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CPU info

Name: Intel Pentium G2030
Code Name: Ivy Bridge
Generation: 3rd
Core frequency: ~3GHz
Cores, Threads: 2, 2
Max TDP: 55W
Graphics: Intel HD Graphics

I know very well it's a low-end CPU. I can't play high graphics games. Actually I can, but I need to minimize the graphics settings. These are the settings I usually set:

Resolution: 960x720(4:3) or 1024x576(16:9), [Native Resolution: 1920x1080]
FPS: 30
Refresh Rate: 60
Fullscreen: ON
VSync: OFF
Texture Quality: MEDIUM
HDR Filter: OFF
Shadow Quality: LOW (if "OFF" isn't in the option)
Motion Blur: OFF
Glare Level: OFF
Depth of Field: OFF
FXAA: ON

As you can see, I will turn it off or select "low" if there are more options. My motherboard is made for Intel 3rd generation core i7/i5/i3/pentium/celeron processors. I would like to have suggestions about which processors I should buy without over the budget. I'm a completely idiot to hardwares btw.

Budget: $200 (max. $250)

I want to stick with my current motherboard, and I want the best processor for gaming that I can effort.

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2
  • Before you go and buy a graphics card, we should know what kind of case and power supply your system has. Also, your motherboard needs to have a 16x PCI-E slot. Is it a factory-built PC from, say, Dell? Or was it a custom-built one you (or someone else) built?
    – Justin_T
    Commented Jan 26, 2016 at 21:14
  • @Justin_T Yes, it has a PCI-E slot, it's a custom-built from the one who I bought from.
    – Happy Face
    Commented Jan 27, 2016 at 1:39

1 Answer 1

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You want a GPU, not a CPU for gaming. Is there a reason you need to buy a new CPU? If not, spend that $200-$250 on a GPU instead.

You want something like this: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150761

Instead of dealing with piss-poor low graphics, you'll be able to turn up most settings to maximum for many games.

Intel Integrated Graphics are suitable for desktop environments (very low graphics processing requirements) or video rendering (for software like OpenBroadcaster.)

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10
  • How can I find the graphics card on my pc? Is that Intel HD Graphics?
    – Happy Face
    Commented Jan 25, 2016 at 15:26
  • I don't think it's a good idea recommending a 380x to pair with a relatively low end dual core CPU. An i3 dual core? Sure. Maybe even the g3258 AE. But the g2030 appears to be a decent amount slower then those, so OP could be in a bottlenecking situation.
    – patricksweeney
    Commented Jan 25, 2016 at 15:27
  • @HappyFace Intel HD Graphics does do graphics yes. You may not have an actual GPU. It would be sticking out of your motherboard and look like the thing I linked.
    – Status3543
    Commented Jan 25, 2016 at 16:03
  • @patricksweeney Most games still don't fully utilize more than 2 cores. There is a possibility of a CPU bottleneck for some games but going from using an Intel HD iGPU to anything at all will probably blow his mind. He can upgrade the CPU later as needs arise.
    – Status3543
    Commented Jan 25, 2016 at 16:04
  • Right, but the IPC for something like the g2030 is a lot lower than an i3 6100, which is still a dual core CPU. What I'm saying is that something like a 370 might be a better choice, being a good deal cheaper and probably won't be "held back" as much as a 380x. Heck, even the 380 is a lot cheaper than the 380x. That being said, if OP has the budget it's not like there's any real harm going overkill on the GPU.
    – patricksweeney
    Commented Jan 25, 2016 at 16:09

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