How much of an effect does my CPU make on gaming?

HarmonyMLG

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Jan 15, 2015
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Hello, I have the Alienware Alpha and here are my specs:


Processor
Intel Core i3-4130T Dual-Core Processor (3M Cache, 2.9GHz)

Operating System
Microsoft Windows 8.1 64 Bit, English

Chassis
Alpha chassis with NVIDIA® GeForce® GPU 2GB GDDR5

Video Card
Alpha chassis with NVIDIA® GeForce® GPU 2GB GDDR5

Memory
8GB DDR3L 1600MHz Memory

Hard Drive
500GB SATA 6Gb/s

Wireless
Intel® Dual Band Wireless-AC 3160 1x1 + Bluetooth 4.0

Now here is when my question comes into play. I have a pretty solid gaming rig, but the only issue I really have is how much of an impact will my CPU make on gaming? I am excited for H1Z1. A zombie survival game that is coming out today. But for the recommended specs the only thing I am really lacking in is my processor

H1Z1 SPECS: http://gyazo.com/e1dbd41519e341316b30172aca13de7a

When I look at it on paper, the I3 and the I5 don't really have much of a difference. So should I be worried? I just upgraded my RAM from 4gb to 8gb for $60 and I am glad I did, but should I be able to play this game fine even without the I5 CPU? also will me having an I5 affect the framerate of H1Z1? thanks this is also my first post. :)
 
Solution
We're talking about mobile CPUs here, and the mobile i5 is a dual core with Hyperthreading like the i3 is, the only difference being the mobile i5s are usually clocked a little higher and have Turbo Boost.

On Desktop, i5s are true quad cores with Turbo Boost and are much better than the Desktop i3 which is a dual core with Hyperthreading and no Turbo Boost, just like the mobile i3.
We're talking about mobile CPUs here, and the mobile i5 is a dual core with Hyperthreading like the i3 is, the only difference being the mobile i5s are usually clocked a little higher and have Turbo Boost.

On Desktop, i5s are true quad cores with Turbo Boost and are much better than the Desktop i3 which is a dual core with Hyperthreading and no Turbo Boost, just like the mobile i3.
 
Solution


What are you on about? The i3-4130T is the thermally throttled desktop LGA 1150 processor.

There's a good explanation on Anandtech, here

So now it all depends on which i5 we're going to compare it t. There will, however be a difference.