How to choose a processor for games

Many still remember memories ofthe famous "megahertz race", when the main manufacturers of CPUs focused on each new model at a clock frequency. In this context, we can not fail to mention the infamous Intel technology called Net Burst.

Although such devices are relatively easyovercame the bar at 4 GHz (which for technical standards of that time was an achievement) and, accordingly, were positioned as game processors, it was half-truth. At least because to increase the frequency it was necessary to increase the length of the conveyor. Hence the expression "blown megahertz" - the frequency is high, and the performance is mediocre.

After it became clear that in this wayinfinitely increase the speed of work can not be, was proposed a completely different concept. It consists in increasing the number of cores. When choosing a processor for games, you need to remember this. That is, a multi-core processor is a few full-fledged computing units, but placed on a single substrate of the microcircuit. Of course, with this gluing some hardware and software optimizations are performed. At present, this direction is actively developing, and it should be guided by it.

Choose a processor for games. Kernels

So, summing up the aforesaid, we will make the firstconclusion: currently one of the key characteristics affecting performance is the number of cores. The best game processors contain 6 cores. Examples are Core i7-980X from Intel and FX-6200 from AMD.

Anticipating counter-points, we immediately point out thatalthough not all games take full advantage of the number of cores, the situation is changing rapidly. It is worth recalling the time of transition from one-to-two-core models, when they said that the advantage is on the side of the high-frequency single-core.

Tire

Transmission of a digital data stream betweendevices is carried out by means of the system bus. Intel has QPI, and AMD has Hyper Transport. After many controllers were placed inside the main chip, this high-speed bus was used only for internal communication. Thus, a productive gaming processor must have a high bus speed. This characteristic is always indicated in the specifications for the device. For example, the mentioned Core i7 980X has a QPI bus with a performance of 6.4 Gt / s, and the budgetary Pentium 620 is only 4.8 Gt / s.

Cache

A good gaming processor must havesufficient cache. In modern solutions there are three levels - L1-L3. The bigger their size, the better. Moreover, for the correct operation of a multi-core chip this productive memory is important, it has a very strong effect on performance.

Heat

Choosing a new gaming processor, sometimescompletely overlook such a parameter as heat dissipation. And in vain, because sometimes there is the opportunity to purchase a solution with a similar level of performance, but while consuming less energy. It is recommended to choose more economical models: these are not only reduced bills for the payment of consumed kilowatts, but also a quieter cooling system.