Which is the better cpu ?

[The Egyptian]

for Gaming
Which is the better cpu , Core i3 -540
or Phenom II X2 555 BE

 

[voyagerfan99]

The 555 is a good overclocker. The 540 simply has a slightly higher clock speed. So in the end it comes down to the main question: Do you want to run Intel or AMD?

 

[TrainTrackHack]

If they're the same price, I would go for the i3. The Phenom is only a dual-core, and is more of an overclocking chip so you pay for the unlocked multiplier too, not just performance.

Of course, if you like tinkering with hardware the Phenom might actually be better since it's got the unlocked multi and also apparently some of can be unlocked to quad-cores, but it's a bit of a gamble. As they are, at stock speeds, the Intel chip would win.

Thenagain, games aren't only CPU bound, it's only one component... I would look at the overall system before deciding.

 

[jonnyp11]

with a good mobo with unlocking, the 555be CAN become a quad core and is listed as the b55 i think, which should be better than that i3. i'v been looking at it too.

 

[2048Megabytes]

I would look at this processor:

Athlon II 455 Rana Triple-Core (3.3 gigahertz) Processor - $83
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...911&cm_re=Athlon_II_x3-_-19-103-911-_-Product

It is $35 less in price and it has about the same processing power overall as the Intel Core i3 540.

This motherboard is a good choice if you decide on the Athlon II 455 processor:

ASUS M5A87 Socket AM3+ ATX Motherboard - $90
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131734&Tpk=ASUS M5A87 AM3+

 

[ktec]

I say take a gamble with the 555BE and possibly get a quad core. I did and I won 4cores at 3.4ghz w/o any overclocking.

 

[voyagerfan99]

I say take a gamble with the 555BE and possibly get a quad core. I did and I won 4cores at 3.4ghz w/o any overclocking.

I didn't

 

[ktec]

I didn't

I wouldnt feel too bad, I doubt you're missing out on much. Isnt it true most programs dont even utilize all 4 cores? When i play crysis only 1 core is at 60-70% while the rest are like 5-10%

 

[voyagerfan99]

I knew I had a 50/50 chance. Just disappointed it didn't unlock.

 

[AcetheGamer]

The i3-540 is faster clock to clock.

 

[spynoodle]

The i3-540 is faster clock to clock.

+1. It's also an insanely good overclocker. Just ask 87dtna, he's owned us all at SuperPi with the i3s. Also, with the i3, you have the option of upgrading to something like the i7 875k in the future.