Best Processor for Gaming
Best Processor for Gaming
- Which One's To Choose?
If you're into games, you've undoubtedly wondered, "What is the best processor for gaming?" There are a few things to think about, and then some processors to consider when choosing one for yourself. First, let's talk about what the processor does, then how it translates to the best processor for gaming. The central processing unit, also known as the CPU, is the brain of the computer. It's the component of a computer's system which performs the instructions of a computer program. The CPU is also the key element for executing the computer's functions.
The next thing to understand is that the processor plays "fetch", so to speak. It goes out and fetches some instructions and decodes them. The CPU then performs the code and then writes back the results, which also may be in the memory. The performance of the gaming computer depends on how fast all this happens. Here's an example.
You're writing a report in a word processor program, and you stop and think. Write. Research. Write - you get the idea. While you're stopped, your computer has a chance to catch its breath, so to speak. During a game, however, the action is fast and furious! The CPU has to try and keep up with what's happing on the screen, and behind the scenes. So as you can imagine, the best processor for gaming will let your computer keep up with the game.
When it comes to best processor for gaming types, what manufacturers are there? There are two main companies that vie for the title of best processor for gaming, and that's AMD and Intel. For the moment, Intel wins out for the best processor gaming with its multi-core processor line. However, don't discount the AMD Phenom processors, which are also multi-core. Multi-what?
CPUs of the past had a single core processor that carried out all the functions. The multi-core has two (or more) smaller cores, but they can perform more processes at a time. Kind of like two people can get chores finished faster, compared to one person who does the same chores all by himself. So as you can see, the best processor for gaming will have at least two cores. And yes, there are computers featuring CPUs that have 4, 6 or even 8 cores - be prepared to pay a good bit more, though. One example of a computer line that routinely carries quad-core processors are the Dell Alienware systems, with the Intel i5 and i7 processors. Still, don't discount other manufacturers, such as HP (who has recently tried to expand more into gaming machines). The best processor for gaming isn't limited to only these brands, though.
Now that you know what the central processing unit is, and what a multi-core processor can do, there are still a couple more things to know - clock rate and cache. The clock rate is the highest speed at which instructions can be carried out, and is usually described in gigahertz. And yes, the higher the speed, the better. The cache can be thought of as RAM for the processor. It stores requests so that the same requests in the future are carried out faster. The best processor for gaming will have both a high clock rate as well as an ample cache, in order to perform up to gaming standards. A 2GHz clock speed would be good place to start for speed.
Best Processor for Gaming
- Don't Overlook Your RAM
OK, RAM isn't really part of the processor, as it's a separate unit. But when it comes to fast gaming computers, the best processor for gaming should also have lightning-fast RAM (a.k.a random access memory). The reason for this is that even though the processor has a cache, the programs also utilize RAM. And a computer with the best processor for gaming will limp along unless it has enough RAM to keep up with the commands and data.
Summarizing the best processor for gaming; if you're looking for the best experience, look for at least 2 cores, a minimum of 2GHz clock, and the most cache you can get. Then you'll have the best processor for gaming!
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