Newbie wishing to evaluate cpu

UmbraWorks · Jul 13, 2014

So I want to build my first computer, meant for gaming, but I have no idea how to evaluate any of the parts. For now, I just want to know what I should look for in a cpu that I might want to purchase. What should I look for in a cpu?

hfiggs · Jul 13, 2014

For today's gaming it should have 4 cores. Anything below is not enough and anything above is completely unnecessary. Also it should have a speed anywhere from 3.4 to 4 ghz. And if you plan to overclock (assuming you get an intel processor) get a processor that ends in a K. For instance an Intel i5-2500K. Also make sure the CPU will fit into your motherboard socket and is compatible with your RAM and Chipset.

Gam3r01 · Jul 13, 2014

You should look at models. Not number of cores, nor speeds.
You should preferably have a budget laid out and then compare CPUs that fit in that budget, look at benchmarks not specs.
(Ie an 8320 OC to 5GHz is NOT better than a i5 4690k at 3.5GHz)

What is your budget for this CPU?

hfiggs · Jul 13, 2014

Looking at benchmarks is stupid. You should look at what kind of games you are going to play and then decided exactly what specs you will need. My first post was kind of leaning towards newer next gen games.

Gam3r01 · Jul 13, 2014

Thanks for proving my point.
"Look at what kinds of games" yes, look at the benchmarks for said games and choose the processor that best fits your budget.

hfiggs · Jul 13, 2014

Yes but benchmarks are different than specs.

Gam3r01 · Jul 13, 2014

They give performance of the component in the games. Specs simply are ambiguous numbers that dont directly correlate to performance.

UmbraWorks · Jul 13, 2014

I haven't decided on a budget just yet. As for overclocking, I've never done so. I'll check those benchmarks.

Gam3r01 · Jul 13, 2014

If you dont have a budget this is a good place to start.
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/gaming-cpu-review-overclock,3106.html
It lays out the price, and reasons to consider each processor. It also gives a hierarchy chart at the end.

UmbraWorks · Jul 13, 2014

For the budget, I can't think of the price for each part just yet, but overall, I'm willing to spend around 1200$ for the computer. I could spend a bit more if it means not needing to upgrade for a year or two. For games, I'm playing Skyrim right now. I'd like to play others, but time, school, and work have been a thorn in my side. Still, whatever new games come, I'd like to be able to have a computer that can run those games.

Gam3r01 · Jul 13, 2014

Good build for just under 1200

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($229.99 @ NCIX US)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($24.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: ASRock Z97 PRO3 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($99.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: A-Data XPG V2 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1866 Memory ($77.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($52.91 @ OutletPC)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 780 3GB TWIN FROZR Video Card ($449.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Corsair 300R ATX Mid Tower Case ($59.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: XFX 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($49.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-14 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium SP1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($84.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $1145.82
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available

Search

Newbie wishing to evaluate cpu

UmbraWorks

Reputable

Gam3r01

hfiggs

Reputable

Gam3r01

Titan

hfiggs

Reputable

Gam3r01

Titan

hfiggs

Reputable

Gam3r01

Titan

UmbraWorks

Reputable

Gam3r01

Titan

UmbraWorks

Reputable

Gam3r01

Titan

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page