- Please be aware this guide is currently undergoing maintenance -
Phenom II/Clarkdale/Lynnfield
There is a lot of kit out there that will run your games, but the trick is getting only what you need, and not overdoing it here.
For the large debate of quad/dual cores I'll leave it up to you to decide what's best, but if you need the computer now, and cheaply, get a dual. If you want it to last a long time get a quad. You can always upgrade a dual core the future mind you if it all goes quads all of a sudden.
Here is an article from Bit-tech.net which tests various games with varying processors
Choosing which type
Intel vs AMD
I'll do this simply, without going into to much detail. An Intel processor at this point will be faster than an AMD processor with the same number of cores, at the same speed. However the AMD offerings are a fair amount cheaper, as you'll see if you have a peek at them. My personal opinion is the Intel ones have the edge performance wise, but you'll get more bang for your buck with AMD, especially as the AMD chips love to be overclocked. Sorry I haven't been more specific here, if you're left wondering, price up an AMD and an Intel dual core system and see what works out cheapest for you :)Dual Cores
Intel i3 - Clarkdale
AMD Phenom II X2
Quad Cores
Intel i5 - Lynnfield
AMD Phenom II X4
AMD Motherboards
No matter which AM3 processor you've chosen the boards remain the same.
There are a number of different motherboards available for AM3, the socket that all the new AMD processors use, but I'm going to narrow it down for you, because I'm good like that.
AMD 770/760 - These are budget boards that perform admirably. Don't worry about integrated graphics, it's not for you gamer! Anything by Asus, Gigabyte or MSI will do you fine, if you're going to overclock, get a recommendation or read some reviews. Make sure it's AM3, not AM2+ or you're limiting your hardware.
WATCH YOU DON'T GET A DDR2 ONE BY ACCIDENT! It will be in the board's specs, running DDR2 memory will severly limit your upgrade/replacement chances, not to mention that DDR2 is going up in price, while faster DDR3 is coming down.
AMD 770/760
AMD 880/890 - This is a premium board that has extras, it's going to run a little better and will most likely be keener to overclock your processor. If you do want to overclock, read some reviews or get a recommendation. If not, pick yourself up a nice board from a reputable company, then you can't really go wrong.Make sure it's AM3!
AMD 880/890
Intel Motherboards
For your i3 - Get a H55 or H57 board, that is what i3 is designed for, you may be able to get the more powerful P55 but compatibility problems have been had, you may have to cock around a LOT to get it working. Having said that, check around, a P55 board would be a large advantage.
Intel H55 / H57
For your i5 - I really do recommend a P55 motherboard, there's no reason to get the H55/H57, unless you need to save some funds, which may work out false economy as it will probably limit your processor and memory some.Intel P55
We're talking system memory i.e. RAM, hard drives and such I will refer to as
STORAGE.
Both systems use the same memory bar one rule:
You need 1.5v memory for your Intel make sure it's 1.5v or it won't work!
Any Dual Channel DDR3 kit will fit your needs here, no special requirements other than to make sure you choose an even number of sticks up to 4. 2GB will do you for most games if you don't have the cash for 4GB. Speed is not a huge factor in this set-up but it will still help. It comes in 1066/1333/1600MHz flavours, though as the prices stand at the moment, you may as well get 1600 stuff.1066
1333
1600
If in doubt, ASK someone, we're here to help!