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is the i7 necessary for gaming?
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Soldato
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No - it's not. Even an I3 530 overclocked should be "okay".
But, technically, most games released now are dual core +. Some (such as Re5, GTA4, crysis and so on) support more (such as 4 cores).
Many are using I5's, especially the 750's.
AMD aren't a bad option either, the X6's or the X4's.
But, technically, most games released now are dual core +. Some (such as Re5, GTA4, crysis and so on) support more (such as 4 cores).
Many are using I5's, especially the 750's.
AMD aren't a bad option either, the X6's or the X4's.
Not so sure about Crysis despite the claims of the devs I don't think it was actually true, as for something like GTA 4 then yes a powerful quad helps but that's one game out of many, research the games you are playing currently and will play in the future to make a better decision.
Like the above posted if a quad is a must, then the 750's/60's aren't that much more really.
Associate
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i5 is more than enough for gaming, i think quad core is becoming the norm these days for game optimization.
Although i3 is still pretty damn good for most people.
Although i3 is still pretty damn good for most people.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/multi-core-cpu,2280.html
Seems though Dual Core is enough, it's only enough for now. Future-proof wise, quad core is what i'd recommend.
Seems though Dual Core is enough, it's only enough for now. Future-proof wise, quad core is what i'd recommend.
Associate
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Quad is future proofing, so i5 is more than enough. BC2 is definitely optimised for quads and I saw a significant increase when I upgraded from an [email protected] to rig in (same GPU). I expect future games to start using more than duals in the future. Seem to recall a feature over at toms hardware that indicated that tri core's were the sweet spot for gaming.
Soldato
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You got improve performance going from core 2 to core i7 but is that a result of mores or the improved architecture? From benchmarks I've seen for BF2BC Nehalm delivers much better performance then a Kentsfield at the same clocks.
Core i7 is pointless for gamers, even having full x16 x16 for sli/crossfire doesn't really help.
unless u have money to burn, then an i7 is overkill for games.
if your only gaming and not using the pc for processor intesive tasks, then an i3/i5 would be better.
personally i would go for an i5 as it should last longer as games get more processer demanding
if your only gaming and not using the pc for processor intesive tasks, then an i3/i5 would be better.
personally i would go for an i5 as it should last longer as games get more processer demanding
Garee
Garee
I am using a Phenom X2 and every game I have played runs smoothly.
Soldato
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I would. On the other hand ATI refresh is apparently later this year.
I know I'll get dozens who'll disagree, but I always upgrade at the start of a refresh / release. In other words, when the 4850 was released, I grabbed one soonish after the price gouging finished. That way, you've got a decent run with the "latest" hardware. I hate to go buy something, and then 6 weeks later you hear "the new gpu's are being released, 80 percent performance increase"
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