The CPU is a vital component in any PC system, especially one used for gaming. Currently, PC gamers might not need the most powerful processors available, but that can change with the release of the latest generation of games, so it pays to plan ahead.
This means buying a new CPU can be a costly exercise, so shopping around at local online retailers could save you a couple of bob.
Intel
Intel processors are some of the most popular among gamers, renowned for their performance and overclock-ability. Below are three popular Intel processors from South African online retailers including LandmarkPC, Sybaritic, Rebeltech, Wootware, Prophecy and Takealot.
| Core i5 3570k | Core i7 3770k | Core i7 3930k | |
|---|---|---|---|
| LandmarkPC | R2,346.12 | R3,414.53 | R6,040.86 |
| Sybaritic | R2,337.00 | R3,448.00 | R5,894.00 |
| Rebeltech | R2,311.00 | R3,354.00 | R5,930.00 |
| Wootware | R2,299.00 | R3,299.00 | R6,016.00 |
| Prophecy | R2,437.78 | R3,536.28 | R6,113.25 |
| Takealot | R2,349.00 | R3,669.00 | N/A |
Shopping around does have some benefit for those looking to upgrade their processor. Depending on the model, gamers can save between 8 and 10 percent on a new Intel processor if they shop around.
For the Core i5 3570k, Wootware offered the cheapest processor. They were also the cheapest for the Core i7 3770k. However Sybaritic offered the best deal on the Core i7 3930k, being one of only two stores in the comparison to offer the processor below R6,000.
AMD
If you’re a gamer and you don’t have a system powered by an Intel processor, then you have AMD. Intel’s main competitor offers a range of bang-for-buck processors that will match up well with your AMD graphics card. Below is a pricing comparison for three AMD processors from the above retailers.
| FX-4100 | FX-6100 | FX-8150 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| LandmarkPC | R1,238.04 | R1,679.22 | R2,506.86 |
| Sybaritic | R1,238.00 | R1,680.00 | R2,382.00 |
| Rebeltech | R1,305.00 | R1,616.00 | R2,635.00 |
| Wootware | R1,254.00 | R1,641.00 | R2,450.00 |
| Prophecy | R1,256.51 | R1,697.92 | R2,377.58 |
| Takealot | R1,279.00 | R1,762.00 | R3,927.00 |
As with the Intel processors, AMD buyers can save between 8 and 10 percent when shopping around for a new processor (and as much as 60 percent if you’re looking at buying an FX8150 from Takealot).
LandmarkPC and Sybaritic offered the best deal on the lower end FX-4100, being within 4 cents of each other.
Rebeltech had the best deal on the FX-6100, and those looking to save on a FX-8150 will be glad to know that Prophecy offers the cheapest chip out of the above stores.
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