Which AMD Processor Should I Use with MSI A88X-G45 Gaming MOBO?

[ArkPlayer]

I'm relatively new to the PC gaming world and am very inexperienced with AMD. Some months ago i bought a MSI A88X-G45 Gaming MOBO to run with my MSI r9 270 GPU. The articles I've read suggest not buying an APU for the simple fact it'd be a waste of money with a GPU. But ideally like to have a CPU/APU that can multi-task and support decent/high level gameplay.

Not trying to break the bank but still want a well rounded rig.

Suggestions?

 

[DonkeyOatie]

The motherboard limits what you can do. It needs heatsinks for its VRMs. These are available as aftermarket add-ons. The best CPU (and only one I'd consider) is the Athlon X4 860K. It's the best, most powerful CPU that will fit in that socket. You will want to overclock it to get the best out of it so it does not limit your GPU, so you will need an aftermarket CPU cooler. A topflow cooler like the Noctua C14, or the RAIJINTEK Pallas or Xigmatek Janus, will all help cool the motherboard VRMs as well.