The problem of competent distribution of funds arises when buying a new computer. Gamers often prefer systems with a weak processor and a powerful graphics card. What to do when the available funds are not enough to purchase two powerful devices at the same time?
Regardless of whether you are building a new computer or just updating chipsets, it is important to understand what differences exist between CPUs and GPUs. In this article, we will try to figure out what role these devices play during the game. This will help you choose the right configuration for your gaming computer.
The central processing unit (CPU, CPU) of the computer performs basic computing operations and solves most of the processing tasks. On the other hand, a graphics processor (GPU) is responsible for processing graphics data.
If you are indifferent to games, the choice will be made easier. In this case, the lion's share of the funds should be allocated to the CPU. A βpowerful processor - weak graphics card" system would be a good option.
Whose tasks are more important, and which of these devices should be preferred during the formation of the game system?
CPU Tasks
It is no coincidence that the CPU is called the "brain" of the computer. It is its most important part. It performs the vast majority of commands transmitted from other devices or programs. All types of computing devices are equipped with processors: desktop computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones.
The CPU is inserted into a special socket on the motherboard, called a socket. Due to the enormous load of computing tasks, the CPU heats up very much and must constantly cool. Therefore, fans are installed for air cooling or water cooling systems. To determine the computing capabilities of the processor, a concept such as clock speed is used. As a rule, it is measured in gigahertz (GHz).
Another important characteristic for evaluating CPU performance is the number of cores. Dual core processors can process almost 2 times more information than single core processors. However, not all games allow you to take advantage of systems consisting of more than 1-2 cores. CPU performance is very important in the overall game process, especially when it comes to frame rates and delays in exchanging data with the game server.
A powerful processor and a weak graphics card can be used in processor-dependent games. An example of such a game is World of tanks. It should be remembered that most modern games require at least a discrete card. Although there are some that even an integrated video adapter will handle.
GP Objectives
The graphics processor is an optional device in relation to the central processor. It is especially important for tasks such as editing photo and video images. While CPU is a universal tool for performing all kinds of computational tasks, GP focuses on image processing.
Data for graphics processing is sent by the GPU instead of the CPU. At the same time, the GPU can process data for a wide range of tasks. For parallel operations, the GPU has a SIMD architecture (with one stream of commands and several data streams). Processors of this type are used to perform specialized tasks: decoding, financial modeling, scientific research. Powerful GPUs provide higher resolution and smooth gameplay.
Obviously, a system with a powerful processor and a weak graphics card cannot cope with games with high-quality graphics.
Comparison of CPU and GPU for games
Finding out the difference between the CPU and the GPU is easy. The CPU has a higher clock frequency, and the GPU contains more cores. This allows us to conclude that the CPU can process one task in a faster time, while the GPU can simultaneously perform more tasks.
Moreover, the graphics processor is equipped with its own video memory (VRAM), which allows you to unload the computer's RAM. In games, GP is usually used to render three-dimensional scenes. Recently, there has been a tendency to use it, including for solving general computational problems.
Computer configuration selection
What to do if the buyer does not play games very often and is not demanding on the schedule? Here the answer is obvious: a powerful processor and a weak graphics card will completely satisfy him. As a rule, in this case, you should give preference to Intel processors, which allow you to provide full-featured video, unlike AMD.
If games are the main goal of acquiring a computer, then you should decide which one will be preferred. After that, a video card is selected based on information about how it behaves in games. At the last stage, a decision is made regarding the processor. As a rule, its price should be from half to the full price of a video card.
To calculate the consequences of its application for a system with a powerful processor and a weak video card, you first need to decide on specific goals.