Is Intel i5 Good For Gaming? Let’s find out

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Intel’s i5 processors are one of the best “bang-for-the-buck” options, especially when compared to the “i7s” which are even more expensive without worth it in most cases. For example, you’re paying extra for “HyperThreading”, “TurboBoost” and “multi-threading”.

If you are confused while choosing between i5 and i7 processors, then you are at the correct page. Here we will discuss all queries related to intel i5 processors that a gamer can have.

Is intel i5 Good for gaming?

Intel i5 processors are “good enough” for gaming. With “Hyperthreading”, “TurboBoost” and “multi-threading”, i5s are capable of handling most games in existence today. Many gamers are satisfied with the performance of i5s, but some are still not convinced.

They want to spend more money on “i7s” which are more powerful than i5s but let us tell you that this extra power is not required by the games. There are games that run at max graphics on i5s, but if you want to play them on more high graphics settings then go for i7s.

Remember, the most important thing about any CPU is its overclocking ability. If you want to play games more smoothly then go for i7s, but if you’re not satisfied with gaming at 30 FPS then don’t waste money on more powerful processors. Buying a good graphics card is a more efficient and cheaper option.

What all games Do Require i5?

Most lower graphics games run at max settings on intel i5 processors. However, if you want to play games that are in between low and high graphics, then you need a good processor. Games like Far Cry 3, MGS V: Ground Zeroes and Hitman: Absolution run at max settings on i5 processors, but if you want to play them with medium or high settings then you need a good processor.

What are the benefits of I5s over I7s?

The first difference between i5 and i7 is that the former has no hyperthreading capabilities, while the latter has hyperthreading.

Hyperthreading essentially enables each core to handle two threads which are apparently more than enough for most games. However, you can still see a difference in performance during graphic-intensive games like The Witcher 3.

Secondly, i7s have an extra “turbo boost” feature that allows them to boost their clock speed automatically. This is also not required for games but if you are doing something else while gaming then it will be helpful.

One more difference is that i7s have a higher power consumption and they run hotter than i5s, but this is not an issue for most people as long as the computer’s cooling system is good.

Another difference is that i7s can be overclocked, but all this means is that you can easily use the processor at its maximum clock speed without worrying about anything else.

Although, overclocking will cause your processor to generate more heat which may affect performance. However, if any gaming laptop comes with an unlocked processor then it is an Intel i7 and you can overclock that as well.

Although, there’s no doubt that i7s are better than i5s but not everyone needs them. You should choose between these two based on your requirements because the most important thing in gaming is a good graphics card rather than a powerful processor.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Intel i5

Every budget processor has its advantages and disadvantages. If we talk about the pros, the intel i5 is highly affordable. Even the latest 12th and 13th-generation i5 processors with the latest hardware architecture will cost less than 300$. If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on the latest generation processors, you can find relatively powerful 10th and 11th-gen i5 processors with six cores and 12 threads under a price tag of 200$.

All these processors can efficiently run the latest AAA titles on 1080p resolution, and you can expect at least 60 frames per second when you pair your CPU with a relevant graphics card. Additionally, these processors can also be paired with the latest DDR5 memory, which provides higher bandwidth while consuming less power.

If we talk about the disadvantages of Intel i5, it’s evident that it cannot keep up with the performance of i7 and i9 processors. It can provide satisfactory results for basic animation, editing, and rendering projects. Still, you can’t have high expectations with intel i5 for using hardware-intensive programs like blender or after effects that demand good multi-thread performance. The multitasking capabilities of these processors are also comparatively weaker than AMD or recent Intel processors.

Intel Core i5 Vs AMD Ryzen 5

A lot of gamers and regular users prefer AMD processors over Intel. This can make you question whether you should invest in an intel processor or an AMD processor. If we talk about budget processing units, both companies manufacture some powerful processors that are very similar in performance. However, you should know a couple of things before picking an Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 5.

If you’re not a hardcore gamer, you may be looking for a processor that is good at multitasking. This is where AMD has a slight edge over intel processors. AMD Ryzen 5 is comparatively better for multi-threaded use like 3D modeling, editing, and rendering.

On the other hand, if we compare AMD Ryzen 5600X with Intel’s latest 12th gen i5-12600K, AMD lacks behind in gaming as most of the games put all the load on a single thread, and Intel is better for single-threaded use. So, if you’re looking for a processor primarily for gaming, then the Intel i5 is an ideal pick.

Are i5 processors cheap?

The 11th gen intel i5 processor costs around $300, and other than that you will have to pay for your motherboard as well. However, if your current processor is working fine then there’s no need to upgrade it unless you want better performance and smoother gameplay.

Intel i5 processors are not only good for gaming but they’re also suitable for those who like to do multimedia work such as photo editing or video editing. If you are searching for the “best gaming processor”If you’re looking for an upgrade, consider how much additional power your graphics card will require. If you can’t afford all of it at once, then go for an i5 instead of an i7.

Is i5 good for GTA 5?

GTA V is a game that runs at medium to high settings on i5 processors. If you buy an Intel i5 then there’s no doubt that your game will run smoothly, but if you want to play GTA V at very high settings then consider getting an i7.

If you think your game will run smoothly at medium to high settings then think about upgrading your graphics card instead of your processor.

Can i5 run Minecraft?

Yes, but not in a very nice way. The I5 won’t be able to run Minecraft at high settings, but it can run it well enough on low settings. It takes some time to adjust the settings for optimal performance, but if done right you can get your game running smoothly on the I5.

Can i5 run warzone?

Yes, warzone runs on low settings and performs well. You can expect around 15-30 fps with this processor. The Intel Core i5-2500K will easily handle it, but make sure you have at least 4GB RAM, and a 1650 GTX GPU.

Which i5 CPU variant is best for gaming?

In order to get good gaming performance on an i5 processor, you must get the latest Intel Core i5-11600K which is unlocked and can be overclocked easily. You will experience high-quality gaming on this processor for sure.

How much RAM does a Core i5 need?

To find out how much RAM you can pair with your intel i5 PC, you need to check the RAM compatibilities on Intel’s website. Most of the latest i5 processors released after the 10th generation can support up to 128 GB of RAM.

But the question is, how much RAM do you need to ensure you can run all the programs and games smoothly? If you’re on a budget, 16 GB RAM can be enough to run most of the games and standard software. However, if you plan to use resource-intensive programs, it’s better to invest in 32 GB RAM. Anything above 32 GB will be overkill for Intel i5 processors.

Wrapping Up

Traditionally, the Intel Core i5 line of processors has been one of the most beloved lines by gamers all over the world. But if you’re trying to play games on Intel Core i5 processors, the only way to get good performance is by overclocking your processor or getting a very powerful GPU, like the GTX 2070.