How To Select a Processor For Gaming?
Selecting the best gaming processor within a limited budget is one of the most facile and tough jobs. Many questions arise and options come to your mind while looking for the fastest processor.
If you are looking to buy a gaming processor, there are some recommendations from computer engineers and software developers (like me).
For modern gaming needs, your hardware is everything. The performance of your gaming rig mainly depends on the processor, and graphics card (certainly, you can never neglect other components). But, today, you will be learning about what things to consider while buying a gaming processor.
We understand that the performance comes from different factors like threads, no. of cores, clock frequencies, and cache size. But, if you are newcomer to the gaming, it might be difficult to understand how these aspects affect the processor’s overall gaming performance.
Some people really find it difficult to choose a good processor for their gaming needs. Therefore, we came up with an easy guide that helps you opt for the most effective and budget-friendly processor for your gaming need. Today, you will learn about the tactics of buying the best gaming processor.
No. of Cores is EVERYTHING
A core is the physical component of the processor that is responsible for performing calculations and tasks. In layman’s language, more cores mean smooth and buttery execution of multiple applications simultaneously.
High graphic video games prerequisite multicore processors. More cores, more threads, outcomes better efficiency of the processor. Nowadays, the top-notch processor series are either eight or ten cores, while AMD manages to offer processors up to 16 cores.
Threads and Multithreading
Thread is the virtual component that skyrockets the processing speed of the core. Single thread processors are enormously slower. On the other hand, multithread processors are more speedy and efficient.
The number of threads directly depends on the cores. You must consider multithread processors before finalizing your decision. Higher threads effortlessly advance the ability of multitasking — allows executing multiple applications meanwhile.
However, faster processing speeds may increase the power consumption, resulting in a rise in CPU temperature. A good CPU cooler can help you here.
Mysterious Clock Frequencies
Many people still find it problematic to comprehend the exact definition of clock frequencies of the processor. The processors have pre-designed cores frequencies known as base frequencies.
The processors have undergone colossal development phases during the last two decades, resulting in more base frequencies. Clock frequencies (or speed) are the most vital factors affecting speed and performance in gaming.
Both Intel & AMD offer unlocked processors that can be easily overclocked. The process of overclocking improves and boosts the graphic performance of the processor, although overclocking requires more power.
Cache Memory
Every processor contains a memory known as cache memory; this usually stores information regarding the CPU. It somehow affects the performance. However, one must go for a processor with higher cache memory.
Integrated graphics
Integrated graphics means that processors have their own built-in graphics, whereas some chips do not come with graphics. So, we have to invest separately in dedicated graphics for such processors.
Nowadays, most processors have integrated graphics with them. However, these graphics chip are not designed for heavy gaming therefore external graphic is always preferred. Modern games require at least 2GB of graphics.
Unlocked & Locked Chips
Most manufacturers are producing unlocked processors while considering modern gaming needs. A locked processor is designed the same as the unlocked ones, but the only difference is clock speed. They have pre-set clock frequencies and cannot be overclocked. On the contrary, the unlocked processors have a frequency multiplier that allows setting the frequency according to the user demand.
AMD have most of their processors unlocked because they are truly designed for overclocking. Although, Intel produces both locked and unlocked processors. The unlocked processor of Intel can be identified by the letter “K” at the end of the model number.
We highly recommend newcomers to the gaming world have unlocked processors because they are more customizable and can be overclocked to get maximum juice out of them. However, you can go with locked ones if you are not a tech guy.
Cooling System & Power Supplies
Generally, there is no credibility about the information regarding the power consumption of the processors, both by AMD and Intel. The wattage helps to define the suitable cooler and required watts of power from the power supply unit (termed as PSU)
Typically, laptops need an estimated 40–45 watts, whereas gaming computers consume 65 watts to 125 watts depending on the multitasking burden on the processor. It is obvious to think about the best cooler and power supply to avoid extra fan noises and heat issues. We recommend having good coolers such as Noctua NH-D15, Cooler Master Hyper 212, Corsair H100i Pro.
Pro Tip: “Never rely on cheaper power supplies and coolers.”
Verdict:
Before finalizing the processor, you must consider the above-mentioned factors. The motherboard should also be compatible with your AMD or Intel processor. AMD processors are easily compatible with common motherboards like 300, 400, and 500 because it has AM4 Socket. Intel reigned the processor market until AMD introduced the Ryzen series.
