When building a gaming PC, it’s always important to choose the best processor that can run all your favorite games. Do you have a Windows computer with a Core i3 processor? Is the Intel Core i3 good for gaming or streaming online content?
Well, you will get a decent gaming performance when using Intel’s Core i3 processor with an integrated GPU. However, gamers can improve their gaming experience by pairing the Core i3 CPU with entry-level GPUs like the GTX 1650.
The graphics card integrated with the Core i3 processor plays an integral role in determining gaming performance. Intel Core i7 or Core i5 processor might be expensive if you are running on a tight budget. Hence, the Core i3 processor might seem to be the best choice if you’re looking for a budget-friendly option.
A Core i3 CPU can efficiently handle all the computer programs like a word processor and browser-related tasks. Besides, this lower-end Intel processor is preferred due to their lower heat generation.
If you are curious, let’s find out whether the Intel Core i3 is good for gaming and other details.
Is Intel’s Core i3 Processor Ideal for Gaming?
Intel designed the Core i3 processor for gamers who need maximum performance to play the latest games. Besides, this advanced CPU can tackle intensive workloads without slowing down the PC’s performance.
Most processors in the Intel Core i3 series come with an iGPU. Playing multiplayer PC games might be challenging with the integrated graphics card. This is the primary reason why most gamers consider installing another GPU.
The Intel Core i3 CPU’s graphics iGPU might vary from one generation and model to another. For instance, you will get the Intel HD graphics 2000 if you use any early generation. You can’t even run games like Portal 2 that were released in 2011 on this GPU.
However, you will find either Intel UHD Graphics 630 or 730 in the latest Core i3 CPU. These chips offer better graphics quality than the previous iGPU models. However, you might have to adjust the screen resolution to play PC games like FIFA 21.
Gamers can play most games that were introduced after 2015 at low settings on Core i3 chips.
Do you want to run competitive games like Dota 2? You must upgrade the graphics card to get better results.
How to Find Which Intel Core i3 Processors have Integrated Graphics Cards?
You must check the Intel Core i3 processor model when buying a gaming computer. Though most Core i3 chips have an iGPU, some of them don’t. Your computer won’t turn on or run properly if the processor lacks a dedicated GPU.
All the Intel Core i3 processor models with an F at the end don’t have a graphics card. For instance, you will get Intel UHD or HD graphics on Core i3-12300 or 10100. However, Intel didn’t include a graphics card in Core i3-12100F models.
Can You Run the Intensive Games on Intel Core i3 Processors with an Integrated GPU?
Think of a high-end graphics card that currently has the highest market value. The GeForce RTX 3050 from Nvidia will probably come to your mind. Now, let’s pair this Nvidia graphics card with Intel’s Core i3. Your PC will provide robust and smooth gaming performance.
However, the gaming device will run intensive games at a slower pace with Core i3’s iGPU. Besides, you might encounter screen freezing issues during the gameplay. So, opt to use the latest Intel Core i3 processor model where you can add a GPU to avoid these problems.
Which Graphics Cards Can You Use with Intel Core i3 Processor for Gaming?
Most PC games like God of War or Minecraft are processor-intensive. The processor matters a lot when playing action-role-playing games. From deciding the best frame rates to gameplay settings, the CPU is vital for gaming.
Your gaming PC’s processor receives data from storage mediums like RAM. Additionally, it sends introductions to the integrated or non-integrated GPU about what to render. The GPU then handles all the graphics-related information and displays them on the monitor.
Thus, it is important to choose the best graphics card for the Core i3 chip to get crystal-clear details while gaming. But, the graphics card options are limited for an Intel Core i3 processor. However, there are still some excellent graphics chips that you can consider using.
Here are the best GPUs that will be compatible with the Intel Core i3 processor:
Zotac GeForce GTX 1650
Do you have Intel’s Core i3 10105F processor on your gaming PC? Consider using Zotac GeForce GTX 1650 to improve gaming performance. You can run multiplayer games at 1080p resolution with this graphics card.
Additionally, you get 4GB of video memory in the Zotac GeForce GTX 1650 chip. It features a cooling fan that runs without generating excessive noise. This high-end graphics card provides better performance than PCIe 4.0 GPUs.
Users can lower the GPU temperature easily when playing online video games. You can get 50 frame rates on 1080p resolution and high gameplay settings on Zotac GeForce GTX 1650.
Nvidia GTX 1660 Super
Nvidia’s GTX 1660 Super chip is designed for the older Intel Core i3 processors. It has an upgraded 14GB of video memory, offering great value for the money. You can play high-FPS games easily when using this GPU with Core i3.
Moreover, you will get a better chance of aiming at your enemies with higher frame rates. The Nvidia GTX 1650 Super offers the smoothest experience possible when playing RPG games. PC players will get tear-free gameplay when using this graphics card.
Do you know what the best part about the Nvidia GTX 1660 Super is? It lets you play all the games that were released in 2022 at high settings. However, consider changing the game settings if you encounter any screen glitches during the gameplay.
Which Games Can You Play on Windows Devices with Intel Core i3 Processor?
You can run Fortnite safely on Intel’s Core i3 processor with Nvidia GTX 960 or AMD Radeon RX 6500 XT GPU. Additionally, PC gamers can play Overwatch 2 at a low-screen resolution on this dual-core processor.
The 12-generation Core i3 processor can also handle the Call of Duty: Modern Warframe game. Action-adventure games like GTA 4 and GTA 4 have specifications lower than the Intel Core i3. So, you can run these games on medium to high settings on your gaming device.