Many still have fresh memories of the famous “megahertz race”, when the main manufacturing companies of the central processors focused on the clock frequency in each new model . In this context, one cannot fail to mention the infamous Intel technology called Net Burst.
Although such devices were relatively easy to overcome the 4 GHz bar (which was an achievement for technical standards of that time) and, accordingly, were positioned as processors for games, this was half true. If only because to increase the frequency it was necessary to increase the length of the conveyor. Hence the expression "exaggerated megahertz" - the frequency is high, and the performance is mediocre.
After it became clear that in this way you can’t infinitely increase the speed of work, a completely different concept was proposed. It consists in increasing the number of cores. When choosing a processor for games, you need to remember this. That is, a multi-core processor is a few full-fledged computing units, but placed on a single chip substrate. Of course, with such gluing, some hardware and software optimizations are performed. Currently, it is this area that is actively developing, and it is precisely on it that one should focus.
Choose a processor for games. Kernels
So, summing up the above, we will draw the first conclusion: at present, one of the key characteristics that affect performance is the number of cores. The best processors for games contain 6 cores. Examples are the Core i7-980X from Intel and the FX-6200 from AMD.
Anticipating the counter questions, we immediately point out that although not all games make full use of such a number of cores, the situation is changing rapidly. It is worth recalling the time of transition from single- to dual-core models when they said that the advantage is on the side of the high-frequency single-core.
Tire
The digital data stream between devices is transmitted using the system bus. Intel has QPI and AMD has Hyper Transport. After many controllers began to be placed inside the main chip, this high-speed bus began to be used only for internal communication. Thus, a productive processor for games should have a high bus speed. This characteristic is always indicated in the specification of the device. For example, the mentioned Core i7 980X has a QPI bus with a performance of 6.4 GT / s, and the budget Pentium 620 - only 4.8 GT / s.
Cache
A good processor for games should have enough cache. In modern solutions, there are as many as three levels - L1-L3. The larger their size, the better. Moreover, for the correct operation of the multi-core microcircuit, this productive memory is important, it greatly affects the performance.
Heat
Choosing a new gaming processor, sometimes such a parameter as heat dissipation is completely overlooked. But in vain, because sometimes it is possible to purchase a solution with a similar level of performance, but at the same time consuming less energy. It is recommended to choose more economical models: these are not only reduced bills for paying consumed kilowatts, but also a quieter cooling system.