Need Help Picking A CPU

[xmonke]

Hi, I'm building my first gaming PC and right now I'm searching for a good processor. I'd like it to be an Intel-i7 CPU, and my price range is around $200-$350(for the CPU, not the whole PC). I'm going into game development, so I'd like it to be able to handle game engines and 3d rendering like Unreal Engine 3 and 3ds Max. The thing is, I don't understand all the CPU lingo everyone uses, so I need some help. Also please talk to me like I'm an elderly lady who doesn't know what computers are. Thank you.

 

[mi1ez]

Are you comfortable overclocking? What version of 3DS Max?

 

[xmonke]

Are you comfortable overclocking? What version of 3DS Max?

No, I'd rather not overclock, and I want to use the latest version of 3ds Max. It should able to support the 3ds Max 2013 that's coming out, but if that's too much to ask for, I'd at least want it to be able to support 3ds Max 2011.

 

[MajinCry]

Well, despite all the intel fanboys, I'd recommend an AMD Phenom II x4 965 BE. It performs around the same as an i3 2100 in games, but outside of games, it's only 25% worse than an i5 2500k. And it's half the price too.

 

[henydiah]

i7 2600 + gtx 670 hmmm seem good

 

[mi1ez]

i7 2600 + gtx 670 hmmm seem good

+1

You could also save money and go for a slightly cheaper graphics card. For rendering though, I would go i7 every time.

 

[mi1ez]

If not overclocking, it's not worth getting a K processor.

 

[mi1ez]

In terms of GPU acceleration, 3DSMax only supports Quadro and Firepro cards so you have the choisce of one of these that are great for 3D work and crap at gaming, or a Geforce or Radeon which won't accelerate your 3D work, but will be great for gaming.

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