Having an up-to-the-mark CPU is essential in the modern world where games and programs are becoming increasingly demanding daily. Nobody wants to be left behind when it comes to computing power, especially not gamers.
This is why it is important to not only know what, but also how the number of CPU cores can affect multitasking and gaming performance. This article will explain the significance of core count so you can stay informed before you purchase a new CPU.
Quick Facts
| Item | Fact |
|---|---|
| CPU Cores | Execute instructions and perform mathematical processing. |
| Threads | Software-based processing units that enable multitasking. |
| Multiple Cores | Essential for smooth gaming performance, especially in AAA titles and large-scale games. |
| Core Count Limit | Most modern games show minimal improvement beyond 6 cores and 12 threads. |
| Productivity Software | Benefits from a larger core/thread count compared to gaming. |
| Benchmark Results | Diminishing returns after 6 cores, with an average FPS gain of around 2-3% for gaming. |
| Older Games | Typically don’t require a higher core count as they are less resource-intensive. |
| Games with Multi-Threading | Examples include Call of Duty, Battlefield, and Cyberpunk 2077. |
| Core Requirement | 6 cores are sufficient for gaming, while 12 or 16 cores are suitable for heavy multitasking. |
| Budget-Friendly Option | An 8 or 12-core CPU provides a balance between gaming and multitasking performance. |
| Decision Factors | The specific workload and requirements should guide the decision on core count. |
What Are Cores And Threads?
To keep it as simple as possible, the CPU is the brain of your system that carries out mathematical processing and executes millions if not billions of instructions in a quick span so you can run all your games and programs smoothly.
The CPU contains physical processing units called cores that execute instructions with the help of registers and other modules. On the other hand, threads are the software-based processing units of the CPU. A core can execute one instruction at a time, and thus more cores means more instructions executed per unit time.
On the other hand, threads can be thought of as a software extension of the cores that can be used to carry out multitasking by virtually splitting a core into two parts. By now, you probably have a good idea of how both components play a vital role in gaming and multitasking.
How Do Multiple Cores Affect Gaming Performance?
For a long time, games have mostly relied heavily on single-core processing, where the bulk of the work was left to a single CPU core. However, with the passage of time and the introduction of technological advancements, games, and programs have started making better use of multiple cores and threads, often called “Multi-threading” or “Hyper-Threading”.
Triple AAA titles that include large-scale maps, destruction, or a huge amount of players will require multiple cores to be able to run smoothly. Processing at a larger scale hence becomes difficult for a single core.
Multiple cores and threads are able to alternate between tasks and execute billions of commands in sync to keep your FPS stable and your workflow consistent.
How Many Cores Are Enough Cores?
“How many cores do I need?” is an age-old question that has sparked many heated debates over the years. Many misconceptions have plagued this discussion, with some believing that “more is better” when this isn’t always the case.
A better answer to that question is “more is better but only to an extent”. This lays emphasis on the fact that there is an upper limit where more cores will not linearly provide performance. This is particularly true for gaming purposes.
Most modern games show minimal improvement after 6 cores and 12 threads. This is why some higher-end CPUs, such as the newer generations of Intel i7 and i9 offer little performance differences, and this is also exactly why mid-range CPUs, such as the Ryzen 5 3600x and the Intel i5, take the cake.
When it comes to multitasking and the use of productivity software such as Photoshop, Premiere Pro, Vegas, After Effects, CAD, etc, a larger core/thread count can and will provide significant boosts to performance because, unlike games, these programs make full use of multiple cores.
Gaming Benchmark Results
Here are a few benchmark results, taken from the testing of Testing Games on Youtube that show FPS differences between 4, 6, 8, and 12-core CPUs.
| Game | 4-Core | 6-Core | 8-Core | 12-Core |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forza Horizon 5 | 236 | 261 | 263 | 269 |
| Hogwarts Legacy | 53 | 59 | 61 | 63 |
| Atomic Heart | 202 | 218 | 220 | 220 |
| Cyberpunk 2077 | 111 | 138 | 147 | 149 |
| Spider-Man | 92 | 110 | 113 | 116 |
| Witcher 3 | 61 | 73 | 75 | 77 |
| Microsoft Flight Simulator | 62 | 67 | 67 | 72 |
These results also show how performance gains get significantly lesser after 6 cores when it comes to gaming with an FPS gain of around 2-3% on average. Whereas, the jump from a 4-core to a 6-core CPU is much more noticeable with an average FPS gain of around 12%.
It is also important to note that older games and E-Sport titles do not require a higher core count and will work perfectly fine with lesser cores. This is because they do not focus on resource-expensive visual effects or processing.
Game That Do Not Require Multiple Cores
Some games that can work well with single-core processing are listed below.
- CSGO
- Valorant
- Dota 2
- League of Legends
- Rocket League
- Rainbow Six Seige
Game That May Require Multiple Cores
These are examples of some games that make effective use of multiple cores and multi-threading.
- Call Of Duty Series
- Battlefield Series
- Cyberpunk 2077
- Hogwarts Legacy
- Red Dead Redemption 2
- Atomic Heart
- Witcher 3
What Is The Right Number Of Cores For Me?
The CPU cores you need depend largely on the type of work you do. If the purpose of your system is solely to play games then a 6-core CPUw is more than enough. However, if you spend most of your time using production tools, then a 12 or 16-core CPU will suit you best.
If you plan to do a bit of both while also on a tighter budget, an 8 or 12-core CPU is the best of both worlds that will improve your gaming performance while simultaneously providing the juice needed to multitask and use heavy production software.
Conclusion
Once you know how cores affect gaming and multitasking, you have to decide the kind of work you will be doing with said cores. Gaming may not require a bucket full of cores, however, productivity tools and other CPU-intensive software may need you to have as many cores as possible.
For gaming, 6 cores are sufficient. However, considering future games and multitasking capabilities, CPUs with 8 or 12 cores can provide better performance.
We hope this article succeeded in explaining the various effects of multiple cores/threads on gaming and multitasking and helps you make a sound and informed decision when buying your next CPU!
CPU Cores FAQs
Do you really need 8 cores for gaming?
While 8 cores are not a necessity for most gaming scenarios, they can provide improved performance, especially for future games and multitasking.
Is 12 cores overkill for gaming?
For gaming purposes alone, 12 cores may be considered overkill. However, if you engage in heavy multitasking or use CPU-intensive applications, 12 cores can offer benefits beyond gaming.
Should I use 4 cores for gaming?
Using 4 cores can still deliver satisfactory gaming performance for many titles, particularly older games and e-sports titles that are less resource-intensive.
Is 8 cores too much for gaming?
8 cores can provide excellent gaming performance, especially for newer titles that utilize multiple cores and threads. It strikes a good balance between gaming and multitasking capabilities.
Do you need 10 cores for gaming?
In most cases, 10 cores are not necessary for gaming. However, if you engage in content creation, streaming, or heavy multitasking alongside gaming, 10 cores can be beneficial.
Is 16 cores overkill for gaming?
For gaming purposes alone, 16 cores can be considered overkill. Such high core counts are generally more suitable for professional workstations or intense multitasking scenarios rather than gaming alone.
