Athlon 2 X4 Quad or Phenom 2 X4

[Fhistleb]

What is the difference in performance game wise with these processors? I know that the Athlon cpu doesn't have a L3 cache on it but what else is different about it? \

I'm just looking to see what will benefit me more for my gaming computer i'm planning on building.

 

[RussianSensation]

Review 1: http://www.anandtech.com/show/2972/...-pentium-g6950-core-i5-650-660-670-reviewed/7

Review 2: http://www.techreport.com/articles.x/18448/6

Minimum framerates in games compared:
Review 3: http://www.legionhardware.com/artic...ossfire_cpu_scaling_performance_part_2,5.html

If you are considering a Phenom II X4 for gaming, you might as well get the X6 or better yet the i5 750. Otherwise, take the difference and put it into the videocard instead.

So: i5 750 > Phenom II X4/X6 assuming same videocard

But Athlon II X4 640 + 5850 > i5 750 + 5770.

Remember if you are just upgrading parts, then every $50 matters. However, when building a full system from scratch, say $600 vs. $670 system, might as well get the i5 750. Extra $70 is not the end of the world when you look at the total system cost. The value proposition can change when you are looking at the full build:
http://www.techreport.com/articles.x/18448/17

On a per-part basis though, videocard is the most important component for gaming when pared with any modern processor.