Guide: How to choose a gaming processor

Processor or CPU (often called brain of the computer) is a important component of gaming computer. There are many CPU's to choose from, with different clock speed, number of cores, different sockets and so on. There are two important processor manufacturers, Intel and AMD. Both companies have wide range of processor models from cheap dual-core CPUs to expensive processors with over 16 cores. When you compare Intel and AMD processor's clock speeds then remember, they use different architectures and are not comparable. Remember, different brand processors use different sockets, you cannot install an AMD processor to Intel motherboard or vice versa. You can't also put socket Intel LGA 1151 processor to Intel LGA 1150 motherboad. There are many different sockets and chipsets to choose from both manufacturers. Newest mainstream from Intel is LGA 1151, enthusiast platforms are LGA 2011-v3 (X99 chipset) and the new LGA 2066 (X299 chipset). AMD has AM4 for Ryzen series processors, older FM2+ (cheap APUs etc) and AM3+ (the previous desktop socket from AMD). The upcoming enthusiast platform for AMD is called Socket TR4 (Threadripper processors).

Choosing the processor for gaming is not easier than finding the right graphics card. If you are on tight budget then you don't necessarily need an expensive processor, bu getting a processor with at least 4 threads is recommended as some games don't work with dual-cores. Getting a Intel Pentium with Hyperthreading or lower-end AMD Ryzen 3 are both good choices. I suggest buying a gaming computer with good graphics and average processor, rather than very good CPU and bad graphics card.