With the arrival of the next-generation consoles, and the publication of certain titles that bring news for PS5 and Xbox Series S and Series X, we have begun to know some optimization in the use of multi-threaded processors, but the truth is that, in the end, the transition was not completed, and for this reason we continue stuck in this regard, so much so that, today, it is still possible to perfectly play the latest generation of titles with a 4-core and eight-thread processor.

Yes, a simple 4-core, 8-thread processor is the answer to the question of how many cores do I need to play, and no, these processors Not only are they not dead, but they had an exclusive life thanks to the Willow Cove architecture, used in the Intel Core Gen11, and Golden Cove, used in the Intel Core Gen12 processors. The Core i7-11370H, which I had the opportunity to investigate when I tested the ASUS TUF Dash F15, is one of the best examples, although the huge standard-bearer today of the 4 cores and eight threads is the Core i3-12100F.

It is true that there are some specific cases, especially in more recent games, where a 4-core, 8-thread processor doesn't quite suggest a truly perfect result, but we need to put this into context properly, and that is what happens. With this we do not want to say that they do not provide optimal performance., but they simply do not reach the same level as a processor with, for example, 6 cores and 12 threads.

How many cores do I need for gaming? Previous considerations

The truth is that it depends on what you play, but As a general rule, you'll be fine with a 4-core, 8-thread processor., as long as it meets a series of minimum requirements that we should see in detail now:

• Prominent CPI: We are talking about clock speed standards. It is a way of referring to raw performance, which is the ability of a processor to deliver without considering its working frequencies or the number of cores it integrates. A processor with a higher IPC than another will offer superior performance, even if it is configured at exactly the same frequency and has exactly the same number of cores. And where is the minimum? Since Zen 2 and Skylake architectures.
• High work continuity: A processor with a high IPC but a low work continuity will end up losing a lot of performance. We must keep this in mind, because although the most important thing is the IPC when we reach the minimum of 4 cores and 8 threads, if we use a processor that works at a very low speed, it could end up giving us problems. If you wonder where the minimum is, it is very simple, at 4 GHz. When we exceed that figure, performance continues to increase, but the proportional improvement is lower.
• Compatible with high speed DDR4 memory: Processor performance can be seriously affected by the speed of the RAM. If we combine it with slow memory, the communications between it and the processor will take much longer to complete, and this will have a negative impact on the processor's performance. This shows why a processor like the Ryzen 5 3600, for example, can perform so well. different when accompanied by 2 DDR4 modules at 2,133 MHz and when used with 2 DDR4 modules at 3,600 MHz.

From all that we have said we could put multiple examples of processors that would meet that minimum that we have predetermined, and also others that would be left out. It is important that you keep in mind that many processors that do not meet these minimums still offer good performance in games, but lose a lot in their 4-core and 8-thread configurations.

He Core i7 6700K It is one of the best examples, and also the Ryzen 3 3300X. Both have 4 cores and eight threads, a prominent IPC and are compatible with high-speed DDR4 memory. Above them would be the Core i3-10100F and Core i3-12100F, the latter being the most powerful 4-core, 8-thread processor available right now. Its performance is so good that it is able to surpass even 6-core, 12-thread processors that have a lower IPC, such as the Ryzen 5 1600, for example.

Is a 4-core, 8-thread processor enough, won't I have any issues?

In general terms, no. Look at the attached graph, it represents the employment rate of a processor. Intel Core i7-11370H in several games much more rigorous, and much more essential, than those available today. What appears in such a graph is the processor usage rate in three different games, expressed in average and maximum values. Average values were sustained under the 70%, and the maximums never reached 100%. This means that the Intel Core i7-11370H was able to deliver a completely perfect experience despite having only 4 cores and eight threads.

Does this mean that every single 4-core, 8-thread processor is going to deliver this good of an experience? Nope, and now you should understand why. The Intel Core i7-11370H has a very high CPI and has a fairly aggressive turbo mode that keeps working frequencies high. A processor with a lower IPC and that works at a lower frequency is not going to offer the same experience, and will probably end up being overwhelmed by those games.

Would performance in those games improve by using a six-core, 12-thread processor? The answer will surprise you, and it is not only probably not, but in some cases it could even get worse. Again, the key lies in the CPI. Continuing with the example we have given previously, using a Ryzen 5 1600, which has six cores and 12 threads, would make us lose performance thanks to the IPC difference between this and the Intel Core i7-11370H.

In this sense, it is also essential to take into account that the games recent ones tend to prioritize, By the time we hit that perfect minimum of 4 cores and 8 threads, the processor IPCThey are not designed to effectively exploit the real parallelization capacity of a six-core, 12-thread processor, and therefore may lose performance compared to a four-core, eight-thread processor, even if it has a higher utilization rate.

However, it is a fact that once we complete the transition to the new generation of consoles there will be a jump in gaming requirements, and it is quite possible that in the end we will no longer have enough with a 4-core and 8-thread processor. So, if you can afford it and want to find something that guarantees you a long lifespan, but without wasting money, The ideal thing is that you get a 6-core and 12-thread processor that has a high IPC., such as the Core i5-12400F, which is one of the best in its category. If your budget is lower, even with a Core i5-10400F you can relax.

Background processes and doing more than just playing

Until now we have been based on a very specific approach, how many cores do I need to play, that is, only for that, without opening the range to other tasks that may remain in the background, such as continuous use, for example. If you are planning to make continuous use while playing, things change completely, since you will not have enough to enjoy a really good experience with a 4-core and eight-thread processor.

However, you don't have to spend a lot of money to get a top-of-the-range processor, you'll have enough with a six-core, 12-thread processor like the ones we mentioned in the previous section. If, in addition to gaming and continuous use, you are going to modify video, other more powerful processors with a greater number of cores and threads may make sense, but generally most of you will have more than enough with an Intel Core i5-12600K or a Ryzen 7 5800X.

I have loved to make this point because, unfortunately, there are still those who insist on to give feedback to less experienced customers who need an 8-core, 16-thread processor for gaming, when the truth is that half is enough, that is, with one of 4 cores and 8 threads, as long as we comply with each and every one of the premises that I have given you during this article.

Final Notes: Now I know how many cores I need to play, what processors do you recommend?

The truth is that there are currently many attractive options, and with very reasonable costs, although It all depends on what you want to spend and your needs.For this reason, I am going to share with you a series of suggestions divided by price that will help you to have a much clearer idea of which option would best suit you.

• If you have a budget of less than one hundred euros: The Intel Core i3-10105F is the best option, as it costs 84.40 euros, has a high IPC and has 4 cores and eight threads.
• In case you can spend a little more: The ideal choice would be the Intel Core i3-12100F, which supports 4 cores and 8 threads, but has a considerably higher IPC and is integrated into an interface with a longer lifespan. It costs 105.90 euros.
• If you can spend up to 200 euros: The best you can get in terms of price-performance is the Core i5-12400F. You really don't need to spend much more money on a processor if you're just going to have fun. It costs 190.71 euros.

If you want a processor for more than just gaming, the Intel Core i5-12400F would already put you at a really good level for gaming and continuous use. However, if you plan on editing video or using the device to work with applications that have a high level of parallelization, you might consider a Core i5-12600K or a Ryzen 7 5800X. The former has better single-thread performance, but the latter performs a bit better in multi-threaded applications. If gaming is your priority, the Intel Core i5-12600K would be a better choice.

Read also How to build a gaming PC, Click here.