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Best Gaming CPUs For The Money: June 2013

Best Gaming CPUs For The Money: June 2013
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The processor market was active this month. First, Intel launched its Haswell architecture. Then, AMD introduced the Richland-based APUs. Finally, it surprised us by making the Athlon X4 750K available in North America and dropping the FX-8350's price.

If you don’t have the time to research benchmarks, or if you don’t feel confident enough in your ability to pick the right processor for your next gaming machine, fear not. We at Tom’s Hardware have come to your aid with a simple list of the best gaming CPUs offered for the money.

June Updates: 

Intel

Known officially as Intel's forth-generation Core architecture, Haswell is the recently-introduced replacement for Ivy Bridge. So far, there are only Core i5 and i7 Haswell-based processors available on the desktop, though.


Cores / Threads
Base Freq.
Max. Turbo
L3
HD Graphics
Graphics Max Freq.
TDP
Newegg Price
Fourth-Gen Core i7 Family
4770T
4/8
2.5 GHz
3.7 GHz
8 MB
4600
1200 MHz
45 W
N/A
4770S
4/83.1 GHz
3.9 GHz
8 MB46001200 MHz65 W
$310
4770
4/83.4 GHz
3.9 GHz
8 MB46001200 MHz84 W
$320
4770K
4/83.5 GHz
3.9 GHz8 MB46001250 MHz84 W
$350
4770R
4/83.2 GHz
3.9 GHz6 MB
Iris Pro 5200
1300 MHz65 W
N/A
4765T
4/82.0 GHz
3.0 GHz
8 MB46001200 MHz35 W
N/A
Fourth-Gen Core i5 Family
4670T
4/4
2.3 GHz
3.3 GHz
6 MB
46001200 MHz45 W
N/A
4670S
4/43.1 GHz
3.8 GHz
6 MB46001200 MHz65 W
N/A
4670K
4/43.4 GHz
3.8 GHz
6 MB46001200 MHz84 W
$250
4670
4/43.4 GHz
3.8 GHz
6 MB46001200 MHz84 W
$230
4570
4/43.2 GHz
3.6 GHz
6 MB46001150 MHz
84 W
$210
4570S
4/42.9 GHz
3.6 GHz
6 MB46001150 MHz65 W
$200
4430
4/4
3.0 GHz
3.2 GHz
6 MB
4600
1150 MHz84 W
$190

Haswell slightly improves IPC compared to Ivy Bridge, though it does this at a higher thermal envelope. If you haven't yet read through The Core i7-4770K Review: Haswell Is Faster; Desktop Enthusiasts Yawn, then you might want to check it out. In his launch coverage, Chris Angelini reveals that the flagship Core i7-4770K isn't any more efficient through our benchmark suite than the -3770K it replaces. 

The HD Graphics 4600 component found in the desktop chips is quite a bit faster than Ivy Bridge's HD Graphics 4000, but still not fast enough to overcome AMD's much cheaper Socket FM2-based APUs. The Iris Pro-based models are purportedly going to be faster still, but that won't help desktop gamers at all, since Intel isn't planning to give enthusiasts access to that part. For now, discrete graphics is still the way to go for gaming, and nothing we've seen yet suggests that any of the new Haswell-derived models are better values than the Ivy Bridge-based CPUs with which we're already familiar.

Intel's processor pricing remains fairly stable in the face of Haswell. The Core i7-3770K is $10 cheaper, likely to make room for the Core i7-4770K. Core i3-2120 and -3225 are down $5 each, too.

AMD

As Intel updates its CPUs, AMD launched a handful of desktop-oriented APUs based closely on the Trinity design. Richland-based parts were already floating around in the mobile space, but now they're available in more potent form in the following configurations:

Model
Radeon
TDP
CPU Cores
Base/Max CPU ClockTotal Cache
Radeon Cores
GPU Clock
Unlock
Newegg Price
A10-6800K
HD 8670D
100 W
4
4.1/4.4 GHz
4 MB
384
844 MHz
Yes
$150
A10-6700
HD 8670D
65 W
4
3.7/4.3 GHz
4 MB
384
844 MHzNo
$149
A8-6600K
HD 8570D
100 W
4
3.9/4.2 GHz
4 MB
256
844 MHzYes$120
A8-6500
HD 8570D
65 W
4
3.5/4.1 GHz
4 MB
256
800 MHz
No
$119
A6-6400K
HD 8470D
65 W
2
3.9/4.1 GHz
1 MB
192
800 MHz
Yes$80
A4-4000
HD 7480D
65 W
2
3.0/3.2
1 MB
128
724 MHz
No
$46

Richland is a very small step up from Trinity, as mentioned. It features power optimizations and, in some cases, clock rate increases. Perhaps the biggest change is 2133 MT/s memory support on the A10-6800K. Blessed with fast memory, the APU is able to slightly outperform AMD's discrete Radeon HD 6670 with DDR3.

From a desktop gaming angle, however, that's a bottom-rung gaming card, so Richland doesn't end up having any impact on our recommendations this month. A dedicated CPU plus a discrete card is still a better way to enable an enjoyable experience. You can read more about the desktop-oriented Richland parts in AMD A10-6700 And A10-6800K Review: Richland Hits The Desktop.

AMD's story takes a turn for the better with a late and welcome arrival, though: the Trinity-derived Athlon X4 750K is finally available on Newegg for $85. This is an interesting product for two reasons. First, it's pretty cheap. And second, it has an unlocked multiplier. Although the Socket FM2 platform doesn't have much of a future, enthusiasts on a limited budget might find this thing interesting for its overclocking potential. The Athlon X4 740 is also available now for $80. But with its locked ratio, we aren't interested in it.

In addition, AMD's prices are down quite a bit. The FX-8320 dropped from $185 to $160, improving its standing among enthusiasts eager to run highly threaded apps and enjoy capable gaming performance. The decision was a tough one, but we're choosing to keep this processor off of our recommended list because, looking just at frame rates, it still performs on par with Intel's cheaper Core i3-3220 and uses a lot more power. Even still, if your needs extend beyond gaming into content creation- and productivity-oriented apps, you should still be considering this eight-core chip.

Some Notes About Our Recommendations

This list is for gamers who want to get the most for their money. If you don’t play games, then the CPUs on this list may not be suitable for your particular needs.

The criteria to get on this list are strictly price/performance. We acknowledge that there are other factors that come into play, such as platform price or CPU overclockability, but we're not going to complicate things by factoring in motherboard costs. We may add honorable mentions for outstanding products in the future, though. For now, our recommendations are based on stock clock speeds and performance at that price. Remember to check out our new performance per dollar comparison page, where you can overlay the benchmark data we’ve generated with pricing, giving you a better idea where your ideal choice falls on the value curve.

Cost and availability change on a daily basis. We can’t offer up-to-the-minute accurate pricing information in the text, but we can list some good chips that you probably won’t regret buying at the price ranges we suggest (and our PriceGrabber-based engine will help track down some of the best prices for you).

The list is based on some of the best US prices from online retailers. In other countries or at retail stores, your mileage will most certainly vary. Of course, these are retail CPU prices. We do not list used or OEM CPUs available at retail.               

There are 430 Comments. B
Top Comments
  • 43
    cleeve , January 15, 2013 11:34 PM
    JustPosting101Wow... serious AMD Bias in this article, I mean... an Athlon II x4? Really???


    Interesting you should accuse bias before you've seen the objective benchmarks we're about to release...

    Maybe you should look for bias in the mirror... ;) 
  • 27
    dscudella , January 15, 2013 10:59 PM
    Quote:
    Quote:
    Benchmark data makes it clear that Intel's Hyper-Threading technology is effective in mitigating the limitations of a dual-core CPU in games.

    Woah, what? :o 

    I can't wait to see that benchmark data now! 'Hyperthreading = useless for gaming' has been the mantra for years and years, this could really shake things up.


    It shows up in the Far Cry 3 Benchmarks right here on Tom's.

  • 25
    cleeve , January 15, 2013 11:33 PM
    antiglobalAMD FX-4300 has 4 cores and 4 threads, not 2 cores and 4 threads.


    That's subjective as it's a hybrid. But since Windows 8 calls it a 2 core/4 thread processor that's how I'll list it.
Other Comments
  • 5
    sarinaide , January 15, 2013 9:15 PM
    Does this look different from last year, AMD parts look more reasonably placed yet leaves a lot to be desired in many regards but I will leave that out as long as some Intel entrants seemingly very oddly placed.

    I would say that the FX8350/8320 possibly should occupy the bottom of tier 1, the FX6300, 4170, 6200 and 1100T top of tier 2 and some Trinity parts need to be buffed up a notch or two as in many instances the 5800K rivaled the 3220 in many gaming metrics discrete performance. that said compared to last years articles this is far more realistic and I wonder why a whole year went to pass before this realization.
  • 17
    virtualban , January 15, 2013 9:19 PM
    I am no fan of reverse order posts, but since you keep the same article link month after month, maybe you should put the newest comments first.
  • 8
    badtaylorx , January 15, 2013 9:23 PM
    funny how valid the phenom II x4 are.....i have a 975 and a 980 but no more amd boards.....maybe i should try to trade them for something
  • -7
    sarinaide , January 15, 2013 9:42 PM
    It just looks more realistic.
  • 5
    Sakkura , January 15, 2013 10:34 PM
    Quote:
    Benchmark data makes it clear that Intel's Hyper-Threading technology is effective in mitigating the limitations of a dual-core CPU in games.

    Woah, what? :o 

    I can't wait to see that benchmark data now! 'Hyperthreading = useless for gaming' has been the mantra for years and years, this could really shake things up.
  • 27
    dscudella , January 15, 2013 10:59 PM
    Quote:
    Quote:
    Benchmark data makes it clear that Intel's Hyper-Threading technology is effective in mitigating the limitations of a dual-core CPU in games.

    Woah, what? :o 

    I can't wait to see that benchmark data now! 'Hyperthreading = useless for gaming' has been the mantra for years and years, this could really shake things up.


    It shows up in the Far Cry 3 Benchmarks right here on Tom's.

  • -7
    antiglobal , January 15, 2013 11:29 PM
    AMD FX-4300 has 4 cores and 4 threads, not 2 cores and 4 threads.
  • 12
    cleeve , January 15, 2013 11:30 PM
    ronch79You can buy the FX-8350 for $200 or less.Tigerdirect: http://www.tigerdirect.com/applica [...] CatId=7339Microcenter: http://www.microcenter.com/product [...] _ProcessorI hope you guys do a better job looking for prices next time. It's not like Microcenter and Tigerdirect are not well-known in the enthusiast community, to which these monthly articles are aimed at.


    Tigerdirect is having a short-term sale, and Microcenter has no on-line option so you have to live close to one. Regardless, it doesn't have an impact on the recommendations as the Core i5 is a much better performer in games for the $.

    You need to do a better job of criticizing. Try reading the first page, it'll help. :) 

  • 25
    cleeve , January 15, 2013 11:33 PM
    antiglobalAMD FX-4300 has 4 cores and 4 threads, not 2 cores and 4 threads.


    That's subjective as it's a hybrid. But since Windows 8 calls it a 2 core/4 thread processor that's how I'll list it.
  • 43
    cleeve , January 15, 2013 11:34 PM
    JustPosting101Wow... serious AMD Bias in this article, I mean... an Athlon II x4? Really???


    Interesting you should accuse bias before you've seen the objective benchmarks we're about to release...

    Maybe you should look for bias in the mirror... ;) 
  • -7
    Sakkura , January 15, 2013 11:46 PM
    Quote:
    It shows up in the Far Cry 3 Benchmarks right here on Tom's.

    I thought that was just an outlier. Like when the FX 8350 outpaced everything Intel offers in Medal of Honor: Warfighter.
  • 6
    lothdk , January 15, 2013 11:54 PM
    CleeveTigerdirect is having a short-term sale, and Microcenter has no on-line option so you have to live close to one. Regardless, it doesn't have an impact on the recommendations as the Core i5 is a much better performer in games for the $.You need to do a better job of criticizing. Try reading the first page, it'll help.


    Hehe Cleeve, did you just respond to a month old post, nice to see this format with reusing the same link and thus responses are causing you "problems" too.
  • 1
    JonnyDough , January 15, 2013 11:57 PM
    CleeveThat's subjective as it's a hybrid. But since Windows 8 calls it a 2 core/4 thread processor that's how I'll list it.


    But just because Windows sees it that way, does that mean all apps will?
  • -1
    ojas , January 16, 2013 12:08 AM
    So absolutely no gain in any modern game from the additional threads of an i7-3770K?
    In which case, why suggest anything more than a 3570K?

    Side Note: Anything that equals a Core 2 Quad Q8400 isn't good enough any more. You'll be bottle-necked. Just my personal experience.
  • 8
    Sakkura , January 16, 2013 12:13 AM
    Quote:
    But just because Windows sees it that way, does that mean all apps will?

    Apps don't see it at all. They just hand the work over to Windows, which then decides how to assign it.
  • 0
    JonnyDough , January 16, 2013 12:15 AM
    ojasSo absolutely no gain in any modern game from the additional threads of an i7-3770K?In which case, why suggest anything more than a 3570K?Side Note: Anything that equals a Core 2 Quad Q8400 isn't good enough any more. You'll be bottle-necked. Just my personal experience.


    Most sites don't, and I don't know if this one does either. That's not to say that future games won't take advantage of extra cache, higher clock speeds, more threads than modern games do.
  • 10
    cleeve , January 16, 2013 12:15 AM
    JonnyDoughBut just because Windows sees it that way, does that mean all apps will?


    I don't understand the relevancy of how apps see it.

    Apps see four threads if they see anything at all. The same thing they see with a hyperthreaded dual-core processor or a true quad-core.
  • -2
    JonnyDough , January 16, 2013 12:16 AM
    SakkuraApps don't see it at all. They just hand the work over to Windows, which then decides how to assign it.


    Some apps are written for a single core, does this not pertain to this?
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