Buzz
Explore the reasons why investing in Intel Core i9 might not be truly essential for gamers.
If you're planning a robust desktop build, you might be considering the 13th-gen Intel Core i9 as the powerhouse for your rig. Ultimately, if money is no issue, this chip is something everyone should have.
However, facing the reality - although the Intel Core i9 CPU is incredibly powerful, it also comes with a hefty price tag. So, do you really need to use Intel's most potent processor? Here are the reasons why investing in Intel Core i9 might not be truly necessary for gamers.
13th Gen Intel Core i7 and i5 are Powerhouses
Most average users may find Intel Core i3 sufficient for their needs, but if you're into creative work or gaming, you'd want a more powerful chip. However, that doesn't mean you should burn your cash on Intel Core i9.
The latest 13th-gen Intel processors offer ample power, even the mid-range Core i5 handles most workloads. If you desire something capable of handling heavier tasks like gaming and streaming simultaneously, Intel Core i7 is up to the challenge.
The top-tier Intel Core i9 is usually reserved for professionals dealing with extremely heavy workloads. So, if you genuinely need it for your work, you'll find Intel Core i9 to be the perfect tool for your needs.
However, if you don't need to process such heavyweight tasks, you won't be utilizing the full potential of this chip. So, if you're indecisive about which processor to buy, check out the comparison of Intel Core processors for a suitable choice.
Almost all processors feature thermal throttling to prevent CPU damage if it gets too hot. However, when thermal throttling occurs, it also means the CPU isn't running at its optimal speed, and you won't achieve peak performance.
The 13th-gen Intel Core i9 is incredibly powerful. Although its base power consumption is only 150W, it can spike up to over 250W under full load. Unfortunately, this overloads most air coolers, to the point that Intel doesn't even provide a standard air cooler for this processor.
To maximize the chip's potential, consider using water cooling instead of air cooling. However, even experienced PC builders, like Linus Tech Tips, state that it's nearly impossible to cool the 13th-gen Core i9 unless you resort to unusual solutions, risking your expensive chip's warranty.
A Powerful CPU is More Than Just a Beastly Processor
When building a PC, don't focus on a single component. Consider your entire PC. For example, if you're installing the powerful NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090, you can't pair it with a decade-old Intel Core i3. You also can't plug in the latest DDR5-6000 RAM without checking if your motherboard supports it.
This applies similarly to the processor. If you're using the 13th-gen Intel Core i9, check if your cooling solution supports it. You also have to assess whether your RAM and SSD are fast enough to meet its demands. Failing to address these aspects may result in performance bottlenecks, preventing you from achieving the highest performance from your investment.
