Is an i7 Necessary for gaming?

[Joshua Martinez]

Hi i was just wondering if an i7 really is necessary for gaming. Im building computer for about $1100, and I would like to know if one really needs that CPU that way i know if i can save some money, thank you

 

[OriginalCadaver]

Nope, sink the money you would have put towards the i7 in to a better GPU.

 

[anonimouse9]

I'd say not necessary, but worth the extra money to future-proof it more.

 

[melonhead]

absolutely not necessary. the i7 doesnt benefits gaming enough to make it worth the money

 

[babernet_1]

With a $1100 budget you are better off spending the extra $100 on a better graphics card.

 

[alexandrosgr]

It is definitely not necessary. Use Tom's CPU guide to see which CPU to buy for gaming (hint: It's an i5) depending on your needs and spend the rest of the money on a good GPU or an SSD (if your build doesn't already include one).

 

[ahnilated]

I agree, get a better graphics card for the money.

 

[Vaxorth25]

I agree with everyone else here. I have ran an i5 for the last two builds that I have done (5-6 years) and From every gaming benchmark and performance chart that I have seen, the i5 match an i7 when with the same GPU. There are RARE moments that an i7 may pull ahead, but usually only by 2-5 FPS max. There is no reason at all to buy an i7 just for gaming, I would put that saved money into a better GPU.

 

[Vitric9]

Necessary? , Not right now no. with the right config a Dual core can get near i7 performance in games. Back in the day the Core 2 Duo E6850 or better yet E8400/8500 was better to have than a Core 2 Quad Fast forward roughly 7 years, almost, Now we have a number of reviews on the Pentium G3258 pitted against it's bigger brothers the i5 4690k and i7 4790k and getting similar results , Even one review Had an i7 5960X and the G3258 put up a good fight in games.
That is just games though. There is a number of good reasons to get the 8 threaded i7. and for that sweet spot the i5 takes the cake....
Note I left out AMD because obviously I am an Intel "Fanboy" ....
Seriously though It was getting to be a long reply and all over the place as it is with those SKUs.

 

[logainofhades]

An i5 is all that is really necessary for gaming, currently. That may change, in the future, but for now, it is good. Here is a build suggestion as well. 😀

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($219.99 @ Amazon)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 Plus 76.8 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($25.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-SLI ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($116.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: Mushkin Silverline 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial MX100 128GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($62.99 @ Amazon)
Storage: Hitachi Ultrastar 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($48.00 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 970 4GB Twin Frozr V Video Card ($348.99 @ B&H)
Case: Enermax OSTROG ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Directron)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($69.99 @ NCIX US)
Optical Drive: Samsung SH-224DB/BEBE DVD/CD Writer ($13.99 @ Amazon)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 - 64-bit (OEM) (64-bit) ($90.26 @ OutletPC)
Total: $1097.17
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2014-12-19 10:27 EST-0500