Choosing the best GPU for a PC can be one difficult task to cope with.
There are several factors that play a huge role, including VRAM, Fans, and much more.
However, if you have also been pondering how to choose the best GPU for I5 7400, let us tell you that We have prepared the perfect guide.
So, with that said, let us move on to the factors that play a key role in choosing your purchase, starting with the I5 7400.
How To Choose The Best GPU For I5 7400
The Intel Core i5-7400 is a 7th-generation quad-core processor.
It has a base clock speed of 3.0 GHz and a turbo boost frequency of up to 3.5 GHz.
Moreover, it also has 4 cores and 4 threads, which means it can handle up to 4 tasks simultaneously. The processor uses the LG1151 socket and supports up to 64 GB of DDR4 RAM.
As for graphic cards…
The I5 7400 is a powerful processor that will perform well with most GPUs. However, we will mainly discuss the GTX 1080 Ti 8GB, 1050 Ti 4 GB, and the RTX 3050, which fall in the midrange options.
Firstly, when paired with a GTX 1080 or RTX 3050 graphics card, the i5-7400 can provide a solid gaming experience at 1080p resolution with high graphics settings in most games. These GPUs are powerful enough to handle most modern games at high or ultra settings, and the i5-7400 can keep up with their processing demands.
On the other hand, pairing the i5-7400 with a GTX 1050 Ti 4GB graphics card can provide a more budget-friendly gaming experience. The GTX 1050 Ti can still play modern games at 1080p resolution, but you may need to lower graphics settings to achieve smooth gameplay.
So, now that you know all about GPUs, here are some factors to consider while making your purchase.
Things To Consider When Buying A GPU
Following are the few factors you must consider when purchasing the Best GPU For the I5 7400.
Performance
The first thing to consider when purchasing a GPU is its performance. The GTX 1080 is a high-end graphics card that offers excellent performance and can easily handle demanding games and applications.
However, The GTX 1050 is a budget card that is better suited for less demanding games and applications.
And finally, the RTX 3050 is a mid-range card that provides good performance at a reasonable price.
Compatibility
Ensure the GPU you’re interested in is compatible with your i5-7400 processor.
Technically, all three of these graphics cards are compatible with the i5-7400, but you should check the requirements of the specific card you’re interested in to ensure that it will work with your system.
Budget
Another important factor to consider is your budget.
I know we all are interested in getting our hands on the best, but not all dreams come true.
The GTX 1080 is the most expensive of the three cards, while the GTX 1050 is the most budget-friendly.
The RTX 3050 falls somewhere in the middle regarding price, which I will recommend since it is the latest one.
Also, determine how much you’re willing to spend and look for a card that fits within your budget.
Brand
Consider the brand of the GPU you’re interested in.
Popular brands for these graphics cards include Nvidia, Asus, MSI, EVGA, and Gigabyte. Look for reviews and feedback from other users to get an idea of the reliability and performance of each brand.
VRAM
When choosing a GPU, one important factor to consider is its amount of VRAM (video RAM).
For those who don’t know, VRAM stores the graphics data that the GPU uses. The more VRAM a GPU has, the more graphics data it can store, allowing for higher-resolution textures and more detailed graphics.
The GTX 1080 has 8GB of VRAM, while the GTX 1050 has 4GB of VRAM, depending on the specific model. The RTX 3050 also has 4GB of VRAM.
The amount of VRAM you need depends on the resolution and level of detail you plan to play games or run applications at.
If you use a high-resolution monitor or plan to play games with high-resolution textures, I recommend a GPU with more VRAM, like the GTX 1080.
Bandwidth
The bandwidth of the GPU also needs to be checked before the purchase.
Again, since we are a little academic here, let us tell you that bandwidth refers to the amount of data that can be transferred between the GPU and the rest of the system per second. A higher bandwidth allows for faster data transfer and can improve overall performance.
The GTX 1080 has a memory bandwidth of 320 GB/s, while the GTX 1050 has a memory bandwidth of 168 GB/s, depending on the specific model. The RTX 3050 has a memory bandwidth of 128 GB/s.
If you’re using a GPU for gaming or running demanding applications, you may want a GPU with higher bandwidth to ensure smooth performance.
However, a lower bandwidth GPU may be sufficient for more basic tasks.
Use
Finally, consider your use case for the GPU.
If you’re a serious gamer who wants to play the latest AAA games at high graphics settings, the GTX 1080 or RTX 3050 would be a better choice.
If you’re a casual gamer or mostly use your computer for everyday tasks, the GTX 1050 would be a good budget-friendly option.
Final Words
Finally, buying the GPU of your choice isn’t that difficult at all.
Just remember you are buying something that fulfills your needs and matches that price tag.
Moreover, most modern GPUs are quite expensive and aren’t worth buying just for normal day-to-day tasks, which is one of the reasons why I have mentioned affordable options like the 1050 Ti and 3050.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best GPU to pair with an Intel Core i5-7400 processor?
The best GPU to pair with an Intel Core i5-7400 processor depends on your specific needs and budget. The GTX 1080, RTX 3050, and GTX 1050 are all viable options, with different performance levels and price points.
What is the difference between the GTX 1080 and the RTX 3050?
The GTX 1080 is a high-end GPU that can handle demanding games and applications, while the RTX 3050 is a more affordable option that still provides solid performance.
How do I choose a GPU with the right amount of VRAM?
The amount of VRAM you need depends on the resolution and level of detail you plan to play games or run applications at. If you’re using a high-resolution monitor or plan to play games with high-resolution textures, you may want to consider a GPU with more VRAM, like the GTX 1080.
However, if you’re on a budget or plan to play less demanding games or applications, a GPU with less VRAM, like the GTX 1050, may be sufficient.