What’s the best CPU for budget gaming builds?
If you’re putting together a budget gaming build, choosing the right CPU can be a challenge. You want something that will provide solid performance without breaking the bank. Fortunately, there are plenty of CPUs out there that fit the bill. In this article, we’ll take a look at the best CPUs for budget gaming builds.
1. AMD Ryzen 3 1200
The AMD Ryzen 3 1200 is a great option for budget gaming builds. It’s a quad-core processor with a base clock speed of 3.1 GHz and a boost clock speed of 3.4 GHz. It also has 8 MB of L3 cache and support for DDR4 memory.
One of the biggest selling points of the Ryzen 3 1200 is its price. At just under $100, it’s a budget-friendly option that still provides solid performance. In fact, it’s capable of handling most modern games without issue.
Another advantage of the Ryzen 3 1200 is its overclocking potential. With a decent cooling solution, you can push this CPU to around 3.8 or 3.9 GHz, which can provide a noticeable boost to performance.
2. Intel Core i3-8100
The Intel Core i3-8100 is another great option for budget gaming builds. It’s a quad-core processor with a base clock speed of 3.6 GHz and support for DDR4 memory.
One of the biggest advantages of the i3-8100 is its performance in single-threaded applications. This makes it a great option for games that rely heavily on single-threaded performance. It also has a relatively low TDP of just 65W, which can help keep your overall power usage down.
Like the Ryzen 3 1200, the i3-8100 is also a relatively budget-friendly option. It’s currently priced at around $120, which is very reasonable considering its performance.
3. AMD Ryzen 5 1600
If you have a little more room in your budget, the AMD Ryzen 5 1600 is an excellent choice. It’s a six-core processor with a base clock speed of 3.2 GHz and support for DDR4 memory.
One of the biggest advantages of the Ryzen 5 1600 is its multi-threaded performance. This makes it a great option for games that can take advantage of multiple cores. It’s also a great option for content creation and other CPU-intensive tasks.
The Ryzen 5 1600 is a little pricier than the Ryzen 3 1200 and the i3-8100, but it’s still relatively affordable at around $150. It’s also known for its overclocking potential, with some users reporting stable overclocks of 4.0 GHz or higher.
4. Intel Core i5-8400
The Intel Core i5-8400 is another great option for budget gaming builds. It’s a six-core processor with a base clock speed of 2.8 GHz and support for DDR4 memory.
One of the biggest advantages of the i5-8400 is its performance in multi-threaded applications. This makes it a great option for games that can take advantage of multiple cores. It’s also a great option for content creation and other CPU-intensive tasks.
The i5-8400 is a little pricier than the i3-8100, but it’s still relatively affordable at around $180. It’s also known for its power efficiency, with a TDP of just 65W.
5. AMD Ryzen 5 2600
If you have a slightly higher budget, the AMD Ryzen 5 2600 is a great option. It’s a six-core processor with a base clock speed of 3.4 GHz and support for DDR4 memory.
One of the biggest advantages of the Ryzen 5 2600 is its multi-threaded performance. This makes it a great option for games that can take advantage of multiple cores. It’s also a great option for content creation and other CPU-intensive tasks.
The Ryzen 5 2600 is a little pricier than the Ryzen 5 1600, but it’s still relatively affordable at around $200. It’s also known for its overclocking potential, with some users reporting stable overclocks of 4.1 GHz or higher.
Conclusion
When it comes to choosing the best CPU for a budget gaming build, there are plenty of options to choose from. The five CPUs we’ve listed here are all great choices, depending on your specific needs and budget.
If you’re looking for the most affordable option, the Ryzen 3 1200 is a great choice. If you want something that’s good for both gaming and content creation, the Ryzen 5 2600 is a great choice. And if you’re looking for something that’s a good all-around performer, the i5-8400 is a great choice.
Whatever CPU you choose, make sure to pair it with a good graphics card and plenty of RAM to get the most out of your budget gaming build. Good luck, and happy gaming!
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