For an office, home or gaming computer, it is not that difficult to choose the right processor. You just need to determine the needs, navigate a little in the characteristics and price ranges. It makes no sense to thoroughly study the smallest nuances, if you are not a "geek", but you need to understand what to pay attention to.
For example, you can look for a processor with a higher frequency and cache memory, but without paying attention to the chip core, you can get into a mess. The core, in fact, is the main factor of performance, and the rest of the characteristics are plus or minus. In general terms, I can say that the more expensive a product is in the line of one manufacturer, the better, more powerful and faster it is. But AMD processors are cheaper than Intel's.
- The processor should be chosen depending on the tasks at hand. If in normal mode you have about two resource-intensive programs running, it is better to buy a dual-core "stone" with a high frequency. If more threads are used, it is better to opt for a multi-core of the same architecture, albeit with a lower frequency.
- Hybrid processors (with an integrated video card) will save you money on buying a video card, provided that you do not need to play fancy games. These are almost all modern Intel and AMD processors of the A4-A12 series, but AMD has a stronger graphics core.
- Along with all processors marked "BOX", a cooler should be supplied (of course, a simple model, which will not be enough for high loads, but that is what you need to work in the nominal mode). If you need a cool cooler, then.
- The OEM processors are covered by a one-year warranty, and the BOX is covered by a three-year warranty. If the warranty period provided by the store is shorter, it is better to think about looking for another distributor.
- In some cases, it makes sense to buy percent off hand, so you can save about 30% of the amount. True, this method of buying is associated with a certain risk, so you need to pay attention to the availability of a guarantee and the seller's reputation.
Main technical characteristics of processors
Now about some of the characteristics that are still worth mentioning. It is not necessary to delve into, but it will be useful to understand my recommendations for specific models.
Each processor has its own socket (platform), i.e. name of the connector on the motherboard for which it is intended. Whichever processor you choose, be sure to look at socket matching. There are several platforms at the moment.
- LGA1150 - not for top-end processors, used for office computers, gaming and home media centers. Entry-level integrated graphics except Intel Iris / Iris Pro. Already out of circulation.
- LGA1151 is a modern platform, recommended for future upgrades to newer "stones". The processors themselves are not much faster than the previous platform, that is, there is really no point in upgrading to it. But on the other hand, there is a more powerful integrated graphics core of the Intel Graphics series, DDR4 memory is supported, but it does not give a strong performance gain.
- LGA2011-v3 is a top platform designed for building high-performance desktop systems based on Intel X299 system logic, expensive, outdated.
- LGA 2066 (Socket R4) - socket for HEDT (Hi-End) Intel Skylake-X and Kaby Lake-X processors, replaced 2011-3.
- AM1 for weak, energy efficient processors
- AM3 + common socket, suitable for most AMD processors, incl. for high-performance processors without integrated video core
- The AM4 is designed for Ryzen brand Zen microprocessors with and without integrated graphics and beyond. Added support for DDR4 memory.
- FM2 / FM2 + for budget Athlon X2 / X4 variants without integrated graphics.
- sTR4 is a type of connector for the HEDT family of Ryzen Threadripper microprocessors. Similar to server sockets, the most massive and for desktops.
There are outdated platforms that you can buy in order to save money, but you need to take into account that new processors for them will no longer be made: LGA1155, AM3, LGA2011, AM2 / +, LGA775 and others that are not on the lists.
Kernel name. Each line of prots has its own kernel name. For example, Intel now has Sky Lake, Kaby Lake and the newest eighth generation Coffee Lake. AMD has Richland, Bulldozer, Zen. The higher the generation, the more high-performance chip, with lower power consumption, and the more technologies are introduced.
Number of Cores: from 2 to 18 pieces. The bigger, the better. But there is such a moment: programs that do not know how to distribute the load across the cores will run faster on a dual-core with a higher clock frequency than on a 4-core, but with a lower frequency. In short, if there is no clear technical task, then the rule works: more is better, and the further, the more correct it will be.
Technical process, measured in nanometers, for example - 14nm. Doesn't affect performance, but it does affect CPU heating. Each new generation of processors is manufactured using a new process technology with a lower nm. This means that if you take a processor of the previous generation and about the same new one, then the latter will heat up less. But, since new products are made faster, they heat up in about the same way. That is, improving the technical process enables manufacturers to make faster processors.
Clock frequency, is measured in gigahertz, for example - 3.5 GHz. The more, the better, but only within the same series. If you take an old Pentium with a frequency of 3.5 GHz and a new one, the old one will be many times slower. This is because they have completely different kernels.
Almost all "stones" are capable of accelerating, i.e. operate at a higher frequency than that indicated in the characteristics. But this is a topic for those who understand, tk. you can burn the processor or get a non-working system!
Cache size 1, 2 and 3 levels, one of the key characteristics, the more, the faster. The first level is the most important, the third is less important. Directly depends on the kernel and series.
TDP- dissipated thermal power, well, or how much at maximum load. A lower number means less heating. Without clear personal preferences, you can ignore this. Powerful processors consume 110-220 watts of electricity per load. You can see the diagram of the approximate power consumption of Intel and AMD processors under normal load, the less the better:
Model, series: does not apply to the characteristics, but nevertheless I want to tell you how to understand which processor is better within the same series, without delving into the characteristics. Processor name, for example " consists of the series " Core i3 ″ and model numbers "8100". The first number means the line of processors on some core, and the next one is its "performance index", roughly speaking. So, we can estimate that:
- Core i3-8300 is faster than i3-8100
- i3-8100 is faster than i3-7100
- But the i3-7300 will be faster than the i3-8100, despite the younger series, because the 300 strongly more than 100. I think you get the point.
The same goes for AMD.
Are you going to play on the computer?
The next point that needs to be decided in advance: the gaming future of the computer. For Farm Frenzy and other simple online games, any built-in graphics will do. If buying an expensive video card is not included in the plans, but you want to play, then you need to take a processor with a normal graphics core Intel Graphics 530/630 / Iris Pro, AMD Radeon RX Vega Series. Even modern games will run in Full HD 1080p resolution at minimum and medium graphics quality settings. You can play World of Tanks, GTA, Dota and others.
If so, it makes sense to take a processor without integrated graphics at all, and save on this (or get more power for the same price). The circle can be narrowed in this way:
- AMD has FX series processors for AM3 + platform and A12 / 10/8/6/4 hybrid solutions, as well as Athlon X4 for FM2 + / AM4
- Intel has SkyLake and Kaby Lake series processors for LGA1151 and LGA2066 platforms and outdated BroadWell-E for LGA2011-v3 (there are only a few models).
You also need to take into account that a powerful video card and a processor need to match. I will not give clear answers to questions like "what processor is needed for this video card". This issue needs to be studied independently by reading the relevant reviews, tests, comparisons, forums. But I will give a couple of recommendations.
First, you need a minimum 4-core processor. Even more cores will not add much fps in games. At the same time, it turns out that 4-core AMD are better suited for games than 2-core Intel at the same or even less price.
Secondly, you can orient yourself like this: the cost of the processor is equal to the cost of the video card. In fact, despite dozens of models, do right choice not difficult.
AMD note
The most budgetary line is called "Sempron". With each new generation, performance increases, but still these are the weakest processors. Recommended only for working with office documents, surfing the Internet, watching videos and music.
The company has a series of FX - these are obsolete top-end chips for the AM3 + platform. All have an unlocked multiplier, i.e. they are easy to overclock (if necessary). There are 4, 6 and 8 core models. Supports automatic overclocking technology - Turbo Core. Only DDR3 memory works. Better when the platform works with DDR4.
There are also mid-range products - Athlon X4 and a line of hybrid processors (with integrated graphics) A4 / A6 / A8 / A10 / A12. This is for FM2 / FM2 + / AM4 platforms. The A-series is divided into 2- and 4-cores. The power of the integrated graphics is higher in the older models. If the name has the letter "K" at the end, then this model comes with an unlocked multiplier, ie easier to overclock. Turbo Core is supported. It makes sense to take something from the A-series, only if there is no separate video card.
For socket AM4, the newest processors are the Ryzen 3, Ryzen 5, Ryzen 7 series. Positioned as competitors Intel Core i3, i5, i7. There are no integrated graphics and with it, then the model name will have the letter G, for example, AMD Ryzen A5 2400G. The top-of-the-line with 8-16 core processors is the AMD Ryzen Threadripper with a massive cooling system.
Intel Note
The LGA1151 platform includes a full range of models, listed in order of performance order: Celeron, Pentium, Core i3 / i5 / i7. There are economical processors, in their name there are letters "T" or "S". They are slower and I see no reason to install them in home computers if there is no special need, for example, for a home file storage / media center. Supports DDR4 memory, embedded video everywhere.
The most budget-friendly dual-core processors with integrated graphics are the Celeron, AMD's analogue of Sempron, and the more powerful Pentium. For everyday needs, it is better to install at least a Pentium.
Top LGA2066 for Skylake and Kabylake with i5 / i7 and top i9 series processors. They work with DDR4 memory, have 4-18 cores on board and have no integrated graphics. Unlocked multiplier.
For information:
- Core i5 and i7 processors support Turbo Boost automatic overclocking technology
- Kaby Lake processors are not always faster than their Sky Lake predecessors. The difference in architecture can be offset by different clock rates. As a rule, the faster percent costs a little more, even if it's Sky Lake. But Skylake accelerates well.
- processors with integrated Iris Pro graphics are suitable for quiet game assemblies but they are not cheap
- processors based on LGA1151 platform are suitable for gaming systems, but it doesn't make sense to install more than two video cards, because a maximum of 16 PCI Express lanes are supported. For a complete detachment, you need an LGA2011-v3 or LGA2066 socket and the corresponding stones.
- The Xeon line is designed for servers.
Which is better than AMD or Intel?
This is an eternal controversy, to which thousands of pages of forums on the Internet are devoted, and there is no definite answer to it. Both companies follow each other, but for myself I made a choice which is better. In a nutshell - AMD produces optimal budget solutions, while Intel produces more technological and expensive products. AMD rules in the low-cost sector, but this company simply has no analogues to the fastest Intel processors.
Processors do not break, such as monitors or, therefore, the issue of reliability is not an issue here. That is, if you do not overclock the "stone" and use a fan no worse than the boxed (bundled) one, then any processor will serve for many, many years. There are no bad models, but there is a feasibility of buying, depending on the price, characteristics and other factors, such as the presence of one or another motherboard.
I present for review a summary table of the approximate performance in games of Intel and AMD processors on a powerful GeForce GTX1080 video card, the higher -> the better:
Comparison of processors in tasks. close to everyday, the usual load:
Archiving in 7-zip (less time - better result):
To independently compare different processors, I suggest using the tables. So, let's move from verbosity to specific recommendations.
Processors under $ 40
Of course, you shouldn't expect high performance for this money. Usually such a processor is bought in two cases:
- For an office computer that does not require high performance
- For the so-called " home server»- a computer, the main purpose of which is the storage and playback of video and audio files.
These computers will run high-definition movies and simple games without any problems, but don't count on anything more. To work in the nominal mode, AMD A4, A6 processors are suitable (the higher the model, the slightly more expensive and faster). The cheapest models from the A4 series are NOT recommended, these are slow processors with lagging graphics, worse than those of Intel.
The Intel Celeron G3900-3930 (LGA1151 socket) processor with support for DDR4 memory and more powerful integrated graphics is an excellent choice. These processors overclock well.
If you have an external video card, you can save a little more and take AMD Athlon A4 X2, but it is better to aim at 4 Athlon II X4 cores or, since this processor does not have an integrated graphics core. It is worth mentioning separately that you should NOT pay attention to the quad-core AMD Sempron and Athlon Kabini X4 for socket AM1. These are slow processors, unsuccessful products of the company.
Up to 80 $
There are a little more possibilities here, since for this amount you can buy a good quad-core processor. This also includes the motherboard + integrated processor starter kits. Their purpose is to ensure the stable operation of low and medium power stationary computers. Usually they are enough for comfortable work on the Internet, but such a kit is not suitable for a serious load.
To work in nominal mode, it is best to choose an AMD Athlon X4 processor for the AMD AM4 platform. If you need built-in graphics, then take any you like at a price from AMD series A8, or Intel Pentium Dual-Core G4600 microprocessor for Intel platforms LGA1151.
AMD FX or Athlon X4 xxxK series processors show good performance in overclocking mode. with the letter "K". The multiplier is unlocked in these models, which means they can be easily overclocked. But when buying it, you need to take into account that not every motherboard is suitable for overclocking. Can be used with NVidia GTX1050Ti level video card.
About 120 $
You can choose from AMD Ryzen 3 Series Quad Core APUs on AMD AM4 for media center and even gaming at medium settings. In these "stones" is built a very nice Radeon graphics Vega R8 Series. Looking towards Intel in price category up to $ 120, there is nothing interesting, except for the Pentium G5600.
For overclocking and more, choose an Intel i3-7100 processor. Not the best option for games, because there are only 2, but very fast cores. But the AMD FX-8350 processor with its 8 cores will come in handy. And the clock frequency can be raised from the standard 4 to 4.5 GHz.
Up to 200 $
The best performance in this category is given by Intel processors based on the LGA1151 platform, although AMD is still trying to maintain its position. The Intel i5-7400 is the best choice. Despite its 4 cores, multithreading is supported up to 8. Will show good performance in games and ideal for home applications. Draws attention to AMD Ryzen 5 with excellent Vega 11 graphics card.
At a slightly lower price point, AMD may be more efficient in multi-threaded operations. In other words - for games, you can take the Ryzen 5 series, it will turn out to save money. For other tasks where multithreading is not required, it is better to take a closer look at Intel.
Up to 280 $
For nominal performance, the Intel Core i5-8600 is best suited. If you need to save a little, then the i5-8500 will do. Among AMD, you can take the Ryzen 5 2600X without hesitation. This is a great LAST processor from AMD that makes sense to buy (and overclock;).
For overclocking operation the best choice will be the Intel Core i5-8600k processor for the LGA 1151, which in this case has no competitors. The high frequency and unlocked multiplier make this stone ideal for gamers and overclockers. Among the processors used for overclocking, it is he who so far shows the best price / performance / power consumption ratio.
The Core i5-5675C of the Broadwell generation carries on board the most powerful integrated video card Iris Pro 6200 (GT3e core) and at the same time it does not get very hot, because made according to the 14nm process technology. Suitable for compact and uncompromising gaming systems.
Processors starting at $ 400
If we talk about the best model in this price range, here it is worth highlighting the Intel Core i7-8700K for the Intel LGA 1151 platform. This percentage is the best for both use in nominal mode and for overclocking, and is also great for top-end games at high settings. at corresponding video card... Its antipode is AMD Ryzen 7 products.
If you can afford to spend more on the "stone", the choice here is clear - an Intel Core i7-7820X processor for the LGA 2066 socket. For an adequate price, you will get fast 8 cores, but no integrated graphics. Yes, I think who takes such a quickie and thinks to work on an integrashka From AMD there is a worthy competitor - this is the monster Ryzen Threadripper 1920X with 12 cores.
But the flagship Intel Core i9-7980XE with 18 cores is worth buying only for greater solidity, because, despite the significant difference in price (the flagship costs three times more), in desktop PC tasks, the processor does not break away much in performance. This animal is the sole leader in this price category, both for nominal use and for overclocking.
Should you change your processor?
Unlike smartphones and tablets, there has been little progress in the desktop and laptop industry. As a rule, the processor does not change for several years and works normally. Therefore, it is better to treat his choice responsibly, better with a small margin.
So, processors of 2 or even 3 years ago are not particularly inferior to their modern brothers. The increase in performance, if we take similar prices, is on average 20%, which is almost imperceptible in real life.
Finally, I want to give a couple more tips:
- Don't chase the top models with super power. If you do not play or work in highly demanding applications, then a powerful processor will only eat up excess power and quickly become cheaper over time.
- New items are not much faster than their predecessors, by 10-20% percent, and this is almost imperceptible in everyday work, but they are more expensive and sometimes require replacement of the motherboard for installation.
- When choosing a powerful processor, consider that there is enough power for your power supply based on the power consumption of the "stone" and the entire system unit as a whole!
The central processor is the heart of the computer and the speed of computing operations depends on it. But the speed of work depends not only on him. With slow other components, for example, a hard disk, your computer will slow down even with the coolest animal!
It seems that he told everything he wanted, now if something is not clear, ask in the comments! Only one request - do not write, such as "which processor is better than Intel i5-xxxx or amd fx-xx" and similar questions. All processors have been tested and compared with each other for a long time. There are also ratings that include hundreds of models.
Edited: 2019-04-15
My name is Alexey Vinogradov, I am the author of this wonderful site. I am fond of computers, programs, programming. Over 20 years of experience and a lot of wasted nerves :)
Comments (225)
- In contact with
Alexey Vinogradov
To answer
-
To answer
To answer
-
Elena Malysheva
To answer
Alexey Vinogradov
To answer
Alexey Vinogradov
To answer
Alexey Vinogradov
To answer
To answer
Alexey Vinogradov
To answer
Alexey Vinogradov
To answer
Alexey Vinogradov
To answer
Alexey Vinogradov
To answer
Alexey Vinogradov
To answer
Sergei
To answer
Alexey Vinogradov
To answer
Alexey Vinogradov
To answer
Alexey Vinogradov
To answer
Alexey Vinogradov
To answer
Alexey Vinogradov
To answer
Alexey Vinogradov
To answer
Alexey Vinogradov
To answer
Alexey Vinogradov
To answer
Alexey Vinogradov
To answer
-
To answer
Alexey Vinogradov
To answer
-
Alexey Vinogradov
To answer
Alexey Vinogradov
To answer
Alexander S.
To answer
-
To answer
-
Alexey Vinogradov
To answer
Alexey Vinogradov
To answer
Alexey Vinogradov
To answer
Alexander S.
To answer
Alexey Vinogradov
To answer
Alexey Vinogradov
To answer
Alexey Vinogradov
To answer
Alexander S.
To answer
Alexander S.
To answer
Alexey Vinogradov
To answer
Alexander S.
To answer
Alexey Vinogradov
To answer
Alexander S.
To answer
Gregory
To answer
Alexey Vinogradov
To answer
Alexander S.
To answer
Alexander S.
To answer
-
To answer
-
Alexey Vinogradov
To answer
Alexander S.
To answer
Alexander S.
To answer
Leonid
To answer
Alexander S.
To answer
Alexey Vinogradov
To answer
Alexander S.
To answer
Alexander S.
To answer
-
To answer
-
Alexey Vinogradov
To answer
Alexander S.
To answer
Alexey Vinogradov
To answer
Alexey Vinogradov
To answer
Alexander S.
To answer
Alexey Vinogradov
To answer
Alexey Vinogradov
To answer
Minsk Repairman
To answer
BRedScorpius
To answer
aleksandrzdor
To answer
Dmitriy
To answer
To answer
To answer
To answer
Leonid
To answer
Leonid
To answer
Sergei
To answer
To answer
Stanislav
To answer
Vladislav
To answer
To answer
Alexander
To answer
Alexander
To answer
Igor Novozhilov
To answer
To answer
To answer
To answer
To answer
Alexander S.
To answer
Alexey Vinogradov
To answer
To answer
To answer
To answer
To answer
Alexander S.
To answer
To answer
Alexander S.
To answer
To answer
Vyacheslav
To answer
Dmitriy
To answer
To answer
Konstantin
To answer
Vitaly
To answer
To answer
Dmitriy
To answer
To answer
Alexander S.
To answer
To answer
Leonid
To answer
To answer
Vladimir
To answer
To answer
earring
To answer
To answer
Leonid
To answer
Natalia
To answer
Andrei
To answer
Andrei
To answer
Andrei
Intel is one of the two most popular processor companies for laptops and computers. Many gamers and other users consider this company to be the best and prefer its products. But Intel has a fairly wide lineup. So, figuring out which processor is more suitable for which computer is sometimes not so easy. Especially in order to make it easier for buyers to navigate a wide range of offers from the manufacturer, we have created a rating of Intel processors. With it, you can easily choose a processor to your liking.
No. 10 - Intel Pentium G4400
Price: 5745 rubles
And starting our top chipset is the Intel Pentium G4400 - a great option for budget personal computers.
This processor is based on the Skylake architecture, it consists of two cores, the clock frequency of which is 3.3 GHz. Additional performance of the device is provided by the cache memory, the volume of which here is 3072 KB.
The Pentium G4400 is also capable of image processing. There is a built-in graphics processor SkylakeIntel HD Graphics 510. Of course, it cannot completely replace a full-fledged video card, but it is enough for simple tasks.
This model has a special controller that supports two-way data transfer between the processor and RAM.
This controller is capable of working with memory modules up to 64 GB. So there shouldn't be any problems with installing the required amount of RAM.
Intel Pentium G4400
No. 9 - Intel Pentium G4620
Price: 7085 rubles
The Intel Pentium G4620 is a 3700 MHz dual-core processor. It is designed using a 14nm process technology. This device is based on the Kaby Lake architecture.
In this model, the cache memory is the same - 3 MB, but the graphics processor here is a little more powerful than the HD Graphics 630. Of course, if the comparison is between Pentium G4400 and G4620, then the latter option is better, but not much. It is unlikely that you will feel a significant difference in performance.
That said, the G4620 is a great processor that certainly won't suit professional gamers, but it may well meet the needs of the average user or old game enthusiast.
In general, he will cope with new games, but I will have brakes, and it will not be possible to set the settings to the maximum. If this is not a problem for you, then the G4620 is worth taking. Otherwise, take a closer look at more expensive models.
Intel Pentium G4620
# 8 - Intel Core i3-8300
Price: 12,955 rubles
Having finished with the budget segment, let's move on to the entry-level processors. Intel Core i3-8300 is already a quad-core processor with a clock speed of 3.7 GHz. There is also twice as much cache memory here - as much as 8 MB.
The Core i3-8300 comes with an excellent cooler, which, in fact, is rare for powerful processors. Usually, when you buy a really good processor, you definitely need to buy a cooling system for it, because the base one, as a rule, is terribly lacking in order to maintain a normal operating condition. But in this case, the boxed cooler copes with its task.
The Core i3-8300 is a good processor that, coupled with an equally good graphics card, can handle most modern games.
In addition, it sells for a paltry price, considering all its advantages. So, if you need not the most powerful, but high-quality chipset, we recommend choosing the i3-8300.
Intel Core i3-8300
# 7 - Intel Core i3-8350K
Price: 13100 rubles
Intel Core i3-8350K is an improved version of the previous model. He is also like basic version has four cores and 8 MB of cache, but its clock speed is 4 GHz.
This is a high enough figure that is guaranteed to provide you high productivity... The main advantage of the Core i3-8350K over the Core i3-8300 is the unlocked multiplier.
That is, the processor can also be overclocked. Thus, the already high clock frequency of 4GHz can be raised to 4.6 GHz. This is pretty good overclocking for Intel processors.
Intel Core i3-8350K maintains adequate temperatures well. With active work with a computer, you are unlikely to heat it over 50 degrees, which is just an excellent indicator.
No doubt in the table Intel models, it is one of the best processors in terms of value for money.
Intel Core i3-8350K
# 6 - Intel Core i5-8400
Price: 16 575 rubles
The golden mean in lineup the companies occupy the Core i5 chipsets. It includes quite up-to-date, but still available processors. We'll start with the Intel Core i5-8400.
This is a six-core processor with a clock speed of only 2.8 GHz, but this is only in standard mode. In a turbo boost, when maximum performance is required, it overclocks to 4 GHz. The amount of cache memory here is 9 MB.
The i5-8400 processor is quite popular, because it has six ultra-fast cores and is sold for quite a decent price compared to older models.
Overall, this is a more than decent processor. The only downside is that it experiences sharp jumps in temperature, but usually it does not heat up above 61 degrees. This model is more than enough for any modern games.
Intel Core i5-8400
# 5 - Intel Core i5-8600
Price: 18990 rubles
Improved six-core processor of the fifth Intel generations The Core i5-8600 has a significantly higher clock speed. Base frequency equals 3.1 GHz, but in turbo mode this figure increases to 4.3 GHz. Otherwise, the specifications are the same here.
The undoubted advantage of the Core i5-8600 is that in some cases, its performance can be equal to even the newest processor models from Intel.
There is also very little heat dissipation, which is quite good for such a powerful chip. In short, the i5-8600 is an excellent mid-range member that will give you maximum performance even in new games.
Intel Core i5-8600
# 4 - Intel Core i5-9600K
Price: 21750 rubles
The Intel Core i5-9600K, being the most advanced model in the lineup, has once again left with an increase in clock speed. Here this figure is equal to 3.7 GHz. And when you use turbo mode, the processor accelerates to an incredible 4.6 GHz.
The Core i5-9600K is the best Intel processor to date. Then there are the models for those who are eagerly trying to accumulate as much power as possible for years to come.
With an i5-9600K and a good graphics card, sufficient volume random access memory and other adequate technical characteristics, you shouldn't have any performance issues in modern games.
Intel Core i5-9600K
# 3 - Intel Core i7-8700K
Price: 23615 rubles
So we moved on to the most powerful line of Intel - Core i7. We'll start with a model like the Core i7-8700K. There are as many cores here as in the previous models - 6, and the maximum clock frequency is the same.
But the i7-8700K has a significantly increased cache size - 12288 KB. Also, a more powerful graphics core HD Graphics 630 at 1200 MHz was installed here.
12 threads provide a significant headroom, thanks to which the Intel Core i7-8700K will be relevant for many years to come. The fact that with the appropriate video card all modern games will run even at ultra-settings is probably not worth mentioning, this is understandable.
Intel Core i7-8700K
# 2 - Intel Core i7-9700K
Price: 34299 rubles
The Intel Core i7-9700K processor is based on an architecture codenamed Coffee Lake-R. It has 8 cores and is based on a 14 nm technical process. The clock speed of the processor cores is 3.6 GHz, and the cache memory is 12 MB.
In fact, the Core i7-9700K repeats the previous model, but already contains 8 cores and 16 threads, which further increases the headroom of the processor.
With such a processor, you can not only play, but stream modern games in good quality. There is also an unlocked multiplier and, as a result, the ability to overclock the cores.
The only problem is the very high price, but power comes at a premium.
Intel Core i7-9700K
# 1 - Intel Core i9-7960X
Price: 113,030 rubles
Here we come to the first place where the Core i9-7960X is located - this is the best latest generation processor from Intel to date.
It costs three times more than the previous model, but this is more than justified, because there are as many as 16 cores operating at a clock frequency of 2.2 GHz. In turbo mode, it is possible to overclock the frequency up to 4.2 GHz. Supports 22 MB cache.
If you have a lot of money, you can buy this processor and not worry about your computer not being able to handle something for many years to come. But if you only want modern games, you can pick up something cheaper.
Intel Core i9-7960X
Above are the most best models processors from Intel. Among them, you can easily choose an option for yourself that will meet your needs and financial capabilities, because all the chips presented here are the best solutions for their price.
This article will take a closer look at the latest generations of Intel processors based on the Core architecture. This company occupies a leading position in the market computer systems... Majority modern computers are collected on the chips of this particular company.
Intel: development strategy
Previous generations of Intel processors were subject to a two-year cycle. This strategy for the release of new processors of this company was called "Tik-Tak". The first stage, called "tick", is to transfer the processor to a new technological process. So, for example, the generations "Ivy Bridge" (2nd generation) and "Sandy Bridge" (3rd generation) in terms of architecture were identical. However, the production technology of the former was based on the rate of 22 nm, and of the latter - 32 nm. The same can be said for Broad Well (5th generation) and Has Well (4th generation). The "so" stage, in turn, presupposes drastic change semiconductor chip architecture and significant performance gains. The following transitions can be cited as examples:
- 1st generation West merre and 2nd generation Sandy Bridge. In this case, the technological process was identical (32 nm), but the architecture has undergone significant changes. The north bridge of the motherboard and the integrated graphics amplifier were moved to the central processor;
- 4th generation Has Well and 3rd generation Ivy Bridge. The power consumption of the computer system was optimized, and the clock frequencies of the chips were increased.
- 6th generation "Sky Like" and 5th generation "Broad Well": clock speeds have also been increased and power consumption has been improved. Several new instructions have been added to improve performance.
Core Processors: Segmentation
Intel CPUs are positioned in the market as follows:
- Celeron - the most affordable solutions. Suitable for use in office computers designed for solving the most simple tasks.
- Pentium - almost completely identical to Celeron processors in terms of architecture. However, higher frequencies and increased L3 cache give these processor solutions a definite performance advantage. This CPU belongs to the entry-level gaming PC segment.
- Corei3 - occupy the middle segment of the CPU from Intel. The two previous types of processors usually have two computational units. The same can be said about the Corei3. However, for the first two families of chips there is no support for the HyperTrading technology. Corei3 processors have it. Thus, at the software level, two physical modules can be converted into four program processing threads. This allows for a significant increase in the level of performance. Based on such products, you can build your own mid-level gaming personal computer, an entry-level server or even a graphics station.
- Corei5 - occupy a niche of solutions above the average level, but below the premium segment. These semiconductor crystals boast the presence of four physical cores at once. This architectural feature gives them a performance advantage. The more recent generation of Corei5 processors has higher clock speeds, which allows for continuous performance gains.
- Corei7 - occupy a niche of the premium segment. The number of computing units in them is the same as in Corei5. However, they, like the Corei3, have support for the "Hypertrading" technology. For this reason, four cores are converted at the software level into eight processed threads. It is this feature that allows you to provide a phenomenal level of performance that any personal computer based on Intel Corei7 can boast. These chips have a corresponding cost.
Processor connectors
Generations of Intel Core processors can be installed in Various types sockets. For this reason, it will not be possible to install the first chips based on this architecture in a 6th generation CPU motherboard. And the chip with the code name "SkyLike" cannot be installed in system board for the second and first generation processors. The first processor socket is called Socket H or LGA 1156. The number 1156 here indicates the number of pins. This connector was released in 2009 for the first central processing units manufactured in 45nm and 32nm process standards. Today this socket is considered to be morally and physically obsolete. LGA 1156 was replaced in 2010 by LGA 1155 or Socket H1. The motherboards in this series support 2nd and 3rd generation Core chips. Their codenames are "Sandy Bridge" and "Ivy Bridge" respectively. 2013 was marked by the release of the third socket for chips based on the Core architecture - LGA 1150 or Socket H2. In this processor socket, it was possible to install a fourth and fifth generation processor. In 2015, the LGA 1150 socket was replaced by the current LGA 1151 socket.
First generation chips
The most affordable processors were Celeron G1101 (running at 2.27 GHz), Pentium G6950 (2.8 GHz), Pentium G6990 (2.9 GHz). All of these solutions had two cores. The mid-range segment was occupied by Corei 3 processors, designated 5XX (two cores / four threads for processing information). Processors with the designation 6XX were one notch higher. They had identical parameters to the Corei3, but the frequency was higher. At the same stage was the 7XX processor with four real cores. The most productive computer systems were assembled on the basis of the Corei7 processor. These models were designated as 8XX. In this case, the fastest chip was labeled 875 K. Such a processor could be overclocked due to the unlocked multiplier. However, the price was appropriate. For these processors, you can get a significant performance gain. The presence of the K prefix in the designation of the central processing unit means that the processor multiplier is unlocked and this model lends itself to overclocking. The S prefix was added to the designation of energy efficient chips.
Sandy Bridge and planned architecture renovation
The first generation of chips based on the Core architecture was replaced in 2010 by a new solution codenamed Sandy Bridge. Key feature this device was the transfer of the integrated graphics accelerator and the north bridge to the silicon chip of the processor.
In the niche of more budget processor solutions were the Celeron processors of the G5XX and G4XX series. In the first case, two computing units were used at once, and in the second, the third-level cache was cut and only one core was present. Pentium processors G6XX and G8XX are located one notch higher. In this case, the difference in performance was provided by higher frequencies. G8XX precisely because of this important characteristic looked much preferable in the eyes of the user. The line of Corei3 processors was represented by the 21XX models. Some designations had a T index at the end. It denoted the most energy efficient solutions with reduced performance. Corei5 solutions were designated 25XX, 24XX, 23XX. The higher the designation of the model, the higher the level of performance the CPU has. If the letter "S" is added at the end of the name, it means an intermediate option in terms of energy consumption between the "T" -version and the standard crystal. The "P" index indicates that the graphics accelerator is disabled in the device. Chips with the "K" index had an unlocked multiplier. Such marking remains relevant for the third generation of this architecture.
New progressive technological process
In 2013, the third generation of processors based on this architecture was released. The key innovation was a new technological process. Otherwise, there were no significant innovations. They are all physically compatible with the previous generation processor. They could be installed in the same motherboards. The designation structure remains the same. Celeron was designated G12XX, and Pentium - G22XX. In the beginning, instead of "2" was "3". This indicated belonging to the third generation. The Corei3 line had 32XX indexes. More advanced Corei5 processors were designated 33XX, 34XX, and 35XX. The flagship Core i7 devices were labeled 37XX.
Fourth Generation Core Architecture
The fourth generation of Intel processors is the next step. In this case, the following marking was used. The economy class central processing units were designated the G18XX. Pentium processors - 41XX and 43XX - had the same indexes. Corei5 processors could be identified by the abbreviations 46XX, 45XX, and 44XX. Corei7 processors were referred to as 47XX. The fifth generation of Intel processors based on this architecture was focused mainly on use in mobile devices... For stationary personal computers, only chips related to the i7 and i5 lines were released, and only a limited number of models. The first of them were designated as 57XX, and the second - 56XX.
Promising solutions
In early fall 2015, the sixth generation of Intel processors debuted. This is the most current processor architecture at the moment. In this case, the entry-level chips are referred to as G39XX for Celeron, G44XX and G45XX for Pentium. Corei3 processors are designated 61XX and 63XX. Corei5s are referred to as 64XX, 65XX and 66XX. On designation flagship models only one 67XX solution is allocated. The new generation of processor solutions from Intel is only at the beginning of development, so such solutions will remain relevant for a long time.
Overclocking features
All chips based on this architecture have a locked multiplier. For this reason, overclocking the device can only be performed by increasing the system bus frequency. In the last sixth generation, manufacturers motherboards will have to be disabled in the BIOS. In this regard, the processors of the Corei7 and Corei5 series with the K index are an exception. The multiplier is unlocked for these devices. This makes it possible to significantly increase the performance of computer systems based on such semiconductor products.
User opinion
All generations of Intel processors listed in this material are highly energy efficient and phenomenal in performance. Their only drawback is that they are too expensive. The reason is that Intel's direct competitor, AMD, cannot compete with worthwhile solutions. For this reason Intel sets a price tag for its products based on its own considerations.
Conclusion
This article took a closer look at the generations of Intel desktop processors. This list will be enough to understand the designations and names of processors. There are also options for the computer enthusiast and various mobile sockets. This is all done to ensure that the end user can get the most optimal processor solution. Today, the most relevant are the chips of the sixth generation. When assembling a new PC, it is worth paying attention to these particular models.
