i3 vs i7 @4ghz+ for gaming
- Thread starter Old Wino
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Soldato
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- 23 Apr 2009
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It really depends on the games you play. Some games (especially older ones) will run just as fast on a dual core CPU (like the i3) as a quad core (like the i7). However, increasingly games are making full use of quad core CPUs and this is leaving dual core CPUs behind.
Have a look at these comparisons in recent popular AAA games (please note the graphics cards are usually top-end in these tests to expose performance differences between CPUs):
Crysis 2
Dragon Age 2
Battelfield Bad Company 2 & Far Cry 2
Starcraft 2
A wide range (including sandy bridge results)
As you can see - its a pretty mixed bag. However, I would still recommend going for a quad core system if you are buying new - as the trend is to make games that utilise more than two cores (as these CPUs become more popular and cheaper).
Also, instead of the i7, I would strongly recommend you go for the i5 2500K CPU instead. Its basically just as good as the i7 2600K for gaming (games don't really make use of hyperthreading), it is also a quad core that overclocks amazingly and crucuially it is much cheaper.
Have a look at these comparisons in recent popular AAA games (please note the graphics cards are usually top-end in these tests to expose performance differences between CPUs):
Crysis 2
Dragon Age 2
Battelfield Bad Company 2 & Far Cry 2
Starcraft 2
A wide range (including sandy bridge results)
As you can see - its a pretty mixed bag. However, I would still recommend going for a quad core system if you are buying new - as the trend is to make games that utilise more than two cores (as these CPUs become more popular and cheaper).
Also, instead of the i7, I would strongly recommend you go for the i5 2500K CPU instead. Its basically just as good as the i7 2600K for gaming (games don't really make use of hyperthreading), it is also a quad core that overclocks amazingly and crucuially it is much cheaper.
Soldato
- Joined
- 4 Oct 2008
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- London
Also depends on what graphics card you have, if you already have a decent card then you should go for the i5 2500k but if its not so good better of improve that as it makes most of the difference.
+1 for this. I've been weighing up the pros/cons of getting an i5 over an i7 and the i5 came out tops. Best bang for buck.
i5 2500(K) + GTX 560 seems to be the best price/performance for gaming currently. I'd thoroughly recommend that if you were buying today. Get the MSI 560, as that can easily be overclocked to 1+ GHz and GTX 570 strength on the Twin Frozr cooler.
*Cough*6950 2GB*cough*
Unlocked to a 6970......
i5 2500k and a 6950 was my choice. Great performance and value.That does go without saying you know...