Question How to choose the right CPU for gaming versus productivity ?

[Leong Zhi Xian]

I'm planning to build a new PC and I'm torn between choosing a CPU for gaming versus one for productivity (video editing, 3D rendering, programming, etc.).

From what I understand, gaming performance relies more on single-core performance, while productivity workloads benefit from more cores and threads. However, with the latest CPUs from AMD and Intel, the lines seem to be blurring.

A few questions:

1. For gaming, should I prioritize higher clock speeds or more cores?
2. For productivity, is it worth investing in a high-core-count CPU like the Ryzen 9 7950X or Intel i9-14900K?

 

[bill001g]

Gaming mostly relies on the GPU except for a limited number of games. Not all production application can take advantage of multiple cores some of them are also single thread. It greatly depends on the application.

Buy the cpu you feel will work best for your non gaming uses. Unless you are buying a 4090 and running games at 1080p the cpu will not impact your gaming experience.

 

[faalin]

I would give this a watch

Jayztwocents

 

[popatim]

These days I would decide budget first. Those x3d process are great gaming cpu's (with the right games) but the also command a premium dollar and you might be better served with a different processor and put the saving towards another component.

 

[Misgar]

If you want a guide as to the relative performance of AMD vs Intel desktop CPUs for a typical video app, check this out:-
https://www.pugetsystems.com/labs/a...amd-ryzen-9000-series-vs-intel-core-14th-gen/

You also need to factor in the GPU, because a fair amount of video rendering is done by the graphics card.
https://www.pugetsystems.com/soluti...be-premiere-pro/hardware-recommendations/#gpu

For gaming, I'd probably get an AMD X3D CPU. You could try the 9950X3D and then you'd probably have the best of both worlds, namely speed and more cores/threads.

If you're using Sony Vegas, DaVince Resolve, or some other software, check the appropriate sections on the Puget Systems web site.

Video processing tends to favour Intel, but I built a 7950X editing rig back in Dec. 2022. AMD CPUs tend to consume less power, but render times can be a bit longer. A faster GPU can speed things up but at a significant increase in cost.

A more professional workstation might incorporate a Threadripper or Xeon with more cores than a desktop CPU. Not cheap though.

 

[alceryes]

Gaming mostly relies on the GPU except for a limited number of games. Not all production application can take advantage of multiple cores some of them are also single thread. It greatly depends on the application.

Buy the cpu you feel will work best for your non gaming uses. Unless you are buying a 4090 and running games at 1080p the cpu will not impact your gaming experience.

This is untrue. Even outside of your RTX 4090 at 1080p example the CPU can make a substantial difference in certain games.
It will vary game to game and, generally the higher your resolution the less of a difference it will make. Some games are very CPU intensive though (crowded NPC areas, for example) and, even at 4K, the 9800X3D shows a decent uplift over other less powerful CPUs in those titles.