logo
logo
Sign in

How to choose a CPU for building a gaming computer

avatar
Nazim
How to choose a CPU for building a gaming computer

Choosing a Best CPUs for RX 6700 XT for your gaming computer can be difficult. The price, type of games you play, and the brand are all important considerations to keep in mind when choosing a CPU. We have compiled information on what types of CPUs are available so that you know which one is best suited for your needs. Before purchasing a CPU, make sure you know what games you plan to play and which video card you're using in your system. Knowing the type of game is important because some games are more demanding than others when it comes to graphics. If you are only interested in one type of game, then this article may not apply to your needs.

Choosing a CPU can be divided into two categories: choosing between an Intel or AMD processor and choosing the best model within those brands. Both brands produce processors with varying specifications that are focused on different aspects of gaming. It is crucial to keep in mind what features are absolutely necessary for your use before making any final decisions about which one is right for you.

AMD versus Intel CPUs

AMD versus Intel is a long-running debate among PC enthusiasts who primarily care about performance over brand reputation. Choosing an Intel processor will typically allow for faster single-core performance than its counterpart but there are other factors to take into account when deciding which one is most suitable for you.

Choosing an AMD processor will typically allow you to play games at higher maximum settings than with an Intel, but this comes at the cost of lower single-core performance when compared to their counterpart in most cases. Gamers looking to play at Ultra or Extreme settings will almost always be better off with an AMD alternative because the processing power needed becomes too much for a single core in most situations. A game like Doom can run on Ultra with an RX 480 between 70 and 110 FPS on 1440p. This is possible with extreme overclocking of components, however it would probably not be worth the effort since it's not a particularly demanding game.

Pros of AMD CPUs:

*More multi-core support in games - almost all games support more than 4 threads so going with an AMD CPU allows for better multi core scaling and performance

*Often cheaper, or at least cheaper models within a price bracket. Some AMD chips are also very budget oriented and can often be purchased for under $100.  [NOTE: this is not always true when comparing the top end i7s against ryzen/ryzen 5s]

**Consumers may find that Ryzen has higher framerates in 1080p gaming. In terms of single core performance, Ryzen is usually slower than Intel processors when looking at streamline tasks such as video rendering.

*More overclocking potential - the CPUs often have a higher TDP limit, allowing for faster clocks and better performance when compared to Intel offerings in equivalent price brackets.   

Cons of AMD CPUs:

*Uses more power than Intel - AMD processors tend to produce more heat and use more power than Intel processors with similar specs. Power draw is also increased as a result of the increased clock speeds and multi-core support

**Some games may perform better on intel CPUs, particularly streamline tasks such as video rendering which results in less threads being utilized and the longer single threaded performance becomes very important.

Intel processors are typically more expensive than AMD alternatives of the same price bracket. The tradeoff for this is clock speed and single core performance which can be better in some situations where a game doesn't utilize multiple threads effectively, or when the user only uses specific types of software that aren't multi-threaded. An Intel i7 6800k overclocked to 4.4ghz will have higher framerates in most games compared to an Intel 6300 that isn't clocked nearly as high. If you're looking at 1080p gaming with medium settings on an entry level card, then your best option might be an Intel chip if frames per second is what matters most to you.

Pros of Intel CPUs:

*More efficient processing - Intel processors usually perform better in streamline tasks such as video rendering. This is because they are hyperthreading support which allows the processor to use more processing power when it comes to multi-threaded applications.

*Typically better performance at lower clock speeds - if you don't overclock, an Intel i7 4790k will almost always be better than its ryzen equivalent even at stock clocks. Even with a slight overclock, the i7 will still have higher single core performance and framerates in most situations where video editing or streaming is involved until the ryzen pulls ahead due to its higher clocked per core performance

Cons of Intel CPUs:

*Uses more power  Intel chips are typically not as power efficient and give off more heat than equivalent Ryzen alternatives even when they're at similar clocks. 

*Higher price - intel chips are typically the most expensive option in any given budget bracket. If you're not streamlining or rendering video, then you might want to consider amd for those who don't need hyperthreading/more cores as well as those who do but don't see it necessary.   

Recommendations:

Streamline/Service oriented CPU usage: Intel CPU w/o HT Streamline workstation type tasks    Intel i5 6600k with a h110 motherboard Personal level gaming with stock clock speeds - intel CPU Personal level gaming overclocked - AMD CPU Budget level PC building I would recommend an RX 470 for this. You can get a PC prebuilt on newegg with the 470/provisioning + monitors included for around $750-$1100. The cost of building one yourself would be ~$400-600 less, but it really isn't worth it when you're going into a budget build that's going to have lower specs than prebuilts that are aimed at budget oriented buyers Streamline workstation type tasks Intel i5 6500 w/b150 motherboard Personal level gaming with stock clock speeds - intel CPU Personal level gaming overclocked - AMD CPU.

collect
0
avatar
Nazim
guide
Zupyak is the world’s largest content marketing community, with over 400 000 members and 3 million articles. Explore and get your content discovered.
Read more