Investing in a new gaming computer can be an exciting opportunity. A new computer may mean you are going to spend more time enjoying your favorite games with friends. Yet, before you purchase just any option, it may be important to compare few different options. That includes choosing the best CPU for gaming.
The computer processing unit, or CPU, often referred to as the processor. It is one of the most important parts of buying a gaming computer since it will directly impact your ability to play and how good the experience is. If you are going to spend money to buy a gaming computer, you will want to ensure you buy the best processor you can within your budget. Though other components matter, such as the graphics card and the monitor itself, the CPU is the heart of the process.
Latest gaming CPUs use faster clock speeds, larger cache sizes, and higher thread counts, which when combined with compatible modern hardware, allows for improved performance. Gaming is one area that is benefiting from this development. The CPU has a significant impact on many aspects of the latest games like Frame rates, Streaming, Scalable gameplay elements, Draw distance, Crowd animations, Destruction physics and more.
At Lenovo, we offer a wide range of CPU options. You can choose from the top brands like Lenovo and the latest models to know that you are getting the best feasible option. So, what should you buy?
What to Consider When Buying a CPU?
The processor is the most important part of a computer. Take the time to get it right. It is more than just choosing AMD or Intel; the two most common selections people make. Here are the most principal factors to consider when it comes to your gaming CPU.
Get your budget set first
It is easy to overspend when purchasing a processor. That is why it is so important for you to consider your budget first. How much do you want to spend on your computer? Does that include the monitor and all peripherals? Or do you plan to just focus on the tower for now?
There is no doubt that the best processors available in the market are costly a bit more. And it is easy to want to just choose them, but you can still get a high-quality gaming experience with a different processor at a lower price.
A final consideration when it comes to budget is this. As you consider all other components in your purchase, put your money into your processor rather than other features. That is because your processor controls so much of your experience. That includes frame rates and scalable display elements. It directly impacts the way you play your game.
What is the use your CPU?
When choosing a CPU, one of the first things to think about is what else you need to do with your computer beyond the gaming aspect. If you are just going to use it for gaming and may be use for light internet browsing, you will want to focus specifically on a gaming pc CPU. If you need to use it for work or video editing, you will need a higher level of functionality. The more intensive the tasks you must engage in, the more important it is for you to invest wisely in a high-performance processor.
At the same time, if you are a beginner who does not need a high-end model and just want a PC capable of gaming but be sure to look for one that has possibility update in future. You can choose a mid-range processor for gaming and then minimize other features, like the amount of RAM and storage, and save money now. If you can upgrade the PC later in case you want to engage more fully in gaming, you are able to save money now.
Find out right core processor model is your requirement?
One of the most confusing aspects of choosing the right option is knowing exact cores your need is. Mostly recent Intel and AMD CPUs will have multiple cores within them. That could be from 4 to 16. More than that typically means you are purchasing a workstation type of computer instead.
So, which is a good CPU for gaming when looking at cores? You do not have to have the highest number of cores out there. Gaming does not require a huge amount of them to provide superior performance. With a quad core processor, you can have a surprisingly quick experience. That means that it is often the best option for those just starting out and wanting the lowest budget possible.
If you plan to take on more tasks outside of gaming, such as intensive software programs or advanced video editing, you will need more cores. These will help to pick up the additional load.
Intel processors are a common and reliable option, but they are not the only option for you. AMD Ryzen processors are gaining ground because they offer both 8-core and 16- core options, and by comparison, they tend to be a competitive price option. You will want to choose between these for most gaming applications (Intel or AMD) though others exist. When comparing options, be sure to keep your purchase within your desired price point. That is going to play a crucial role in the finished option.
What about graphics?
What is the best CPU for gaming when it comes to graphics? One of the most important things to remember about any gaming experience is that companies are building more complex graphics into games every year. That demand for high quality graphics means better game play and more realistic effects than ever before. However, to use those types of graphics, you need to have a computer that can manage them efficiently.
One of the options you can now invest in is integrated graphics. That means that the graphic components are in-built into the CPU. Not all processors offer this. If you do not purchase one integrated into the system and does not have a dedicated graphics card outside of this, you will not be able to play most types of games (and you may not even get Windows to load properly). As you compare processors, then be sure to look for any AMD Ryzen processor that does not start with a G and any Intel processor that does not start with an F.
You can certainly purchase a graphics card for your CPU, and you should do so. You do not have to buy them right away (remember that expandability is a significant component of all types of gaming systems).
If you purchase a system with integrated graphics, you are sure to find a wide range of options to choose from, and you are likely to have a good overall experience. Take minutes to compare these carefully to be sure what they offer and the type of game play you want to have.
Consider clock speeds
Another factor to consider for the top CPU for gaming is the clock speeds as well as overclocking. Most people, want to choose a CPU that matches a higher clock speed. That is going to improve performance and today’s high-end modern efficient processors have a much better clock speed than older models. If you have the budget room for it, you may want to upgrade to a higher clock speed.
Also, consider your desire to overclock. If you want to do this with an AMD Ryzen processor, it is not a problem to do so at all. You do not have to do anything different. If, on the other hand, you want to overlock on an Intel processor, you need to make sure you are buying an Intel processor that has a K in its model number.
What Is Going to Give You Best Experience?
One of the most important things to know as you look for the best CPU for gaming PC setups is that there are lot more options out there that offer mid-range prices and features that you do not have to spend a ton of money on. You can find a great deal of flexibility in your options, and it is well worth getting user reviews of the specific models you are considering before you buy.
The above features and specifications are important but reading some reviews to see how much of a difference in performance one offers over the other is particularly important. You want to know how well any specific model will perform based on the types of games you play, how professional or intense you game, and what else you do with your system.
Let Lenovo Help You Find What You Need
We offer a wide range of CPU options that may be just what you are looking for when it comes to gaming. Take a closer look at our options. Then, look at what is within your budget that offers the best processor features and functions. The good news is that we keep up on the current CPU options and all the newer releases coming out.
Find what you need at Lenovo, and count on us to help you get your gaming system set up. Find the monitors and other gear you need to really enjoy your experience.