A complete overview of 6-core vs. 8-core CPUs: What’s better for gaming?

Five years ago, it was impossible to discuss the relative advantages of an 8-core vs. a 6-core CPU. To go over the 4-core limit, one needed a high-end desktop CPU (a “large socket”), which was prohibitively expensive. As if gaming necessitates such harsh measures. Now that multi-core computers are the new standard, game designers are catching up. Also, you want a PC that will last for a long time if you plan on using it for many years. In other words, it’s not just a case of extra cores equaling greater performance when deciding between a six-core CPU and an eight-core CPU. If you’re curious that 6-core vs. 8-core CPUs: What’s better for gaming? This is how it all comes together.

Performance

The number of cores in a computer is just one part of the performance puzzle. Real-world outcomes may be influenced by the games that you play and also the video quality you play at. Single-core speed is more important in videogames that do not make use of multicore CPUs. The frame rate variations between six-core and eight-core CPUs from the identical generation are lower and generally inconsequential.

It is common for high-end, blockbuster-level games, such as those with open-world landscapes, to make the most of the cores available. Benchmark results for CPUs with fewer cores might lag behind those of their higher-end counterparts, and in certain games, the gap between six-core and eight-core processors can be as big as 10% to 15%.

However, if you’re a lover of massive open-world games, don’t think an 8-core CPU is all you need. The performance of a game may also be affected via optimization. Some titles may show an 8-core processor beating a 6-core processor, while another game may show the other way around for the same family of CPUs. Higher resolutions also don’t show enough of a distinction. Performance differences between 1080p &''' 1440p games are almost non-existent. At 4K resolution, most of the strain falls on the video card. In the end, checking at particular test results will provide you with the clearest image of the chips that you’re evaluating.

Longevity

There are those who say that PC gamers can expect to see 8-core CPUs becoming the norm since game consoles have them. While games have started to use more cores, we don’t expect it to happen any time soon. Your gaming Computer will be prepared for an update by this time. There have been two-generational consoles that lasted around seven years each. Even though a gaming PC’s typical lifetime is about five years, the eight cores inside Ps5 and Xbox X and S certainly have to survive for the same length of time—almost twice the duration.

It’s normal for PC gamers to start thinking about an upgrade after four or five years with their existing 6-core CPU. An 8-core processor, on the other hand, is a better pick if you want to get a lot of use out of your CPU. After all, many customers still used Core i5-2500K &''' Core i7-2600K processors for up to 7 years before making the switch.

Price

As a result, you’ll have more money to spend on other things. As a result, gaming may benefit from this in its own manner. Frame rates are as important—if not more so—to some gamers as a regular gaming diet. A 6-core component is less expensive, which comes as no surprise to everyone. These CPUs cost between $200 and $250, which is considered a mid-range price for a consumer processor. It will cost you anywhere between $330 and $360 if you want an 8-core CPU. This is an oversimplification of the present market; however, you can certainly expect 6-core processors to cost cheaper than 8-core processors of the same age. Typically, you’ll save between $100 and $160, equivalent to roughly three full-priced blockbuster titles.

That’s a pricing advantage right there. Any time 6-core CPUs are the standard, that’s an option. Upgrading to an 8-core processor at the same time saves you money. But what if you figure out that you need to update sooner than you thought you would? You still have a lot more games to play. The hardware upgrade will also result in improved performance. In addition, technological developments may allow you to invest little than you anticipated, ensuring that your money was not squandered in the least.

Upgradability

There are many factors to consider when choosing between an AMD CPU and its Intel counterpart. Over the course of several Ryzen CPU versions, AMD has used the same motherboard socket. That means that current Ryzen processor owners can keep their current motherboards, trying to make processor improvements a lot easier and much more affordable. When it comes to CPU and motherboard upgrades, Intel’s socket specs alter much more frequently (every two generations or so).

This factor is irrelevant, however, when comparing two processors from the existing AMD &''' Intel versions to one another. Due to AMD’s move to the AM5 socket for its Zen 4 processing units, current Zen 3 (Ryzen 5000 model) processors will no longer benefit from this upgradability. If you purchase a Ryzen chip today, you’ll need a new Central processing unit and motherboard to modernize to a Zen processor in the coming years, just like Intel.

It is possible, even so, that an AMD 6-core processor offers better value than an Intel 8-core component from the identical era if you are on a financial plan and comparing older generations. Upgrading your PC’s effectiveness and keeping your costs down are both possible when you buy a socket AM4 in the future (possibly an 8-core model).

Conclusion

Unlike other head-to-head competitions, only a few of our categories have winners in this showdown. The difficulty with debating CPU core numbers and how they affect Computer gaming would be that the processors don’t exist in a vacuum. Additionally, a gamer’s budget directly impacts the CPU’s performance and upgradeability, as well as how long a CPU will remain in its computer.

Research certain 6-core and 8-core processors to see what type of performance you receive, and then weigh it against your financial constraints and long-term goals before making a final choice. Nevertheless, if you’re too busy and need someone to stand up for you, the judges have this to say: Buy a 6-core processor if you plan to play games. It’s fine to purchase the 8-core if you really need it, but only if you plan to use it for something other than gaming. After that, it’s time to build your computer, load up your next exciting game, and have some fun.