Intel Core i3-3220
Bang for minimal buck
Price: $120
Intel might be better known amongst PC
gamers for its high-flying K-series, which delivers top-tier performance for
those with the cash, but the company also has a substantial range of entry and
mid-level processors. The i3-3220 is one of the most affordable products in its
catalogue, but don’t let the price tag fool you; this little bugger still has
plenty of power tucked away inside.
Intel
Core i3-3220
Unlike the i7-4770K, the i3-3220 is based
on the prior generation of processor designs, codenamed Ivy Bridge. This
architecture is only around 10% slower than the new range when run at identical
speeds, so its age isn’t too much of a concern. This means it’ll only run in
the Intel Series 7 chipset with the older Socket 1155 design, so bear that in
mind if you choose to build a system around it. Also, Intel is going to
inevitably release an updated version of the i3-3220 using its new Haswell
architecture, but it’s anybody’s guess as to when.
For $125, you get a CPU built from just two
CPU cores, though they do feature Hyper-Threading, which helps when
multitasking. Thankfully, twin cores are enough for the majority of games on
the market, though cutting edge titles like Battlefield 3 will sorely miss the
four cores. It’s also lacking the Turbo feature found in other Intel CPUs;
instead of increasing speed under load, the i3-3220 is stuck at 3.3GHz no
matter what you’re doing. Alongside the twin CPU cores in an integrated GPU in
the form of the HD 2500, and this does use a boost design, increasing from
650MHz up to 1050MHz when under the pump. Despite this frequency increase, the
integrated GPU is still a dismal performer compared to the latest integrated GPUs
from both Intel and AMD.
Built using Intel’s futuristic 22nm
process, the i3-3220 barely sips at your power point. Using a meager 55W, it’s
arguably the most power efficient gaming CPU around, which is rather important
if you don’t like huge electricity bills. But enough about hippy subjects,
let’s get on to what really matters – is it any good for PC gaming?
Built
using Intel’s futuristic 22nm process, the i3-3220 barely sips at your power
point
The great news is that yes, this is a
potent little performer when it comes to today’s games. Despite having just
twin cores, the i3-3220 is only 9% slower than AMD’s FX-8350 in our synthetic
gaming test, yet is around 40% cheaper. However, in our CPU dependent PCMark 7
the gap increases, with the FX-8350 smashing the i3-3220 by a heady 37%.
Thankfully, most PC games are GPU dependent, and in these cases you probably
wouldn’t notice much of a difference while playing. As a result, we have to
give the i3-3220 the nod if you’re on the tightest of 2-minute noodle budgets,
and mainly play games that aren’t overly reliant upon an uber-processor.
Verdict: 8/10
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If you want solid gaming performance, the
i3-3220 is a very affordable contender.
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So very cheap
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Cool this equals quiet
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Solid performance
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Only twin cores no Turbo speed
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Can’t be overclocked
Intel i7-4770K
PCPP’s gaming CPU of choice
Price: $384
Formerly codenamed Haswell, Intel’s
i7-4770K is the preferred weapon of choice for PC gamers with money to spare.
Using Intel’s latest architecture, it’s actually not that much faster than the
prior generation of Intel products when it comes to raw CPU performance, with a
lead of just 10% or so. Instead Intel focused on this chip’s integrated HD 4600
GPU for improvement, increasing frame rates by up to 50%. Compared to a dedicated
graphics card this integrated GPU is still pathetically underwhelming though,
and is thoroughly outclassed by AMD’s integrated Radeons.
Intel
i7-4770K
Where the i7-4770K shines is pure CPU
performance. There’s simply no faster CPU design for those of us who use
dedicated graphics cards, especially when its true potential has been unlocked.
This chip has four cores all built on Intel’s power-sipping 22nm manufacturing
process, and it’s been heavily power optimized as a result of Intel’s obsession
with mobile computing. Despite this, it’s a little bit hotter than Intel’s
prior generation, possibly due to the increased GPU performance. Mounted in the
new Socket 1150 Series 8 chipset, Intel owners of the prior generation are
going to have to upgrade their motherboard if they’d like to go with the new
breed from Intel. However, if you’re packing an old Socket 1155 cooler it
should work fine with the new motherboards, which is at least one component you
can save. Hyper-Threading is also included, promising even better multitasking
performance than a standard four-cored CPU.
The K in the product name signifies that
this chip is aimed at tweakers; it’s fully multiplier unlocked, unlike non-K
Intel CPUs. As you’ll see in our CPU overclocking guide, it’s possible to hit
around the 4.5GHz mark. He manufacturing process isn’t as mature as the last
generation of Intel chips, so hitting 5GHz remains unlikely for the time being.
The
i7-4770K shines is pure CPU performance
As our benchmarks attest, this is the
fastest of all four CPUs that we tested. Bear in mind that it’s possible to
increase the performance by another 20% with just a few BIOS setting tweaks,
and its lead extends. What our results don’t show is how close this CPU is to
Intel’s last generation. If you’re running ye older i7-2700K at 4.5GHz, you can
expect around a 20% performance increase, while owners of the previous i7-3770K
can expect even less, at just 10%.
If you won either of those older CPUs,
there’s really very little reason to upgrade to the i7-4770K, as the
performance increase simply doesn’t justify the cost. However, if you’re
running something even older, or a slower AMD piece, the i7-4770K is the CPU to
buy, provided you don’t mind spending a little extra.
Verdict: 9/10
·
Our new CPU of choice for performance systems
and it’s a relatively affordable price!
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Excellent performance
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Decent over-clocker
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Power efficient
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Runs hotter than expected
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Not much faster than prior generations
