Gaming CPU – AMD & Intel live Here
Its a fast paced world and keeping up with the latest best CPU for gaming choices is a rewarding battle. In recent time the budget area of gaming cup’s has expanded with the arrival of the 10th Gen Intel processors along with the Ryzen 5000 CPU’s.
These best CPU for gaming from AMD has closed the gap in performance to Intel. Intel no longer holds the outright performance in 2021. The cost to performance of the current CPU ranges is tight and generally leans towards the Ryzen 5000 chips with their included coolers which makes a $20-$30 additional cost to the Intel chips.
If price is not your focus then the Intel chips deliver the IPC (Instructions per Cycle) performance giving you the gaming performance you need. Couple this with a great GPU or graphics card there will be some amazing FPS gains on you gaming system
How Many Cores Do I Need?
The core count in current CPU’s is certainly growing but is it needed for current games. In the case of X Plane 11 4 fast cores are what it craves and so far Microsoft Flight Simulator is not requiring a lot more than the four cores.
Its the IPC or Instructions per cycle that give you that great performance and in 2021 the RYZEN 5000 series of CPU’s has really taken the lead.
Flight Sims like DCS World 2.5 do seem to be happy using more cores and really pushing the graphics card performance and with the release of DCS World 2.7 expected in the near future this flight simulator is making big changes .
This Flight simulator is moving to Vulcan Api as well and with this much performance will be enabled. Microsoft Flight Simulator with its DX11 release is also planning a move to DX12 which will likely open up options for the new DLSS technology and ray tracing.
Intel has had this important factor in performance covered for years over AMD but this is now closing and really there isn’t much in it also though Intel still has the lead by a whisker. The fact still remains more GHz is better than less and generally as far as gaming goes the number of cores. If you have 4 cores and say 5 Ghz then your better off mostly than 6 cores and 4.2 Ghz. There are more instructions per cycle therefore its going to be faster, but this is changing some what. The newer games are starting to utilize more cores and then the speed isn’t the major factor but it helps a lot.
Which CPU should I Choose in 2021?
The current range of processors are really great. In the Intel camp the Ryzen 5000 CPU’s are the path I would suggest.
If your a gamer and a bit more budget minded then the Ryzen 5 5600X is popular with its 6 cores and 6 threads plus a decent speed up to 4.6 Ghz on boost clock so there is some great gaming performance right there.
If your looking in the performance at all cost then you would consider the Ryzen 95900X 12 core and 24 thread CPU with a max boost clock of 4.8 Ghz.
This would do an amazing job in X Plane 11 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 for sure. If you a no compromise PC gamer then this is certainly at the top of CPU’s to be considered right now.
Its your budget so consider what CPU you need!
This really is a very personal question and really its all about your budget. I have heard it said you spend 1/3 on CPU then 1/3 of your budget on GPU and the rest goes on RAM, Storage, poser supply and case.
Performance between the currently available CPU’s is close than ever and AMD’s recent improvement beyond Intel’s 10th gen CPU’s in Instructions per Cycle or IPC its a great time to be shopping. The AMD CPU’s are still marginally better than Intel’s current offering in the new Ryzen 3rd generation.
Now its the cost we need to look at. The current comparable CPU’s in the red and blue teems selections make them pretty comparable currently but the big difference when your on a tight budget is INTEL does not include a CPU fan so your up for another $25 to $50 depending on you air cooled solution and if you looking for an AIO (All in One) water cooling solution the the argument fades into insignificance.
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The RED Team – AMD Gaming Processors
The NEW 3RD GEN AMD CPU’s Will be available soon HERE!
Ryzen 5 3600XT
This 3nd Gen Ryzen 5 5600X from AMD processor comes with 6 cores and 12 threads with a max boost of 4.6 GHZ and is supported by the popular AM4 Socket
Check Website for compatibility.
The processor comes unlocked for overclocking with 35 MB of Game Cache with DDR 4 3200 support.
Included is the Wrath Stealth cooler in the box.
The processor also supports PCIe 4.0.
AMD’s real time CPU monitoring and overclocking software is a free download from AMD.com
Ryzen 7 5800X
This 3rd Gen Ryzen 7 5800XT from AMD processor comes with 8 cores and 16 threads with a max boost of 4.7 GHZ and is supported by the popular AM4 Socket. Check website for compatibility.
The processor comes unlocked for overclocking with 35 MB of GameCache with DDR 4 3200 support. No Cooler is supplied with this CPU.
The processor also supports PCIe 4.0.
AMD’s real time CPU monitoring and overclocking software is a free download from AMD.com
Ryzen 9 3900X
This 2nd Gen Ryzen 9 5900X from AMD processor comes with 12 cores and 24 threads with a max boost of 4.8 GHZ and is supported by the popular AM 4 Socket. The processor comes unlocked for overclocking with 70 MB of GameCache with DDR 4 3200 support.
A cooler is NOT included and AMD recommends a LIQUID cooler with at least a 280 mm radiator for adequate cooling.
The processor also supports PCIe 4.0 on X5700 series & B550 motherboards.
AMD’s real time CPU monitoring and overclocking software is a free download from AMD.com
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The Blue Team – Intel Gaming Processors
Comparing Budget CPU Options
10 Generation Intel I3 10100
The latest 10 generation Intel I3 processor is available for that next level in processor performance.
This processor offers 4 cores, 8 threads with up to 4.3 GHZ performance. The LGA 1200 socket support is required on 400 series motherboards. Optane 4000 Memory support also also available.
The Intel turbo Max technology is also built in with 3.0 support.
This processor also includes a cooling fan.
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Intel I5 processor from AMAZON.com
10th Generation Intel I5 10400
The latest 10th Gen processors are now available from INTEL: This I5 10400 processor offers the latest technology from the blue team.
The processor offers 6 Cores and 12 threads with a max CPU speed of 4.3 GHZ with a 2.9 GHZ base speed. It installs on a LGA 1200 motherboard & 4000 series motherboards. It has Optane Memory support and comes with a cooler. This is a great mid tear CPU for your gaming rig.
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Intel I5 processor from AMAZON.com
10th Generation Intel I7 10700
The latest 10 generation Intel I7 processor is available for that next level in processor performance.
This processor offers 8 cores, 16 threads with a base of 3.8 and up to 5.1 GHZ performance. The I7 uses 125 watts of power with the LGA 1200 socket support on 400 series motherboards. Optane 4000 Memory support also also available. The Intel turbo Max technology is also built in with 3.0 support.
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Intel I7 processor from AMAZON.com
The latest 10 generation Intel I9 processor is available for that next level in processor performance.
This processor offers 10 cores, 20 threads with a base of 2.8 and up to 5.2 GHZ performance. The I9 uses 65 watts of power with the LGA 1200 socket support on 400 series motherboards. Optane 4000 Memory support also also available. The Intel turbo Max technology is also built in with 3.0 support.
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Intel I7 processor from AMAZON.com
So, if we go back to just air cooling solutions the Ryzen with an included cooler will tip the $ scale its way and again the IPC are pretty similar so value for money is in the AMD camp at this point.
The choice of mother boards is another issue so I will give you some good motherboards to choose from but the current selections are pretty good and if you don’t need some of the hi end features then the good mid range boards will do well.
Ok lets have a look at some of the current CPU range available. The kinks below are AMAZON affiliate links so you can support LETS FLY VFR YouTube Channel and www.LetsFlyVFR.COM at NO extra cost. Thank you for your support if you choose to support the channel.
Budget Gaming CPU’s
I have placed a great selection of the most budget CPU’s available but if you have a little more to spend then here are some plus $200 CPU’s you will get better performance from and still not break the bank. If your budget stretches further then I have also included a few more top END CPU’s for your consideration.
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