Top 4 Best CPUs for Gaming and Performance
Most gamers tend to focus more on finding the best graphics card while overlooking the importance of a high-performance CPU. This is logical since the GPU determines the resolution and image quality of your games. However, the processor dictates how well your games run. Sidelining the CPU thus only inhibits you from enjoying a smooth experience.
With this in mind, here is a quick shopping guide to help you purchase your next CPU for your gaming needs.
CPU Shopping Tips
- Choose Clock Speed Over Number of Cores. While both are considered equally important, the scales tend to tip over to clock speed. The higher the clock speed, the higher the performance. Apart from gaming, a high clock speed can help you through complex functions such as stock trading algorithms. With a good clock speed, you won’t miss out on the fast-paced short-selling orders. You will also not miss out on doing qualitative analysis when in search of the best dividend stocks.
- Always go for the Latest Generation. There are two most reliable CPU manufacturers; AMD and Intel. The choice might seem easy but each of these manufacturers has a series processor generations lineup that can be overwhelming for gamers. To make it easy for you, you should shop for the latest generation. Despite being expensive, latest generation processors come with improved technology for enhanced performance.
- Overclocking isn’t for everyone. As exciting as it may sound, overclocking can eventually overwork the processor leading to damage. Instead, you may consider buying a higher-end chip rather than risking damage by overclocking.
Having understood the above buying tips, let’s look into some of the high-performance CPUs in the market:
Intel Core i9-99OOK
This Intel Core i9 processor is the 9th Generation of the Intel line up. The CPU rocks a boost clock speed of 5GHz making it a powerhouse for gamers and busy creatives alike.
Adding to its high performance are solid eight 8 cores and 16 threads, giving the i9 boost performance. Just in case that is not enough, you can overclock the to squeeze out more performance from the processor.
Unfortunately, the Core i9-9900k didn’t upgrade from the 14-nanometre technology used in its redecessors. However, this still means that the processor gives you backward compatibility with old Z370 chipsets.
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X
For the budget-conscious, the AMD 2700X will be your best buy. Similar to the Core i9-9900k, this AMD 2700x has 8 cores making it ideal for multitasking, media work and playing heavy-duty games. Primarily, the processor boasts 3.7GHz clock speed but can be overclocked to a speed of up to 4.3 GHz.
The processor uses the Precision Boost technology to determine the speed of each core when running tasks. This helps boost the processor’s performance to match the speed of the task being handled. Although not new in the CPU space, this technology also gives the AMD a competitive edge over processors in under the same technology.
AMD Ryzen 5 3600X
The Ryzen 5 3600X is quite a force to be reckoned with in the entire AMD’s Ryzen of family. Boasting 6 cores capable of thrusting 4.4GHz clock speed, most gamers will certainly find this chip worthwhile. At the heart of the processor are two chips; one 14nm and the other one 7nm, combining their power to improve efficiency and overclock capabilities.
The best thing about this chip is that it is backward compatible with most 300 and 400 AMD chipset series. All it takes is a simple BIOS setup and all is set.
Intel Core i7-8700K
Most gamers probably know the i7-8700k is an upgrade from the 7th generation chips. It flaunts a 50% increase in the number of threads, from 4 to 12 threads, giving the heavy users value for their money.
This increase in the number of threads is matched with a step-up of the underlying architecture. The chip uses Coffee Lake architecture with the 14-nanometer production process. This renders the chip more efficient, consuming less heat while providing high performance.
Summary
A good GPU is best complemented with a high-performance CPU. Even though the CPU tends to be more expensive, it is certainly worth the hefty price tag given the improved gaming experience from adding high-quality processor in your gaming unit.