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.