would a high end CPU improve gaming experience with a low-end graphics unit

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korayemk

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Feb 2, 2018
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Hey everyone,
I am planning on buying a new macbook pro with the intel iris 650 integrated graphics unit.
I need it for work, but would love to be able to play some games on it while I travel (like total war, or CIV).
I know im pretty limited by the graphics unit, but would throwing in some extra money to upgrade the CPU, from 3.1 ghz to 3.5 ghz make a difference for my gaming experience?
In other words, would a high end CPU improve my gaming experience when I am limited by my iGPU?

Thanks in advance, I cant seem to find an answer anywhere
 
Solution
testtube5
I literally just did something like this...

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/TNvBgL

I upgraded virtually every part of my computer besides the Graphics Card (I don't game every day nor do I really care about graphics, though I do a bunch of other stuff that is generally CPU bound.)

I would say the main upgrades that would affect any performance would be a 4670k to an 8700k and 16gb DDR3 @ 1600mhz to 32gb DDR4 @ 3200mhz.

When I do have games up, there is a slight difference. But, nothing visually noticeable, and nothing that would even remotely justify nearly 2 grand in parts.

I'm going to upgrade the GPU eventually although I don't really need it. Either waiting for prices to go back down or going to buy a used one.

To bluntly answer...
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testtube5

testtube5

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Aug 1, 2013
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I literally just did something like this...

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/TNvBgL

I upgraded virtually every part of my computer besides the Graphics Card (I don't game every day nor do I really care about graphics, though I do a bunch of other stuff that is generally CPU bound.)

I would say the main upgrades that would affect any performance would be a 4670k to an 8700k and 16gb DDR3 @ 1600mhz to 32gb DDR4 @ 3200mhz.

When I do have games up, there is a slight difference. But, nothing visually noticeable, and nothing that would even remotely justify nearly 2 grand in parts.

I'm going to upgrade the GPU eventually although I don't really need it. Either waiting for prices to go back down or going to buy a used one.

To bluntly answer your question: Generally, no. It won't improve your gaming experience.
 
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Finstar

Finstar

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Sep 7, 2013
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Not worth upgrading the cpu. if you want better gaming experience, then i'd suggest looking at external gpu docks and some AMD gpu for it (Nvidia gpus don't have support on macOS)
I have the 13 inch 2017 with iris 640 myself and it's pretty much 100% gpu bottlenecked.
 
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korayemk

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Feb 2, 2018
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Thanks for the response man, So you got a macbook pro with the iris 640? have your tried any games on it?
 
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K

korayemk

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Feb 2, 2018
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thanks for feedback, no difference at all in gaming?
 
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korayemk

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Feb 2, 2018
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thanks for the assist. So basically I have the option of upgrading from a - 3.1 ghz dual-core 7th generation intel i5, to a 3.5 ghz dual-core 7th generation i7 for about $300. Im not sure if spending the extra cash will result in any tangible improvement to the gaming quality though.
What do you think?
 
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Finstar

Finstar

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Sep 7, 2013
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Some, the most demanding being Heroes of the storm which it could run on normal settings at 900p with around 40-50fps
You pretty much have to run all games at 1080p or lower if you want them to run at above 30fps
I may also mention that gaming drains its battery insanely fast and heats it pretty damn well too.
 
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korayemk

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Feb 2, 2018
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hmm... guess i shouldnt have gotten my hopes up for gaming with a macbook
 
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