Last Updated: June 12th, 2011
How to Choose the Best Gaming Processor
This article is in reference to the gaming processor and their specific function in a gaming computer. All the information below will help you familiarize yourself with gaming correlated computer processors and supply information about core features regarding gaming processor specifications and selection.
There are many variations of gaming processor on the market and making a decision is no easy task. The central processing unit is one of the primary components underlying a gaming computers operation, evaluating and executing sets of instructions, bit by bit, byte by byte, and so on. Whether at the start of a process or the finishing steps, the CPU is behind it all. There are many performance factors that gaming processors are recognized for, which are in detail below.
Determine Your Budget
When assembling a gaming computer, your build will be based around set pecuniary limitations. This goes for everything hardware related located within the chassis, including the case itself. Not to mention all of the required external hardware, such as a mouse, display device, keyboard and additional software. When determining a budget, money obviously is an issue here, which coincides with the quality of hardware you can select. A balanced configuration based around performance factors is key to successfully building a gaming computer, though despite the fact some individuals are burdened by a tight budget, there are still value based gaming processors produced by both Intel and AMD. The plus side to these value based gaming processor are that they offer slight performance advantages compared to more robust, not to mention expensive, processor families accessible today. The impact from less stress and operation alone will benefit future purchases, saving a significant amount of money and time. It isn't necessary to run the latest hardware just because its available, you can always improvise with the next best model.
Select A Manufacturer
After designating a budget, the next step would be choosing a manufacturer. There are two primary vendors whom offer a variety of models. We recommend Intel or AMD. Among the varieties offered, its convenient to know that both companies offer processors that support platforms built with a mixture of compatible gaming hardware. This makes it much easier to select the proper gaming processor when searching the market, keeping your budget and performance expectations in mind. Other than this quality, we recommend Intel when it comes to the best gaming processor. AMD still produce spectacular gaming CPU, they just haven't met Intel's rising demands when it comes to implementing technologies. We have researched, compared, and investigated a multitude of articles and information hubs to suggest this information. This is our opinion, and we highly support our assertion, but ultimately, its up to you to decide on a brand, depending on your personal expectations and goals. The information featured on the entirety of this page can make this decision much more clear, so please, read on, we encourage you to.
Choose A Processor Family
If you have made a decision on a processor manufacturer, then the next step we recommend would be narrowing down your search and choosing one of the many processor families available through AMD or Intel. The table below emphasizes on families that feature gaming processors as examples only.
| Intel Processor Families |
AMD Processor Families | ||
Family |
Processor Models |
Family |
Processor Models |
Core Processor Family |
Core i7 |
Phenom II Processor Family |
Phenom II X6 |
Core 2 Processor Family |
Core 2 Duo Core 2 Extreme Core 2 Quad |
Phenom Processor Family |
Phenom X4 |
Pentium Processor Family |
Pentium Dual-Core | Athlon II Processor Family |
Athlon II X4 Athlon II X3 Athlon II X2 |
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Decide on a Processor Model
If you decided to limit yourself with a budget, have chosen a brand, or selected a processor family, you should be able to decide on a potential processor model. Models vary amongst many specifications, most notably, the clock rate, memory latency, cache features, bus speed, and processor core count. Gaming software is developed to handle these technologies that gaming processors utilize, so it is especially important that you understand the information regarding gaming processors and the types of games you play. The information below can help you determine a suitable model, depending on your specific preferences and needs. We suggest using Intel's current 45nm and below gaming processors, particularly the Intel Core i5 750, i7 920, or i7 975 (Either Edition).
Processor Interface (Socket Relationship)
The processor interface is the interconnection between the motherboard and CPU. This feature directly relates to the brand and model of processor of your choosing, as well the chipset attributes. This will help you determine a suitable motherboard by matching a corresponding processor
The remaining information featured below pertains to eminent specifications belonging to particular functions within a processors operation. We recommend you scan this information to gain a better perspective on the type of processor that best suits you.
Performance Factors
Clock Rate (Frequency)
The rate at which the CPU can process a request.
To determine a processors performance capabilities, along with many other factors, you can refer to its rated operating frequency, typically measured in Gigahertz or GHz. This is one of the most important specifications in terms of overall performance when comparing processors featured in the same family. It can sometimes be complicated when comparing processors that don't share relative technologies. This can also be difficult when selecting a brand. Intel and AMD use varying methods to manufacture their products. So when comparing or selecting a processor, remember that the brand and family of processor do matter.
What is Intel's Turbo Boost? (Intel Based Technology)
What is Hyper-threading? (Intel Based Technology)
What is AMD's Turbo Core? (AMD based Technology)
Amount of "Core"
Multi-core gaming processor are single chips that contain two or more distinctive “Core,” implemented on the same circuit. With gaming processor that posses multi-threading capabilities, each individual core can work on two tasks simultaneously, increasing processor performance, resulting in more efficient data processing.
Depending on how you want to configure your gaming computer, when using a single, duel, quad, or hexa core processor, these chips all utilize various technologies, which help determine price, performance capabilities, and compatibility, for example. You don't need to go overboard and get more than you need as this will increase the cost for any other associated hardware needed for such a processor to function properly. By checking a games minimal hardware requirements or recommended settings, you can easily determine a suitable gaming processor.
On-Board Memory (L2 & L3 Cache)
Small, fast integrated storage area where the processor places frequently accessed data.
Gaming processors also have there own variation of dedicated memory to hold data temporarily. Its known as the L1, L2, and L3 cache, which allows subsequent access to previously used data at a much quicker rate. This memory is used to reduce the average time to access the primary memory or secondary memory. This form of cache is smaller, faster, and more efficient than the other storage centers connected to the motherboard. Be sure to check the capacity on the L2 and L3 cache, because it has the most impact on performance for the processor, these features seen more frequently on advanced central processing unit. CPU cache is very important in determining a suitable gaming processor, so consider a larger amount for better performance.
The bus(es) that transfer data to and from the CPU.
FSB example: 1066 MHz/z or 1333 MHz/z
The processors data bus delegates communications between various devices connected to the motherboard and the processor itself. Typically, this also determines how fast a processor can transfer data to and from the system memory and video cards. A good suggestion would be to purchase a CPU with a FSB operating at a higher frequency, like the examples above.
Also, two newer technologies have surfaced in the recent past, which have begun to replace the FSB completely. "QuickPath Interconnect," by Intel and "HyperTransport," brought to you by AMD. Use the links below for more information.
What is QuickPath Interconnect?
What is HyperTransport?
System BIOS (Basic Input / Output System)
As the complexity behind today's PC games expand, as does the software used by a computers to This is especially the case for a wide range of external devices and internal circuitry that connect directly to the motherboard, such as an arrangement of video cars, consisting of multiple GPU's, Motherboard BIOS, and other embedded chips that utilize firmware updates on a regular basis. Installing or re-configuring new components requires that the products current BIOS be revised if or when needed to ensure your gaming system is fully functional.
Why & How does this Impact Gaming?
Many components contained within a gaming computers chassis use small embedded hardware chips containing software, which control the way in which certain devices function. From basic operation to advanced activities, a motherboards BIOS play significant roles turning operation. This is definitely true for “Overclocking,” for example, in regards to the system memory, processor, or video cards for enthusiasts seeking greater performance in their gaming computers.
The important thing to remember here is to know if or when to update your motherboard or components BIOS. Understand the reason before updating your system BIOS, as this process isn't always necessary. Problems do arise, whether we want them to or not, so take precaution when attempting, unless your a computer technician of some kind.
What is Overclocking?
For the PC gaming industry, the term “Overclocking,” is used on a frequent basis. Majority of PC gamers have probably come across this specification on some occasion, but haven't a clue or idea to its meaning. In regards to beginners and novices, overclocking, at its most basic outlook, is a process of manipulating a components operating frequency, or changing the initial rating set by the manufacturer. Look at a processor for example, it is a common practice to increase the system buses operating frequency in conjunction with the amount of multipliers that were implemented for a particular model of processor, which increases processing speed. This results in a higher rated clock speed, which greatly effects PC games stability.
Heat Reduction
Cooling your CPU is as important as selecting the clock speed of your gaming processor. You need a cooling device to supply an adequate amount of heat dissipation. If you discover your CPU is suffering from this disability, you may notice a decrease in performance or ultimately your CPU could face its own demise from being to powerful. We suggest investing into an after market cooler for the sake of your processor and financial status.
Power Consumption
Modern gaming processor are requiring more power than those of past models. With this increasing demand, a higher rate of thermal production will be obvious, which will require a cooling system to disperse any additional heat. To deal with such a dilemma, we recommend purchasing an aftermarket cooling setup to ensure your system won't over heat. Aim for a lower power rating, which also helps with excess heat.
In conclusion to this information, we hope these outlines will help you make a more informed purchase when it comes to gaming processors. For information about other significant hardware components, visit our hardware parts page.