Best Gaming CPUs

AMD's desktop cpu hybrid was officially released at the end of last month and Llano-based processors started tricking out slowly thereafter. So far, though, there are only two models to choose from and both are quad-core models with 100 W TDPs.

The A6-3650 is a 2.6 GHz part with integrated Radeon HD 6530D graphics, while the A8-3850 runs at 2.9 GHz with an integrated Radeon HD 6550D engine. Although the four processing cores are identical between the two SKUs (except for clock rates), the graphics silicon is significantly different. The A6-3650 includes 320 Radeon cores operating at 443 MHz, while the A8-3850 sports 400 Radeon cores at 600 MHz.

Graphics specifications aside, AMD's Llano-based APUs perform almost identically to similarly-clocked Athlon II X4s. And since they cost more than Athlon IIs, there's little incentive to recommend either APU, at least from the perspective of a gamer. At best, these processors are a good option for folks who want a well-rounded entry-level system, as the integrated Radeon HD 6530D and 6550D circuitry is capable of handling light gaming at resolutions below 1680x1050. But serious gamers should choose a discrete GPU with more power. If that's you, your money is better spent on a well-balanced processor and complementary graphics subsystem.

From Intel, we have the new Core i7-980 processor, stealth-launched straight into retail without any fanfare. Essentially a Core i7-980X with a locked multiplier, this 3.33 GHz Gulftown-based processor with six cores is capable of handling 12 threads simultaneously by virtue of Hyper-Threading. At $600, it doesn't offer much more than the 3.2 GHz Core i7-970 we've had access to for months, but it's yet another option for folks who need to run threaded apps.

While we haven't had a lot of time to test the Sandy Bridge-based Pentium G6xx and G8xx processors, we've seen enough to suspect that they're going to be viable options for gamers. Unlike the Pentium G6950, a poor performer, the new G850, G840, and G620 could be strong competitors against the sub-$100 Athlon II processors. We do have a piece on these new Pentiums in the works, and we can say that they're compelling enough to warrant a recommendation at $100.