Which intel core is better. Which processor to choose for a home PC, an overview of the best models
When assembling a high-performance computer for resource-intensive dynamic games, a potential buyer always faces a choice: which processor to prefer. Indeed, in addition to several branded manufacturers, there are many platforms on the market, each of which has its own flagship.
The focus of this article is the gaming processor. The reader will get acquainted with the offer of manufacturers, find out which product is better in each price category, and also see the test results clearly.
Weak link
It's better to start with the fact that all processors that are based on the same physical core will not be considered. The fact is that there has long been evidence of the low efficiency of single-core platforms. Any attempt by the buyer to purchase such a gaming processor will not lead to anything good.
Firstly, most modern games are created for multi-core platforms (2-4 cores). The second criterion for the insolvency of a low-performance crystal is the inability to unlock the potential of a gaming video adapter. Naturally, the user has a lot of questions regarding the inoperability of an expensive graphics accelerator.
Also, experts in their reviews recommend potential buyers not to consider crystals operating at low frequencies as gaming solutions. It is better to set the minimum mark at the threshold of 3000 MHz. This condition affects not only personal computers, but also mobile devices, albeit with increased power consumption.
Pricing policy and games of manufacturers
There has long been an opinion on the market that the AMD gaming processor has the best value, and in terms of performance, nothing can be found more powerful than an Intel chip. There is some truth in this, if you look at the problem from one angle, when comparing the number of cores and their operating frequency, but IT experts recommend focusing on the needs of the end user.
Almost all AMD chips are superbly overclocked, which attracts the attention of potential buyers who want to save money. But for some reason, there is no information about the heating of the crystals and the necessary cooling in the reviews and tests. On the other hand, they attribute too many advantages that the modern gamer does not need at all. Therefore, a buyer who wants to purchase a sufficiently productive device at minimal cost will have to get to know the processors on the market closer.
Crystals of the past generation
It's no secret that Intel processors based on 4 cores are still in demand among many fans of resource-intensive games. True, such a solution is useful only to those users who own a full-fledged ATX format motherboard that supports 8 GB of RAM (4 bars of 2 GB each). It is also recommended to pay attention to processor support. Very often, manufacturers of cheap motherboards do not work with powerful multi-core crystals.
A budget Core Quad gaming processor or a Xeon server solution paired with a gaming video adapter and an SSD solid state drive can handle any existing game in the world. Only now it will not be possible to achieve ideally realistic quality - there is a serious limitation on medium graphics settings. But such an inexpensive solution suits many users, so crystals for the socket 775 platform will be in demand for a long time to come.
Don't forget that the presence of two and four cores based on Xeon does not limit the performance of the old platform. There are still ultra-fast Extreme Edition crystals on the market, which can double or even triple the performance of the corresponding system (we are talking about Socket 775).
Available segment
The entry-level class of modern components is opened by AMD gaming processors with two cores of the A4 line. It would seem that it could be better than 2 physical cores operating at a frequency of 3200 MHz! In addition, the chip has an integrated graphics core AMD Radeon HD7480. However, during testing, it turns out that the processor has obvious problems with mathematical calculations. This is due to the small amount of cache memory (and the processor has only two levels).
In the price category up to 2000 rubles, the A4 line has only one competitor - the 4th generation Intel Celeron. As practice shows, this budget crystal also has integrated graphics, but, unlike AMD products, it cannot be overclocked.
Both budget products are clearly not among the top gaming processors, however, fans of low-power games (for example, World of Tanks) will like them, because using integrated graphics at a resolution of 1600x900 dpi, the user will be able to achieve 50 FPS at medium quality settings.
Manufacturer's distraction
Readers have already had to deal with Intel Pentium G-series processors for the platform more than once. The manufacturer claims that the new chip can surprise any buyer. Yes, there will be no limit to the owner's surprise when he decides to purchase such a product to replace the obsolete Intel Core 2 Duo processor. Any testing (synthetic or gaming) will confirm that there is no difference in performance between both processors.
In fact, this is the same crystal, which has been slightly improved. After all, the best gaming processor under simply could not disappear from the market. However, the transition of the buyer to a new platform opens up more opportunities for the player. Over time, you can increase the amount of RAM, change the processor or video card, which could not be done with an old motherboard.
Hot Selling
In the initial gaming class, AMD X4 series crystals with 4 physical cores are in great demand. The fact is that this particular product has become for many users a real golden mean in terms of price-performance ratio.
For many potential buyers who wished to have 4 physical cores on hand on one platform, the choice of a gaming processor ended with just one manufacturer - AMD. The fact is that in the price category up to 10,000 rubles, Intel has nothing to offer.
In this class, the processors of the FX series, which have 4 and 8 cores on board, have proven themselves well. The manufacturer tried to saturate the demanded market with interesting and affordable products. Here it is better for the buyer to focus on the first level cache and choose a crystal with the highest core frequency. Indeed, for AMD processors, these parameters primarily affect the performance of the entire platform.
Winged swing
Intel gaming processors are also present in the entry-level class, but they are all limited to only two physical cores. Naturally, the buyer will obviously not like such an offer, but you should not rush to conclusions. As practice shows, Core i3 crystals are capable of a lot, and even outperform all competitors in performance.
Intel processors have a large amount of cache and do an excellent job with mathematical calculations, but they have serious problems with working with RAM. This is exactly what competitors use when they select special tests that require the speed of information exchange between the processor and memory. In resource-intensive toys that require a large amount of memory (for example, GTA 5), you can notice the difference in the work of two processors (Intel and AMD), but not all games are so dependent on the memory frequency.
Higher, faster, stronger
A powerful gaming processor in the price range up to 15,000 rubles is not so easy to choose. On the one hand, Intel offers its Core i5 solution, which is able to cope with any resource-intensive games that exist on the market. On the other hand, the AMD team has prepared a surprise for all its fans by providing the crystal with a powerful gaming video adapter integrated directly into the processor.
Naturally, many buyers prefer the "2 in 1" system, because discrete graphics accelerators are not cheap and users simply do not want to overpay. But there is also the other side of the coin - the integrated video card "steals" the RAM for its own needs, and the speed of the exchange of this memory between the GPU leaves much to be desired (DDR3 vs. DDR5).
How to deal with things?
In the middle price category, it is not so easy to choose a gaming processor for yourself. "Which one to choose - Core i5 or A10?" - almost every second buyer is interested. Experts in their reviews recommend that beginners take their time and prioritize, having determined their needs.
A powerful multi-core Intel crystal will be of more interest to owners of high-performance gaming-level video adapters, because only it can unlock the full potential of a graphics accelerator. Also, the Core i5 should be looked at by people who are not only fond of games, but also professionally work with 3D graphics, modeling or video editing.
But for owners of budget video adapters that use all the resources of a personal computer for games, it is better to give preference to the AMD A10 series processor. And do not get too carried away with overclocking such a crystal, because a thermal package of 95 watts requires decent cooling.
Unique Processors
The AMD gaming processor with six cores on board is clearly capable of attracting attention. After all, this is one of the few products on the market that combines affordable cost and high performance. Although many users in their reviews reproach the manufacturer for using 8-core solutions with locked cores to create such crystals, the fact remains that this processor is still considered the best choice in the middle segment.
An important factor responsible for performance is not the core frequency, but the installed cache. All 6-core platforms with this parameter are in perfect order: the crystal does an excellent job with mathematical calculations and is quite competitive with Intel Core i5 products. The only thing that confuses is the lack of an integrated graphics accelerator, to which all fans of AMD products are so accustomed. But still, the performance of the entire platform is more interesting to the buyer than an inferior symbiosis.
Powerful gaming platform
Intel has managed to attract the attention of potential buyers to its unique socket 2011 platform. The best gaming processor Core i7 Extreme Edition still ranks first in the performance rating of all platforms. The only thing that confuses is the price of such a solution - not every buyer is ready to pay 50,000 rubles for one crystal.
The main feature of such a system is the support for three-channel operation of RAM. Do not forget about the PCIex16 slots for graphics accelerators - they all also support accelerated data transfer and are focused on high performance of the entire gaming platform.
The only negative that owners pay attention to in their reviews is the cost of all components. The processor, memory, motherboard and several video adapters require quite significant financial resources from the buyer. On the other hand, such a platform is able to cope with any resource-intensive game.
New technologies are the key to success
After the appearance on the market of a new format of DDR4 RAM, Intel hastened to surprise its fans with new crystals in the Core i3/5/7 line. True, under the slogan "Choosing a gaming processor!" a well-known American manufacturer forgot to add that in practice the overall performance of the system does not increase in proportion to the cost of crystals. As for the professional use of a computer (3D modeling, video processing and work with complex mathematical calculations), such a platform is hardly suitable. At least, in terms of price-quality ratio, it is possible to assemble a platform much cheaper.
Perhaps, in the next few years, manufacturers will be able to significantly increase the speed of the platform, but at the moment it makes no sense to overpay for switching to Socket 1151 and 2011-3. Here it is better to take an example from AMD, which did not dare to such an insidious plan to attract potential buyers to its products.
A new trend dictates the conditions
In pursuit of a powerful crystal, most buyers are trying to save on a video card. But gaming GPUs are the basic devices for running any resource-intensive games. As practice shows, it is better to save on the processor and take a powerful video adapter than to be content with a budget accelerator with a powerful processor.
In fact, in the media you can find quite a lot of comparisons of both video cards and crystals, but experts recommend focusing on market segmentation. Don't forget about integrated solutions. Often, such a purchase allows the user to get good performance and benefits.
Inexpensive AMD processors with four cores, which have a small amount of cache, are best purchased with integrated graphics. The crystal will not be able to unlock the potential of a discrete gaming adapter, but the user will be able to save a lot.
Mobile market with its own conditions
Gaming processors for laptops are practically no different from the components of a personal computer. All the same price segmentation and performance division. True, there is another branch that significantly affects the choice of buyers. Intel chips installed in laptops have low heat dissipation, and AMD products tend to get very hot due to increased power consumption.
As practice shows, for most users, a powerful AMD processor in a mobile device often causes trouble. However, experts in their reviews assure that the whole problem comes down to the human factor. The fact is that all gaming laptops need to be cleaned frequently (2 times a year) from dust. Naturally, most users do not do this, blaming AMD for producing low-quality processors.
Gaming laptops
With mobile devices, everything is simple - the buyer does not need to look for which processors are gaming and which are not. In the expensive segment, the manufacturer independently calculated the performance of the entire platform and provided the end customer with a decent result. True, the choice is not as great as in the personal computer market.
Users can opt for AMD's A10 line of chips or look towards Intel's Core i5/7 processors. This is where the whole choice ends, and a potential buyer faces a problem with choosing a gaming video adapter that is equipped with a laptop. Once again, experts in their reviews recommend that beginners give preference to a powerful discrete graphics card at the expense of processor performance.
The right approach
Among sellers in the computer market, there is a special technique that allows you to quickly assemble a personal computer. Oddly enough, the game processor is not selected in the first place. Preference is given to the motherboard and video adapter. Well, after that comes the turn of choosing a crystal and RAM. This completes the layout with the final cost agreed.
And then everything is simple: the cost of the hard drive, power supply, case, monitor and other computer components is announced one by one. And the buyer decides whether he is ready to pay extra for the equipment, or in order to purchase the desired component, he will have to sacrifice the performance of the personal computer as a whole.
This technique provides an opportunity for a potential buyer to understand the difference between components in different price categories, because the seller, when changing the configuration, comments on which games and what settings will run on the assembled computer.
Finally
Choosing a gaming processor in the domestic market is quite easy. You just need to find out the system requirements for your favorite toy and choose the right components to build a gaming platform, focusing on your own finances. At first it seems difficult, but in practice everything is solved in a matter of minutes. The main thing is to always remember that the performance of the entire system depends not only on the processor, but also needs a powerful graphics accelerator with fast enough RAM.
- This is the main computing component, on which the speed of the entire computer greatly depends. Therefore, usually, when choosing a computer configuration, they first choose the processor, and then everything else.
For simple tasks
If the computer will be used for working with documents and the Internet, then an inexpensive processor with a built-in Pentium G5400/5500/5600 video core (2 cores / 4 threads), which differ only slightly in frequency, will suit you.
For video editing
For video editing, it is better to take a modern multi-threaded AMD Ryzen 5/7 processor (6-8 cores / 12-16 threads), which, in tandem with a good video card, will also cope well with games.
Processor AMD Ryzen 5 2600
For the average gaming computer
For a purely mid-range gaming computer, it is better to take the Core i3-8100/8300, they have honest 4 cores and perform well in games with mid-range video cards (GTX 1050/1060/1070).
Processor Intel Core i3 8100
For a powerful gaming PC
For a powerful gaming computer, it is better to take a 6-core Core i5-8400/8500/8600, and for a PC with a top-end i7-8700 graphics card (6 cores / 12 threads). These processors show the best results in games and are able to fully unleash powerful graphics cards (GTX 1080/2080).
Processor Intel Core i5 8400
In any case, the more cores and the higher the frequency of the processor, the better. Focus on your financial capabilities.
2. How the processor works
The central processing unit consists of a printed circuit board with a silicon crystal and various electronic elements. The crystal is covered with a special metal cover that prevents damage to it and is a heat spreader.
On the other side of the board are the legs (or pads) with which the processor is connected to the motherboard.
3. Manufacturers of processors
Processors for computers are produced by two large companies - Intel and AMD in several high-tech factories in the world. Therefore, the processor, regardless of manufacturer, is the most reliable component of a computer.
Intel is a leader in the development of technologies used in today's processors. AMD partially adopts their experience, adding something of its own and pursuing a more democratic pricing policy.
4. What is the difference between Intel and AMD processors
Intel and AMD processors differ mainly in architecture (electronic circuitry). Some are better at some tasks, some at others.
Intel Core processors generally have higher performance per core, making them superior to AMD Ryzen processors in most modern games and more suitable for building powerful gaming PCs.
AMD Ryzen processors, in turn, win in multi-threaded tasks such as video editing, in principle they are not much inferior to Intel Core in games and are perfect for a universal computer used for both professional tasks and games.
In fairness, it should be noted that the old inexpensive AMD FX-8xxx series processors with 8 physical cores do a good job of editing video and can be used as a budget option for these purposes. But they are less suitable for gaming and are installed on motherboards with an outdated AM3 + socket, which will make it problematic to replace components in the future in order to improve or repair the computer. So it's better to get a more modern AMD Ryzen processor and an appropriate socket AM4 motherboard.
If your budget is limited, but in the future you want to have a powerful PC, then you can buy an inexpensive model to start with, and after 2-3 years, change the processor to a more powerful one.
5. CPU socket
Socket is a connector for connecting the processor to the motherboard. Processor sockets are marked either by the number of processor pins, or by alphanumeric designation at the discretion of the manufacturer.
Processor sockets are constantly undergoing changes and new modifications appear from year to year. The general recommendation is to purchase a processor with the most modern socket. This will ensure that both the processor and the motherboard can be replaced in the next few years.
Intel processor sockets
- Completely obsolete: 478, 775, 1155, 1156, 2011
- Obsolete: 1150, 2011-3
- Modern: 1151, 1151-v2, 2066
AMD processor sockets
- Legacy: AM1, AM2, AM3, FM1, FM2
- Obsolete: AM3+, FM2+
- Modern: AM4, TR4
The sockets of the processor and the motherboard must be the same, otherwise the processor simply will not install. Today, the most relevant are processors with the following sockets.
Intel 1150- they are still on sale, but in the next few years they will go out of use and replacing the processor or motherboard will become more problematic. They have a wide range of models - from the most inexpensive to quite powerful.
Intel 1151- modern processors, which are no longer much more expensive, but much more promising. They have a wide range of models - from the most inexpensive to quite powerful.
Intel 1151-v2- the second version of socket 1151, differs from the previous one by supporting the most modern 8th generation processors.
Intel 2011-3— powerful 6/8/10-core processors for professional PCs.
Intel 2066— top most powerful and expensive 12/16/18-core processors for professional PCs.
AMD FM2+- processors with integrated graphics for office tasks and the simplest games. In the lineup there are both very low-end and mid-range processors.
AMD AM3+- outdated 4/6/8-core processors (FX), older versions of which can be used for video editing.
AMD AM4— modern multi-threaded processors for professional tasks and games.
AMD TR4— top most powerful and expensive 8/12/16-core processors for professional PCs.
It is not practical to consider purchasing a computer on older sockets. In general, I would recommend limiting the choice to processors on sockets 1151 and AM4, since they are the most modern and allow you to assemble a fairly powerful computer for any budget.
6. Main characteristics of processors
All processors, regardless of manufacturer, differ in the number of cores, threads, frequency, cache memory, frequency of supported RAM, the presence of an integrated video core, and some other parameters.
6.1. Number of Cores
The number of cores has the biggest impact on processor performance. An office or multimedia computer needs at least a 2-core processor. If the computer is supposed to be used for modern games, then it needs a processor with at least 4 cores. A processor with 6-8 cores is suitable for video editing and heavy professional applications. The most powerful processors can have 10-18 cores, but they are very expensive and designed for complex professional tasks.
6.2. Number of threads
Hyper-threading technology allows each processor core to process 2 data streams, which significantly increases performance. Multi-threaded processors are Intel Core i7, i9, some Core i3 and Pentium (G4560, G46xx), as well as most AMD Ryzen.
A processor with 2 cores and Hyper-treading support is close to 4-core in performance, and with 4 cores and Hyper-treading it is close to 8-core. For example, Core i3-6100 (2 cores / 4 threads) is twice as powerful as a 2-core Pentium without Hyper-treading, but still slightly weaker than a fair 4-core Core i5. But Core i5 processors do not support Hyper-treading, so they are significantly inferior to Core i7 processors (4 cores / 8 threads).
The Ryzen 5 and 7 processors have 4/6/8 cores and 8/12/16 threads, respectively, making them kings in tasks such as video editing. The new Ryzen Threadripper processor family has processors with up to 16 cores and 32 threads. But there are lower processors from the Ryzen 3 series that are not multi-threaded.
Modern games have also learned to use multi-threading, so for a powerful gaming PC it is advisable to take a Core i7 (for 8-12 threads) or Ryzen (for 8-12 threads). Also a good choice in terms of price / performance will be the new 6-core Core-i5 processors.
6.3. CPU frequency
The performance of a processor is also highly dependent on its frequency, at which all processor cores operate.
A simple computer for typing and accessing the Internet, in principle, will need a processor with a frequency of about 2 GHz. But there are a lot of processors around 3 GHz that cost about the same, so it's not worth saving here.
A mid-range multimedia or gaming computer will need a processor with a frequency of about 3.5 GHz.
A powerful gaming or professional computer requires a processor closer to 4 GHz.
In any case, the higher the frequency of the processor, the better, and then look at the financial possibilities.
6.4. Turbo Boost and Turbo Core
Modern processors have the concept of a base frequency, which is indicated in the specifications simply as the frequency of the processor. We discussed this frequency above.
Intel Core i5, i7, i9 processors also have the concept of maximum frequency in Turbo Boost. This is a technology that automatically increases the frequency of processor cores under high load to increase performance. The fewer cores a program or game uses, the more their frequency increases.
For example, the Core i5-2500 processor has a base frequency of 3.3 GHz, and the maximum frequency in Turbo Boost is 3.7 GHz. Under load, depending on the number of cores used, the frequency will increase to the following values:
- 4 active cores - 3.4 GHz
- 3 active cores - 3.5 GHz
- 2 active cores - 3.6 GHz
- 1 active core - 3.7 GHz
AMD A-series, FX, and Ryzen processors have a similar automatic processor overclocking technology called Turbo Core. For example, the FX-8150 processor has a base frequency of 3.6 GHz, and the maximum frequency in Turbo Core is 4.2 GHz.
In order for Turbo Boost and Turbo Core technologies to work, the processor must have enough power and not overheat. Otherwise, the processor will not raise the frequency of the cores. So the power supply, motherboard and cooler must be powerful enough. Also, the work of these technologies should not be hindered by the BIOS settings of the motherboard and the power settings in Windows.
Modern programs and games use all processor cores and the performance gain from Turbo Boost and Turbo Core technologies will be small. Therefore, when choosing a processor, it is better to focus on the base frequency.
6.5. Cache
Cache memory is the internal memory of the processor, which is necessary for it to perform calculations faster. Cache size also affects processor performance, but to a much lesser extent than the number of cores and processor frequency. In different programs, this influence can vary in the range of 5-15%. But processors with a large amount of cache memory are much more expensive (1.5-2 times). Therefore, such an acquisition is not always economically feasible.
Cache memory comes in 4 levels:
The L1 cache is small and usually overlooked when choosing a processor.
The level 2 cache is the most important. Low-end processors typically have 256 kilobytes (KB) of L2 cache per core. Processors designed for mid-range computers have 512 KB of L2 cache per core. High-end professional and gaming processors must have at least 1 megabyte (MB) of L2 cache per core.
Not all processors have a level 3 cache. The weakest processors for office tasks can have up to 2 MB of L3 cache, or none at all. Processors for modern home multimedia computers should have 3-4 MB of L3 cache. Powerful processors for professional and gaming computers should have 6-8 MB of L3 cache.
Only some processors have a level 4 cache, and if it is, then this is good, but in principle it is not necessary.
If the processor has a cache level 3 or 4, then the size of the cache level 2 can be ignored.
6.6. Type and frequency of supported RAM
Different processors may support different types and frequencies of RAM. This must be taken into account in the future when choosing a RAM.
Legacy processors may support DDR3 RAM with a maximum frequency of 1333, 1600 or 1866 MHz.
Modern processors support DDR4 memory with a maximum frequency of 2133, 2400, 2666 MHz or more, and often for compatibility, DDR3L memory, which differs from regular DDR3 by a lower voltage from 1.5 to 1.35 V. Such processors can work with regular DDR3 memory if you have it already exist, but processor manufacturers do not recommend this due to the increased degradation of memory controllers designed for DDR4 with an even lower voltage of 1.2 V. In addition, an old motherboard with DDR3 slots is also needed for old memory. So the best option is to sell the old DDR3 memory and switch to the new DDR4.
Today, the most optimal in terms of price / performance ratio is DDR4 memory with a frequency of 2400 MHz, which is supported by all modern processors. Sometimes you can buy memory with a frequency of 2666 MHz for not much more expensive. Well, 3000 MHz memory will cost much more. In addition, processors do not always work stably with high-frequency memory.
You also need to consider what maximum memory frequency the motherboard supports. But the memory frequency has a relatively small impact on overall performance and is not worth chasing.
Often, users who begin to understand computer components have a question about the availability of memory modules for sale with a much higher frequency than the processor officially supports (2666-3600 MHz). For memory to work at such a frequency, the motherboard must have support for XMP (Extreme Memory Profile) technology. XMP automatically raises the bus frequency to keep the memory running at a higher frequency.
6.7. Integrated video core
The processor may have an integrated video core, which allows you to save on the purchase of a separate video card for an office or multimedia PC (watching video, simple games). But for a gaming computer and video editing, you need a separate (discrete) video card.
The more expensive the processor, the more powerful the integrated video core. Among Intel processors, the Core i7 has the most powerful integrated video, followed by i5, i3, Pentium G and Celeron G.
AMD A-series processors on socket FM2+ have a more powerful integrated video core than Intel processors. A10 has the most power, then A8, A6 and A4.
FX processors on socket AM3 + do not have an integrated video core and were previously used to assemble inexpensive gaming PCs with a mid-range discrete graphics card.
Also, most of the AMD Athlon and Phenom series processors do not have an integrated video core, and those that do have it on the very old AM1 socket.
Ryzen processors with the G index have an integrated Vega video core, which is twice as powerful as the video core of the previous generation processors from the A8, A10 series.
If you are not going to buy a discrete graphics card, but still want to play undemanding games from time to time, then it is better to give preference to Ryzen G processors. But do not count on the integrated graphics to handle demanding modern games. The most it can do is online games and some well-optimized games at low or medium graphics settings in HD resolution (1280x720), in some cases Full HD (1920x1080). Look at the tests of the processor you need on Youtube and see if it suits you.
7. Other characteristics of processors
Also, processors are characterized by such parameters as the manufacturing process, power consumption and heat dissipation.
7.1. Manufacturing process
The process technology is the technology by which processors are manufactured. The more modern the equipment and production technology, the thinner the technical process. The process technology used to manufacture a processor greatly affects its power consumption and heat dissipation. The thinner the process technology, the more economical and cooler the processor will be.
Modern processors are manufactured using manufacturing processes ranging from 10 to 45 nanometers (nm). The smaller this value, the better. But first of all, focus on the power consumption and the associated heat dissipation of the processor, which will be discussed later.
7.2. Processor power consumption
The greater the number of cores and the frequency of the processor, the greater its power consumption. Also, energy consumption is highly dependent on the manufacturing process. The thinner the process technology, the lower the power consumption. The main thing to consider is that a powerful processor cannot be installed on a weak motherboard and it will need a more powerful power supply.
Modern processors consume from 25 to 220 watts. This parameter can be read on their packaging or on the manufacturer's website. The motherboard parameters also indicate what power consumption of the processor it is designed for.
7.3. CPU heat dissipation
The heat dissipation of the processor is considered to be equal to its maximum power consumption. It is also measured in Watts and is referred to as the Thermal Design Power (TDP) temperature package. Modern processors have a TDP in the range of 25-220 watts. Try to choose a processor with a lower TDP. The optimal TDP range is 45-95W.
8. How to find out the characteristics of processors
All the main characteristics of the processor, such as the number of cores, frequency and cache memory, are usually indicated in the price lists of sellers.
All parameters of a particular processor can be specified on the official websites of manufacturers (Intel and AMD):
By model number or serial number, it is very easy to find all the characteristics of any processor on the site:
Or just enter the model number in a Google or Yandex search engine (for example, "Ryzen 7 1800X").
9. Processor models
Processor models change annually, so here I will not list them all, but will only list processor series (lines) that change less frequently and which you can easily navigate.
I recommend getting processors of more modern series, as they are more productive and support new technologies. The model number that comes after the series name is higher the higher the frequency of the processor.
9.1. Intel processor lines
Old series:
- Celeron - for office tasks (2 cores)
- Pentium - for entry-level multimedia and gaming PCs (2 cores)
Modern series:
- Celeron G - for office tasks (2 cores)
- Pentium G - for entry-level multimedia and gaming PCs (2 cores)
- Core i3 - for entry-level multimedia and gaming PCs (2-4 cores)
- Core i5 - for mid-range gaming PCs (4-6 cores)
- Core i7 - for powerful gaming and professional PCs (4-10 cores)
- Core i9 - for heavy duty professional PCs (12-18 cores)
All Core i7, i9, some Core i3 and Pentium processors support Hyper-threading technology, which significantly increases performance.
9.2. AMD processor lines
Old series:
- Sempron - for office tasks (2 cores)
- Athlon - for entry-level multimedia and gaming PCs (2 cores)
- Phenom - for multimedia and gaming PCs of the middle class (2-4 cores)
Outdated series:
- A4, A6 - for office tasks (2 cores)
- A8, A10 - for office tasks and simple games (4 cores)
- FX - for video editing and not very heavy games (4-8 cores)
Modern series:
- Ryzen 3 - for entry-level multimedia and gaming PCs (4 cores)
- Ryzen 5 - for video editing and mid-range gaming PCs (4-6 cores)
- Ryzen 7 - for powerful gaming and professional PCs (4-8 cores)
- Ryzen Threadripper - for powerful professional PCs (8-16 cores)
The Ryzen 5, 7 and Threadripper processors are multi-threaded, which makes them a great choice for video editing with a large number of cores. In addition, there are models with an “X” index at the end of the marking, which have a higher frequency.
9.3. Series restart
It is also worth noting that sometimes manufacturers restart old series on new sockets. For example, Intel now has Celeron G and Pentium G with integrated graphics, AMD has updated Athlon II and Phenom II processor lines. These processors are slightly inferior to their more modern counterparts in terms of performance, but they win significantly in price.
9.4. Core and processor generation
Along with the change of sockets, the generation of processors usually also changes. For example, socket 1150 had 4th generation Core i7-4xxx processors, socket 2011-3 had 5th generation Core i7-5xxx processors. With the transition to socket 1151, 6th generation Core i7-6xxx processors appeared.
It also happens that the generation of the processor changes without changing the socket. For example, the 7th generation Core i7-7xxx processors came out on socket 1151.
The change of generations is caused by the improvement of the electronic architecture of the processor, also called the core. For example, the Core i7-6xxx processors are built on a core code-named Skylake, and those that replaced the Core i7-7xxx processors are based on the Kaby Lake core.
The cores can have various differences from quite significant to purely cosmetic. For example, Kaby Lake differs from the previous Skylake with updated integrated graphics and blocking overclocking on the bus for processors without the K index.
Similarly, there is a change of cores and generations of AMD processors. For example, the FX-9xxx processors have replaced the FX-8xxx processors. Their main difference is a significantly increased frequency and, as a result, heat generation. But the socket has not changed, but the old AM3 + remains.
AMD FX processors had many cores, the latest being Zambezi and Vishera, but they were replaced by new much more advanced and powerful Ryzen (Zen core) on socket AM4 and Ryzen (Threadripper core) on socket TR4.
10. CPU overclocking
Intel Core processors with a "K" index at the end of the marking have a higher base frequency and an unlocked multiplier. They are easy to overclock (overclock) to increase performance, but will require a more expensive motherboard based on a Z-series chipset.
All AMD FX and Ryzen processors can be overclocked by changing the multiplier, but their overclocking potential is more modest. Overclocking of Ryzen processors is supported by motherboards based on B350, X370 chipsets.
In general, the possibility of overclocking makes the processor more promising, since in the future, with a slight lack of performance, it will not be possible to change it, but simply overclock it.
11. Packing and cooler
Processors with the word “BOX” at the end of the marking are packed in a high-quality box and can be sold as a set with a cooler.
But some more expensive box processors may not come with a cooler.
If “Tray” or “OEM” is written at the end of the marking, this means that the processor is packed in a small plastic tray and there is no cooler in the kit.
Entry-level processors such as Pentiums are easier and cheaper to purchase with a cooler. But a mid-range or high-end processor is often more profitable to buy without a cooler and separately choose a suitable cooler for it. The cost will be about the same, but in terms of cooling and noise level it will be much better.
12. Setting filters in the online store
- Go to the "Processors" section on the seller's website.
- Select the manufacturer (Intel or AMD).
- Select a socket (1151, AM4).
- Select a processor line (Pentium, i3, i5, i7, Ryzen).
- Sort the selection by price.
- Browse processors starting with the cheapest ones.
- Buy a processor with the highest possible number of threads and frequency that suits you for the price.
Thus, you will get the best price / performance processor that meets your requirements at the lowest possible cost.
13. Links
Processor Intel Core i7 8700
Processor Intel Core i5 8600K
Processor Intel Pentium G4600
When it comes to gaming builds, the focus is on the graphics card. It is logical, because it is the graphics adapter that is responsible for supporting certain technologies, as well as for the level of performance in games. However, only a well-chosen central processor will allow it to reach its full potential. The question often arises: will such and such a chip “pump” such and such a video card? This material is an attempt to determine in practice the main characteristics of the central processor that affect the performance of a 3D accelerator in modern games.
The first quad-core processor was released in the fall of 2006. They became the Intel Core 2 Quad model, based on the Kentsfield core. At the time, bestsellers such as The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion and Half-Life 2: Episode One were considered popular games. The "killer of all gaming computers" Crysis has not appeared yet. And the DirectX 9 API with shader model 3.0 was in use.
But it's the end of 2015. On the market, in the desktop segment, there are 6- and 8-core central processors, but 2- and 4-core models are still considered popular. Gamers are raving about the PC versions of GTA V and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and there is no gaming graphics card in nature that can deliver a comfortable level of FPS in 4K resolution at maximum graphics quality settings in Assassin's Creed Unity. In addition, the release of the Windows 10 operating system took place, which means that the era of DirectX 12 has officially begun. As you can see, a lot of water has flowed under the bridge in nine years. Therefore, the question of choosing a central processor for a gaming computer is more relevant than ever.
The essence of the problem
There is such a thing as the effect of processor dependence. It can appear in absolutely any computer game. If the performance of the video card rests on the capabilities of the central chip, then they say that the system is processor-dependent. It must be understood that there is no single scheme by which the strength of this effect can be determined. It all depends on the features of a particular application, as well as the selected graphics quality settings. However, in absolutely any game, tasks such as the organization of polygons, lighting and physics calculations, artificial intelligence modeling, and many other actions fall on the “shoulders” of the central processor. Agree, there is plenty of work.
In processor-dependent games, the number of frames per second can depend on several parameters of the "stone": architecture, clock speed, number of cores and threads, as well as cache size. The main purpose of this material is to identify the main criteria that affect the performance of the graphics subsystem, as well as to form an understanding of which central processor is suitable for a particular discrete video card.
Frequency
How to identify processor dependence? The most effective way is empirically. Since the CPU has several parameters, let's analyze them one by one. The first characteristic, which most often pay close attention to, is the clock frequency.
The clock frequency of the central processors has not been growing for quite a long time. At first (in the 80s and 90s), it was the increase in megahertz that led to a frenzied increase in the overall level of performance. Now the frequency of AMD and Intel CPUs is frozen in the delta of 2.5-4 GHz. Everything below is too budget and not quite suitable for a gaming computer; anything higher is already overclocking. This is how processor lines are formed. For example, there is an Intel Core i5-6400 running at 2.7GHz ($182) and there is a Core i5-6500 running at 3.2GHz ($192). These processors have the same absolutely all characteristics, except for the clock frequency and price.
On sale you can find chips with an unlocked multiplier. It allows you to independently overclock the processor. At Intel, such "stones" have the letters "K" and "X" in the name. For example, Core i7-4770K and Core i7-5690X. Plus, there are separate models with an unlocked multiplier: Pentium G3258, Core i5-5675C and Core i7-5775C. AMD processors are marked in a similar way. So, hybrid chips in the name have the letter "K". There is a line of FX processors (AM3+ platform). All "stones" included in it have a free multiplier.
Modern AMD and Intel processors support automatic overclocking. In the first case, it is called Turbo Core, in the second - Turbo Boost. The essence of its work is simple: with proper cooling, the processor during operation increases its clock frequency by several hundred megahertz. For example, the Core i5-6400 operates at a speed of 2.7 GHz, but with the active Turbo Boost technology, this parameter can permanently increase to 3.3 GHz. That is exactly 600 MHz.
I'll take the NVIDIA GeForce GTX TITAN X video card - the most powerful single-chip gaming solution of our time. And the Intel Core i5-6600K processor is a mainstream model equipped with an unlocked multiplier. Then I'll fire up Metro: Last Light, one of the most CPU-intensive games of our day. The graphics quality settings in the application are selected in such a way that the number of frames per second each time rests on the performance of the processor, but not the video card. In the case of the GeForce GTX TITAN X and Metro: Last Light - the maximum graphics quality, but without anti-aliasing. Next, I will measure the average FPS level in the range from 2 GHz to 4.5 GHz in Full HD, WQHD and Ultra HD resolutions.
The most noticeable effect of processor dependence, which is logical, is manifested in light modes. So, in 1080p, as the frequency increases, the average FPS also steadily increases. The results were very impressive: when the speed of the Core i5-6600K increased from 2 GHz to 3 GHz, the number of frames per second in Full HD resolution increased from 70 FPS to 92 FPS, that is, by 22 frames per second. With an increase in frequency from 3 GHz to 4 GHz - another 13 FPS. Thus, it turns out that the processor used, with the given graphics quality settings, was able to “pump” the GeForce GTX TITAN X in Full HD only from 4 GHz - it was from this mark that the number of frames per second with an increase in the CPU frequency stopped growing.
As the resolution increases, the effect of processor dependence becomes less noticeable. Namely, the number of frames stops growing, starting from 3.7 GHz. Finally, in Ultra HD resolution, we almost immediately ran into the potential of the graphics adapter.
There are many discrete graphics cards. It is customary in the market to catalog these devices in three segments: Low-end, Middle-end and High-end. Captain Evidence suggests that different processors with different frequencies are suitable for different performance graphics adapters.
Now I'll take the GeForce GTX 950 video card - a representative of the upper Low-end segment (or lower Middle-end), that is, the absolute opposite of the GeForce GTX TITAN X. The device belongs to the entry level, however, it is able to provide a decent level of performance in modern games in Full HD resolution. As you can see from the graphs below, the processor, operating at a frequency of 3 GHz, “pumps” the GeForce GTX 950 in both Full HD and WQHD. The difference with the GeForce GTX TITAN X is visible to the naked eye.
It is important to understand that the less load falls on the “shoulders” of the video card, the higher the frequency of the central processor should be. It is irrational to purchase, for example, an adapter of the GeForce GTX TITAN X level and use it in games at a resolution of 1600x900 pixels.
Video cards of the Low-end level (GeForce GTX 950, Radeon R7 370) will have enough of a central processor operating at a frequency of 3 GHz. Middle-end adapters (Radeon R9 280X, GeForce GTX 770) - 3.4-3.6 GHz. High-end flagship video cards (Radeon R9 Fury, GeForce GTX 980 Ti) - 3.7-4 GHz. Productive bundles SLI/CrossFire - 4-4.5 GHz
Architecture
In reviews devoted to the release of one or another generation of central processors, the authors continually state that the difference in performance in x86 calculations is a meager 5-10% year after year. This is a kind of tradition. Neither AMD nor Intel has seen any serious progress for a long time, and phrases like " I continue to sit on mySandyBridge, I'll wait until next year»become winged. As I said, in games, the processor also has to process a large amount of data. In this case, a reasonable question arises: to what extent is the effect of processor dependence observed in systems with different architectures?
For both AMD and Intel chips, you can define a list of modern architectures that are still popular. They are relevant, on a global scale, the difference in performance between them is not so big.
Let's take a couple of chips - Core i7-4790K and Core i7-6700K - and make them work at the same frequency. Processors based on the Haswell architecture are known to have appeared in the summer of 2013, and Skylake solutions in the summer of 2015. That is, exactly two years have passed since the update of the “so” processor line (this is how Intel calls crystals based on completely different architectures).
As you can see, there is no difference between Core i7-4790K and Core i7-6700K running at the same frequencies. Skylake is ahead of Haswell only in three games out of ten: in Far Cry 4 (by 12%), in GTA V (by 6%) and in Metro: Last Light (by 6%) - that is, in all the same processor-dependent applications. However, 6% is mere trifles.
A few platitudes: it is obvious that it is better to assemble a gaming computer based on the most modern platform. After all, not only the performance of the chips themselves is important, but also the functionality of the platform as a whole.
Modern architectures with a few exceptions have the same performance in computer games. Owners of processor families Sandy Bridge, Ivy Bridge and Haswell can feel quite calm. With AMD, the situation is similar: various variations of the modular architecture (Bulldozer, Piledriver, Steamroller) in games have approximately the same level of performance
Cores and Threads
The third and perhaps the determining factor that limits the performance of a video card in games is the number of CPU cores. Not without reason, an increasing number of games in the minimum system requirements indicate the need for a quad-core CPU. Vivid examples include such modern hits as GTA V, Far Cry 4, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and Assassin's Creed Unity.
As I said at the very beginning, the first quad-core processor appeared nine years ago. Now there are 6- and 8-core solutions on sale, but 2- and 4-core models are still in use. I will give a table of markings for some popular AMD and Intel lines, dividing them depending on the number of "heads".
2-core | 4-core | 6-core | 8-core |
|
FX-4000, A8, A10, Athlon X4 | FX-8000, FX-9000 |
|||
Pentium, Celeron, Core i3 | Core i5, Core i7 | Core i7-3900, Core i7-4900, Core i7-5800 |
AMD hybrid processors (A4, A6, A8 and A10) are sometimes referred to as 8-, 10- and even 12-core. It's just that the company's marketers add elements of the built-in graphic module to the computing units. Indeed, there are applications that can use heterogeneous computing (when x86 cores and embedded video process the same information together), but this scheme is not used in computer games. The computational part performs its task, the graphic - its own.
Some Intel processors (Core i3 and Core i7) have a certain number of cores but double the number of threads. This is the responsibility of Hyper-Threading technology, which was first used in Pentium 4 chips. Threads and cores are slightly different things, but we will talk about this a bit later. In 2016, AMD will release processors based on the Zen architecture. For the first time, the "red" chips will acquire technology similar to Hyper-Threading.
Let's do a little experiment. I took 10 popular games. I agree that such an insignificant number of applications is not enough to say with 100% certainty that the effect of processor dependence has been fully studied. However, the list included only hits that clearly demonstrate the trends in modern game development. The graphics quality settings were selected in such a way that the final results did not rest against the capabilities of the video card. For the GeForce GTX TITAN X, this is the maximum quality (without anti-aliasing) and Full HD resolution. The choice of such an adapter is obvious. If the processor can "pump" the GeForce GTX TITAN X, then it will cope with any other video card. The stand used the top Core i7-5960X for the LGA2011-v3 platform. Testing was carried out in four modes: when activating only 2 cores, only 4 cores, only 6 cores and 8 cores. Hyper-Threading multithreading technology was not involved. Plus, testing was carried out with two frequencies: at nominal 3.3 GHz and overclocked to 4.3 GHz.
GTA V is one of the few modern games that use all eight "crusts" of the processor. Therefore, it can be called the most processor-dependent. On the other hand, the difference between six and eight cores was not so impressive. Judging by the results, the two cores are very far behind other modes of operation. The game slows down, a large number of textures are simply not drawn. The stand with four cores shows noticeably better results. It lags only 6.9% behind the six-core one, and 11% behind the eight-core one. Whether in this case the game is worth the candle - you decide. However, GTA V clearly demonstrates how the number of processor cores affects the performance of the video card in games.
The vast majority of games behave in a similar way. In seven out of ten applications, the system with two cores turned out to be processor-dependent. That is, the FPS level was limited by the central processor. At the same time, in three out of ten games, the six-core bench showed an advantage over the quad-core one. True, the difference cannot be called significant. Far Cry 4 turned out to be the most radical game - it stupidly did not start on a system with two cores.
The increase from the use of six and eight cores in most cases turned out to be either too small, or there was none at all.
The three games loyal to the dual-core system were The Witcher 3, Assassin's Creed Unity and Tomb Raider. In all modes, the same results were demonstrated.
For those who are interested, I will give a table with the full test results.
Four cores is the optimal number for today. At the same time, it is obvious that gaming computers should not be assembled with a dual-core processor. In 2015, just such a “stone” is the bottleneck in the system
We figured out the cores. The test results clearly show that in most cases four "heads" in a processor are better than two. At the same time, some Intel models (Core i3 and Core i7) can boast of supporting Hyper-Threading technology. Without going into details, I note that such chips have a certain number of physical cores and twice the number of virtual ones. In ordinary applications, Hyper-Threading is certainly useful. But how does this technology fare in games? This issue is especially relevant for the line of Core i3 processors - nominally dual-core solutions.
To determine the effectiveness of multithreading in games, I assembled two test benches: with a Core i3-4130 and a Core i7-6700K. In both cases, a GeForce GTX TITAN X graphics card was used.
In almost all games, Hyper-Threading technology has affected the performance of the graphics subsystem. Naturally, for the better. In some cases, the difference has been enormous. For example, in The Witcher, the number of frames per second increased by 36.4%. True, in this game without Hyper-Threading, disgusting friezes were observed every now and then. I note that the Core i7-5960X did not notice such problems.
As for the quad-core Core i7 processor with Hyper-Threading, support for these technologies made itself felt only in GTA V and Metro: Last Light. That is, only two games out of ten. They also noticeably increased the minimum FPS. Overall, the Hyper-Threaded Core i7-6700K was 6.6% faster in GTA V and 9.7% faster in Metro: Last Light.
Hyper-Threading in Core i3 is really dragging, especially if the system requirements indicate a quad-core processor model. But in the case of Core i7, the increase in performance in games is not so significant.
Cache
We figured out the main parameters of the central processor. Each processor has a certain amount of cache. Today, up to four levels of this type of memory are used in modern integrated solutions. The cache of the first and second levels, as a rule, is determined by the architectural features of the chip. The cache of the third level from model to model can change. I will give a small table for your reference.
No L3 cache | 10 or more MB L3 |
||||||
A4, A6, A8, A10, Athlon X4 | FX-6000, FX-8000, FX-9000 | ||||||
Core i3, Pentium | Core i3, Core i5 Broadwell | Core i5, Core i7 Broadwell | Core i7-3900, Core i7-4900, Core i7-5800, Core i7-5900 |
So, the more productive Core i7 processors have 8 MB of cache in the third level, the slower Core i5 have 6 MB. Will these 2 MB affect performance in games?
It's very easy to check. To do this, you need to take two processors from the Core i5 and Core i7 lines, set the same frequency for them and disable Hyper-Threading technology. As a result, in the nine games tested, only F1 2015 showed a noticeable difference of 7.4%. The rest of the 3D entertainment did not respond in any way to the 2-MB cache deficit in the third level in the Core i5-6600K.
The difference in L3 cache between Core i5 and Core i7 processors in most cases does not affect system performance in modern games
AMD or Intel?
All tests discussed above were carried out with the participation of Intel processors. However, this does not mean at all that we do not consider AMD solutions as the basis for a gaming computer. Below are the results of testing using the FX-6350 chip used in the highest performing AMD AM3+ platform, using four and six cores. Unfortunately, I did not have an 8-core AMD "stone" at my disposal.
GTA V has already established itself as the most processor-intensive game. With the use of four cores in an AMD system, the average FPS level turned out to be higher than, for example, Core i3 (without Hyper-Threading). In addition, in the game itself, the image was rendered smoothly, without slowdowns. But in all other cases, the Intel cores turned out to be consistently faster. The difference between processors is significant.
Below is a table with full testing of the AMD FX processor.
There is no noticeable difference between AMD and Intel in only two games: The Witcher and Assassin's Creed Unity. In principle, the results lend themselves perfectly to logic. They reflect the real alignment of forces in the market of central processors. Intel cores are noticeably more powerful. Including in games. Four AMD cores compete with two Intel. At the same time, the average FPS is often higher for the latter. Six AMD cores compete with four Core i3 threads. Logically, eight "heads" of the FX-8000/9000 should impose a fight on the Core i5. Yes, AMD cores are absolutely deservedly called "semi-cores". These are the features of modular architecture.
The result is banal. For games, Intel solutions are better suited. However, among budget solutions (Athlon X4, FX-4000, A8, Pentium, Celeron), AMD products are preferable. Testing has shown that the slower four cores perform better in CPU-intensive games than the faster two Intel cores. In the middle and high price ranges (Core i3, Core i5, Core i7, A10, FX-6000, FX-8000, FX-9000), Intel solutions are already preferable
DirectX 12
As mentioned at the very beginning of the article, with the release of Windows 10, DirectX 12 became available for game developers. The DirectX 12 architecture finally determined the direction of development of modern game development: developers began to need low-level programming interfaces. The main task of the new API is to rationally use the hardware capabilities of the system. This includes the use of all computational threads of the processor, and general-purpose calculations on the GPU, and direct access to the resources of the graphics adapter.
Windows 10 has just arrived. However, there are already applications in nature that support DirectX 12. For example, Futuremark has integrated the Overhead subtest into the benchmark. This preset is able to determine the performance of a computer system using not only the DirectX 12 API, but also AMD Mantle. The way the Overhead API works is simple. DirectX 11 imposes limits on the number of processor drawing commands. DirectX 12 and Mantle solve this problem by allowing more draw commands to be called. So, during the test, an increasing number of objects are displayed. Until the graphics adapter can no longer cope with their processing, and the FPS does not fall below 30 frames. For testing, I used a stand with a Core i7-5960X processor and a Radeon R9 NANO video card. The results turned out to be very interesting.
It is noteworthy that in patterns using DirectX 11, changing the number of CPU cores has almost no effect on the overall result. But with the use of DirectX 12 and Mantle, the picture changes dramatically. Firstly, the difference between DirectX 11 and low-level APIs turns out to be just cosmic (somewhere by an order of magnitude). Secondly, the number of "heads" of the central processor significantly affects the final result. This is especially noticeable when moving from two cores to four and from four to six. In the first case, the difference reaches almost a two-fold mark. At the same time, there are no special differences between six and eight cores and sixteen threads.
As you can see, the potential of DirectX 12 and Mantle (in the 3DMark benchmark) is simply huge. One should not forget that we are dealing with synthetics, they do not play it. In reality, it makes sense to evaluate the profit from using the latest low-level APIs only in real computer entertainment.
The first PC games that support DirectX 12 are already on the horizon. These are Ashes of the Singularity and Fable Legends. They are in active beta testing. The other day colleagues from Anandtech conducted a large-scale testing of Fable Legends with DirectX 12. The results were not as impressive as we would like.
Testing was carried out with three Intel processors and two video cards: GeForce GTX 980 Ti and Radeon R9 Fury X. Processor dependence was observed only at a very low resolution of 1280x720 (720p), which is not surprising. At higher resolutions, the stands showed almost the same results.
Finally
Let's summarize all the information received. What should be the ideal central processing unit for a gaming computer? First, it must have at least four threads. As testing has shown, the Hyper-Treading technology in the Core i3 really contributes to an increase in the number of frames per second. If we are talking about Intel processors, then the Core i5 models are the golden mean. At the same time, several games have demonstrated that they are well optimized for working with 6- and 8-core "stones". Why Core i5? Unfortunately, the price difference between the quad-core Core i5-6600K and the six-core Core i7-5820K is no less than $147, and the difference in gaming performance is a few percent.
If we are talking about AMD processors, then for the top-level video cards of the Middle-end, as well as the High-end, only an 8-core FX-8000/9000 chip is required. At the same time, in the budget segment, 4-core AMD models (A8, Athlon X4) look better than dual-core Intel Pentium/Celeron. In the middle and high ranges, the situation is reversed. Here the superiority of Intel processors is noticeable.
If you try to make a recommendation for choosing a processor for a gaming computer in one phrase, it will turn out something like this: take the Core i5.
Secondly, the clock frequency of the processor is important. Video cards of the upper level of the Low-end and the lower level of the Middle-end are suitable for models operating at a speed of 3 GHz and higher. Adapters of the upper level Middle-end and initial High-end - 3.4-3.6 GHz. The flagship AMD Radeon and NVIDIA GeForce will require a CPU running at 3.7-4 GHz. Finally, tandems of top-end CrossFire/SLI video cards require a chip operating at frequencies of 4-4.5 GHz and higher. Do not forget about such a moment as the rational use of the graphics adapter.
As testing has shown, architectural features do not greatly affect performance in games. Therefore, solutions based on modern architectures are equally suitable for assembling a gaming computer: Intel has Sandy Bridge, Ivy Bridge, Haswell, Broadwell and Skylake; AMD has Bulldozer, Piledriver and Steamroller.
In conclusion, I will give a table in which, according to my opinion, I will try to put processors and video cards in their places. I hope you find it useful.
Processor brand | CPU frequency | Examples of gaming graphics cards |
AMD (4 cores):
Intel (2 cores, 4 threads):
| 3000-3300 MHz |
|
Initial Middle-end:
|
||
AMD (6 cores):
Intel (2 cores, 4 threads):
| 3400-3600 MHz |
|
AMD (8 cores):
Intel (4 cores):
| 3400-3600 MHz | Initial High End:
|
AMD (8 cores):
Intel (4 cores or more):
| 3700-4000 MHz |
|
The choice of processor is one of the most important decisions that affect the performance of a computer or laptop, so you should at least know what to expect from it.
When choosing, everyone wants to get the best. There are not many tasks here. Usually they ask what is the best manufacturer amd or manufacturer intel, which generation, which line and which manufacturer.
Regarding which processor is better than amd or intel, then everyone leans towards intel, and they are correspondingly more expensive.
Usually in search they rush between intel core2 duo, pentium, celeron, atom, i3, i5, i7, but if you choose, for example, for games, then it’s not a fact that intel core i5 will be better than i3, since there are many of those and those.
The wrong choice of computing device can lead to a deep sense of dissatisfaction, for example, when you are a gamer and accidentally bought a model strictly for the office.
Unfortunately, this will not pass painlessly, as the insight into change comes too late.
There are significant differences among the systems installed in desktop PCs, which makes it difficult to make a quick decision.
The number of cores, confusing symbols, Turbo mode, multipliers - such a flow of information, most buyers are in a stupor.
They can't understand what's what and rely on the experience of retailers who are not always competent in these matters, but are well versed in marketing.
How to choose the best Intel processor yourself
Many sites publish processor comparisons, although such publications are usually aimed at advanced readers, showering them with confusing analyzes that mean nothing to ordinary users.
If you do not have the slightest idea about computer components, then you better sit in front of the monitor for a bit now, and not rely on someone else's opinion, so to speak, master the basics.
Contrary to appearances, choosing the "best processor" for your computer is easier than you might think, just a bit of technical knowledge to navigate the categories.
Let's start with a simplified map - Intel processors have a very diverse offer, which is divided into several segments, starting from the budget.
Of course, faster models are more expensive, offering better performance and additional technology.
Detailed characteristics of each line can be found on this page below, which will facilitate further understanding of the description.
What is the best Intel Celeron processor
Celeron - the cheapest dual-core processors for office applications and computers with basic functionality, that is: for text editors, simple browser games, surfing the Internet or watching movies.
The Pentium is dual-core, but noticeably faster than the Celeron, but still not primarily designed for complex tasks. Often chosen by players with modest requirements.
The Core i3 is a very versatile device for work and play, featuring two cores and Hyper Threading.
Core i5 - has four cores and Turbo Boost technology, supports all typical applications, including semi-professional ones. Designed for games.
Core i7 are the fastest models with four or more cores, Hyper Threading and Turbo Boost modes, combining the best features of the aforementioned systems. They deliver uncompromising performance on every front.
Intel K-series / X - processors with an unlocked multiplier for overclockers and unlimited power, which, if necessary, can independently increase their clock speed, to a higher than standard settings.
Intel T/S series - both types of processors are characterized by lower TDP, which emit less heat. Their performance is lower than in conventional models, but at the same time, the demand for electricity is reduced.
To choose the best processor - determine your needs
First you need to answer the main question - what will be mainly used on the computer?
Only then can you look for a suitable solution. If you're in an area of interest that doesn't require PC gaming and powerful software, a low to mid-range processor is enough for you.
The situation is completely different for entertainment lovers who use a multi-threaded application.
Here you will definitely need a modern block of the best work. For processors that play Battlefield 4, Crysis 3 tudzież Watch Dogs well, and you want the releases of the latest Grand Theft Auto V, Far Cry 4 and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, the bar definitely needs to be raised.
The processor is the most important, as it is responsible for a part of the calculation that no other system does.
A weak processor combined with a fast graphics card will limit the performance of the entire computer. Let's see what features the different series offer.
Hyper Threading is a technology for doubling the number of supported threads in order to increase the efficiency of parallel computing, that is: a dual-core processor can perform four operations simultaneously. It is available in Core i3 and Core i7 models.
Turbo Boost - Automatically increases the processor's clock speed to the factory-specified value, providing a safe way to free up performance. You don't need to configure anything. It is available in Core i5 and Core i7.
Intel Quick Sync is a technology that uses special mechanisms to create and process media, making media conversion faster and easier. Supported by all 4th generation Celeron, Pentium, Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7.
Layout - All Intel Core socket LGA 1150 based on Haswell architecture has an integrated Intel HD graphics chip, so no external graphics card is required to run the computer. The performance of such chips varies greatly.
Instructions are a set of programmed commands to speed up the execution of some operations that have a very significant impact on processor performance.
The fourth-generation Core series, depending on the model, supports many instructions and their number increases with a higher position in the product hierarchy.
Load "to the maximum" - insurance processor
An interesting service that probably few people have heard of is the extended warranty on Intel processors, which also provides for emergencies due to a user malfunction.
The fact is that processors "die" extremely rarely, however, incorrect settings can cause overheating.
If the product will work normally, use the normal warranty. The problem may be in the cases mentioned above, which is not included in the standard contract.
In other words, Extended Service provides a brand new warranty for replacement in case of damage.
The cost of such protection is closely dependent on the model, starting from $10 and going up to $35.
All action is aimed primarily at overclockers, various experimental enthusiasts and covers only blocks with an unlocked multiplier (K or X version).
Which is the best Intel Celeron processor
For desktops, the cheapest dual-core Celeron processors use the latest energy-efficient Haswell architecture, thus providing good performance in mainstream applications.
Working with spreadsheets, documents, tests, surfing the net or watching movies with Celeron will be no problem.
It's important to note that the integrated Intel HD graphics chip eliminates the need for an external graphics card, allowing you to keep your computer's costs down if you're interested in gaming.
- Celeron G1840T - 2500 MHz ->
- Celeron G1840 - 2800 MHz ->
- Celeron G1850 - 2900 MHz -> two cores / two threads / Intel HD.
For example, the Celeron G1840 build is suitable for creating a small media center connected to a TV or a home file server, taking a minimum amount of energy, so they can be passively cooled.
What is the best Intel Pentium processor
Like the Celeron processors, Pentiums are dual-core, aimed at users with modest requirements who need a PC mainly for simple tasks.
Their advantages over weaker brothers are higher clock speeds, but the price is still low.
Although the manufacturer did not create them for entertainment, i.e. technically advanced games, in combination with an external graphics card, perform well in games that do not use more than two cores.
Unfortunately, people who are looking to the future should consider buying something faster. The Pentium lineup includes the following models:
- Pentium G3240T - 2700 MHz -> 2 cores / 2 threads / Intel HD.
- Pentium G3440T - 2800 MHz -> 2 cores / 2 threads / Intel HD.
- Pentium G3240 - 3200 MHz -> 2 cores / 2 threads / Intel HD.
- Pentium G3258 - 3200 MHz -> 2 cores / 2 threads / Intel HD.
- Pentium G3440 - 3300 MHz -> 2 cores / 2 threads / Intel HD.
- Pentium G3450 - 3400 MHz -> 2 cores / 2 threads / Intel HD.
Pentiums are inexpensive - the price depends on the configuration. Since Intel HD is integrated into them, they can work successfully without an external video card.
These solutions are admittedly weak, but easily allow you to display the desktop, watch a movie or play a simple game.
The latest Pentium is celebrating its 20th birthday with a limited overclocking G3258 processor. It's an interesting choice for the budget-conscious enthusiast.
What is the best processor of the Intel Core i3 line
The Core i3 certainly belongs in a bigger league than the Celeron and Pentium processors. It supports Hyper Threading technologies, doubling the number of supported threads and improving the efficiency of parallel computing.
In this case, the dual-core processor can perform up to four operations simultaneously. But here you must clearly understand that such a function must be supported by the operating system and the application being launched.
Thus, the advantage of Hyper Threading may not always work, but on the latest games it is immediately noticeable. The series includes the following models:
- i3-4150T - 3000 MHz ->
- i3-4350T - 3100 MHz ->
- i3-4150 - 3500 MHz -> two cores / 4 threads / Intel 4400 HD.
- i3-4350 - 3600 MHz -> two cores / 4 threads / Intel 4600 HD.
- i3-4360 - 3700 MHz -> two cores / 4 threads / Intel 4600 HD.
Core i3 fourth generation which can be used for various tasks. While players recommend investing in a Core i5 Quad, the Core i3s also provide decent liquidity, especially when paired with NVIDIA GeForce graphics whose drivers enable Hyper Threading.
In addition, Core i3 processors have their own integrated Intel HD 4000 cards, which are much faster than those found in Celeron and Pentium, allowing you to run more modern games.
What is the best processor of the Intel Core i5 line
Core i5 should meet the expectations of the vast majority of computer users who are looking for efficient and future-proof solutions.
First, they have four cores (without Hyper Threading) that have enough processing power for every type of application.
Secondly, they are equipped with Turbo Boost technology, automatically increasing their synchronization. All in all, this makes for a very powerful combination, especially with the Intel Haswell architecture.
Today, four cores are slowly becoming the standard, so you should consider buying one, especially if you want to play Battlefied 4, Grand Theft Auto V, or The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. The series includes the following models:
- i5-4460T - 1900 MHz -> 2700 MHz Turbo / 4 cores / 4 threads / Intel 4600 HD.
- i5-4590T - 2000 MHz -> 3000 MHz Turbo / 4 cores / 4 threads / Intel 4600 HD.
- i5-4690T - 2500 MHz -> 3500 MHz Turbo / 4 cores / 4 threads / Intel 4600 HD.
- i5-4460S - 2900 MHz ->
- i5-4590S - 3000 MHz ->
- i5-4690S - 3200 MHz ->
- i5-4460 - 3200 MHz -> 3400 MHz Turbo / 4 cores / 4 threads / Intel 4600 HD.
- i5-4590 - 3300 MHz -> 3700 MHz Turbo / 4 cores / 4 threads / Intel 4600 HD.
- i5-4690 - 3500 MHz -> 3900 MHz Turbo / 4 cores / 4 threads / Intel 4600 HD.
Core i5 can be with a dedicated graphics card, which will allow you to play comfortably. But like the rest of Intel's fourth-generation processors, the Core i5 has an integrated graphics chip that allows it to sample images on its own.
Such devices do not require additional investment in other components. The original cooling system is quite enough for them, as well as mid-range power and the motherboard.
Although the price of the Core i5 is noticeably higher than the Core i3, in the long run, such a purchase will be justified. A good processor doesn't change too often after all.
What is the best processor of the Intel Core i7 line
The Core i7 is absolutely top of the line offerings from Intel and is designed for demanding gamers and professionals, bringing together all the positive features of other models in one system.
The first is four cores and support for Hyper Threading, doubling the number of supported threads in parallel, that is: a quad-core processor can perform up to eight operations simultaneously.
Of course, this function must be supported by the operating system, as well as the application being launched. The second thing is the Turbo Boost mode, in which the clock speed is automatically increased to very high values, reaching up to 4400 MHz, providing owners with uncompromising performance. The series includes models:
- i7-4785T -> 2200 MHz - 3200 MHz Turbo / 4 cores / 8 threads / Intel 4600 HD.
- i7-4790T -> 2700 MHz - 3900 MHz Turbo / 4 cores / 8 threads / Intel 4600 HD.
- i7-4790S -> 3200 MHz - 4000 MHz Turbo / 4 cores / 8 threads / Intel 4600 HD.
- i7-4790 -> 3600 MHz - 4000 MHz Turbo / 4 cores / 8 threads / Intel 4600 HD.
Until recently, the Core i7 required specialized software that was able to take advantage of Hyper Threading.
Nowadays, more and more games are starting to use Hyper Threading, such as Crysis 3.
The Core i7 processors have integrated graphics and are among the fastest among all models designed for the desktop market.
What is the best processor manufacturer Intel
A separate category of Core i5 and i7 socket LGA 1150 models with the letter K placed in the name (except for models of the Core i7 Extreme series, designed for absolute performance enthusiasts) will provide free overclocking using a multiplier.
Although the Pentium G3258 has been released for twenty years so far, it offers identical functionality, it certainly belongs to the lower segment of the market.
So let's focus on those two. What benefits will the K processors bring?
When you find that the computer is not powerful enough, you can manually increase or free up unused computing power.
Conventional models do not allow such operations in any respect, and the profit can reach several hundred megahertz, increasing the overall performance by tens of percent. The series includes:
- i5-4690K -> 3500 MHz - 3900 MHz Turbo / 4 cores - 4 threads / Intel 4600 HD.
- i7-4790K -> 4000 MHz - 4400 MHz Turbo / 4 cores / 8 threads / Intel 4600 HD.
You have to pay a little extra for the privilege of having an unlocked processor, but if you play at the highest settings, consider buying at least an i5-4690K core.
Of course, overclocking is rewarding and requires a bit of knowledge in the field, a better motherboard and cooling system, so it's a treat for slightly more advanced users.
Don't worry - I'll explain how to safely perform these steps soon. Only if you are very afraid of damage to the processor, you can take advantage of the extended warranty, which covers accidents, for example, when it burns out due to too high supply voltages.
A good game is certainly worth it, and in the future, gaming loads will only increase - do not doubt it, but now you know which is the best processor and which generation is better to choose: intel i5 or i7, celeron or intel pentium, intel or mediatek, pentium or intel, mediatek or intel atom. Good luck.
Best Processor for Gaming | Introduction
Detailed specifications are great, but only if you have time to study them. However, all the user needs is best cpu for gaming for the available amount. For those who do not have time to look through numerous test results, for those who do not feel confident enough in choosing best processor for gaming, absolutely nothing to be afraid of: the editors regularly update this article, which talks about choosing best processor for gaming for every budget and taste. At the same time, you will find links here to the most up-to-date detailed reviews if you want to clarify any details.
A few notes to understand the article:
The article "" is written for gamers who want to get the most out of their investments. If you are not a gamer, then the processors from this list are most likely more expensive than what you really need. In any case, regardless of whether you need best cpu for gaming, or for work, at the end of the article we have added an indicative list of gaming processors.
The criterion by which the list was compiled is simple: price / performance. We acknowledge that there are other factors that affect the CPU, such as platform price or CPU overclocking potential, but we're not going to complicate things by adding motherboard costs to the list. Our recommendations are based on base clock speeds, performance and pricing.
Prices change daily. In the "" article, we cannot offer you the most up-to-date and accurate pricing information, but we can list a few good chips that you will most likely not regret the money spent on buying.
The list is based on the best prices in Moscow online stores. Prices in other countries or retail stores are likely to vary. In this list, we have provided you with retail prices for new OEM CPUs.
Best Processor for Gaming | List of the best processors for gaming
| Model | Intel Core i7-9700K | Intel Core i5-8400 | AMD Ryzen 5 2400G | AMD Ryzen 3 2200G |
| Category | The best in everything | Best in Price/Performance | budget choice | First level |
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| Price in Russia, rub. | 33500 | 16800 | 11800 | 7600 |
| Processor socket | LGA 1151 | LGA 1151 | AM4 | AM4 |
| Number of cores (threads) | 8 (8) | 6 (6) | 4 (8) | 4 (4) |
| Base clock frequency, GHz | 3,6 | 2,8 | 3,6 | 3,5 |
| Clock frequency in Boost mode, GHz | 4,6 | 1 core: 4.0; 2 cores: 3.9; 4 cores: 3.9; 6 cores: 3.8 | 3,9 | 3,7 |
| RAM speed | DDR4-2666 | DDR4-2666 | up to DDR4-2933 | up to DDR4-2933 |
| RAM controller | dual channel | dual channel | dual channel | dual channel |
| Unlocked multiplier | Yes | Not | Yes | Yes |
| PCI lanes | x16 Gen3 | x16 Gen3 | x8 3.0 | x8 Gen3 |
| Integrated GPU | 350 / 1200 | Intel UHD Graphics 630 (up to 1150 MHz) | Vega | Vega |
| Cache (L2/L3) | 12 MB | 10.5 MB | 4 MB L3 | 4 MB L3 |
| Architecture | coffee lake | coffee lake | Zen - Vega | Kaby Lake |
| Process technology | 14nm++ | 14nm++ | 14nm+ | 14nm+ |
| TDP, W | 95 | 65 | 65 | 65 |
Read also: Hierarchy of Intel and AMD processors: comparison table
What about those processors that are not in our recommendations in the review "Best processor for gaming: current market analysis"? Are they worth buying or not? A comparison table will help you figure it out.
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