Will an Intel i5 CPU Sudoku the NVIDIA GTX 1660 Ti?
When it comes to building a gaming PC, the choice of a processor can greatly impact the performance of your graphics card. Particularly when you're considering a mid-range graphics card like the NVIDIA GTX 1660 Ti, the question of whether an Intel i5 CPU would bottleneck the GPU is quite common. This article explores the factors that influence this compatibility and provides insights from actual gaming experiences.
Previous Generations
Depends on the generation of the processor. If it’s the latest one, then it is unlikely that the Intel i5 would bottleneck the NVIDIA GTX 1660 Ti. However, for older generations, this issue is more prevalent, as evidenced by personal experiences. For instance, an i5 5th generation with an NVIDIA GTX 1660 experienced severe bottlenecking.
Current Best Practices
For contemporary gaming, it is recommended to have a minimum of a 4-core, 8-thread CPU. The sweet spot, however, is a 6-core, 12-thread CPU, which offers better performance. My journey in gaming began with a preference for faster dual-core CPUs, but this trend did not last long. The Intel i5-7400, which has 4 cores and 4 threads, might reach 100% utilization in specific games like Assassin’s Creed or Shadow of the Tomb Raider, both of which can perform poorly on quad-core systems. Nonetheless, it should work fine with the GTX 1660 Ti, and for future upgrades, an AMD 4600 CPU paired with a cheap motherboard could be a worthwhile choice.
Cost-Effective Options
The Intel i5-2600 is incredibly cost-effective, with prices as low as $118. Similarly, an AMD Ryzen 2700 XT can be found for as little as $150 to $160, and I almost made such a purchase. My recent hardware includes the Intel Core i3-3900K, i5-2700K, and i3-3600, alongside the powerful Intel Core i7-8700K, i9-9900K, and i7-5820K. It's impressive how well AMD CPUs have improved, making them a great all-around choice, particularly since they don't have the diminishing returns seen in certain Intel CPUs. Nevertheless, I still lean towards Intel and NVIDIA for my gaming configurations.
Personal Rig Example
My main gaming rig features an Intel Core i7-9900K clocked at 5.2 GHz, a Gigabyte Aorus Master motherboard, and an NVIDIA RTX 2080 Ti. Recently, on eBay, I found a 1070 Founder edition for $150, which is an excellent deal given the performance it offers. Despite the skepticism, it's a compelling option for many gamers seeking a balance between quality and cost.
Prevalent Myths
Yes, any 4-thread CPU can bottleneck some new games, regardless of the GPU. A 4-thread CPU is not enough; you need a more powerful system. Intel fans often argue for their latest 5 GHz models, but the older AMD Ryzen 5 2600 can outperform them significantly, achieving 90 fps smoothly in many titles. Similarly, 6-thread Intel CPUs, such as the 8 series, often experience frame time issues in new games despite being overclocked, as evidenced by Intel's marketing strategies.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, for a mid-range gaming setup with a GTX 1660 Ti, a minimum 4-core, 8-thread CPU is recommended, though a 6-core, 12-thread CPU is preferable. While the i5-7400 might work in some specific games, it's not ideal for most. Considering the value and performance of the 1070 Founder for $150, it is a compelling option, especially for gaming at 1440p. Always consider the long-term value and performance when making such decisions, rather than just the short-term cost.