I am a PC Gamer, I currently have an AMD FX 8350 eight core processor but I ordered an i7 7700k quad core processor, from the excitement I began researching after I ordered it and realized that the more cores the better for gaming, did I make a mistake ordering the new CPU?
CPU comparisons 7700k quad core CPU VS AMD FX 8350 eight core CPU which is better for gaming
- Thread starter crettberg
- Start date
Solution
clarkjd
Splendid
- Dec 7, 2005
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According to this:
http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/cpu-hierarchy,4312.html
the I7-7700K is better at gaming than the 8350.
Most games do NOT utilize more than 2-4 cores, so the 7700K, since it has more IPC(instructions per clock) would provide faster single-threaded performance than the 8 core AMD CPU. The AMD would be better for multithreaded software optimized to support more cores, usually productivity software.
Budge414
Distinguished
- Jan 2, 2013
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The i7 7700K is an upgrade over the FX 8350 for sure. You may not see a massive performance increase in gaming though, as that's more closely tied to your GPU (which is what?). If you're hesitating and you're strictly upgrading the CPU to get more gaming performance, you will be disappointed.
Also which motherboard did you settle on for your i7 7700K?
Also which motherboard did you settle on for your i7 7700K?
James Mason
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- Jan 2, 2014
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More cores being better for gaming is a misnomer. It's about having ENOUGH cores. If you have extra cores, they don't help, if you don't have enough, you'll have problems.
But you also need yours cores to be fast, the 7700k's cores are about 75% faster than the FX 8350s cores. You determine core speed between different CPUs by comparing their=2874&cmp[]=1780] Single Thread ratings, not their clock speeds.(which only matters when you compare the same CPU at different clock speeds)
Because the 7700ks cores are so much faster, even though it technically has less, it's total score is still 30% higher. (The total score assumes the software uses all cores at 100%, only heavy video editing or benchmarking software ever does this, hence why effectively for gaming, the 7700k is 75% faster)
But you also need yours cores to be fast, the 7700k's cores are about 75% faster than the FX 8350s cores. You determine core speed between different CPUs by comparing their=2874&cmp[]=1780] Single Thread ratings, not their clock speeds.(which only matters when you compare the same CPU at different clock speeds)
Because the 7700ks cores are so much faster, even though it technically has less, it's total score is still 30% higher. (The total score assumes the software uses all cores at 100%, only heavy video editing or benchmarking software ever does this, hence why effectively for gaming, the 7700k is 75% faster)
photonboy
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- Jun 20, 2006
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Hi,
EVERY GAME IS DIFFERENT.
As per the very first reply, yes roughly two to four cores is probably average for how many cores a game can effectively utilize. Some games like Starcraft 2 can only use TWO cores/threads, whereas a few games can benefit from more than four cores (even four fast cores).
The i7-7700K and FX-8350 both have eight THREADS actually, but rather than delve into the architectural differences let's just summarize:
1) i7-7700K is a far better CPU for gaming as it is IPC + Frequency that matters most
(the actual processing performance per core is two things; the IPC and the actual frequency)
2) the i7-7700K advantage depends on the game, the game settings (resolution etc) and the other hardware particularly the graphics card
3) some games will run over 60% faster on the i7-7700K vs the FX-8350 (again, game settings etc)
EVERY GAME IS DIFFERENT.
As per the very first reply, yes roughly two to four cores is probably average for how many cores a game can effectively utilize. Some games like Starcraft 2 can only use TWO cores/threads, whereas a few games can benefit from more than four cores (even four fast cores).
The i7-7700K and FX-8350 both have eight THREADS actually, but rather than delve into the architectural differences let's just summarize:
1) i7-7700K is a far better CPU for gaming as it is IPC + Frequency that matters most
(the actual processing performance per core is two things; the IPC and the actual frequency)
2) the i7-7700K advantage depends on the game, the game settings (resolution etc) and the other hardware particularly the graphics card
3) some games will run over 60% faster on the i7-7700K vs the FX-8350 (again, game settings etc)
photonboy
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- Jun 20, 2006
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You still need:
1) new motherboard (preferably a Z270 model as it supports overclocking)
e.g. https://pcpartpicker.com/product/2Phj4D/asus-strix-z270-e-gaming-atx-lga1151-motherboard-strix-z270-e-gaming
2) new system memory.
i.e. 2x8GB 3200MHz DDR4
(recommend at least 2400MHz with two sticks to enable Dual Channel support)
3) new W10 64-bit license
(seems to be some confusion on that)
4) reinstall Windows, programs etc
(possible to NOT do that with cloning, but not recommended as it may fail or cause issues that may or may not be immediately obvious)
5) new CPU cooler?
(yours is probably compatible if you kept the Intel mounting parts though you MAY want a new one if it's not great)
1) new motherboard (preferably a Z270 model as it supports overclocking)
e.g. https://pcpartpicker.com/product/2Phj4D/asus-strix-z270-e-gaming-atx-lga1151-motherboard-strix-z270-e-gaming
2) new system memory.
i.e. 2x8GB 3200MHz DDR4
(recommend at least 2400MHz with two sticks to enable Dual Channel support)
3) new W10 64-bit license
(seems to be some confusion on that)
4) reinstall Windows, programs etc
(possible to NOT do that with cloning, but not recommended as it may fail or cause issues that may or may not be immediately obvious)
5) new CPU cooler?
(yours is probably compatible if you kept the Intel mounting parts though you MAY want a new one if it's not great)
photonboy
Titan
- Jun 20, 2006
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Since you ordered the i7-7700K already I debated whether to write THIS comment...
I would have recommended an 8th gen (coffee lake) CPU instead. Possibly the i5-8400 or i5-8600K. If you can return and/or change the order maybe you can ask about that and discuss the pros/cons.
Not sure if the i7-7700K was on sale, but unless the motherboard + CPU cost (comparing similar quality motherboards) of the i7-7700K vs similar coffee lake is cheaper I'd go 8th gen.
*In fact, the i5-8600K is a 6C/6T (six cores without hyperthreading) CPU whereas the i7-7700K is a 4C/8T CPU so basically the i5-8600K has six fast cores with no hyperthreading per core (which for six-core CPU's is hard to utilize in gaming and at BEST may add 30% performance for very hyperthreaded tasks like Handbrake).
The i5-8600K and i7-7700K will be nearly IDENTICAL performance for most games though, but for multi-tasking, a few current select games, and FUTURE PROOFING the i7-8600K is a better choice.
The i5-8400 is more complicated as it has a max 4GHz frequency per core which may or may not be sustainable even if you carefully tweak the BIOS. It is only $200USD last I checked though and is a 6C/6T CPU (six cores, no hyperthreading).
The i5-8400 in most games either matches or falls BEHIND the i7-7700K in performance though not when considering VALUE if the i7-7700K costs more.
So again, budget aside I'd probably go with the i5-8600K (even the i7-8700 and tweak to run all cores at 4.6GHz) depending on your total BUDGET.
I would have recommended an 8th gen (coffee lake) CPU instead. Possibly the i5-8400 or i5-8600K. If you can return and/or change the order maybe you can ask about that and discuss the pros/cons.
Not sure if the i7-7700K was on sale, but unless the motherboard + CPU cost (comparing similar quality motherboards) of the i7-7700K vs similar coffee lake is cheaper I'd go 8th gen.
*In fact, the i5-8600K is a 6C/6T (six cores without hyperthreading) CPU whereas the i7-7700K is a 4C/8T CPU so basically the i5-8600K has six fast cores with no hyperthreading per core (which for six-core CPU's is hard to utilize in gaming and at BEST may add 30% performance for very hyperthreaded tasks like Handbrake).
The i5-8600K and i7-7700K will be nearly IDENTICAL performance for most games though, but for multi-tasking, a few current select games, and FUTURE PROOFING the i7-8600K is a better choice.
The i5-8400 is more complicated as it has a max 4GHz frequency per core which may or may not be sustainable even if you carefully tweak the BIOS. It is only $200USD last I checked though and is a 6C/6T CPU (six cores, no hyperthreading).
The i5-8400 in most games either matches or falls BEHIND the i7-7700K in performance though not when considering VALUE if the i7-7700K costs more.
So again, budget aside I'd probably go with the i5-8600K (even the i7-8700 and tweak to run all cores at 4.6GHz) depending on your total BUDGET.
Alright so my current gpu is a gtx 970 and I did upgrade my cpu in hopes of better gameplay to play the more cpu intensive games, I can still refund the cpu so should I use it to buy a new video card? And if I were to purchase another cpu that’s good for gaming which one would it be? Thank you I really appreciate this and I don’t know the name of my motherboard of the to if my head, I’ll check and follow up.
Budge414
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Okay the 970 is still a decent GPU if you're playing at 1080p, the 7700K will alow you to get the absolute most out of it as you intended. Plus some all-round performance increases along with it.
My question relates to the fact that with a platform switch for the new CPU, you would have also needed to purchase a new motherboard with an Intel chipset. This would drive up the cost of the upgrade which may contribute to whether it is cost-effective overall.
Just so you know you haven't made a bad decision by any means, this opens up your options for any Monitor or GPU upgrades you may want to delve into within the next year or two.
If this is the last message to the thread, enjoy your purchase!
My question relates to the fact that with a platform switch for the new CPU, you would have also needed to purchase a new motherboard with an Intel chipset. This would drive up the cost of the upgrade which may contribute to whether it is cost-effective overall.
Just so you know you haven't made a bad decision by any means, this opens up your options for any Monitor or GPU upgrades you may want to delve into within the next year or two.
If this is the last message to the thread, enjoy your purchase!
Budge414
Distinguished
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🙁 Sorry to say mate, but yes. Your 970 AMD mobo that you used for the FX-8350 utilises an AMD-specific chipset and pin configuration.
Since you're changing platforms, you'll need to change the motherboard aswell.
You have a few options here, but for now, let's assume you stick with this upgrade.
You'll need to purchase a new motherboard which will cost around half what the 7700K cost. If this is not something you planned for and would rather reassess then let me know where you're based/buying parts from, I'll help you explore your options further.
Fret not - We'll have this sorted soon one way or another.
Since you're changing platforms, you'll need to change the motherboard aswell.
You have a few options here, but for now, let's assume you stick with this upgrade.
You'll need to purchase a new motherboard which will cost around half what the 7700K cost. If this is not something you planned for and would rather reassess then let me know where you're based/buying parts from, I'll help you explore your options further.
Fret not - We'll have this sorted soon one way or another.
VernonFX
Reputable
- Sep 12, 2015
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Newer games use more cores. for example Assassins creed Origins uses 16 cores and 32 threads, The Evil Within 2 uses 8 cores and 16 threads, Need For speed Payback uses 6 cores and 12 threads most. (don't forget game patches and releases really makes them different in utilizing cores efficiently.) Future games are more core friendly.
the Pildriver AMD FX 8350 has 8 Integer cores and 4 FPUs. each 2 Integer core shares the same FPU and L2 cache so its not efficient for gaming.
I recommend you AMD Ryzen CPUs. a Ryzen 7 1800x beats 7700k in anything except Single_Threaded performance. Its multi threaded performance is about 68 percent faster than I7 7700K but its Single_Threaded performance is 9 percent slower. if you overclock it from 3.6 GHz to 3.75 GHz it will beat i7 7700k in single_threaded Cinebench R15 score.
But don't forget that if you upgrade your GPU you will be tasting higher framerates with higher resolutions. CPU upgrade doesn't give you that performance. for example having i7 7700K or i5 8500 with an Nvidia Geforce GTX 1080 or 1080TI is better than having Ryzen 7 1800x with GTX 1060. Games most use shaders and GPU compute units rather than CPU cores. for example a 1080TI has 3840 Cuda cores while 1060 has 1280.
Also what game you are playing makes difference for example RTS games utilize more CPU than GPU but a Need For Speed game uses massive GPU shaders and texture units.
the Pildriver AMD FX 8350 has 8 Integer cores and 4 FPUs. each 2 Integer core shares the same FPU and L2 cache so its not efficient for gaming.
I recommend you AMD Ryzen CPUs. a Ryzen 7 1800x beats 7700k in anything except Single_Threaded performance. Its multi threaded performance is about 68 percent faster than I7 7700K but its Single_Threaded performance is 9 percent slower. if you overclock it from 3.6 GHz to 3.75 GHz it will beat i7 7700k in single_threaded Cinebench R15 score.
But don't forget that if you upgrade your GPU you will be tasting higher framerates with higher resolutions. CPU upgrade doesn't give you that performance. for example having i7 7700K or i5 8500 with an Nvidia Geforce GTX 1080 or 1080TI is better than having Ryzen 7 1800x with GTX 1060. Games most use shaders and GPU compute units rather than CPU cores. for example a 1080TI has 3840 Cuda cores while 1060 has 1280.
Also what game you are playing makes difference for example RTS games utilize more CPU than GPU but a Need For Speed game uses massive GPU shaders and texture units.
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