CPU Reviews for Gaming Computers

Deciding which CPU to put in your new gaming computer can be a difficult decision. Our CPU reviews should make the choice a little easier. The processor is the brain of the computer. It runs the show so logically that makes it one of the most important components of a gaming computer. While it is important to get the best processor you can afford, it would not be wise to spend your entire bankroll on this one component. Follow the advice here and you will be sure to not only get the best bang for your buck but you will have a balanced computer that will play any game you throw at it.

Dual or Quad

A few years ago computer processor manufacturers hit a wall in terms of clock speed. Before that time, each new release of a CPU seemed to double the clock speed of the previous version. It was a little easier to determine the top performers because for the most part you just had to get the processor with the fastest clock speed. Once manufacturers were unable to safely increase the speed any longer they had to come out with new ways to boost performance. They did so by adding to the number of cores in the processor. This lead to dual core processors and eventually tri and quad core processors. It has become a little more challenging to identify which processor will best meet your needs because now a higher clock speed doesn’t necessarily mean a CPU is a better performer.

I recommend quad core processors for gaming computers. If you spend some time reading CPU reviews on the internet you will no doubt come across an article or two telling you that games do not utilize multiple cores efficiently. This is true, to a point. You may be wondering why spend the extra money to get a quad core processor if it isn’t going to improve the game play? How often do you have other applications running in the background? Yeah, I usually have about four things going at once even while I’m gaming. A good quad core processor will help keep those other applications from taking away from the processing power you need to operate your game. Also, as new game titles come out programmers are finding more ways to engage additional cores. If you want to be sure your computer will be equipped to handle new games as they are released over the next few years follow the advice of this CPU review and get a quad core processor.

Intel or AMD

While there are many choices when it comes to CPU's, there are really only two manufacturers to consider. Intel or AMD. Deciding which manufacturer to go with has long been a matter of preference. Just like Ford and Chevy. Is the Camaro better than the Mustang? It’s really a matter of preference. I am a long time AMD fan but I promise to remain impartial for this CPU Review.

AMD tipped the scales by being the first to launch the 64 bit processor and for a couple of years enjoyed being the king of the mountain. Intel battled back with the Core 2 Duo. AMD hasn’t been able to regain their former status. Their launch of the Phenom processor line was initially a flop. With the Phenom II line they are in a much better situation although Intel still sits atop the mountain with the Core i5 and Core i7 processors. While it’s clear as to who owns the top spot, there are still plenty of reasons to explore AMD’s line of processors.

To put it simply Intel owns the performance crown but AMD has positioned themselves very well in terms of price for performance. If money is not an issue the decision is clear. Get a Core i7 and don’t look back. If you are on a limited budget like most of us you will want to weigh the price to performance ratio of the Core i5 and Phenom II line.

As you sift through CPU reviews I’m sure you will see that there are some slightly older CPUs such as the Core 2 Duo or Core 2 Quad that will be tempting given the lower price points. Unless you are looking to upgrade your existing platform and can get one of these chips that will just plug in to your current motherboard, I would recommend against a Core 2 Duo or Core 2 Quad processor. You will be farther ahead to get one of the current processors. The Core i5icon and i7 processors are more efficient, better performing and will be more future proof. The same goes for AMD’s Phenom processors. Don’t even consider the first line of Phenom processors for a gaming computer. The performance is only suited for basic computer use. It wasn’t until the Phenom II line that AMD stepped up the performance to adequate levels for gaming computers.

Even though there are so many processors on the market and they do all have their benefits, since we are building high performance gaming computers we can really narrow the choices to just half a dozen or so. I’m going to give you my top three because I really think these provide the best price and performance options. Recommended CPUs for Gaming Computers

Recommended CPU's for Gaming

The Core i5 750 offers the best performance at a tolerable price point. You can pick one up for about $200. Sure there are CPUs for under $100 and you will find CPU reviews on building gaming computers for under $500. My advice, save an extra $500 and then build a gaming computer that you’ll really be happy with for the next two to three years. This CPU will put a smile on your face every time you boot up.

The Phenom II X4 955 Black is a tier below the Core i5 but offers very respectable performance and will save you a few bucks. You will usually save a few dollars on the motherboard as well because AMD platforms are usually a little bit more cost effective. AMD has released the X4 965 but it will not make my recommendation in this CPU review until the price comes down. For the same price you could have the Core i5 which will outperform it.

The Core i7 920 is my third choice. I really think the Core i5 750 or the Phenom II X4 955 are the better choices but if you aren’t concerned with cost you can get additional performance from the Core i7 920. If you really have money burning a hole in your pocket you can step up to the Core i7 Extreme line. That is complete overkill though. I doubt you will notice much improvement in actual in-game performance stepping up from the i5 750 to the i7 920 and that is only an $80 difference. To move up the Extreme line you will be shelling out the cost of the entire Core i5 based computer just for the processor. Based on my research for this CPU review the only reason to move beyond the Core i5 is if you just want to be able to brag about your benchmark scores.

Well, there you have it. I hope these CPU reviews have been helpful. Check back periodically because we will update our information as new processors are released. If all goes well we should soon see 6 core processors hitting the market soon. You can also find customer cpu reviews in our store. Just view the product details page.