Buzz
Various aspects of esports setups can impact your performance and experience, from choosing a computer and graphics card to selecting your gaming monitor and keyboard. However, having a suitable esports CPU (central processing unit) is one of the most crucial points.
In this article, we'll explore different features to consider when choosing your gaming CPU and explain their significance in esports usage.
Intel and AMD
Until relatively recently, the gaming and esports CPU market was dominated by Intel. While AMD has been producing processors for a long time, they were previously considered budget-friendly options, providing lower performance. However, since the introduction of the AMD Ryzen series in 2017, AMD has ventured into the high-performance CPU market, making the decision between Intel and AMD more challenging for gamers.
However, to be fair, Intel continues to maintain a significant lead in overall market share, and for most gamers, an Intel processor is a fairly safe choice. Nevertheless, exploring AMD options, especially when they can provide similar features and performance at a relatively lower price, is worth considering.
Cores and Clock Speed
In the past, even high-quality CPUs had a single core, but most modern esports CPUs today will have multiple cores. In terms of efficiency, the more cores a processor has, the better it can handle more complex tasks. A current gaming CPU typically has at least four cores, while Intel Core i5 and i7 CPUs have six cores, and the i9 has 10 cores. Top models in the Intel range now have 18 cores, but this may be overkill for most gamers.
As mentioned, clock speed is also a consideration here. Once again, higher clock speed is better than lower, and as a general rule, you should aim for the highest clock speed within your budget. It's worth noting that high clock speeds on a four-core CPU may outperform a six-core CPU with lower clock speeds.
Finally, as long as you have a high clock speed (around 3GHz or higher) and at least four cores, your CPU should meet current and near-future gaming needs. Higher core counts become more important if you also want your PC to perform other demanding tasks.
Overclocking
One of the more complex considerations regarding your esports CPU revolves around the issue of overclocking. Simply put, overclocking refers to the process of making your CPU run at a speed higher than its official clock speed. It can impact performance, helping you maximize gaming potential, but it also generates more heat.
With this in mind, you should only entertain the idea of overclocking if your esports setup has a highly reliable cooling system. If you're using a laptop, chances are the cooling may not be sufficient, so the associated risks may not be worthwhile. However, if you're using a desktop with reliable cooling, it may be worth considering.
When purchasing an Intel esports processor, pay attention to CPUs with names ending in 'K' or 'X'. Both K and X models are listed as 'unlocked,' indicating they can be overclocked by end users. A prime example is the Intel Core i9-10900K processor. The 'K' in the name signifies it can be overclocked, offering 10 cores and a base speed of 3.70GHz, both more than adequate for current esports needs.
Conclusion
The gaming CPU you choose can significantly impact how your computer handles more demanding games, so it's crucial to make the right selection. Whether you opt for Intel or AMD, consider the number of cores, clock speed, and whether you want overclocking capabilities.
Once you've found the perfect gaming CPU, check out ViewSonic's Elite Gaming options to complete your setup.
