CPU Vs. GPU – What Matters Most in Custom Gaming PC? 

The CPU aka the central processing unit, is also referred to as the “processor” that carries out and controls the computer program’s instruction by offering input/output operations, basic arithmetic, and logic. A crucial part of any computer is the CPU, which receives, directs, and processes the computer’s data. Since it is the most critical component, it is the brain or heart of the custom gaming PC.

A CPU is also the core or the processor – all synonyms. Historically, the processors had only one core that would focus on one single task. However, today’s CPUs have 2 to 28 cores and each of which focuses on a unique task. Therefore, a multi-core processor is a single chip that contains two or more CPU cores. CPUs with more cores are much more efficient than those with lesser cores. Dual-core processors are common, but processors with 4 cores (quad-core processors) are becoming more popular.  

The GPU, also known as the graphics card or the video card, is an electronic circuit that accelerates the creation and rendering of image, video, and animations. It performs quick math calculations while freeing up the CPU to perform other tasks. There are two types of GPUs – one is the integrated GPU that is embedded and shares memory with the CPU, and the other is a discrete GPU that has its card and memory.

When it comes to custom gaming PCs, the GPU is a crucial component of a gaming system. While playing specific games, the GPU can become more crucial than the CPU. In simple terms, the GPU is a single-chip processor that is used to manage and enhance video and graphics performance.  

What is the Core Difference Between a CPU and a GPU? 

A CPU uses multiple cores focused on sequential processing, and a GPU is specifically created for multitasking. It has numerous smaller cores to handle thousands of threads simultaneously. Some CPUs use hyper-threading technology that enables a single CPU core to act like two different cores or threads. The idea is that the workload will be shared between them, increasing the number of instructions working on separate data while running simultaneously. Thus, it boosts performance.  

What is More Important for PC Gaming – CPU or GPU? 

When it comes to custom gaming PC, for a lot of people, the GPU is the most important component. The main reason is the GPU renders the images, scenes, and animations that you see. Most of today’s fast-paced games are extremely demanding for the type of rendering power that the GPU offers. Also, the games are designed to take advantage of multiple cores and threads that newer CPUs offer. Both CPU and GPU are crucial.  

Demanding games need a good CPU and a powerful GPU. The question is, how important they are will depend on what they will be used for and specifically for which games. CPUs are given certain tasks during a game that the GPU isn’t good at. These include AI functionality of the non-player characters (NPC).

There are different tasks that are better for the GPU to perform. There are some games that run better with more cores because they use them. Others may not because they are programmed to use one core, and the game runs better with a faster CPU. Otherwise, it will not have enough power to run and will become laggy. The quick-moving games of the present day, including first-person shooters (FPS), multiplayer games, open sandbox games and more, are developed to reap advantages offered by the latest CPUs and the multi-cores and threads. They require them to play well.