Getting new CPU for AMD 7950

[netarangi]

Currently got an AMD Phenom II X4 840. Which apparently is going to bottleneck my 7950 when I get it, so I'm looking at upgrading, and getting a MOBO that supports intel.

So my question is, what's the cheapest i5 (I assume) that will be able to run great without bottlenecking my CPU?

 

[dma0991]

Are there any credible sources that showed you that a single HD7950 would be bottlenecked by the AMD Phenom II X4 840?

 

[netarangi]

Just people off this forum when I asked in other another thread for my video card.

So you don't think it will?

 

[NTMBK]

A little, but not enough to warrant a move to SB/IB. I'd say get the 7950 for now, and hold out until Haswell is released before a CPU/mobo update.

 

[dma0991]

Just people off this forum when I asked in other another thread for my video card.

So you don't think it will?

I think it will but the loss in performance would be small, too small to even consider spending more money on a new motherboard and CPU. If it is a dual HD7950 setup, only then it makes sense to do an upgrade because the bottleneck would then be very obvious.

 

[karder]

The only thing will be in your mind. If you know your GPU will be bottlenecked, will you be able to NOT upgrade the CPU? I personally, would go crazy if I knew that there is something I could do to prevent bottlenecking, but not doing it.

With that said, I recommend i5 3570k. Since it can be overclocked, it is a little bit future proof.

But best is like the others said, wait (unlike me).

 

[Yuriman]

3570k + ASrock board (probably Extreme4 but you might want to hit the motherboards section before buying) is the best value right now if you can justify the cost, but if I were you I'd stick it out until Haswell arrives. Yes, you'll probably get better framerates and a smoother experience in some* games with an Intel chip, but any game out there is still playable on your 840.

 

[B-Riz]

What do you play?

Look at this article: http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2012/08/inside-the-second-gaming-performance-with-todays-cpus/

I would go with a 3770k or 3820 if you have the money.

i5 3570k if not wanting to spend more.

 

[FalseChristian]

Look, most games are GPU-limted at 1920x1080 and above so "upgrading" to an Intel isn't going to help.