Choosing an Intel i3/i5/i7 Processor for Your Good Gaming Computer

The central processing unit is one of the main components in your good gaming computer. It will dictate how quickly your computer can retrieve and process data and execute commands. Therefore, it is extremely important to choose a processor that will not only get the job done, but will do so in an outstanding fashion. 

There are two main brands of computer processors: Intel and AMD. In this post we will discuss the many different features of the different Intel processors available. Intel produces many different processors, but today we're going to talk about their i3, i5, and i7 chips.

Intel's i3 Processors

Of Intel's new line of processors, the i3 is the least powerful. But that doesn't mean they won't get the job done. They will...

...the job just won't get done as fast as the others can get it done.

• i3 processors utilize hyperthreading technology (which was explained earlier in this post)
• At the very least, i3 processors are dual-core. There have been some quad-core i3's as well.
• They typically have 3-4 MB Cache (Cache is important--we will explain it later)
• 2.5-3.4 GHz

Ultimately, i3 processors are excellent choices for good gaming computers that must be built on a budget--they are good enough to support a quality gaming experience.

The best thing to do if you are on a budget (~$500), is to save some money by getting an i3 processor and then use that extra cash on a better graphics card.

Intel's i5 Processors

You really can't go wrong with an i5 processor. In fact, unless you've got an unlimited budget, then you're better off getting an i5 processor. The difference in gaming between an i5 processor and an i7 processor is not noticeable enough to warrant the higher costs.

If you have a moderate budget ($700-$1250) the i5 is a great processor. However, if you're also using your computer for other computing intensive tasks, like video rendering, you may want to consider an i7.

• Hyperthreading technology
• i5's come in either dual- or quad-core
• They can have between 3-8 MB Cache
• 2.5-3.6 GHz

At this point, you might be wondering where the difference between i3's and i5's are. Besides those extra MB's Cache (which is important) everything looks basically the same.

Ah, but there's a kicker. (There always is!)

The i5's have something that the i3's don't: Turbo Boost. It sounds cool and it is cool.

To understand Turbo Boost, you first have to understand that the clock speed on the box of the processor is much lower than that processor's max clock speed. This is done to protect the manufacturer from the worst case scenario. (However, many gamers get around this by 'overclocking' their processors--we will explain this in a later post.)

Turbo Boost allows the processor to temporarily reach higher GHz when the computer comes under heavy workloads.

To get a better idea of this boost, think of your computer as Mario and the Turbo Boost star-power. I need not say any more.

Intel's i7 Processors

Now, if you have an unlimited amount of money, then you might want to consider Intel's extreme i7 processors. These bad boys stand alone in the world of computer CPU's.

The i7's are especially good processors to get if you do a lot of heavy video editing and other processor intensive tasks. However, if you just want to build a good gaming computer and you don't have millions of dollars, an i5 will provide similar capabilities and the difference in gaming won't be so noticeable that you will regret your decision.

• Hyperthread technology (8 threads... mmmm so many hyperthreads... we don't need you, but we'll have you anyways!)
• Turbo Boost
• Quad-core (some extreme processors come with six cores!)
• Ranges from 4-8 MB Cache
• ~3.0+ GHz

Generally speaking, the i7's are for those gamers who'd rather put off going to the bathroom for 40 minutes than to miss an intense battle. (Guilty!)

Or, for those who'd rather ride a bike to work and have the sickest computer around than drive in the comfort of their own car.

Ultimately, it takes a different breed to go with the i7's. And, while they don't make you a better gamer, they do make you a lot cooler.

Choose A Quality Processor for Your Good Gaming Computer

In the end, the processor you choose will have a huge impact on your gaming experience. So, it's important that you take your time and choose a CPU that you know will do a good job.

For more information on good gaming computers, follow the link provided to continue reading.

 

If You're Building A Gaming Computer, Then You Need A Stand Alone Graphics Card

If you have decided to build your own gaming computer, then you're going to need to do some research on the components you need. One of the most important of these components is the graphics card.

The graphics card is going to play a huge role in your gaming experience, as it will dictate the quality of the picture you see, the smoothness of the graphics in the game, and, perhaps most importantly, your frame rate.

If you've ever gamed on a crappy computer, then you know how awful a low frame rate can be. 

It's seriously the worst thing ever.

Not only do you have to play on the lowest graphics settings, but the game isn't even enjoyable.

On the flip side, if you go from playing on a low frame rate computer with crappy graphics to a sick gaming computer, then you will likely experience some kind of awesome 'nerd-awakening' in which you declare independence from crappy computer manufacturers.

That's what I did. And that's what you can do, too.

Stand-Alone Graphics is the Only Way to Go

You really only have one option when it comes to graphics cards: stand-alone. Graphics cards that are integrated into the motherboard are fine for standard computers and low-end gaming.

However, if you want to build a sick gaming rig (which you undoubtedly do) then you're going to need a stand alone card.

You must be asking yourself the following: "Why do I need a stand-alone video card, oh wise and all-knowing gaming nerd guru guy?" 

Well, you see, my fellow gaming friends, a stand-alone graphics card is going to take some pressure off of the CPU  because it will help out with some of the work. If your graphics card is integreated into your motherboard, then it takes up a ton of RAM from your computer. 

However, if you have a stand-alone card, it will have memory built into it, thus allowing your game to use memory from the card and not from your computer. This will make your game run much faster and will ultimately enhance your gaming experience.

So, when you go to build your own gaming computer, you want to make sure that you pick out a quality stand-alone video card. It will seriously make all the difference in the world.

For more information on building a good gaming computer, follow the link provided to continue reading.

Build Your Own Gaming Computer in Four Easy Steps

If you are like most PC gamers then you know how important it is to have a quality gaming computer. A high-end gaming rig will allow you to play your game at the highest visual settings and will enable you to execute in-game commands much more quickly than you would be able to on a standard computer. These two aspects of having a good gaming computer will greatly enhance your gaming experience.
However, most people don't know where to go to get a quality gaming PC. The fact is, you don't have to go anywhere...
...you can build your own gaming computer.
Now, don't be intimidated by the complex nature of a computer. When it comes to assembling your own system, it's really not that hard. In fact, you can build your own gaming computer in four easy steps.
Four Steps to Build Your Own Gaming Computer
Step 1 - Set Your Budget
The best part about building your own computer, is that it will end up costing you a lot less than if you were to get the same system from a manufacturer. This is due to the fact that manufacturers will often cut corners on their standard machines and sell you computers with low-quality components inside them. So, by building your own system, you get a lot more bang for your buck.
When setting the budget for your build, you need to consider the fact that gaming computers are, in their own right, extreme systems. There's really no such thing a cheap gaming computer.
You can, however, assemble a quality gaming rig for $500. Although, you probably don't want to go any lower than that.
In any case, it is a good idea to set the budget for your build before you go out and select the different components for your computer. It is an even better idea to break down your budget for each computer component.
Step 2 - Choosing Components for Your Gaming Computer
The budget you set for your build will determine the quality of components that go into your gaming computer. One important aspect of choosing components, is to create balance in your system. 
If you have a $500 budget and you purchase a $300 processor, you are going to have to fill the rest of your computer with low-quality parts. And, those low-quality parts will not work well with your high-end processor.
So, always seek to achieve a balance.
That isn't to say that you shouldn't spend more on some parts than others. Naturally, a gaming computer requires a good processor and a solid gaming card. These will be the two items you will want to spend a good chunk of your budget on, as they will have the biggest impact on your gaming experience.
With that being said, let's take a look at the components you will need to build your own gaming computer:

• Processor (CPU)
• Graphics Card
• Computer Case
• Hard Drive
• Motherboard
• Optical Drive
• Memory
• Power Supply
• Sound Card
• Speakers
• Monitor
• Accessories - (gaming keyboard, mouse, etc.)
• Operating System

It's important that you do your homework and research the components you're going to buy, in order to ensure that you get the best products. By doing this, you will increase the performance of your gaming computer and lengthen its lifespan.
Step 3 - Assemble Your Gaming Computer
Once you have your components, it's time to assemble your computer! Now, I know what you must be thinking...
"...this is going to be hard. I don't know anything about building computers."
Well, I assure you, it's not as difficult as you think.
What it really boils down to, is the ability to follow directions and assemble your computer components one at a time. 
In fact, newegg.com put up a computer assembly three-part series on YouTube not too long ago. It shows the whole process from start to finish. If you follow along with this video, you should have no problem assembling your computer correctly.
You can watch the video by clicking here.
The important thing to note when assembling a computer, is to take your time, be careful not to touch any of the computers sensitive parts, and make sure you get everything attached properly. If you can do that, then you build a good gaming computer.
Step 4 - Turn That Badboy On!
You've got your computer all put together... now all you have to do is turn it on and install the operating system. Fortunately, the video mentioned above shows you how to do that as well.
Now you're ready to start pwning n00bs left and right!

For those of you who want to build your own gaming computer, that is pretty much as easy it gets. Check out Good Gaming Computer HQ for more information on what components to choose and how to approach the building process.

Good Gaming Computer Keyboards

If you are looking for a good gaming computer keyboard to add to your aresenal of gaming gear, then you should do your homework and find one that will fit your needs. The truth is that a solid keyboard could give you a huge advantage over your opponents by giving you the ability to execute moves more quickly.
And being able to execute commands quicker is huge!
A solid gaming keyboard will also enhance your gaming experience by giving you some cool extra features. The extra features that come with gaming keyboards are what separates them from the standard keyboard. Gaming keyboard can simply do things that other keyboards can't.
The following is a list of some things that you should look for when buying a keyboard:

• USB Ports - That's right! You can get keyboards that will allow you to plug external devices directly into them through a USB port. However, if you're going to get a keyboard with USB ports, make sure you get the up-to-date USB ports installed to maximize efficiency.
• Customizable Keys to Set Macros - A good gaming computer keyboard will have special keys that you can program to execute a command or series of commands with one push of the button. This will give you a serious advantage.
• Audio Ports for Headphones - Sometimes you're just too far away from the headphone jack on your computer, and you don't have a long enough chord. A headphone jack on your keyboard is the perfect solution to this and makes it incredibly easy to enjoy your game with headphones on.
• Backlit - With the high powered graphics and stunning visuals of today's PC games, playing your game is like watching a movie--it's way better with the lights off. However, a gamer has to be able to see the keys on his keyboard. That's where a backlit keyboard comes in handy. You get the enhanced visual effect of playing in the dark and you are still able to see fine.
• Design of the Keys - You will definitely want to get mechanical switch keys. They are much easier to type with.

If you find a keyboard with all of these options, you will have found yourself a solid keyboard.
When shopping for the keyboard, you should check out a few reputable brand names. By choosing a quality keyboard manufacturer, you will be protected against faulty equipment and you'll likely receive a warranty that will prevent you from getting stuck having to replace a malfunctioning keyboard.
Look for keyboards from the following reputable manufacturers:

• Logitech
• Alienware
• Razer
• Microsoft

You can't go wrong with any of these companies. They offer great products and, if anything should go wrong, they will help you get the problem solved quickly.
Now that you have the information you need to select a quality keyboard for your gaming PC, now it's time to go out there and get it.
Don't be surprised, however, when your gaming experience increases tenfold!
For more information on good gaming computer hardware and accessories, keep coming back to this page! We'll keep you updated on all of the latest news from the industry.