What's the best value CPU under $200 (from MicroCenter)

[hydramerlin]

I plan on driving out to a MicroCenter sometime soon. I'm looking to pick up a CPU, motherboard, and RAM and don't have anything I can use from other builds. I'm sticking with a 1080p, 60hz monitor for the time being. Currently, the CPUs they offer under $200 are:

i5 8400: $169.99

R5 2600: $159.99

R5 2600X: $189.99

R5 1600: $139.99

R7 1800X: $199.99

I'm primarily use my PC for playing games like Overwatch, Diablo, Civilization, and older console titles with emulation. Occasionally, I'll use Premiere or AfterEffects for a video project or play some triple-A titles. I'm considering going with the 8400 since I don't have to worry about RAM compatibility or getting an X470 board on Ryzen (or X370 board in this case) to get the most of my CPUs performance. I really like the 2600x since it runs at higher clocks that the 1600 at a lower voltage, but the high cost of RAM and decent OC-ing motherboards puts me off.

 

I got some extra questions while I'm at it. Does it make more sense to buy a cheaper chip but with a better motherboard or a more expensive chip and have to potentially cheap out on the other aspects of the computer? Is the whole cheap VRMs on AMD motherboards right now even an issue? Is this cause for concern for upgrades in the future with potentially higher core count Ryzen CPUs on the way? 

[RAM555789]

I have the i5 8400 and it has been doing really amazing for me. While you would probably see better performance in Permiere or AfterEffects the i5 8400 has plenty of power for the games you are looking at. I run much more CPU intensive games such as Arma 3 at near 60 fps with the i5 8400. (I could get a solid 60fps but I like to have my settings turned up)

[jiyeon]

For gaming, nothing beats a good old Intel CPU, the 8400 is excellent for <$200.

 

15 minutes ago, hydramerlin said:

Does it make more sense to buy a cheaper chip but with a better motherboard or a more expensive chip and have to potentially cheap out on the other aspects of the computer?

It depends; if you're looking to get the most out of your CPU by potentially overclocking, then a more expensive board will be needed since typically cheaper boards skimp on VRM heatsinks. Although a more expensive CPU and a cheaper motherboard is sensible when you're not thinking about chipset features, such as opting for a B360 instead of a Z370, seeing as you're choosing the i5-8400.