What is the minimum CPU you would use with GTX 970/R9 290X?

[cbn]

I noticed (in the thread linked below) Anandtech forum members tend to be quite generous with their old mid to high end cards:

https://forums.anandtech.com/thread...-your-old-video-card-after-upgrading.2485395/

So with that noted, what would be the minimum CPU you would use with a future or present spare GTX 970 or R9 290X? (One goal with the CPU selection would be lack of stuttering in games)

 

[lyssword]

i3 ivy/haswell or better for 970, 2500k or better for 290x, fx8350 will also do if you want to stick with cheaper/used but still good enough parts. Newer games tend to like faster cpus, specially if there are a lot of interaction/events in the game.If you have "medium" budget, then 6600/k , if you play with settings turned down for sake of getting 120+ fps for competitive gaming on 120+hz monitor, then go with 6700k (4c8t)

 

[EXCellR8]

Pentium III

 

[RaistlinZ]

i5-2500 is the minimum I'd use with any mid-range GPU.

 

[superstition]

It depends on what you're using it for.

This article shows that even a 6 core 6350 FX CPU is enough for VR with one of those GPUs.

http://www.pcworld.com/article/3117782/computers/tested-this-all-amd-650-pc-proves-vr-ready-rigs-dont-have-to-be-expensive.html

 

[lyssword]

yeah 6350 is roughly equal to (nonskylake) i3, maybe even better in newer games, but ironically amd gpu benefit more from intel cpu (at least in dx11)

 

[moonbogg]

2500k

 

[sm625]

An i5-750 with a decent overclock would be just fine. A $230 Xeon x5687 machine off ebay would be fine as well.