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.
2, 4, or 6 Cores?
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, quad, and now 6 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? Well, here's a question for you. 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.
New to the market are AMD's new 6 core processors. I'm really excited about these but I can't yet give them my stamp of approval for gaming. As I mentioned a little earlier games do not yet utilize multiple cores effectively. They are coming along but for the most part the games that do use multiple cores utilize three. The performance for gaming with six core processors just isn't there yet. Even when you factor in multi tasking you will be better served with one of the quad core options.
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 these CPU Reviews.
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 and AMD hasn't been able to regain their former status. AMD's 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 performance mountain with the Core i5 and Core i7 processors. While it is 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 i5 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. Their 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. More detailed CPU Reviews will soon be published.
Recommended CPU's for Gaming
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. As we add more CPU reviews we will link to them here. Another great way to get information on CPU's is to view product informatino at Amazon. Their listings will usually have CPU Reviews