The processor we selected for our 3D gaming
rig is the Intel Core i7-3770K, which is a quad-core processor built for the
Z77 platform. This Intel 3rd Generation Core processor has what it takes to
handle the CPU-demanding tasks common in games, such as AI, physics effects,
and other nonparallel processes.
Core
i7-3770K
Born To Run
The Core i7-3770K features Hyper Threading
for a total of eight logical cores and each one has a base clock of 3.5GHz and
a turbo clock that climbs to up to 3.9GHz when some cores are not being fully
utilized.
But the clock doesn’t stop there. The “K”
in the processor model name indicates that this is a core unlocked processor,
which gives us more control over the components we’re pushing. Non-K Series
processors are still overclockable, but they require base clock adjustments,
which stress your memory and other components to the same degree as the core
frequency. If you push particularly hard on the base clock, then you’re
essentially pushing just as hard on everything else. Often, this limits your
overall overclocking potential. Pushing the multiplier on a K Series Intel
processor, however, just increases the core frequency of the processor, which
has been designed to handle a decent amount of extra juice.
The Whole Package
Another feature we love about the Core i7-
3770K is the DirectX 11-capable Intel HD Graphics 4000, which is a fully
integrated GPU with a 650MHz base frequency and a 1.15GHz maximum dynamic
frequency. Other features include Quick Sync Video that supports faster HD
video encoding, InTru 3D Technology to help us watch 3D Blu-rays in 1080p, and
Intel Clear Video HD Technology, which delivers flawless and vivid HD video
playback. The processor also offers hardware accelerated AVC, H.264, and MPEG-2
encoding and VC-1 decoding.
We Chose Wisely
If you have any doubts about this
processor’s commitment to this build’s 3D theme, then consider the fact that it
was built using Intel’s 22 nm 3-D Tri-Gate transistors, 1.4 billion of them to
be exact. It’s safe to say, this is one of Intel’s most energy-efficient
processor to date, and it’s the perfect chip to power our latest gaming rig.
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Information
Price: $342
Manufacturer: Intel
Website: www.intel.com
Specs: Socket: Intel LGA 1155; Clock
speed: 3.5Ghz (3.9GHz Max Turbo); 8MB Intel Smart Cache; TDP: 77W; Graphics:
Intel HD Graphic 4000
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