Which processor is better for gaming

Despite the fact that the gaming performance of a computer is determined primarily by the video card installed in it, the processor is also very important.

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1. Which processor is better for games: how to choose
   
2. Producer, socket, generation and family
3. Gaming features
4. Features of the choice of gaming processor for a laptop

Which processor is better for games: how to choose?

The first thing to remember is that the higher the performance of a video card, the more powerful the processor is. That is, for example, for NVIDIA Titan XP - the most powerful graphics accelerator in 2017 - you will need an Intel Core i7-7700K chip. This processor is also the best gaming currently.

When choosing a processor, it is worth starting from the following characteristics:

1. Manufacturer and socket - they determine the compatibility of the processor and motherboard;

2. Generation and family - they determine the performance of the chip;

3. "Gaming" features like an unlocked multiplier or no integrated graphics card.

Producer, socket, generation and family

Compatibility of the processor and the motherboard is determined by two parameters - the manufacturer and the socket. That is, only AMD chips can be installed into the AMD chip slot, only Intel chips can be installed into Intel. If you want to change the manufacturer - will have to buy a new motherboard.

With a socket a little harder. Different processor families are designed to be installed in different connectors. So:

1. Intel Haswell, Intel Broadwell - into socket LGA1150;

2. Intel Skylake, Intel Kabu Lake - LGA1151 socket;

3. Intel Coffee Lake - into the socket LGA1151-v2 (limited support for LGA1151 is present);

4. AMD Phenom II, AMD Athlon II - in socket AM3;

5. AMD FX - AM3 + socket (limited AM3 support is present);

6. AMD Ryzen - in socket AM4.

Limited support means that the processor will either not work at full capacity, or it will require a flashing of the motherboard's BIOS for compatibility.

The best solution when upgrading is to install the most powerful processor compatible with the socket used. So:

1. For LGA1150 - Intel Core i7-5950HQ;

2. For LGA1151 - Intel Core i7-7700K;

3. For AM3 - AMD Phenom II X6-1100T;

4. For AM3 + - AMD FX-8350;

5. For AM4 - AMD Ryzen 7 1800X.

Ultra-flagship configurations, such as the Intel Core i9 or AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950 X, are not recommended for gaming. The fact is that the game developers themselves did not even have time to optimize their products for a 10- or 16-core configuration, respectively. Therefore, these processors in 2017 show lower performance in games than the i7-7700K and Ryzen 7 1800X.

If you really want, it makes sense to buy them for the computer “for growth” and hope that in the future there will still be games for these ultra-powerful configurations.

Moreover, the purchase of even the most powerful within the generation of processors is a task for enthusiasts. Most users have enough less productive chips - which will still provide a rather pleasant gaming experience.

Thus, the following processor models are recommended for purchase:

1. The top segment - processors for 4K games and virtual reality: Intel Core i7-7700K and AMD Ryzen 7 1700;

2. The productive segment is for absolutely all modern games, but without 4K 60fps and other “bells and whistles”: Intel Core i5-7500, AMD Ryzen 5 1600X;

3. The middle segment - processors for modern games in Full HD 30fps and without the "maximum speed": Intel Core i3-7100, AMD FX-6300;

4. Budget segment - processors for modern games at medium or low graphics settings: Intel Pentium G4560, AMD Athlon X4-860K.

We should also mention the hybrid processors - these are chips that are suitable for some modern games without a discrete graphics card.Of course, it’s basically impossible to get 4K 60fps on them, but it’s quite possible to run in some CS: GO with average settings. Unless it is necessary to take care of cooling the processor.

And here AMD becomes the leader. Intel simply does not have processors with a powerful integrated video card. AMD A10-7890K and AMD A10-7860K are recommended for purchase.

Gaming features

Both processor manufacturers produce models designed specifically for gamers. So, it is possible to distinguish a "gaming" chip from the usual one by marking and additional functions:

1. Unlocked multiplier. This is intended for independent overclocking of the processor - an increase in the clock frequency. Intel processors with an unlocked multiplier are marked with the letter K in the title (for example, Intel Core i7-7700K). AMD supports overclocking almost all of its chips (unless it’s not as simple as with an unlocked multiplier), so there is no separate marking;

2. The lack of an integrated video card. This allows a slightly (very slightly) increase in processor performance. But, for example, such graphic technologies as OpenGL hardly require an integrated video card. So buying a processor without an integrated GPU is recommended only for enthusiasts.

Features of the choice of gaming processor for a laptop

If, when replacing the processor in the desktop, it is enough to take into account the socket, and everything else like a cooling system or a video card will “follow” - this can be replaced with a more productive one, then it is more difficult with laptops.

In order to make a laptop gaming - or upgrade the gaming laptop - you will have to change not only the processor, but also the video card - and take into account the performance of the cooling system. The total power of the CPU and GPU should not exceed the TDP for which the cooler and the radiator are calculated. Otherwise, overheating will occur.

In addition, it is necessary to take into account the types of connection of the processor and video card to the motherboard. If they are installed in the sockets, then you can replace them yourself - of course, by purchasing chips that are suitable for these connectors. If they are soldered with an array of balls (BGA), it is better to replace them at a service center.

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Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a guide to purchase.