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Best gaming CPU for $100: Tie
Phenom II X3 710
| Phenom II X3 710 | |
|---|---|
| Codename: | Heka |
| Process: | 45nm |
| CPU Cores: | 3 |
| Clock Speed: | 2.6 GHz |
| Socket: | AM3 |
| L1 Cache: | 3 x 128KB |
| L2 Cache: | 3 x 512KB |
| L3 Cache: | 6MB |
| HyperTransport: | 4,000 MHz |
| Thermal Envelope: | 95W |
At $100, we see the first triple-core CPU recommendation in conjunction with a whopping 6MB of L3 cache. Based on AMD's most modern architecture, the Phenom II X3 710 is essentially a Phenom II X4 910 with one of its four cores disabled. Since the games we've tested tend to scale best on CPUs with three cores, the Phenom II X3 710 performs well in a gaming environment, generally demonstrating performance similar to the Phenom II X4 910.
Phenom II X2 550 Black Edition (Check Prices)
| Phenom II X2 550 Black Edition | |
|---|---|
| Codename: | Callisto |
| Process: | 45nm |
| CPU Cores: | 2 |
| Clock Speed: | 3.1 GHz |
| Socket: | AM3 |
| L1 Cache: | 2 x 128KB |
| L2 Cache: | 2 x 512KB |
| L3 Cache: | 6MB |
| HyperTransport: | 4,000 MHz |
| Thermal Envelope: | 80W |
While the dual-core Phenom II X2 550 Black Edition might be a bit slower than the comparably-priced Phenom II X3 710 when it comes to gaming, it offers something that the 710 hasn't got: an unlocked multiplier. Like all of AMD's Black Edition processors, the Phenom II X2 550 can be effortlessly overclocked by simply upping the multiplier, earning this CPU a place on our recommended list for tweakers.
- Phenom II X2 550 Dual...
Best gaming CPU for $120: Tie
Phenom II X3 720 Black Edition (Check Prices)
| Phenom II X3 720 Black Edition | |
|---|---|
| Codename: | Heka |
| Process: | 45nm |
| CPU Cores: | 3 |
| Clock Speed: | 2.8 GHz |
| Socket: | AM3 |
| L1 Cache: | 3 x 128KB |
| L2 Cache: | 3 x 512KB |
| L3 Cache: | 6MB |
| HyperTransport: | 4,000 MHz |
| Thermal Envelope: | 95W |
Is the mere 200 MHz clock speed increase over the Phenom II X3 710 worth $20? Maybe, but the unlocked multiplier feature that AMD's Black Edition processors sport is worth a lot more to overclockers.
- Phenom II X3 720...
Core 2 Duo E7500 (Check Prices)
| Core 2 Duo E7500 | |
|---|---|
| Codename: | Wolfdale-3M |
| Process: | 45nm |
| CPU Cores: | 2 |
| Clock Speed: | 2.93 GHz |
| Socket: | LGA 775 |
| L2 Cache: | 3MB |
| Front Side Bus: | 1,066 MHz |
| Thermal Envelope: | 65Watts |
At 2.93 GHz, the Core 2 Duo E7500 is a good match for the Phenom II X3 720. Even without an unlocked multiplier, the E7500 is an excellent overclocker and won't disappoint.
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I thought the flames might have scared you off.
Correction: you have E6300 in the gray area of the table for the E5300.
Heheh. Nah, I don't frighten easy.
Thanks, I'll look into that.
I fail to see the point of a gaming CPU. Beyond a certain point the difference in performance is under 1 frame.
I like that the E8500 made a showing. I wonder how this picture will change once the LGA1156 CPUs are widely available. It's too bad that AMD can't really compete in the +$200 market right now.
I fail to see the point of a gaming CPU. Beyond a certain point the difference in performance is under 1 frame.
Not true at all. Depends on the game, and wether or not that game is bottlenecked by the graphics card or CPU.
Frankly, I've been seeing a *lot* more CPU-limited games during my benchmarking over the past year.
Man I wish the Core 2 Quad prices were just a little lower
great review! much better than the first one IMO.
i liked that you thought about us OCers this time
Yup, great review, good job.
So, not quite sure why they have i7 920 for ~$280. I just bought mine @ Microcenter last week for $199.99 plus tax, $210 total. So, ok I had driven there so $5 for the gas, $215 total. They have loads of them in stock, and they will get you the D0 stepping if asked (First one they tried to sell me was a C0, but I asked them for D0 and they got me one no questions asked). I can see how some people may not have a Microcenter nearby, but hey, for a lot of people there is! I thought that should've been reflected in the article somehow, that's all...
Nice review, need i thought phenom 2 965 could be compared to Core 2 Quad Q9650 but seems i was wrong.
I like the fact that you mention LGA775 chips, and perhaps that would be the last time they're up on the list as they are getting phased out.
Too bad Core 2 Quads are still rather expensive for the performance. I guess my E7200 will just have to live on for another two years.
Good article, by the way!
The results are far better than the first one. Taking overclock-ability into consideration is good especially for the enthusiasts. Kudos!
"The motherboards and DDR3 RAM that the i7 architecture requires will bring the total platform cost higher than other systems, but the resulting performance should be worth the purchase price."
Agree.
I was hoping the author will focus a little more on the total system cost than just the CPU cost. This is the main reason why I got the q9550 and not the i7. But that was 6 months ago, maybe now the motherboard and DDR3 isn't as big a factor anymore. I'm also guessing min specs of games and apps in 4 years won't specify C2Q and i7 - just something like Min specs: Intel or AMD Quad/Hex/Oct core - 2.5+ Ghz.
my
Some people think every one lives next to a Microcenter.
Even though theese processors have been tested thoroughly before, but not necessarily against each other with latest drives, patches and whatnot, so some charts with a few game tests would make the article much more informative.
prices do not account for the fact that AMD mobos usually cost 30-60$ less than their intel equivalent.
The monthly update of the same thing is getting bored. Thanks god next gen is just around the corner and we'll see some big performance gain.
Can you believe what computer gaming would be like if that that crack from id's opinion is real; graphic hardware hit a wall and future improvement is on console.
Why did you guys not wait for the Lynnfield NDA to lift when it is being released in < 1 week?
Why did you guys not wait for the Lynnfield NDA to lift when it is being released in < 1 week?
Because we like to party every end of the month!