Intel Core i5-3570K Quad-Core Processor 3.4 GHz

Intel Core i5-3570K Processor on Amazon

This processor is a couple years old now but I've had it running with no issues for 3 years now and I see no need to upgrade. I use it in a moderate gaming rig with an OC to 4.3 no problem. It does have an larger heatsink and fan than stock but I bought it just to be safe. I've yet to have any overheating issues and this box is running in a bonus room that is impossible to keep cool.

Video cards are of course important but back when I was playing games more I regularly had Skyrim at full settings and chugged along fine. Crysis 2 was a breeze too. If you're looking for something that can take anything up to semi-heavy games but don't want to splurge on the newest hardware, this is the processor for you.