In a gaming PC, the CPU plays a major role, which is why you should be careful with the choice that you make. When it comes to buying the best CPU for a gaming PC, its core, cache size and clock speed will matter considerably.

This is a review of AMD Ryzen vs Intel for the best CPU brand to choose to help you make the best choice.

Why does it matter?

When building a PC for gaming or for whatever need, there are many things that should be considered. AMD or Intel is however the very first thing every PC user should think of. The two are very different from one another, just the same way as the products that they produce. Making the best choice is crucial in this case, as the CPU brand always determines the beating heart of your PC.

For many years, Intel was the premium choice of CPU. This is because it had all what computer users needed including better technology and overall performance particularly in high-end. AMD was only popular for its affordable solutions, which mainly relied on raw power in order to at least compete with Intel’s solutions.

Top 3 best Intel CPU for gaming:

• Intel Core i7-8700K- best CPU with 6 cores
• Intel Core i5-7500 7th Gen Core Processor
• Intel Core i3-8350K Processor- best CPU for overclockers on budget

Things changed drastically after the release of AMD’s FX series if CPUs. The FX series was offering a unique number of cores, a higher overclocking potential and a higher base clock speed. This brought AMD the much needed attention to outdo its rival in the market Intel had dominated for years.

After a long time of no big new releases, high-end Ryzen 7 CPUs were released to compete specifically with Intel’s i7 models. This followed several other releases of Ryzen series CPUs including Ryzen 3 and 5 models. The last to be released was the Ryzen Threadripper, which is so far the most powerful of them all.

Top 3 best AMD Ryzen CPU on the market:

• AMD Ryzen 5 1600 Processor with Wraith Spire Cooler (YD1600BBAEBOX)
• AMD Ryzen 7 1800X Processor (YD180XBCAEWOF)
• AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X (16-core/32-thread) Desktop Processor (YD195XA8AEWOF)

AMD Ryzen Vs Intel

In gaming

The choice of a gaming CPU can be very tricky especially if you are choosing between Intel and AMD Ryzen.

When it comes to Intel, all its processors include on-die integrated graphics. Its performance is however not up to par with the discrete, stand-alone graphics chips or the add-in graphics cards.

AMD’s desktop processors on the other hand do not include integrated graphics. In their place, AMD combines its processor cores with its Radeon-branded graphics cores in order to create one package or chip called an Accelerated Processing Unit (APU).

These tend to perform better that the Intel’s on-die graphics solutions especially with the new generation Vega powered models. They however cannot outdo the add-in graphics solutions, which are a little more costly.

Serious gamers however prefer to use an add-in graphics card or a discrete CPU other than the integrated graphics. This leaves us with Intel as the dominating processor in the gaming performance.

AMD’s chips will however shine in multi-threaded scenarios and will be great at running applications that can support multiple cores. Intel’s chips are the totally opposite of this; they do not do so well in multi-threaded settings but they can shine really well in restricted thread situations.

These days, games are more multi-threaded than they were in the past though they only use 2-4 threads. This makes Intel the better CPU option for gaming, even after considering optimizations that come with the AMD Ryzen.

Core Count

Ryzen CPUs have always been preferred by many computer users because they have a higher number of physical cores when compared to Intel chips. Before Ryzen came to the market, Intel was doing very well since it relied on hyper-threading. That is its single physical core was used to function as two logical ones known as threads.

Now, Ryzen are here and they are more superior to any Intel CPU in terms of core count. This is what gives AMD Ryzen an upper hand in the mid-range and high-end. Their core count ranges from 4/8 to 8/16. This however, does not entirely determine the performance of a CPU though it gives the Ryzen a certain type of edge.

In Value

A lot of people will consider the cost of a gaming CPU in order to save some money. While this may be an important factor, the value you are getting from the choice you make is much better than how much money you will save from the purchase. If you compare the two in terms of the cost, AMD will be a better choice here since its chips are generally cheaper than Intel chips. A low-end AMD Sempron for instance will cost you about $30 while a low-end Intel chip like the G3930 dual-core processor will go for about $40. The same kind of pricing difference is seen as you go up the performance level, with Intel chips costing a little more than AMD chips.

However, this does not mean that expensive is always good especially with the arrival of AMD Ryzen CPUs. The new Ryzen 7 1800X is for instance the cheapest 8-core processor on the market today and a great performer. The 8^th core Ryzen 7 1700 is  also very affordable, with a price tag of about $290 but it is not least performing either. The cheapest Intel 8^th core chip will cost about $600 but it is not the best performing chip you will get.

AMD Threadripper processors have higher base speeds and larger amounts of shared caches when compared to Intel’s. This is what makes them the best choice even if they are a cheaper alternative. They will however require more power when compared to Intel’s X-series chips and may have lower peak speeds.

This means that both of them are great in almost equal measures when they are compared in terms of price, power and performance.

In compatibility

When it comes to CPUs, compatibility touches on two main aspects of the motherboard, which are the socket and the chipset. CPUs must be compatible with both the socket and the chipset. The socket is important as it connects the CPU to its other components through the motherboard. After that connection, the CPU will communicate to its other components through the chipset.

AMD Ryzen CPUs use the latest types of sockets and chipsets, which have been specially designed for them. Intel CPUs on the other hand use LGA1151 sockets, which were introduced almost three years ago. Since then, every new CPU generation has brought about introduction of new chipsets.

With this respect, AMD’s sockets and chipsets are future-proof but Intel’s are not. A new Intel CPU will require a newer version of a chipset. If therefore you want to upgrade your last-generation CPU for a next-generation one, you will have to upgrade your motherboard too.

In Overclocking

Clock speeds are also very important when you are comparing processors to determine the best one for gaming. Such speeds are for instance 4.5GHz and 2.7GHz. These speeds are however not always fixed. There are boost clocks, which seem to offer an increase in performance though temporarily and only in specific scenarios.  The problem is that some processors are sold with locked multipliers. This means that it is impossible to overclock its cores.

If you have one of those that allows overclocking, it will benefit you so much to learn how to do this manually. This way, you can always end up with a better performing processor.

Overclocking a processor is very easy if you have a processor that allows it. The good thing is that both AMD Ryzen and Intel offer unlocked CPUs in various price ranges. All Intel CPUs with an X or a K in their processor label will for instance allow for overclocking. These are for instance Core i7- 8700k. On the other hand, all AMD Ryzen chips will allow overclocking even though not all of them will support automatic overclocking.

The amount of speed you get after overclocking will depend on the chip you are using though. Some chips will perform better after overclocking than others. It is important to consider those chips that handle overclocked speeds better for a better performance.

Conclusion

Going by the current situation in the market today, AMD Ryzen will automatically take the cup. Ryzen CPUs are very cost-effective in both long term and short term. They also offer better value and are more compatible since their AM4 sockets are likely to last another couple of years. Their chipsets are also compatible with the next generation of Ryzen CPUs.

This however cannot be said about Intel CPUs. They are costly though more powerful. They are also not compatible.

In conclusion, Intel is a better option for gamers who want to enjoy better performance and are willing to pay for it. If not, AMD Ryzen will work just fine. For professional use, Intel will be a better choice of the two but for gaming, AMD Ryzen will work very well.

The post AMD Ryzen Vs Intel- Which CPU is The Best for Gaming appeared first on Games Learning Society.

SSDs and HDDs are the common types of storages used by computer users across the globe. They both store data but their technology are quite different.

This explains why it might be confusing for one to choose between the two. This is a detailed comparison of SSD vs HDD to help gamers make the best choice of storage disk.

What are they?

Every computer has basic storage that is called HDD (Hard disk drive).

HDD consists of many removable parts. The disk capacities of HDD are 500G, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB and so on, each of a different size.

There are various interfaces of HDD too, for instance SATA and PATA. PATA and SATA interfaces are best suitable for homes as they come with large capacities and are lower priced.

There is SCSI interface too, that is usually more stable and performs better, making it good to use for workstations and offices. The latter are usually more expensive.

SDD or Solid State Drive on the other hand is a disk made of solid state electronic memory chip arrays. In it are both control and memory units. This type of storage is mainly used by militants, for network monitoring, video surveillance and in navigation equipments among other areas.

When compared to HDD, SSDs are more expensive. The problem with SSDs is that they are not as popular as HDDs.

Speed

The speed of a storage device is very important in gaming. In this case, SDD takes the lead.

SDD has a faster read-write speed mainly because it does not have any head, like HDDs. It exhibits a speed that is two or three times faster than that of HDDs.

SDD uses flash memory as its storage medium; whose seek time is zero. This means that it experiences no delays at all when reading and writing information. You can run anything on it, including the entire operating system or larger software.

In gaming, this is important as it determines the game’s loading speed and the overall performance of your system.

Capacity

This too is very important in gaming.

It is important to note that both SSDs and HDDs have a good memory capacity that can go as high as 8 TB and more.

These days, it is easy to get more memory capacity with any storage device you chose. The only difference here is the price to capacity ratio.

In this case, a HDD will be a cheaper option than an SSD. SSDs are highly priced and their prices in the market are increasing as their popularity increases.

If therefore you are looking for a higher capacity at a much lower price, a HDD will be a better storage device for you.

Noise

HDDs can be quite noisy because they use a mechanical motor in their operation. SSDs do not use any kind of motor. Without this motor and the internal moving parts makes SSDs able to operate with 0db of noise.

Not all HDDs are noisy though.

Their noise level depends mainly on their speed. HDDs that spin at a higher speed tends to produce more noise than the slower ones. The age or condition of the HDD will also determine the amount of noise it will produce.

If you are using an old HDD or one that is damaged, you will experience more noise than anyone using a newer HDD.

Ability to survive

HDDs are highly perishable.

This is because they contain several internal mechanical parts that are removable. These lack in SSDs, making the latter able to survive in case of vibrations, overturning and even dropping. In case of a fall, or any kind of mishandling, HDDs can easily get damages and this might lead to data loss.

If any of its internal parts gets lost or damaged, it gets damaged on the spot. If you are using an SSD, your data is absolutely safe even if you laptop falls down.

When it comes to their lifespan, HDDs are able to last much longer than HDDs. However, this is not a major thing because even with intense use, you can still enjoy your SSD for more than 5 years. HDDs on the other hand can go up to ten years but their performance tends to decline with time. In this case, none is better than the other.

Portability

HDDs especially the traditional ones are quite heavy and large in volume. They may not be as portable as SSDs, which are much smaller and lighter in weight.

For gamers who want to bring their games wherever they go, SSDs will be a better option in this case. SSDs will make it easy for you to share your games and to play with friends with convenience. But HDDs can only be used in your gaming room or within the house.

Data loss

Chances of losing data stored in a HDD are very high.

Data loss is a nightmare of every computer user. For a gamer, it means loss of his favorite games and anything else that he might have had in his computer.

HDDs’ performance declines with time and the risk of the disk getting corrupted increases. Its chances of losing data increases too after multiple overwriting. HDDs are given a normal lifespan of only five years, after which you run the risk of losing your games and important data.

SSDs are more reliable because they are not easily corrupted as a result of multiple overwriting. They are not easily damaged too and can therefore serve well for many years without losing its capability.

Heat dissipation

Since heating is a serious issue many gamers are facing today, it is important to consider heat dissipation whenever you are buying a storage device for gaming.

In this case, SSDs are better to use. This is because they are more energy efficient. SSDs produce less heat when compared to HDDs.

With a HDD, your computer can easily get overheated, lowering its performance speed and lifespan. An SSD will provide your laptop with the amount of cooling it needs, allowing you more time to enjoy your games.

Conclusion

HDDs can work very well for gaming.

That is as long as they have enough capacity to store your games and are fast enough to support the graphics.

However, the performance offered by SSDs is more superior to what you get with a HDD. SDDs are more reliable, they will serve you better for a long time and they are more durable and less easily damaged.

SSDs are however not the best for long-term storage solutions.

This is because of their ever-increasing prices in the market and their shot lifespan. The best thing to do as a gamer is to take advantage of what both of them have to offer.

You can get a smaller SSD for all your games, and then use a larger HDD for your data. This will give you a perfect storage solution at a more affordable cost.

The post SSD vs HDD – Which One is Best For Gaming appeared first on Games Learning Society.

There are different styles of mouse on the market today, some bigger than others and in different designs. There are mainly two types that one can choose from which are the optical and the laser mouse.

Each of these types has its strengths and weaknesses in areas where they are used. The challenge is in determining the right one to choose for gaming.

What are they?

A laser mouse is the type of mouse that uses laser light to detect movement. This type of mouse does not have any moving part inside it. It is more accurate than the standard mouse and can provide better sensitivity and precision. This type of mouse can work on any surface.

An optical mouse on the other hand is the type of mouse that uses LED (Light Emitting Diode), optoelectronic sensor and digital signal processor to detect changes in the light reflected from one image to another.

Their difference

The main difference between the two types of mouse lies in the kind of light they use to track movement. A laser mouse will use laser to track movement while an optical mouse will use LED light.

These two types of mouse also differ in their DPI. This is basically the number of dots a mouse can track per inch. It is used to determine the sensitivity of a mouse.

The laser mouse has a higher DPI of around 6000 when compared to its Optical counterpart, which has a DPI of about 3000. This may not be very important to an average user, but gamers and graphic designers will always prefer working with a more responsive mouse.

How they work

The main determinant of the kind of mouse that is good for gaming is the way the mouse works.

Speed, sensitivity and accuracy are the top factors a gamer will consider when buying a mouse. Other factors include the cost and reliability of the mouse.

To understand better how these two types of mouse work, let’s analyze the depth of their illumination.

An optical mouse will only sense the top surface where it is used, whether it is a fabric or a mouse pad. The laser mouse on the other hand will sense deeper than the top surface. For this reason, the laser mouse can detect any variation on the surface where it is used.

In times of slow movements, this may make your mouse a little jittery because of picking even the less important information.  This may slow it down or make it hard to work with.

The depth of mouse’s illumination determines the extent and speed of movement.

Top 3 best laser mouse for gaming:

1. UtechSmart Venus 16400 DPI High Precision Laser MMO Gaming Mouse
2. G.SKILL RIPJAWS MX780 Cutting Edge Ambidextrous RGB 8200 DPI Laser Gaming Mouse
3. Redragon Gaming Mouse for PC Games M901 Perdition Redragon MMO Mouse

Top 3 best optical mouse for gaming:

1. Razer DeathAdder Elite – Chroma Enabled RGB Ergonomic Gaming Mouse
2. CORSAIR SCIMITAR Pro RGB – MMO Gaming Mouse
3. HAVIT HV-MS735 MMO Gaming Mouse

Laser or optical mouse for gaming?

With all this information, gamers should now be able to pick the best type of mouse for a better gaming experience. Here are the determining factors:

1. The cost

The cost of a mouse is always very important whether you are buying it for regular computer use or for gaming. For a long time now, the laser mouse has been highly perceived and seen as better than the optical mouse. That is why the price of laser mouse was always on the higher side.

These days, the optical mouse work just as well as the laser mouse and their difference is no longer significant. Today, you can buy an optical mouse at a very similar price of a laser mouse. The highly priced mouses are those that come with additional features and in better designs.

The cost should therefore not be the main determining factor as to whether laser mouse is better than optical mouse for gaming.

2. Button functionality

Optical mouses feature two buttons and a single scrolling wheel. Laser mouses on the other hand come with more features and extra buttons, which make them more functional than their counterpart. Laser mouses are more programmable, to work better for individual users.

3. Sensitivity

A mouse’s sensitivity is determined by its DPI. In this case, the laser mouses are more sensitive than the optical mouse. However, this is no longer very important due to technological advancements. The mouses used today have more advanced CMOS and this makes even those mouse with low DPIs more sensitive.

You may not be able to choose a perfect mouse for gaming based on its DPI. However, you can easily find a more sensitive optical or laser mouse, depending on your preference.

4. Accuracy

The accuracy of a mouse is determined by how good it is in analyzing the surface where it is placed. In this case, a laser will be more accurate than an LED light. Lasers do not miss a thing when it comes to analyzing what is beneath them. This is the same kind of accuracy they manifest when it comes to analyzing data. For that reason, a laser mouse can work perfectly on any kind of surface.

Optical mouses on the other hand are less accurate. LED light is not sufficient to get into more detail. This limits it to just a few types of surfaces. Since it uses light for illumination, an optical mouse will work better on a non-reflective surface because it will be unreliable on shiny surfaces.

On slow speeds though, a laser mouse will be a little jumpy and this may make it difficult to work with. While it is not as perfect as its counterpart in analyzing data, an optical mouse will work accurately on non-glossy surfaces like a mouse pad.

5. Battery consumption

Gamers will have to choose between wired and wireless gaming mouses. Wireless mouses are preferred more than wired because of their flexibility. They also look and feel better. They however use batteries, and, in this case, you must choose a mouse type that has a better battery life. Laser wireless mouse are known for their good battery life. They can run for more than 8 months on Li-on batteries. Optical wireless mouses on the other hand have terrible battery life.

Rechargeable batteries are however better to use on wireless mouse because they are more reliable and economical.

Conclusion

When choosing a mouse for gaming, one needs to be very careful to choose what works perfectly for them. Both optical and laser mouse are very good, depending on what you are hoping to accomplish. However, for gamers and designers, an optical mouse will always work better than a laser mouse. This is because of several reasons.

Optical mouses are more responsive and therefore can be more reliable when compared to a laser mouse. Sensitivity and dependability are two very important aspects in gaming especially for intense gamers. This is the kind of mouse that will move quickly and accurately throughout the gaming session. Gamers using optical mouses will however have to stick to mouse pads.

Some gamers who move a lot and are looking for greater flexibility will find that a laser mouse will be a better option.

The post Laser vs Optical Mouse – Which Is Better for Gaming? appeared first on Games Learning Society.

Well, why go down the FOMO lane when you can join your friends in fighting zombies! With futuristic weapons! On a futuristic Earth! By getting your hands on a Sony PlayStation.

But which model should you go for?

Presenting PS4 Pro vs PS4 Slim!

Diplomatically speaking, in the fight between the versions, both come out victorious. But there are a few bells and whistles that differentiate them. Read on to find out…

PS4 Pro vs PS4 Slim – Overview

No one plays on Windows desktops anymore unless they are a PUBG fanatic. On the other hand, when it comes to PlayStations, the latest version seems like the best. Right?

Well, not quite.

As technological advanced Sony is in manufacturing the best console in the world (no time for debate, guys) they are also clever enough to understand how the world works. That is why instead of a Super Slim version, as with PS3, it released a Pro version of the PS4 in late 2016. This, only a few weeks after they gave us PS4 Slim, the wiser version of the original PS4.

It is natural that at times like this potential gamers find themselves in a quandary. Is PS4 Pro superior to PS4 Slim? If so, do you really need it? What’s the catch?

We are going to find that out today.

PlayStation 4 Pro 1TB Console

Our Rating: (4.5 / 5)

PlayStation 4 Slim 1TB Console

Our Rating: (4.7 / 5)

Major Differences between Pro and Slim

We believe the biggest motivation behind Sony’s plan to launch a hardware-pumped model was to get in line with modern tech. 2016 was a year for many things and virtual reality (VR) and 4K resolution video were just two of them. But, how exactly do these things impact the gaming experience?

Superior Processing Units

The idea behind releasing newer models of a product is to give users a better experience. In that way, the PS4 slim model, lighter by a few pounds, was intended to consume low power (165W compared to Pro’s 310W) but still give a high-quality performance. But gamers don’t about power consumption in gaming as it rarely affects the gameplay.

What they do care about is the processor’s ability to render graphics at acceptable frame rates. No one likes low FPS or persistent frame drops, and PS4 Pro really tries hard to hit gold on that front. With 4.2 teraflops of processing power (GPU), it is capable of streaming 4K video and supports checkerboarding. In layman’s words, the latter is what gives you the ultimate pleasure of playing games like Bloodborne or Case at close to 1080p resolution with near to 60 FPS.

But does the Pro model really support 4k video and a frame rate of 60 FPS without any drops? More on that later.

PS4 Pro has a higher CPU clock to match the GPU power, which makes sense. But don’t expect substantial fillip during gameplay. As it is up to the game developers (do you also call them ‘dev overlords’?) on how they use this extra power for the benefit of game rendering, Sony cannot promise you stuff. The Last of Us Remastered is an example where devs really improved the gameplay using Pro’s elevated hardware specifications.

But what more can you use so much mojo for? You already know the answer.

4K Video

Seems like Sony took the name of the gaming engine we all so revere too seriously that it adopted it literally. Although PS4 Pro can stream 4K video, it cannot run games in UHD or native 4K. It’s more like ‘unreal’ 4K where the console upscales the picture to near 4K resolution.

Nor is there a UHD Blu-ray drive, which means all your optical disc contents (your (g)old collection) are limited to 1080p.

Sure, the difference is not too much, but if you are a 4K fan then this ‘come and eat all you can but there’s limited food’ situation will be disappointing. Running a game in native 4K and at 60 FPS is no child’s play as it requires a hybrid setup of a more powerful graphics card and CPU. In that sense, Sony is doing a favor for us. But, is it though? Because Microsoft seems to be beating them in their own game by throwing UHD support in its Xbox One S. Ouch. (Halo 6, anyone?)

Aesthetically speaking, the graphical differences in running a game at 1080p with a PS4 Slim and the same at 4K with a PS4 Pro are minimal. And we are talking about textures and special effects here. We can confirm that achieving 60 FPS is not possible on the latter, but it’s not a deal-breaker.

One minor thing that we love in the Pro model is the extra 1GB of RAM. This dedicates the main 8GB of RAM only for gaming.

If you own a 4K TV or monitor or even plan on investing in one, getting the Pro model is a no-brainer. With a slightly larger investment, you can enjoy your games in near 4K resolution. And the luxury to enjoy something like that at such a cost is a good deal.

But, what if you don’t care about 4K?

The Alliance of PS4, 1080p, and 60 FPS

As mentioned above, it is up to the individual game developers and rendering engines to decide how effectively they want to utilize PS4 Pro’s upgraded processors. Therefore, the answer to the question, ‘can PS4 Pro handle 1080p at 60 FPS?’ can never be straightforward.

Sony has addressed these doubts countless times, and they always push the cue on the developers. While developing a game, the devs could use the PS4 Pro’s extra energy to do a lot of things. Like maintaining 4K resolution, minimizing frame drops, maintaining the frame rate, supporting high dynamic range (HDR) imaging, or just simply improving the coloring and textures.

The only catch is that they cannot harness and do it all. One, and with some stretching, two – that’s the best they can do. And that is why some games can handle 1080p at 60 FPS on PS4 Pro and others can’t. For example, we can confirm that PS4 Pro can handle Battleground 1 smoothly like Valve handles release date requests for Half-Life 3. Come on, we have to make at least one Windows game reference!

If you are a Type I user (see below), then getting a PS4 Pro makes more sense. You will play some games in the best way possible but will have to make do with 1080p and low FPS with others.

VR is Your Friend

All PS4 models support Sony’s native PlayStation VR (PSVR). We should again thank Sony for giving it to us (not complementary) at a competitive price than bigwigs like Facebook’s Oculus and HTC. But, what exactly is the difference between the Pro and the Slim?

Negligible, to be honest. Even if you set up two systems and fire one with Pro and the other with the Slim model, you won’t find much difference in the virtual reality experience. Slightly better graphics is what the Pro will give you, and that’s like selecting Mario instead of Luigi in Super Mario Kart.

Sideburns

The Pro model supports HDMI 2.0 and has an extra USB 3.1 port, taking the total to three. While the 2.0 version assists you to connect to a 4K machine, the extra port comes in real handy for VR connectivity and charging. The missing audio out port in Slim has been brought back in Pro for obvious reasons. Is it really that important? We say yes.

Professional gamers can take this very seriously as it is always better to play The Legend of Zelda in surround sound with no one in the house. We certainly give extra points to the Pro when it comes to the miscellaneous.

The Pro model is the largest in terms of design and breadth. Which gives it enough window for that extra port that we mentioned above. All models, however, support Blu-ray and DVD. And both boast of Bluetooth v4.0 and have 1 TB storage space.

More about how all these affect the price in the next section.

The Investment

The difference in price is around $100, give or take. While that may feel modest to some, it’s what you get for that amount that counts.

With PS4 Pro, you are looking at smoother video streaming and graphics rendering. And that’s the only pro (pun unintended) with this model. But, one should also look at other investments like a 4K TV/monitor and a VR headset for an immersive gaming experience. That definitely shoots the bill.

An average 4K TV costs more than the PS4 Pro and the PlayStation VR retails at around $200, which is an extra expense for any gamer. Of course, in comparison with a Windows gaming PC building, we are talking apples and oranges. If you are a new buyer, then these investments should be taken into consideration.

If you ask whether the difference in Pro is worth it then we would say yes, considering every aspect. But, as a gamer, it is totally up to you to decide.

But don’t go to playstation.com yet. Let’s answer some questions first to help you decide better.

How to Choose Between PS4 Pro and PS4 Slim?

Your own answers to these questions will help you make a wiser purchase.

What Type of a Gamer Are You?

• Type I – I buy and try all games the moment they appear on the stands. I am a gamer that is always conscious of what is happening in the gaming world, and I spend more time gaming than I do sleeping
• Type II – I have a set of legendary favorites that I play in repeat. I have completed Eidos Interactive’s Hitman ten times so far and now Agent 47 looks like Agent 74 age-wise.
• Type III – Gaming pedant who finds frame drops and lags highly distracting. I prefer technical fluency over anything
• Type IV – An occasional player with all the dibs and setups; likes to just have fun. I can’t go over the intricacies, and honestly, I don’t want to. I am a busy person with gaming just a part of my life

Types I, III, and IV should go with PS4 Pro while Type II can settle for a Slim. For obvious reasons.

If you are a cross between these types, then consider the remaining questions.

What is Your Budget?

If it’s tight, then the answer is simple: get a PS4 Slim and be happy. If money is not an issue and someone else is bankrolling your gaming needs, then should we show you the way to additional PS4 accessories?

Talking about the $100 difference, we think it is reasonable enough for all the improvements that PS4 Pro has. But, don’t forget the extra spends for the 4K TV and VR.

Alternatively, if you are too tight on budget, then a second-hand original PS4 will also be a great option. Since it’s out of manufacturing and can play pretty much all the recent games, albeit with limitations, it is a good option. The only request we have is that don’t depend on online sites alone. Maybe your neighbor Markus wants to sell his old PlayStation…

Are You a Forward Thinker?

We don’t know when PS5 will be out yet but PS4 Pro is as good as Sony and gaming technology gets. And if you are the type of person who will jump the wagon when it is finally released, then you already know what you want.

Owning a PS4 Pro is like being at the top of a console gaming user pyramid. None of your friends can talk down to you, but it will also depend on how good you are at survival in Fortnite.

To put the consensus into place, the PS4 Pro model is arguably the top choice for hardcore gamers, and rightly so.

So, what is it gonna be?

Conclusion

While we all wait for Sony to announce PS5 we can all huddle together with our PS4s and continue fighting the zombies. As for which model should you get, it totally depends on where your dispositions lie.

If you like to try new things out, have an ultra 4K TV, and are already into the VR frenzy, then PS4 Pro is your machine. Otherwise, Slim looks like a better and lighter deal (again, pun not intended) for the casual gamer. You can save the difference in cost for The Last of Us 2…

The post PS4 Pro vs PS4 Slim – Which Should I Choose? appeared first on Games Learning Society.

What Is VulkanRT?

VulkanRT is short for Vulkan Runtime Libraries. Most users will find VulkanRT in their Program Files (X86) folder or if you are a Windows 10 user you’ll find this on your apps list.

This low overhead cross-platform computer graphics API is installed by video card manufacturers. Developed by Khronos Group in 2014, the purpose of this tool is to provide an open standard API.

It’s designed to provide a balanced usage between your CPU and GPU. VulkanRT was launched in 2015 at the Game Developers Conference.

Do I Need To Be Worried, Is VulkanRT A Virus?

The short answer to that question is ‘NO’, you don’t need to be worried.

VulkanRT isn’t a virus, malware, or spam. Hence, it will not have any negative impact on your computer.

The myth originates due to the tool’s name, which many believe sounds like the name of a virus. Plus, there are also some articles on the internet that claim VulkanRT to be a virus, but we can assure you that it doesn’t harm your computer in any way and all such claims are false.

However, there are a lot of fake VulkanRT programs or programs imitating VulkanRT that may not be safe. If you want to keep your computer and data safe and secure, then only use the real VulkanRT.

How Does VulkanRT Function & What Is Its Purpose?

VulkanRT is mainly designed for gamers but it can also be useful for professionals who work with 3D graphics. The tool allows users to utilize their hardware in a better manner and get more out of their computers. It does to by balancing your CPU and GPU load and spreading workload evenly through multi-core CPUs.

It’s the successor to the much loved OpenGL and provides better performance. However, it can’t or hasn’t fully replaced OpenGL as some users still prefer OpenGL due to how easy it is to use.

Plus, we should also mention that it works on the same line as Direct3D12. However, it’s more versatile since it supports a larger number of operating systems including Linux, Android, and Windows. Plus, you can even make it work on MacOS and iOS by using third-party tools but you may have to spend a little extra for them.

How Did VulkanRT Get On My PC?

A major reason why so many users get confused about VulkanRT is because they do not remember installing it. Do not panic if you see it while browsing your computer. The tool is known to install itself without making it apparent.

This may be a sign of malware, but VulkanRT is not malware. The truth is that VulkanRT gets installed when you install some other, related tools as some software or hardware may need it to work properly.

This includes adding a new graphic card or installing a new game.

VulkanRT Features

Here we’ve listed all the important features of VulkanRT to help you understand what VulkanRT does and why it’s said to be important.

1 It reduces driver overhead which has a direct impact on CPU workloads. As a result, you get to enjoy better CPU performance.

2 VulkanRT has the ability to provide scaling across multi-core processors, in retrospect applications such as OpenGL can only operate on single core processors.

3 This may come as a surprise but installing it may actually allow you to free up space as VulkanRT allows compact driver packages and easier maintenance.

4 It reduces CPU loads by batching. This technique allows for available CPU cores to work faster and more efficiently.

5 On Windows and Linux OS, VulkanRT is known to offer better image quality.

6  Finally, VulkanRT manages graphical shaders and computing kernels, which means you will not need separate APIs.

Bonus Features: VulkanRT is commonly used as a part of AMD drivers. In fact, many experts agree that VulkanRT is what makes AMD drivers so fast and reasonable.

Why Does My Antivirus Flag VulkanRT?

It’s surprisingly common for some antiviruses to flag the tool. If it’s happening to you then consider updating the antivirus software. If that doesn’t work then we suggest that you ignore it since VulkanRT is not a virus.

Some antiviruses flag it because they’re not aware of this specific file.

Shall I Keep or Delete VulkanRT?

We’ve pretty much covered all ground here, VulkanRT comes bundled with games and graphics. You will not be able to enjoy high quality graphics without VulkanRT. Plus, the system may lag as well if you run two or more apps simultaneously since without  VulkanRT, the load will not be properly divided, causing the system to go slow or hang.

This is why it is considered important for gamers and users who work on heavy apps and files, especially multimedia files and software. Since VulkanRT does not take a lot of space, it may be a good idea to keep it since it’s going to help you without you realizing it.

But, we must mention that VulkanRT is not absolutely necessary. Almost all your apps and games will run without the tool but the performance may not be up to par.

Conclusion

To sum it all up, VulkanRT is basically useful in enhancing your graphics and 3D experience.

If you’re a gamer, you will need it to enjoy a good experience. In fact, some games may not even start until you have the tool. The good thing, however, is that the games may install it without you having to worry about manually doing so.

The post What Is Vulkanrt? appeared first on Games Learning Society.

From a processor’s chipset to its number of cores, the i5s and i7s have their respective pros and cons.

Today, we’re going to break down what makes your ideal processor of choice. Furthermore, we will be discussing the inherent advantages to using one processor over another depending on your budget, purpose of use, and gaming platform.

______________________________________________________________

What makes a great processor?

Through modern technological advancements, processors have reached an all-time peak in performance given reasonable price ranges. Obviously, you can simply point out that the Intel Core i7 line is better than the i5s (despite being pricier).

However, it goes deeper than that. Say, one can even opt for the higher-end Intel Core i5 and still get more-than-remarkable frame rates in-game. It all depends on what you can afford and the performance you want to achieve with your rig.

Hardware-wise, these are key factors you have to consider when choosing between the Intel Core i5 and i7:

• Number of Cores
• Hyper-Threading
• Turbo Boost
• Processor Cache

Number of Cores

The Intel Core i5s and i7s offer a minimum of two cores and can go up to ten cores on the higher-end of the spectrum.

The processor cores are in charge of running a computer’s tasks, which means improved performance output with more cores involved.

However, the majority of applications and games tend to basically utilize dual-core and quad-core processors.

If you’re planning to stick to document and office work, a dual-core processor would suffice. In contrast, unless you’re going to do high-intensive video and photo editing, it’s efficient to stick to quad-core processors.

Hyper-Threading

To sum it up, hyper-threading improves the performance of the processor cores through subdividing tasks to improve efficiency. Peculiarly, the Intel Core i5 series does not make use of hyper-threading technology compared to the Intel Core i7 series.

In terms of performance, the vast majority of gaming titles make little to no use of hyper-threading. If you’re simply aiming to play all day long, then a high-end Intel Core i5 would suffice for your setup.

Although future titles might start to make use of hyper-threading, it will be long before that becomes into reality. In this regard, the Intel Core i5s reign supreme in terms of price to performance for gaming.

Turbo Boost

With turbo boosting, Intel Core i5 and i7 processors are able to reach higher clock speeds to accomplish resource-intensive tasks. However, the extent to which a processor is able to raise its clock speed is entirely dependent on the situation.

That said, turbo boost remains largely utilized when processor temperatures remain under allowable levels.

In these ideal scenarios, turbo boosting proves its worth when working with processor intensive processes such as image rendering and video encoding.

When it comes to gaming however, limited titles benefit from the effects of turbo boosting (such as GTA, Call of Duty, and Hitman).

Processor Cache

A processor’s cache size is primarily responsible for how fast a system can switch to and from processes. Naturally, increased cache sizes mean faster system response times.

It is worth nothing that amongst the Intel Core i5 and i7 processors, differences in cache size tend to minimally affect game frame rates.

Gaming on the Go vs. Home Workstation

As platforms go, the Intel Core i5s and i7s have a mobile series of processors for use in laptops. As such, the mobile edition of the Intel Core series is largely inferior to its desktop counterparts performance-wise. In terms of pricing, the laptop edition of the processors tends to be pricier than the desktop processors as well.

Despite all of these discrepancies, a laptop is an invaluable workstation of choice for those with an on-the-go lifestyle. The key benefit that the mobile series brings is the laptop’s portability, compared to the bulkiness of a desktop rig.

It is worthy to note however, that the aforementioned features in a processor (number of cores to processor cache) still hold true in mobile processors. It is up to your discretion whether you want to invest on the freedom of movement a laptop provides compared to the raw firepower a desktop readily brings to the table.

Choosing a Model

Now, you know the fundamentals to choosing a processor based on its hardware specifications. Once you’ve listed down your budget and considered what you intend to do with your gaming rig, you can then start to decide which series line and model you want to go with.

Processor Name

If you’ve looked up Intel’s processors, you have probably seen the naming schemes that come with the respective models. Intel Core i7-8650U, Intel Core i7-7700K, Intel Core i5-6600T – what do all these mean?

To give a rough guide to how processors are named, the first digit written after the brand (i3, i5, i7) is the Generation of the processor. Typically, the three digits listed thereafter is the defining characteristic that states the processing speed of the CPU. Rule of thumb: the larger the three digits listed, the faster the processor. While, the later the generation, the better the processor (compared to previous generations).

The last letter is the product line suffix that describes the performance output of the processor model. The product line suffix varies from Unlocked (K), Ultra-low power (U), M (Mobile), etc.

Sample Processors

Example: The Intel Core i7-8650U is part of the 8^th Generation of Intel Core processors with the product line suffix U (Ultra-low power). Conversely, the Intel Core i5-8600K is part of the 8^th Generation of Intel Core processors with the product line suffix K (Unlocked). In terms of performance therefore, the Intel Core i5-8600K outshines the Intel Core i7-8650U. However, the Intel Core i7-8650U is more energy-efficient than the Intel Core i5-8600K.

We’ll give you a head start and show you entry-level, mid-range, and high-end processor models from the Intel Core i5s and i7s.

Entry-level: Intel Core i5-8400 ($182-187)

The Intel Core i5-8400 is definitely nothing to scoff at despite being less costly than its fellow processors. The Intel Core i5-8400 can do everything an entry-level user would want and run intensive applications, as well.

Mid-range: Intel Core i5-8600K ($257-258)

The Intel Core i5-8600K stands out for its market price, performance, and efficiency all in all as a processor. If you’re looking for a processing unit capable of running resource-intensive games (given a sufficient video card) and creative editing work, the Intel Core i5-8600K is your go-to choice. 

High-end: Intel Core i7-8700K ($359-370)

Finally, the Intel Core i7-8700K is the pinnacle processor for your workstation needs. Having the capability to handle the highest-tier of gaming experiences and the heaviest of workloads, the Intel Core i7-8700K is truly an asset to professionals in the field.
_______________________________________________________

Conclusion

Digging deeper, the Intel Core i5s and i7s offer a wide-ranging selection of models with varying price points. All in all, the Intel Core i5 is geared towards intermediate users who are looking for performance and affordability. On the further end of the spectrum, the high-end Intel Core i5 processors offer superb performance suited for gaming.

Conversely, the Intel Core i7s offer unparalleled performance to those looking for workstation-level hardware for professional use. Therefore, the Intel Core i7s should be solely picked up when looking to do intensive editing work on your rig.

A word of advice: invest the savings you would have from purchasing a high-end Intel Core i5 (compared to an Intel Core i7) on a higher-end graphics card.

The post Intel Core i5 vs i7 For Gaming – Which Is Better? appeared first on Games Learning Society.

It stands to reason then that not many people are aware of the differences that different CPU and GPU temperatures can make to the performance of your PC when you’re gaming.

We’re here to tell you that there definitely is a differences in performance, what that difference is and how you can fix that difference. So, why is there a difference in performance at different temperatures?

Why Does the Temperature Matter?

It’s a simple question isn’t it?

Surely your CPU and GPU should just work no matter what the temperature is. It’s not that simple though, does your car work perfectly no matter what temperature it is running at?

Of course it doesn’t, you need to keep the radiator topped up and working and you need to make sure that the engine doesn’t overheat. It also doesn’t work as efficiently when it’s cold, which is where the oil comes in.

The CPU and GPU work on the same principle, if it’s too hot you’re not going to get the best performance from your processors. This is also true if the temperature is too cold as the performance level will drop if the temperature drops too far, although this is generally in a temperature range that is impossible to reach and thus not an issue that anyone will ever come across.

What is the Performance Difference?

That’s a good question.

When it comes to the CPU the temperature range that offers optimal performance differs depending on which manufacturer and model processor that you have in your PC.

The older Intel processors work better at a temperature between 60 and 85 degrees centigrade. This changes as you move towards newer Intel processors like the Core range where the optimal temperature is between 50 and 65 degrees centigrade.

Whether this is due to the fan technology in modern PCs being superior and leading to processors being designed to work more efficiently at a lower temperature hasn’t been made public by Intel at this moment in time.

AMD offer a similar story to Intel with the older processors working most efficiently between 75 and 90 degrees centigrade. New processors like the A10 or Ryzen work most efficiently between 50 and 60 degrees.

This means that the CPU in your PC prefers a lower temperature the newer that it is. Due to this you should always ensure that you have a quality heatsink in place, a case that allows for good airflow and a fan system in place that removes the hottest air from your case first.

All of this will ensure that your CPU operates as close to its maximum performance level as possible. This will give your games the opportunity to play without skips and jerks which obviously improves your gaming experience going forward.

In terms of GPU there is a slightly different dynamic going on. The GPU is different to the CPU in that it doesn’t totally rely on the airflow and fan system within the PC to regulate its own temperature.

This is because a GPU has its own solutions to the issues of overheating. They usually have their own onboard fans which will kick in when the temperature reaches a certain point. This then helps to regulate the temperature of the GPU and keep it working at an optimum temperature.

The optimum temperatures for GPUs tends to be within the same type of range as older CPUs. As long as you manage to keep the temperature of the GPU within 70 and 85 degrees centigrade then the GPU will manage to work at optimum levels.

For both of these your games will work in a much more smooth manner if you ensure that you can keep your GPU and CPU at their optimal temperatures. How do we manage to do that though? Well first we need to find out what the temperature is and how to monitor it.

How to Find out the Temperature of your CPU and GPU

It’s surprisingly simple to find out the temperature of your CPU and GPU. All you need to do is reboot your device to start with. Once you have done this you will need to press whichever button the manufacturer of your PC has designated as the BIOS button. It could be the delete key, it could be the f10 button or it could be another button altogether.

Once the BIOS has been entered you will need to make your way to the hardware monitoring section within the BIOS. It could be named a number of different things, but they will all be along the same lines as hardware monitoring, like PC health or hardware status. Once you are into the BIOS you will be able to check out the temperature that your CPU and GPU is operating at.

This helps to check when the PC is first turned on, but it doesn’t offer much help by way of checking during regular use of the PC. In order to do this then an additional piece of software may be in order. Once you have managed to find software that allows for the monitoring of the temperature then you will be able to check on the internal temperature during use which then allows for more accurate monitoring of the performance levels of your GPU and CPU.

How to Keep the Temperature Down

The easiest way to ensure that your CPU and GPU are able to regulate their temperatures is by ensuring that there is a good airflow in your PC. This is done by having air vents in both the top and bottom of your PC case. This will ensure that hot air can escape wherever it may accumulate. It’s also vital to keep the vents on your PC case clear. If the vents are blocked then hot air can’t escape and it will just stay inside your case and keep raising the temperature of the hardware inside.

Another way is to make sure that you have the best quality fan possible. This will help to keep the inside of the case as cool as possible and make sure that all of the hot air is removed from the case and it keeps the inside cool.

Conclusion

Monitoring the temperature of your CPU and GPU is the best way to keep your gaming at a consistent level. Once you have done this you will be able ensure that the temperature of your CPU and GPU are kept within the optimum range. Keeping them within the optimum range are vital for making sure that your hardware works efficiently.

If you want to play your games to the absolute best level then monitoring your hardware temperature is something you certainly need to learn how to do.

The post Best CPU and GPU Temperatures for Gaming 2022 – Ultimate Guide appeared first on Games Learning Society.

Well, FOMO is huge on that one.

Because we know how not owning a Windows PC with an amped-up GPU and memory can affect your psychology. It hurts. But help is here – in the form of a detailed graphics card hierarchy that you can consider to upgrade your gaming system.

You may be a Grand Theft Auto V veteran but today the world is where the trend is. So here is a quick look at the top tiers of the current-generation GPUs that money can buy.

Time to upgrade your rig…

The Importance of GPU

GPU stands for Graphics Processing Unit, which enhances the imaging and video rendering quality in the gameplay. Together with your computer’s RAM and other parameters, this video memory elevates your gaming experience by rendering images, loading them faster, and making them look like real life. Have you ever wondered how Rockstar Games replicates the critical expressions of a character or the minute details of a setting in Red Dead Redemption? Well, that’s where the GPU comes in.

This is true for any game you play – from Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas to Fallout 4 to the recent fad among pro gamers, Overwatch.

The Graphics Card Hierarchy

It is obvious that any gamer would want to experience the greatest gameplay. Whether it is Virtua Cop II or Battlefield 1. Therefore, we have listed down the five different tiers of graphics cards.

American tech company Nvidia is the leading player in the GPU industry. Their GeForce line of graphics cards, with its CUDA cores, is one of the most popular and bestselling gaming products around the world. No wonder that the top GPU model in tier 1 of our GPU hierarchy is a Nvidia GeForce model.

While Intel is busy shifting gears (both with its GPUs and processors), AMD (with its Steam Processors) has come close to at least trying to dethrone Nvidia from the #1 position. But, has it, though? Let’s check out in the GPU tiers below.

But, first, here are some basics.

How to Select the Best Graphics Card and Upgrade?

The easiest way to find out if your current system specifications are enough and if you can play that game is to use the CYRI (Can You RUN It?) tool by System Requirements Lab. (Go on! Check if you can really play Fortnite Battle Royale or PUBG in your computer!)

This will give you a bird’s eye view of how your system fares compared to the what the developers of the games think are minimum/recommended specification requirements.

You will find that the GPU is one of the most common limitations for playing such games. Of course, processor clock, system memory (RAM), and monitor resolution matter. But video memory is what new games gasp for when compared with their older cousins.

For example, just compare GTA: Vice City with GTA V and you will notice that graphics is one of the biggest improvements in the latter. To render such improved graphics for an open world game like GTA, the engine requires a lot of video memory. And that is where GPU comes into the picture.

Three Factors to Consider

While selecting or upgrading your graphics card, there are a few points you must consider. They are as follows:

• Upgrade only if you are moving up from tier 4/5 to tier 2/3. There is no point in moving from tier 4 to tier 3 because the changes will be negligible. You may not even be able to play the game that you desired in the first place (at least not as efficiently as it is meant to be)
• Look at all the parameters. Fortnite, for example, is recommended to be played on a system with 8GB RAM, Intel Core i5, and with a video card that is equivalent to Nvidia GTX 660 (minimum). This means that just bumping your video memory is not enough. You need to look at other parameters as well
• Look at the price difference. It is obvious that as you go higher in the hierarchy, the price shoots up. In cases where you are looking at upgrading your entire system, putting everything on your video card is improvident

According to our experience, you must ponder over these three factors before taking the plunge. However, if you already have, let’s get down to business.

Legacy GPU Hierarchy

Different Tiers of GPU

This list has been updated with the current-generation GPU models available in the market.

There are five tiers in total, with the topmost tier i.e. tier 1 denoting the best of the best. None of your friends will dare look you in the eye if you get this. There’s no game on planet Earth that will not run in your system if you get any of the tier 1 GPU. Our favorite is the Titan V.

Following tier 1 are the high-end, mid-range, budget, and entry-level models. These are pretty self-explanatory and their positions are dictated by their price and video RAM. Here goes…

Legend

If you are new to these terms, let us give you a brief rundown.

GeForce and Vega are GPU series by the respective manufacturers. High bandwidth memory (HBM), is an interface technology first used by AMD in their hugely popular Fiji GPUs. Its highlights are low power consumption and small form factor. It’s a direct competitor of the GDDR5 (double data rate for graphics) technology. HBM2, GDDR5, GDDR5X are just newer generations of these technologies.

Understanding the 5-tier GPU Hierarchy

The five tiers listed above are based on their performance, video RAM, framerates, and price. We also took other minor parameters such as clock speed and the number of ports to bifurcate them.

Tier 1 GPUs

Tier 1, also known as the “enthusiast” tier or crème de la crème of GPUs, is swarmed by none other Nvidia video cards. All three provide powerful performance at 60 FPS and seamless rendering. If you are into ultra 4K (and even 8K) and VR, then these are the ones to go mad about.

Compared to Titan Xp, the Titan V provides at least 5x more power and performance. Name a game and you will be able to play with both of them, with the only difference that in Titan V, you will be stuck to your couch for weeks. These are clearly intended for professional gamers and enthusiasts because the price tag is not for the faint-hearted. But, is it worth it, though?

If you have an equally beasty monitor and system memory, hell yes, it is worth it.

Tier 2 GPUs

Now let’s get the basics right: HBM2 is more expensive than the DDR technology, which is why AMD has made an entry here. The main difference between tier 1 and tier 2 GPUs is the ability to play in 4K resolution. You can definitely try doing that but at the cost of lower frame rates.

There are five options to choose from here, and even if you keep an eye on your wallet, these are affordable models. If you ask us, the Vega 64 is the most popular among millennial gamers. We wonder why?!

Tier 3 GPUs

Turn the resolution a notch lower to 1080p and you enter tier 3. You can still render 2K resolution but then be ready to compromise on the frame rate. It should be noted that you can still play all possible games using these video cards. The difference will be in the quality of the images.

Nonetheless, these are some kinks in “the most popular GPUs across the globe” mostly because they can run any game in question and not cost you a fortune. Do the prices still seem on the higher bit? Check out the last two tiers.

Tier 4 GPUs

The good part is that you can still play Fortnite Battle Royale using this GPU because we tested it on our Windows 10 system and we couldn’t stop playing. The better part is that none of these costs a fortune and are possible all in your budget even if you plan to get that Thrustmaster flight stick you love.

But if you are on a tighter budget, we don’t want you to go home disappointed. Here are two great options…

Tier 5 GPUs

30 FPS guaranteed in even the most addictive online multiplayer games. And that is enough of a promise to help you make a decision. If you are a casual gamer, you should choose either of the Nvidia and AMD model and be done with it.

Owning an entry-level GPU is not bad, especially if you are looking to upgrade to a console. Now that PS5 is just around the corner, why not?

Even as we mourn the death of TotalBiscuit and get ready for an ugly lawsuit between Fortnite and PUBG developers, we must not lose heart. We must look at improving our game and for that, we need high-performing GPUs. We hope this short guide and overview has given you more idea as to where to spend the money.

So, choose your machine and fire up your hero. Do you like Tracer enough?

The post A Simple Guide to Graphics Card Hierarchy appeared first on Games Learning Society.