I'm building a gaming PC with a budget of up to $65 for the CPU. My sister wants to play games like GTA 5, Black Ops 5, Fortnite, Cyberpunk 2077, and the Silent Hill 2 remake. I've been having trouble finding budget-friendly options through my research since most recommendations lean towards higher-end CPUs. I'm open to buying used or refurbished parts too. Which Intel CPUs would you recommend within this price range?
4 Answers
For DDR4, the Intel 12600k is a solid option if you can swing a little more in your budget. It should handle those games without breaking a sweat. Just make sure the rest of your components will match!
Have you thought about why you're sticking with Intel? It might be worth considering AMD as well, especially since you're worried about bending pins on their CPUs. Also, make sure to double-check the motherboard compatibility with DDR4 RAM for whatever CPU you choose!
Your budget seems a bit tight if you're only looking for a CPU at $65. It's usually a good idea to pair the CPU budget with the motherboard cost, since older CPUs can require pricier motherboards. What’s your total budget for both?
I actually have around $165 for the CPU and motherboard together.
If you're set on Intel, check out used options like the i7 7700k or the i5 8600. You can definitely find deals on eBay! Just remember, these may be older technology and may not be the best for future upgrades. Personally, I think the Ryzen 3500x paired with a good GPU would give you better long-term performance, but it's up to you!
Sticking to Intel could save you some headache, but just keep in mind that you might miss out on better options with AMD!