Why a CPU or Processor is Essential to Gaming Performance
Professional gamers realize that a good CPU and video card is essential in creating a successful team. It's like a band really, if you have the best drummer in the world, but he only has a toy set of drums, then he can only play so well. In my recent hub on building a gaming pc under $1,000 I went over the importance of a good gaming video card, but in this hub we'll cover the best gaming processors for 2011.
When gaming it's important to have a high FPS or frame per second so that you can avoid lagging frames that leave you at a disadvantage. Gamers with poor computer performance, or PCs that lag, may not understand that the reason they feel like they get a shot off first and then end up dead a second later is because their opponent saw them before they even had a chance! While that may not seem fair, it's really all part of the PC gaming equation.
When gaming it's important to have a high FPS or frame per second so that you can avoid lagging frames that leave you at a disadvantage. Gamers with poor computer performance, or PCs that lag, may not understand that the reason they feel like they get a shot off first and then end up dead a second later is because their opponent saw them before they even had a chance! While that may not seem fair, it's really all part of the PC gaming equation.
Intel's i7 is the best series of processors for gaming in 2011.
 | Intel Core i7 980X Extreme Edition 3.33GHz 12 MB L3 Cache LGA1366 Desktop Processor BX80613i7980X - Retail Six Cores and 12 threads... Kinda makes you tear up a little bit, but this extreme processor is only for people who can afford absolute top of the line. Amazon Price: $999.99 List Price: $1,187.99 |
 | Intel Core i7-2600K Processor with 8 MB Cache, 3.40 GHz for Socket LGA1155 - Unlocked Boxed The all new Sandy Bridge CPU from Intel. The 2600k (the k means unlocked) is my choice of the year for gamers. For its price point it can't be beat. Amazon Price: $333.99 List Price: $348.86 |
 | Intel Core i7 950 3.06GHz 8M L3 Cache LGA1366 Desktop Processor Amazon Price: $268.95 List Price: $629.99 |
 | Intel Core i7-870 2.93GHz 8 MB LGA1156 Processor BX80605I7870 This is my choice for Best Gaming Processor Under $300. If you're building a new gaming PC, then it's the one to get. Amazon Price: $274.94 List Price: $695.00 |
 | AMD Phenom II X6 1090T Black Edition Thuban 3.2 GHz 6x512 KB L2 Cache Socket AM3 125W Six-Core Processor - Retail HDT90ZFBGRBOX If you are going to go AMD, then this is the processor you want for gaming. Amazon Price: $199.99 List Price: $234.99 |
Intel i7 CPU Gaming Processors
The core i7 is Intel's flagship CPU. They finally got rid of the frontside bus and replaced it with QPI or QuickPath Interconnect. The i7 can now use up to six computer cores for processing. This means that it unleashes the power of up to six processing cores in a single processor. The next generation of processors for the i7 series is the Sandy Bridge CPU.
Processor of the Year: Despite the problems that Intel had with the earlier models, the Intel Core i7 2600k is my choice of gaming CPU of the year.
Manufacturer's Description
"Part of Intel's family of 2nd generation Intel Core computer processors, the Intel Core i7-2600K Processor delivers speed and smooth performance--whether you're creating high-definition videos, playing 3D games, or simply browsing the Internet. The Core i7-2600K is a quad-core processor running at 3.4 GHz with 8 MB of L3 cache, and uses the LGA1155 socket. It is fully unlocked for overclocking flexibility, making it ideal for gamers and enthusiasts who want customized performance. It also offers a rich set of features, including Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0, eight-way multitasking with Hyper-Threading Technology, and Virtualization Technology, that improve speed and computing productivity. Built-in visual technologies, like Clear Video and InTru3D, support high-definition and Blu-ray playback."
Here's a quote from Intel on the i7's gaming performance:
"With the advent of next-generation games, PC gaming is more immersive than ever. The latest games take advantage of multi-threaded programming, allowing for more realistic graphics, physics, and artificial intelligence (AI). But you'll need more than just a good graphics card with high GPU output to fully experience all these effects. Underlying the visual realism and advanced AI scripts are thousands of high-speed calculations that your CPU must process.
Fortunately, the Intel Core i7 processor is specifically designed to handle these calculations. Using multi-thread architecture, it has the ability to process thousands of graphical characteristics at once, resulting in a smooth and lag-free experience. Intel worked closely with CryTek -- the developers of the advanced game engine behind such games as Crysis and Far Cry -- to guarantee that gamers have an immersive and lifelike experience."
This coupled with a three year warranty from Intel makes the i7, in my opinion, the best series of processors on the market. While some would argue that AMD gives you more bang for your buck, I really feel since the i series came out, that Intel has a huge advantage over AMD in higher end gaming processors. If you're looking for a budget processor, then AMD has a few options we'll go over that seem to be drawing some attention.
*Thought on Intel's 900 Series: Did you know that the 900 series chips are all manufactured on the same wafer? Since not every test is made on every chip it's possible for you to get a better chip than you ordered on the 950. That and it's under $300 price, make it my choice for best gaming processor under $300.
Is your Motherboard 1155, 1366, or 1156?
When building your gaming pc, make sure to line up the sockets in your CPU and motherboard. Most of the chips featured on this page are available in both sizes, so if you need a different size you can click and then easily search for it on Amazon.
Processor of the Year: Despite the problems that Intel had with the earlier models, the Intel Core i7 2600k is my choice of gaming CPU of the year.
Manufacturer's Description
"Part of Intel's family of 2nd generation Intel Core computer processors, the Intel Core i7-2600K Processor delivers speed and smooth performance--whether you're creating high-definition videos, playing 3D games, or simply browsing the Internet. The Core i7-2600K is a quad-core processor running at 3.4 GHz with 8 MB of L3 cache, and uses the LGA1155 socket. It is fully unlocked for overclocking flexibility, making it ideal for gamers and enthusiasts who want customized performance. It also offers a rich set of features, including Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0, eight-way multitasking with Hyper-Threading Technology, and Virtualization Technology, that improve speed and computing productivity. Built-in visual technologies, like Clear Video and InTru3D, support high-definition and Blu-ray playback."
Here's a quote from Intel on the i7's gaming performance:
"With the advent of next-generation games, PC gaming is more immersive than ever. The latest games take advantage of multi-threaded programming, allowing for more realistic graphics, physics, and artificial intelligence (AI). But you'll need more than just a good graphics card with high GPU output to fully experience all these effects. Underlying the visual realism and advanced AI scripts are thousands of high-speed calculations that your CPU must process.
Fortunately, the Intel Core i7 processor is specifically designed to handle these calculations. Using multi-thread architecture, it has the ability to process thousands of graphical characteristics at once, resulting in a smooth and lag-free experience. Intel worked closely with CryTek -- the developers of the advanced game engine behind such games as Crysis and Far Cry -- to guarantee that gamers have an immersive and lifelike experience."
This coupled with a three year warranty from Intel makes the i7, in my opinion, the best series of processors on the market. While some would argue that AMD gives you more bang for your buck, I really feel since the i series came out, that Intel has a huge advantage over AMD in higher end gaming processors. If you're looking for a budget processor, then AMD has a few options we'll go over that seem to be drawing some attention.
*Thought on Intel's 900 Series: Did you know that the 900 series chips are all manufactured on the same wafer? Since not every test is made on every chip it's possible for you to get a better chip than you ordered on the 950. That and it's under $300 price, make it my choice for best gaming processor under $300.
Is your Motherboard 1155, 1366, or 1156?
When building your gaming pc, make sure to line up the sockets in your CPU and motherboard. Most of the chips featured on this page are available in both sizes, so if you need a different size you can click and then easily search for it on Amazon.
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