Choose between 9100 or 3400 grams.
Choose between 9100 or 3400 grams.
You're looking for a PC setup that can handle PS2 and Wii games smoothly at 1080p. You're planning to upgrade in a month and will eventually add an RTX 2080 later. You're considering two CPUs: the Intel 9100 and the Intel 3400G. The 9100 offers better core performance per core, is more affordable, and works well with budget motherboards. The 3400G, though slower, provides longer lifespan, better RAM support, and PCI-E 4.0 connectivity. Since you're aiming for a future upgrade path, the 9100 gives you the best immediate value while keeping costs low.
You might also consider investing in a more powerful CPU such as the 3600. The right choice really depends on your needs. It's tough to limit performance with today's CPUs, and I don't believe the 9100 or 3400G will cause much of a bottleneck with the 2080.
It doesn't seem so. They're quite alike in games where extra threads help. The 9100 will face a lot of trouble, while the Vega 11 performs much better than the one on the 9100. I'll keep it in mind for now. For now, the 3400g looks more favorable.
Emulation is known for demanding significant processing power. PCSX2, for example, may run slower on the 3400G unless paired with a subtle graphics card.
I'm also considering the 3400g option. The ability to upgrade to a 3600 or a more affordable 4000 series chip when they come out gives me peace of mind, since I won't have to stress over making the wrong choice.
If you're in a hurry, you could sell it and earn some cash before upgrading to a better CPU or getting a 3600.