Unleash Gaming Performance with the Intel i3-1840 Processor

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is the Intel i3-1840 Processor?
3. Specifications and Features
4. Upgradability Options
5. Benchmark Tests
   • CS:GO Performance
   • Overwatch Performance
   • Rocket League Performance
   • For Honor Performance
   • Grand Theft Auto V Performance
6. Building a Budget PC with the Intel i3-1840 Processor
   • Compatible Motherboards
   • Graphics Card Options
   • RAM and Storage Recommendations
   • Power Supply Requirements
7. Pros and Cons of the Intel i3-1840 Processor
8. Conclusion
9. Frequently Asked Questions

💻 Intel i3-1840 Processor: Unleashing Budget Performance

The Intel i3-1840 is a budget processor that offers impressive performance for its price. In this article, we will explore the features and capabilities of this processor, conduct benchmark tests to evaluate its performance in various games, discuss the upgradability options, and provide recommendations for building a budget PC with the Intel i3-1840.

1. Introduction

Building a gaming PC on a budget can be challenging, but with the Intel i3-1840 processor, you can achieve decent gaming performance without breaking the bank. Priced at just $35, this processor offers a great value for gamers and budget-conscious users.

2. What is the Intel i3-1840 Processor?

The Intel i3-1840 is a 2-core, 2-thread processor that was released by Intel in early 2014. Based on the LGA 1150 socket, which is still widely used today, this processor offers compatibility with older motherboards and the potential for future upgrades. It also includes Intel HD graphics and can support up to 32GB of RAM.

3. Specifications and Features

The Intel i3-1840 operates at a tiny TDP (Thermal Design Power) of only 53 watts, making it energy-efficient and suitable for small form factor builds. With a base clock speed of 2.8GHz, it provides sufficient power for everyday tasks and mid-range gaming. Despite being an older model, the i3-1840 still holds up well in terms of performance.

4. Upgradability Options

One of the advantages of the Intel i3-1840 is its upgradability. While the LGA 1150 socket does not support the latest CPUs on the market, it still allows you to upgrade to higher-end processors like the i7-4790K or the i5-4690K. This ensures that you have room for future improvements without needing to change your entire motherboard.

5. Benchmark Tests

To evaluate the performance of the Intel i3-1840, we performed benchmark tests using popular games. Let's dive into the results and see how well this budget processor performs.

CS:GO Performance

When running CS:GO at 1080p resolution on medium settings with 2x anti-aliasing, the Intel i3-1840 delivered an average of 80 FPS. This is impressive for a budget processor, especially when paired with a capable graphics card.

Overwatch Performance

In Overwatch, a Game that heavily relies on CPU performance, the Intel i3-1840 maintained a solid average of 58 FPS at 1080p resolution on medium settings. This demonstrates that the processor can handle demanding gaming titles without sacrificing gameplay quality.

Rocket League Performance

Rocket League is known for its smooth and fast-paced gameplay. With the Intel i3-1840, we experienced an impressive average of 101 FPS at high quality settings. This shows that the processor is capable of delivering a silky-smooth experience in less demanding games.

For Honor Performance

For Honor is a graphically-intensive game that puts CPUs to the test. Running the benchmark at 1080p resolution and medium settings, the Intel i3-1840 averaged a respectable 53 FPS. Although some frames were lost due to the processor's limitations, the overall experience was enjoyable.

Grand Theft Auto V Performance

Grand Theft Auto V is notorious for its CPU-intensive nature. Surprisingly, the Intel i3-1840 held up well in this game, delivering an average of above 50 FPS on normal settings at 1080p resolution. This demonstrates the processor's ability to handle demanding titles despite its budget price.

6. Building a Budget PC with the Intel i3-1840 Processor

Now that we have seen the gaming performance of the Intel i3-1840, let's explore how to build a budget PC around this processor. Here are some recommendations for the various components you will need:

Compatible Motherboards

The Intel i3-1840 is compatible with LGA 1150 socket motherboards. While you can opt for a cheaper motherboard, we recommend investing in a quality motherboard like the MSI Gaming 5 for better performance and stability.

Graphics Card Options

To get the most out of the Intel i3-1840, pair it with a budget graphics card like the NVIDIA GTX 460. This combination will provide a well-rounded gaming experience without straining your budget.

RAM and Storage Recommendations

For optimal performance, we recommend using 8GB of 1600MHz DDR3 RAM. This amount of memory is sufficient for most gaming applications. In terms of storage, a standard SATA SSD or a traditional hard drive will suffice.

Power Supply Requirements

Since the Intel i3-1840 has a low power consumption of 53 watts, a reputable 450W power supply unit should be more than enough to handle the processor and other components in your budget PC build.

7. Pros and Cons of the Intel i3-1840 Processor

Pros:

• Low price point
• Good gaming performance for its budget range
• Compatible with LGA 1150 socket motherboards
• Potential for future upgrades

Cons:

• Only 2 cores and 2 Threads, limiting multitasking capabilities
• Older architecture compared to newer processors on the market

8. Conclusion

The Intel i3-1840 processor proves that you don't need to spend a Fortune to enjoy decent gaming performance. With its affordable price, upgradability options, and impressive benchmark results, the i3-1840 is an excellent choice for budget-conscious gamers. Pair it with the right components, and you can build a budget PC that delivers an enjoyable gaming experience without breaking the bank.

9. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I overclock the Intel i3-1840 processor? A: No, the i3-1840 does not support overclocking.

Q: What is the recommended cooling solution for the Intel i3-1840? A: The i3-1840 comes with a stock cooler, which is sufficient for its cooling needs. However, if you plan to push the processor to its limits, investing in an aftermarket cooler would be beneficial.

Q: Can the Intel i3-1840 handle video editing and other demanding tasks? A: While the i3-1840 can handle basic video editing and everyday tasks, its performance may be limited when it comes to more demanding tasks. Consider opting for a higher-end processor if you require intensive multimedia work.

Q: Can I run AAA games on the Intel i3-1840? A: Yes, the i3-1840 is capable of running AAA games. However, you may need to adjust the settings to achieve a smooth gameplay experience.

Q: What are some alternative processors to consider in the same price range? A: Some alternative processors to consider in the same price range include the AMD Ryzen 3 2200G and the Intel Pentium G4560. These processors offer similar performance and value for budget builds.

Resources:

• CS:GO Benchmark Test
• Overwatch Benchmark Test
• Rocket League Benchmark Test
• For Honor Benchmark Test
• Grand Theft Auto V Benchmark Test