if you want pcie 3.0

 

[mojito0]

Well there are many Value for money good CPUs in many price ranges aswell could you inform us with your current budget so you can get a more accurate answer ?

 

[serenatous]

But with a i5 2500k or 3570k you will need to change your motherboard as well.

Because a q8200 is a LGA775 socket so it will not be compatible with the above mentioned cpu.

And the rams also you will need to buy a ddr3 instead of a ddr2.

Just thought to inform you incase you thought it was as easy as buying an i5 and sticking it in your current Motherboard.



Guys i think he is asking about the LGA775 socket and not a whole new build.

 

[slideyep]

But with a i5 2500k or 3570k you will need to change your motherboard as well.

Because a q8200 is a LGA775 socket so it will not be compatible with the above mentioned cpu.

And the rams also you will need to buy a ddr3 instead of a ddr2.

Just thought to inform you incase you thought it was as easy as buying an i5 and sticking it in your current Motherboard.



Guys i think he is asking about the LGA775 socket and not a whole new build.

So I may have to change my ram if I buy a new CPU? Never thought about that. Cheers aye.

 

[$hawn]

The cost of upgrading a LGA775 system is not worth it, unless u can find 2nd hand chips for real cheap.

Your best option is to sell off your current rig, and use the money to buy a new LGA1155 based system. You can keep your old HDD and DVD drive

 

[Guest]

Get an amd mobo and cpu for the best performance. I use FX 6300 and run bf4 demo on 40-45fps in high settings

 

[jaguarskx]

If you do not want to upgrade the motherboard and RAM, then you can consider upgrading to the C2Q Q9400 / Q9450. The Q9450 is still a viable CPU, but it is definitely not going to equal a Core i5 CPU. The main difference between the two is the Q9400 has 6MB of L2 cache while the Q9450 has 12MB of L2 cache. Based on my memory, reviews of these two CPUs showed that for gaming purposes the extra 6MB of L2 cache does nothing to improve performance, but for video encoding it provides up to a 10% increase in performance.

Q9400 - $80
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/300977114214?lpid=82

Q9450 - $85
http://www.upgradebay.com/Products/ProductInfo.aspx?rid=26&ProductID=168810691&utm_source=googlepepla&utm_medium=adwords&utm_content=pla&gclid=CMjQ8ZT1proCFTDNOgodPikAHQ

If you want to upgrade to a quad core Intel Core i5 CPU, then you will need to spend more than $300 for the upgrade because you will need to buy the CPU, Mobo and RAM. Upgrading to a dual core Intel Core i3 CPU will be possible for under $300.

Alternatively, you can upgrade to AMD CPUs. They are not as powerful as Intel CPUs, however, they will be more powerful than what you currently have. For under $300 you can get a six core FX-6300, along with a mobo and RAM.