CPU versus GPU

[Peppered]

What seem to be needed more these days for games.
Are today's games tasking the CPU harder or the or the GPU.
I like the System I have now just wondered this because it may be better to go AMD route next time and use the money you save to to get a better GPU.

 

[Cogman]

For games, the GPU is more important. However, it is possible to be either CPU or GPU bound (Meaning that both are important, it is just more typical to be bound by the GPU)

 

[shaftymcnasty]

Depends on the game really. Some will utilize extra cores of the CPU and others will use the GPU more. It also depends on resolution. If you are playing at low resolutions, your CPU will be used more than the GPU

 

[theevilsharpie]

Gpu

 

[betasub]

^ As shafty said, depends. Too vague a question.

 

[imported_NoGodForMe]

A few years ago the GPU meant much more. I ran my own tests back in the day and found that...
OCing the GPU meant a 5 fps difference in the HL2 Benchmarks.
OCing the CPU only gained 2 frames. I'd still lean towards the GPU buying the midrange model and then OCing it when needed.

 

[fffblackmage]

GPU is more important. You can't even start gaming unless you have a GPU first.

 

[theevilsharpie]

^ As shafty said, depends. Too vague a question.

I can think of only a handful of games that need anything more than a mid-range dual core CPU. The GPU is more important for gaming performance in the vast majority of cases.

 

[betasub]

I can think of only a handful of games that need anything more than a mid-range dual core CPU.

These "handful" are fairly popular, and are played/tested/benched making them significant for discussion when a question like this is raised. But you are correct in that OP asked about "need".

 

[microAmp]

Both

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/build-balanced-platform,2469.html