Choosing the Best CPU for
Your Gaming Computer
Choosing the best CPU for your gaming needs can be a tough decision. The CPU market is indeed confusing. There are many different models to choose from, all with different features and speeds.
The following information will help you understand the world of CPUs, and will assist you in choosing the best CPU for your gaming needs.
Picking the latest, fastest or most expensive processor on the market won’t always result in the right CPU for your particular system. Some processors are designed to work with certain motherboards, so the CPU you choose will limit the type of motherboard you can get.
The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is one of the most important components in any computer system. The CPU could be described as the brains of a computer. It contains the logic circuitry that performs the instructions of the software you run. The performance of your games and other applications will be directly related to this tiny little microprocessor.
The Major Players: Intel and AMD
Two companies dominate the CPU market, Intel and AMD (Advanced Micro Devices). Both companies make a range of different processor models. For example, Intel have the Core i7 and Core i5 processor models, while AMD have the Athlon and Phenom series. The Intel versus AMD debate is always a popular one.
The Best CPU for Gaming
If you’re a basic computer user and you don’t require all that much power, you may want to consider a budget-line processor. Intel and AMD both offer budget processors.Intel have their Celeron range of budget processor models, which has been around for years. The Celerons of today have dramatically different inner structures than the first Celerons that hit the market years ago. Another budget option from Intel these days would be the Core 2 Duo models. As for AMD, these days the AMD Athlon 64 X2 processors would be considered budget models and go for very cheap.
For gaming, you will need a more powerful CPU. If you wish to play the latest 3D games with good performance, you’ll want to invest in a capable CPU. Currently, the Intel Core i5 and Intel Core i7 are the most popular processors and are also the ones that I recommend for gaming. If you want to go with AMD instead, consider the AMD Phenom X4 models.
Deciding between AMD and Intel can be a difficult decision. Although, if you're a gamer I would recommend an Intel processor at this particular moment time. They seem to slightly out-perform their follow AMD rivals these days with their awesome Core i5 and i7 processors. But in this market things change very quickly, and next week AMD could have the best offer and I will be recommending them instead. So it's really up to you to decide between the two.
Understanding the Speed of CPUs
The speed of a CPU is measured in either megahertz or gigahertz, and is referred to as the CPU’s
clock speed. It’s not very easy to compare the performance of Intel and AMD processors. An Intel processor running at 3 GHz is not equivalent to an Athlon processor running at 3 GHz. This is because AMD processors can run at a slower speed and yet match the performance of faster-clocked Intel processors. As a result, AMD has named its CPUs on an equivalent Intel rating, not based on their actual MHz value. This helps to compare AMD and Intel processors. For example, an AMD Athlon XP 2100+ runs at 1.73 GHz, yet it matches the performance of a 2.1GHz Pentium 4.
Cooling Your CPU
These days, the best CPUs produce so much heat they require a cooling system. Processors commonly run with a fan attached to the top to cool them down. When you buy a CPU, the stock cooler that comes with it can be replaced with a better
aftermarket cpu cooler if you want improved cooling. If you're going to be
overclocking your CPU, then chances are you probably need to get a better cooler.
The Future of CPUs
Competition in the CPU market is tight between Intel and AMD, both are working hard to release the fastest and most powerful chips. The current trend in CPUs are
quad core CPUs, and AMD and Intel both have competing quad core processors on the market. Who knows what the future may bring? One thing's for sure, CPU technology is only going to get better like it always does. To think how fast they may become in the future is frightening.
Conclusion
Choosing the best CPU for gaming can be a confusing task. Hopefully this article has shed some light on how to go about choosing the best gaming CPU for your needs. You can find all the top
