I'm about to build my very first PC, but I'm stuck on which CPU to choose. My standards are pretty low—I'm aiming for 1080p with around 40fps, so that's my goal to reach. I'm not planning on playing any demanding games like COD, VALORANT, or Elden Ring. I just need a decent CPU (it doesn't have to be the latest model) that won't bottleneck a GPU like a GTX 1060, 1050 Ti, RX 580, or GTX 1650—whatever I can find at a reasonable price. Also, I want to avoid overheating issues, though I can't imagine that would be a problem with most CPUs.
2 Answers
Check out CPUs like the 3600X, 5600X, or even the 8400F, depending on your budget. They're all solid for low to mid-tier builds. If you plan to pair it with a GTX 1660 Super, you shouldn't need anything more powerful than the 3600X. The 5600X won't bottleneck even the RTX 3080, so don't overspend!
A used Ryzen 5600 or 5600X could be a good option if you're looking for performance without breaking the bank.
If you need to spend even less, consider a used Ryzen 3600—that's a great bang for your buck.