When selecting a CPU for a gaming PC build, it’s important to consider factors such as core count, clock speed and price. The CPU is the heart of any gaming PC and can greatly influence the performance of your build. Here’s what you need to know before selecting the perfect CPU for your gaming PC.
Price
The price of a CPU is always an important factor when building a PC, and it has a particularly big impact when it comes to a gaming machine. If you’re on a tight budget, the Intel Core i3 range provides great performance for entry-level gaming, and can be found as low as $100 USD. For mid-range gaming, the AMD Ryzen 5 CPUs are great value, and they can be had for around $200 USD.
For more serious gaming, you’ll have to look to the higher-end Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen 7 and 9 ranges. These processors can range from $400 to $1000 USD and offer significantly more performance. It’s worth noting that these CPUs also require more expensive motherboards and cooling solutions, so be sure to factor those in to your price point.
Core Count
The number of cores (or threads) the CPU has plays a significant role in its performance. The more cores a CPU can handle, the more tasks it is capable of completing. When it comes to gaming, more cores can help with running multiple apps in the background without affecting the performance of your game.
Intel Core i3 CPUs usually have four cores, while Intel Core i5 and AMD Ryzen 5 CPUs feature six cores. For serious gaming, however, you should at least look for an Intel Core i7 or Ryzen 7 processor with eight cores, or even opt for the higher-end Ryzen 9 with 12 or even 16 cores.
Clock Speed
The clock speed of a processor is determined by its base clock and its turbo clock. The base clock is the speed at which the processor operates at its minimum while the turbo clock is its maximum speed. Higher clock speeds allow the processor to more quickly execute tasks, resulting in better gaming performance.
Intel i3 and i5 processors usually have a base clock of between 3GHz and 3.5GHz, while the higher-end Ryzen 5, 7 and 9 CPUs have base clocks anywhere from 3.6 to 4.7GHz. Keep in mind that these are still the base clocks – many of these processors can boost the clock speed even higher when necessary.
Integrated Graphics
Most modern CPUs come with built-in integrated graphics. This is great for casual, esports or entry level gaming, but for serious gaming you should look for a dedicated graphics card, as it will provide much faster and more consistent performance. Intel Core i7 and AMD Ryzen 5 to 9 processors usually come with integrated graphics, though their performance may not be up to par for demanding games.
Cooling
It’s important to take cooling into consideration when selecting your CPU, as the performance of your processor could be affected by the heatsink or fan you choose. If your CPU has a higher power draw, you’ll likely need a larger heatsink. Some motherboards also require specialised coolers, so be sure to double check compatibility before committing to a CPU.
Compatibility
It’s also essential to ensure that the CPU you select is compatible with your intended motherboard. Different sockets are used by different manufacturers and not all processors will work on all motherboards. Be sure to check the specifications of the CPU and motherboard before making your purchase.
Conclusion
When it comes to selecting a CPU for a gaming PC, there are a lot of factors to consider, such as price, performance, cooling and compatibility. Ultimately, the best CPU for you will depend on your particular needs and budget. Before making your purchase, be sure to weigh all of your options and decide which processor is best for your build.
