Gamers face a difficult decision when building or upgrading their gaming PC, what processor should they choose? With the wide range of CPUs available it can be difficult to decide which processor is right for you, as there are many factors to consider. In this blog post, we will be tackling these questions to help determine which processor is best for your particular gaming needs.
The most important factor to consider when choosing a processor is your budget. Fortunately, there is a wide range of processors available to suit various budgets; the higher the price, the better the performance. It is important to remember that the processor is only one component in the system and that other components such as the graphics card and RAM can also have an impact on overall performance.
The next factor to consider is the platform. Intel and AMD processors use different architectures, meaning you will also need to ensure the motherboard you are using is compatible. If you’re pairing a processor with a graphics card, similarly ensure that the graphics card is compatible with the processor.
When it comes to Clock Speed, one of the most important features, it generally does not tell the whole story. Single core applications will be more sensitive to the speed, however most modern games are designed to take advantage of multi-core market, so a slower single core processor can potentially be outdone by one with a lower speed but higher core count.
The next factor to bear in mind is hyperthreading, which is a technology that is found in Intel CPUs. It increases the performance of the processor by making two threads out of each core, however it should not be considered a replacement for additional cores. As a result, the highest performance CPUs are usually ones which have both a large core count and an ability to process multiple threads.
Finally, consider the longevity of the processor. If you are looking for a performance machine and upgrade regularly, it may be worth sacrificing some performance for a more economical processor, as the life span of most processors is typically around three to four years.
Power Consumption and TDP
An often-overlooked factor when choosing a processor for gaming is the Thermal Design Power (TDP) rating, which is an indication of how much power the processor draws from the power supply. High performance processors will usually consume more power, resulting in more heat which needs to be dissipated and higher electricity bills. When considering the TDP of a processor, it is important to remember that the TDP is an averaged figure and the actual use can vary significantly.
It is also important to check how the processor performs under load. Low power processors may have low TDP ratings, however they may not have sufficient performance for demanding gaming tasks. On the other hand, higher power consumption processors may have a significantly better performance for gaming.
High performance processors usually require additional cooling systems, such as water-cooling. If you are considering a processor with a large TDP rating, it is important to ensure you have adequate cooling to avoid damage to the processor and other components.
It is also important to consider the power supply requirements of your system. If you plan on installing a processor with a large TDP, you will need a power supply with sufficient power to support it. It is also important to factor in additional power requirements, such as those of additional video cards and peripherals.
Overclocking
Finally, it is important to evaluate the processor’s ability to be overclocked. Overclocking is the process of increasing the clock speed of the processor, which can result in improved performance. Overclocking can be risky if done incorrectly and can damage components, however many processors have features which increase safety when overclocking.
When overclocking, it is important to evaluate the power requirements of the setup. Many motherboards have dedicated components to ensure stable overclocking, such as on-board power supplies and additional cooling systems. Additionally, overclocking can also reduce the processor life span, so it is important to determine whether the performance gains are worth it.
Overclocking offers a way to squeeze extra performance out of a processor, however it is important to understand the risks involved before attempting it. If done correctly, it can result in improved performance, however it can often result in decreased stability, shorter processor life span and reduced energy efficiency.
Conclusion
Choosing the right processor for gaming can be a difficult decision. There are many factors to consider, such as budget, platform, clock speed, hyperthreading, TDP, power requirements and overclocking. It is important to factor in all of these variables when choosing a processor for gaming to ensure that you are making an informed decision.
