The Best CPU and GPU Deals in February 2023
Those building their own gaming computer, or updating a pre-built computer to provide more performance, are undoubtedly familiar with the two most important components. The processor, also known as the central processing unit or CPU, and the graphics card or graphics processing unit (GPU), are extremely important when considering building a gaming computer. The former performs general calculations and ensures the computer is running smoothly, and the latter performs graphics processing, which is what makes it so important in graphics-intensive games.
However, there are plenty of options on all sides of competing platforms. Intel and AMD compete against each other on the CPU side of things while Nvidia and AMD battle it out for the best gaming GPU. However, this article doesn’t discriminate and is a collection of some of the best deals on all of the above at different price points, no matter the user’s preference or system requirements.
AMD Ryzen 9 5900X CPU –
AMD’s Ryzen 9 5900X desktop processor is one of the high-end CPUs offered by the company. It has 12 cores and 24 processing threads, providing excellent multitasking capabilities. The maximum clock speed offered by the chip is 4.8GHz, and there’s support for 70MB of cache and DDR-3200 memory. The processor is also unlocked for overclocking, and according to AMD, it can deliver over 100 FPS in the most popular games. It does not come with a processor cooler and is compatible with Socket AM4 motherboards.
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AMD Ryzen 7 5700G CPU –
The AMD Ryzen 7 5700G is a mid-range gaming processor with an 8-core and 16-thread design. The more cores and threads it has, the better the multitasking capability, which means it’s a solid performer. Clock speeds reach up to 4.6GHz, which according to AMD is enough to provide 1080p gameplay on the most popular games without a GPU. The CPU comes with an AMD Stealth cooler and is compatible with the Socket AM4 motherboard platform. The chip is unlocked for overclocking, though it may require a better cooling solution.
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Intel Core i7-12700K CPU –
Intel Core i7-12700K is the latest generation processor from Intel. This CPU is near the top range of options in the Intel Core series of processors. It has a clock speed of 3.6GHz and offers more cache including 25MB L3 cache and Hyper-Threading feature, which allows it to deliver better performance in demanding apps and games. Graphics performance is provided by the built-in Intel UHD graphics controller. The processor is compatible with socket LGA-1700 motherboards.
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Intel Core i5-12400 CPU –
Intel Core i5-12400 is the latest generation mid-range processor. The mid-range Core i5 is often considered great for gaming setups, as it performs well enough for most purposes but doesn’t break the bank. This specific model features a 2.5GHz clock speed with Turbo Boost and Hyper-Threading for enhanced performance when demanded. The built-in Intel UHG Graphics 7300 controller provides improved graphics when used without a GPU. There’s also support for up to four monitors. The chip is compatible with the socket LGA-1700 platform on the motherboard.
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MSI Gaming GeForce RTX 3060 12GB GPU –
This GeForce RTX 3060 by MSI Gaming features 12GB of GDDR6 memory and a maximum clock speed of 1837MHz on a 192-bit memory interface. Since this is an RTX 30 series CPU, it also includes updated, second-generation RT cores, which offer improved ray-tracing performance. The graphics card comes with three DisplayPort 1.4a ports and one HDMI 2.1 for up to four simultaneous monitors. The maximum resolution supported is 8K at 7680 x 4320.
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Gigabyte Radeon RX 6700 XT Eagle Graphics Card –
The Gigabyte Radeon RX 6700 XT Eagle graphics card is based on the AMD RDNA2 architecture. It’s right in the middle of the Radeon RX 6000 series in terms of pricing and performance. It features 12GB of integrated 192-bit GDDR6 memory and an extensive Windforce 3X cooling system with three fins. The Gigabyte Radeon RX 6700 XT has two DisplayPort 1.4a ports, which allows for two high-resolution and high-frame rate monitors simultaneously.
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ASUS GeForce GTX 1660 Super Overclocked GPU –
The Asus GeForce GTX 1660 Super Overclocked graphics card features an Nvidia Turing architecture with 1408 CUDA cores and six gigabytes of overclocked GDDR6 memory. The card is easy to fit in a packed or small setup thanks to its short form factor.
The GPU supports up to three monitors with HDMI 2.0B, DisplayPort 1.4, and DVI-D ports. It comes with GPU Tweak II software which allows monitoring the performance in real-time. The manufacturer recommends a PSU with an output of at least 450 W for this graphics card.
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ASUS TUF Gaming NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti GPU –
The Asus TUF Gaming GeForce GTX 1660 Ti is a graphics card that features Nvidia Turing architecture with six gigabytes of GDDR6, a clock speed of 1845 MHz, and a memory speed of 12 Gbps. Maximum resolution is 8K at 7680 x 4320 and the GPU supports up to three displays with HDMI, DisplayPort and DVI-D ports.
The GPU is designed to work well with streaming to a dedicated hardware encoder that is optimized for Open Broadcaster Software or OBS.
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ZOTAC Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 Ti GPU –
The Zotac Gaming GeForce RTX 4070 Ti is Nvidia’s latest generation of gaming GPUs. It features new DLSS 3 technology, a more efficient Ada Lovelace architecture, and improved ray-tracing capabilities. Specs include a boost clock of 2700 MHz, 12 gigabytes of GDDR6 memory, a 192-bit memory interface, and 21 Gbps memory speeds.
The GPU also houses the IceStorm 2.0 advanced cooling system along with three 110mm fans and a Spectra 2.0 ARGB lighting setup. It supports up to four displays and up to 8K resolution.
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ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 3050 OC Edition GPU –
The Asus TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 3050 OC Edition is a mid-tier gaming GPU with an Nvidia Ampere streaming processor that delivers up to twice the FP32 throughput and improved efficiency. The GPU has been updated to include second-generation RT cores with improved ray-tracing performance and third-generation Tensor cores for increased in-game performance and AI capabilities.
With OC mode, the GPU has a boost clock of 1875 MHz, and 1845 MHz with gaming mode.
The ASUS TUF Gaming GeForce RTX 3050 OC Edition supports up to four displays with a maximum resolution of 8K.
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XFX Speedster Radeon RX 6700 GPU –
This XFX Speedster is based on the Radeon RX 6700 AMD’s mid-tier gaming GPU. It features AMD RDNA 2 architecture with 12GB of GDDR6 memory. The graphics card comes with one HDMI and three DisplayPort connectors, allowing for up to four displays. The maximum resolution is 8K.
The GPU has a maximum boost clock of 2694 MHz and to keep the chips cool while gaming, it features an XFX Merc 308 cooling system with a triple fan setup.
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XFX Radeon RX 7900XT GPU –
The XFX Radeon RX 7900XT is based on AMD’s latest and most powerful graphics chips. The AMD RX 7900 XT is powered by the new RDNA 3 architecture, which delivers AI acceleration, a new AMD Radiance Display Engine, and a chipset design. There’s also an improved second generation of ray-tracing and AMD Infinity Cache features.
This specific XFX GPU features 20 gigabytes of graphics memory on a 320-bit memory interface, a clock speed of 2400 MHz, and a powerful triple fan cooling solution.
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ASUS Radeon RX 6700 XT OC Edition GPU
This higher mid-tier graphics card from Asus is based on AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT GPU. This is the OC version, which means that the chips are overclocked to provide higher clock speeds and performance. Its clock speed in OC mode is up to 2622 MHz.
The GPU is kept cool with the Axial-Tech fan design, which consists of a small fan hub with long blades and a barrier ring for increased downward pressure. The GPU supports up to four displays at a maximum resolution of 8K via one HDMI 2.1 and three DisplayPort 1.4 outputs.
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FAQ
Q: Are all GPUs compatible with all CPUs
Generally, AMD CPUs support all graphics cards, be it from AMD or Nvidia. Furthermore, all CPUs, whether from Intel or AMD, support both AMD and Nvidia graphics cards. However, features like AMD Smart Access Memory can enhance the experience on dual AMD setups.
Q: What is RTX or Ray Tracing?
RTX is Nvidia’s branding for a line of products with hardware support for a feature called ray-tracing. While lighting effects can be used with non-RTX graphics cards, RTX cards are generally better suited for it and offer better performance.
Q: What do cores and GHz mean in a processor?
Core refers to the individual units within the processor that are working together to calculate results. Generally the higher the core count and thread count, the better the multitasking performance. GHz or gigahertz refers to the clock speed of the processor. This generally gives a general idea of how good the processor’s performance is, although it shouldn’t be taken as gospel or as the sole factor.
Note-This article may contain affiliate links that the publisher may receive a commission from if you buy a product or service through those links.
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