Comparison of budget processors. Which is better - AMD or Intel for gaming? Which processor to choose

The first quad-core processor was released in the fall of 2006. It was the Intel Core 2 Quad model, based on the Kentsfield core. At the time, popular games included bestsellers such as The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion and Half-Life 2: Episode One. The “killer of all gaming computers” Crysis has not yet appeared. And the DirectX 9 API with shader model 3.0 was in use.

How to choose a processor for a gaming PC. We study the effect of processor dependence in practice

But it's the end of 2015. There are 6- and 8-core central processors on the market in the desktop segment, but 2- and 4-core models are still considered popular. Gamers admire the PC versions of GTA V and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and there is no gaming video card in the wild that can produce a comfortable FPS level in 4K resolution at maximum graphics quality settings in Assassin’s Creed Unity. In addition, the Windows 10 operating system was released, which means that the era of DirectX 12 has officially arrived. As you can see, a lot of water has passed 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 processor dependence effect. It can manifest itself in absolutely any computer game. If the performance of a video card is limited by the capabilities of the central chip, then the system is said to be processor-dependent. We must understand that there is no single scheme by which the strength of this effect can be determined. It all depends on the features of the particular application, as well as the selected graphics quality settings. However, in absolutely any game, the central processor is tasked with such tasks as organizing polygons, lighting and physics calculations, artificial intelligence modeling, and many other actions. Agree, there is plenty of work to do.

The most difficult thing is to choose a central processor for several graphics adapters at once

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, and cache size. The main goal 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 central processor has several parameters, let's look at them one by one. The first characteristic that most often pays close attention to is the clock frequency.

The clock speed of central processors has not increased for quite some time. At first (in the 80s and 90s), it was the increase in megahertz that led to a frantic increase in the overall level of productivity. Now the frequency of AMD and Intel central processors is frozen in the delta of 2.5-4 GHz. Everything below is too budget-friendly and not entirely suitable for a gaming computer; everything higher is already overclocking. This is how processor lines are formed. For example, there's the Intel Core i5-6400 running at 2.7 GHz ($182) and the Core i5-6500 running at 3.2 GHz ($192). These processors have absolutely all the same characteristics, except clock speed and price.

Overclocking has long become a “weapon” of marketers. For example, only a lazy motherboard manufacturer does not boast about the excellent overclocking potential of its products

On sale you can find chips with an unlocked multiplier. It allows you to overclock the processor yourself. At Intel, such “stones” have the letters “K” and “X” in their names. 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 labeled in a similar way. Thus, hybrid chips have the letter “K” in their names. 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 operation is simple: with proper cooling, the processor increases its clock frequency by several hundred megahertz during operation. For example, the Core i5-6400 operates at a speed of 2.7 GHz, but with active Turbo Boost technology this parameter can permanently increase to 3.3 GHz. That is, exactly at 600 MHz.

It is important to remember: the higher the clock frequency, the hotter the processor! So it is necessary to take care of high-quality cooling of the “stone”

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 launch Metro: Last Light - one of the most CPU-intensive games these days. The graphics quality settings in the application are selected in such a way that the number of frames per second each time depends on the performance of the processor, but not the video card. In the case of GeForce GTX TITAN X and Metro: Last Light - 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.

Processor dependency effect

The most noticeable effect of processor dependence, which is logical, manifests itself in light modes. So, in 1080p, as the frequency increases, the average FPS steadily increases. The indicators turned out to be very impressive: when the operating 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. When the frequency increases from 3 GHz to 4 GHz, it increases by another 13 FPS. Thus, it turns out that the processor used, with the given graphics quality settings, was able to “pump up” the GeForce GTX TITAN X in Full HD only from 4 GHz - it was from this point that the number of frames per second stopped growing as the CPU frequency increased.

As the resolution increases, the processor dependence effect becomes less noticeable. Namely, the number of frames stops growing starting at 3.7 GHz. Finally, in Ultra HD resolution we almost immediately ran into the potential of the graphics adapter.

There are many discrete video cards. It is customary on the market to catalog these devices into three segments: Low-end, Middle-end and High-end. Captain Obvious suggests that different processors with different frequencies are suitable for graphics adapters of different performance.

Dependence of gaming performance on CPU frequency

Now let's 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 capable of providing a decent level of performance in modern games in Full HD resolution. As can be seen from the graphs below, a processor operating at a frequency of 3 GHz “pumps up” 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, a GeForce GTX TITAN X level adapter and use it in games at a resolution of 1600x900 pixels.

Low-end video cards (GeForce GTX 950, Radeon R7 370) will need a central processor operating at a frequency of 3 GHz or more. Middle-end segment adapters (Radeon R9 280X, GeForce GTX 770) - 3.4-3.6 GHz. Flagship high-end video cards (Radeon R9 Fury, GeForce GTX 980 Ti) - 3.7-4 GHz. Productive SLI/CrossFire connections - 4-4.5 GHz

Architecture

In reviews dedicated to the release of this or that generation of central processors, the authors continually state that the difference in performance in x86 computing from year to year is a meager 5-10%. This is a kind of tradition. Neither AMD nor Intel have seen serious progress for a long time, and phrases like “ I continue to sit on my Sandy Bridge, I'll wait until next year"become winged. As I already 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 identify 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, as is known, 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 line of “tak” processors (that’s what Intel calls crystals based on completely different architectures).

Impact of architecture on gaming performance

As you can see, there is no difference between the Core i7-4790K and Core i7-6700K, operating at the same frequencies. Skylake is ahead of Haswell in only three games out of ten: Far Cry 4 (by 12%), GTA V (by 6%) and Metro: Last Light (by 6%) - that is, in all the same processor-dependent applications. However, 6% is mere nonsense.

Comparison of processor architectures in games (NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980)

A few platitudes: it is obvious that it is better to assemble a gaming computer on the basis of 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 few exceptions, have the same performance in computer games. Owners of processors from the Sandy Bridge, Ivy Bridge and Haswell families can feel quite calm. The situation is similar with AMD: all kinds of modular architecture variations (Bulldozer, Piledriver, Steamroller) in games have approximately the same level of performance

Cores and threads

The third and perhaps determining factor limiting the performance of a video card in games is the number of CPU cores. It’s no wonder that more and more games require a quad-core CPU to be installed in their minimum system requirements. 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”.

AMD APUs (A4, A6, A8 and A10) are sometimes called 8-, 10-, and even 12-core. It’s just that the company’s marketers also add elements of the built-in graphics 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 such a scheme is not used in computer games. The computational part performs its task, the graphic part does its own.

Some Intel processors (Core i3 and Core i7) have a certain number of cores, but twice the number of threads. The technology responsible for this is Hyper-Threading, which first found its application in Pentium 4 chips. Threads and cores are slightly different things, but we’ll talk about that a little later. In 2016, AMD will release processors based on the Zen architecture. For the first time, the Reds' chips will have technology similar to Hyper-Threading.

In fact, the Core 2 Quad based on the Kentsfield core is not a full-fledged quad-core. It is based on two Conroe crystals housed in one package for LGA775

Let's do a little experiment. I took 10 popular games. I agree that such an insignificant number of applications is not enough to state with 100% certainty that the effect of processor dependence has been fully studied. However, the list includes only hits that clearly demonstrate trends in modern game development. Graphics quality settings were selected in such a way that the final results did not limit the capabilities of the video card. For GeForce GTX TITAN X this is maximum quality (without anti-aliasing) and Full HD resolution. The choice of such an adapter is obvious. If the processor can “pump up” the GeForce GTX TITAN X, then it can cope with any other video card. The stand used the top-end Core i7-5960X for the LGA2011-v3 platform. Testing was carried out in four modes: when only 2 cores were activated, only 4 cores, only 6 cores and 8 cores. Hyper-Threading multithreading technology was not used. Plus, testing was carried out at two frequencies: at nominal 3.3 GHz and overclocked to 4.3 GHz.

CPU dependency in GTA V

GTA V is one of the few modern games that use all eight cores 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 operating modes. The game slows down, a large number of textures are simply not drawn. A stand with four cores demonstrates noticeably better results. It lags behind the six-core one by only 6.9%, and by 11% behind the eight-core one. Whether in this case the game is worth the candle is up to you to decide. However, GTA V clearly demonstrates how the number of processor cores affects the performance of a 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 precisely by the central processor. At the same time, in three out of ten games, the six-core stand demonstrated an advantage over the quad-core one. True, the difference cannot be called significant. The game Far Cry 4 turned out to be the most radical - it stupidly did not start on a system with two cores.

The gain from using six and eight cores in most cases turned out to be either too small or not there at all.

CPU dependency in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt

Three games that are loyal to the dual-core system were The Witcher 3, Assassin's Creed Unity and Tomb Raider. All modes showed identical results.

For those who are interested, I will provide a table with complete test results.

Multi-core gaming performance

Four cores is the optimal number for today. At the same time, it is obvious that gaming computers with a dual-core processor are not worth building. In 2015, it is precisely this “stone” that is the bottleneck in the system

We've sorted out the nuclei. The test results clearly show that in most cases, four processor heads are better than two. At the same time, some Intel models (Core i3 and Core i7) can boast support for Hyper-Threading technology. Without going into details, I will note that such chips have a certain number of physical cores and double the number of virtual ones. In ordinary applications, Hyper-Threading certainly makes sense. 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 multi-threading in games, I assembled two test benches: with a Core i3-4130 and a Core i7-6700K. In both cases, the GeForce GTX TITAN X video card was used.

Hyper-Threading efficiency of Core i3

In almost all games, Hyper-Threading technology affected the performance of the graphics subsystem. Naturally, for the better. In some cases the difference was gigantic. For example, in The Witcher, the number of frames per second increased by 36.4%. True, in this game without Hyper-Threading, disgusting freezes were observed every now and then. I note that no such problems were noticed with the Core i7-5960X.

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, in only two games out of ten. The minimum FPS has also increased noticeably. Overall, the Core i7-6700K with Hyper-Threading was 6.6% faster in GTA V and 9.7% faster in Metro: Last Light.

Hyper-Threading in Core i3 really drags, especially if the system requirements indicate a quad-core processor model. But in the case of Core i7, the performance increase in games is not so significant

Cache

We've sorted out the basic parameters of the central processor. Each processor has a certain amount of cache. Today, modern integrated solutions use up to four levels of this type of memory. The cache of the first and second levels, as a rule, is determined by the architectural features of the chip. The L3 cache may vary from model to model. I will provide a small table for your reference.

So, more productive Core i7 processors have 8 MB of third-level cache, while less fast Core i5 processors have 6 MB. Will this 2 MB affect gaming performance?

The Broadwell family of processors and some Haswell processors use 128 MB of eDRAM memory (Level 4 cache). In some games it can seriously speed up the system.

It's very easy to check. To do this, you need to take two processors from the Core i5 and Core i7 lines, set them to the same frequency 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 deficit in the third level cache of the Core i5-6600K.

The impact of L3 cache on gaming performance

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 using 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 test results using the FX-6350 chip used in AMD's most powerful AM3+ platform, using four and six cores. Unfortunately, I did not have an 8-core AMD “stone” at my disposal.

Comparison of AMD and Intel in GTA V

GTA V has already proven itself to be the most CPU-intensive game. Using four cores in an AMD system, the average FPS level was higher than, for example, a Core i3 (without Hyper-Threading). In addition, in the game itself, the image was rendered smoothly, without stuttering. But in all other cases, 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.

Processor dependency on an AMD system

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 balance of power in the central processor market. Intel cores are noticeably more powerful. Including in games. AMD's four cores compete with Intel's two. At the same time, the average FPS is often higher for the latter. Six AMD cores compete with the four threads of the Core i3. Logically, the eight “heads” of the FX-8000/9000 should challenge the Core i5. Yes, AMD cores are absolutely deservedly called “half-cores”. These are the features of modular architecture.

The result is banal. Intel solutions are better for gaming. 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-dependent games than the faster two Intel cores. In the mid 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 was already said at the very beginning of the article, with the release of Windows 10, DirectX 12 became available to computer game developers. You can find a detailed overview of this API. The DirectX 12 architecture finally determined the direction of development of modern game development: developers began to need low-level software interfaces. The main task of the new API is to rationally use the hardware capabilities of the system. This includes the use of all processor threads, general-purpose calculations on the GPU, and direct access to graphics adapter resources.

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 principle behind the Overhead API is simple. DirectX 11 imposes limits on the number of processor rendering commands. DirectX 12 and Mantle solve this problem by allowing more rendering commands to be called. Thus, during the test, an increasing number of objects are displayed. Until the graphics adapter stops handling them and FPS drops below 30 frames. For testing, I used a bench with a Core i7-5960X processor and a Radeon R9 NANO video card. The results turned out to be very interesting.

Noteworthy is the fact that in patterns using DirectX 11, changing the number of CPU cores has virtually 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 simply cosmic (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 twofold. 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 enormous. However, we should not forget that we are dealing with synthetics; they do not play with them. In reality, it makes sense to evaluate the profit from using the latest low-level APIs only in real computer entertainment.

The first computer games supporting DirectX 12 are already looming on the horizon. These are Ashes of the Singularity and Fable Legends. They are in active beta testing. Recently colleagues from Anandtech

- This is the main computing component on which the speed of the entire computer greatly depends. Therefore, usually, when selecting a computer configuration, first select 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 video core Pentium G5400/5500/5600 (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.
AMD Ryzen 5 2600 Processor

For an average gaming PC

For a purely mid-class gaming computer, it is better to take the Core i3-8100/8300; they have honest 4 cores and perform well in games with mid-class video cards (GTX 1050/1060/1070).
Intel Core i3 8100 processor

For a powerful gaming computer

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 graphics card i7-8700 (6 cores / 12 threads). These processors show the best results in games and are capable of fully unleashing powerful video cards (GTX 1080/2080).
Intel Core i5 8400 processor

In any case, the more cores and the higher the processor frequency, the better. Focus on your financial capabilities.

2. How the processor works

The central processing unit consists of a printed circuit board containing a silicon chip and various electronic components. The crystal is covered with a special metal cover, which prevents damage and serves as a heat distributor.

On the other side of the board are the legs (or pads) that connect the processor to the motherboard.

3. Processor manufacturers

Computer processors are produced by two large companies - Intel and AMD at 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 developing technologies used in modern processors. AMD partially adopts their experience, adding something of its own and pursuing a more affordable pricing policy.

4. How do Intel and AMD processors differ?

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 better suited for building powerful gaming computers.

AMD Ryzen processors, in turn, excel in multi-threaded tasks such as video editing, are, in principle, not much inferior to Intel Core in games and are perfect for a universal computer used for both professional tasks and games.

To be fair, it is worth noting that the old inexpensive AMD FX-8xxx series processors, which have 8 physical cores, do a good job of video editing and can be used as a budget option for these purposes. But they are less suitable for gaming and are installed on motherboards with outdated AM3+ socket, which will make it difficult to replace components in the future to improve or repair the computer. So it is better to purchase a more modern AMD Ryzen processor and a corresponding motherboard on the AM4 socket.

If your budget is limited, but in the future you want to have a powerful PC, then you can first purchase an inexpensive model, 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 legs, or by a numerical and alphabetic 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 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

• Obsolete: AM1, AM2, AM3, FM1, FM2
• Obsolete: AM3+, FM2+
• Modern: AM4, TR4

The processor and motherboard must have the same sockets, otherwise the processor simply will not install. Today, the most relevant processors are those 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-end, 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. The model range includes both very budget and mid-range processors.

AMD AM3+— aging 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-end, most powerful and expensive 8/12/16-core processors for professional PCs.

It is not advisable to consider purchasing a computer with 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 build 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 size, frequency of supported RAM, the presence of a built-in video core and some other parameters.

6.1. Number of Cores

The number of cores has the greatest impact on processor performance. An office or multimedia computer requires at least a 2-core processor. If the computer is intended 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 are 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 include Intel Core i7, i9, some Core i3 and Pentium (G4560, G46xx), as well as most AMD Ryzen.

A processor with 2 cores and support for Hyper-treading is close in performance to a 4-core processor, while a processor with 4 cores and Hyper-treading is close to an 8-core processor. For example, the Core i3-6100 (2 cores / 4 threads) is twice as powerful as a 2-core Pentium without Hyper-threading, but still somewhat weaker than an honest 4-core Core i5. But Core i5 processors do not support Hyper-threading, so they are significantly inferior to Core i7 processors (4 cores / 8 threads).

Ryzen 5 and 7 processors have 4/6/8 cores and, respectively, 8/12/16 threads, which makes them kings in tasks such as video editing. The new Ryzen Threadripper processor family features processors with up to 16 cores and 32 threads. But there are lower-end 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 (8-12 threads) or Ryzen (8-12 threads). Also a good choice in terms of price/performance ratio would be the new 6-core Core-i5 processors.

6.3. CPU frequency

The performance of a processor also greatly depends on its frequency, at which all processor cores operate.

In principle, a processor with a frequency of about 2 GHz is enough for a simple computer to type text and access the Internet. But there are many processors around 3 GHz that cost about the same, so saving money here isn't worth it.

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 with a frequency closer to 4 GHz.

In any case, the higher the processor frequency, the better, but then look at your financial capabilities.

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 processor frequency. We talked about 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 heavy load to increase performance. The fewer cores a program or game uses, the more its frequency increases.

For example, the Core i5-2500 processor has a base frequency of 3.3 GHz and a maximum Turbo Boost frequency of 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 CPU overclocking technology called Turbo Core. For example, the FX-8150 processor has a base frequency of 3.6 GHz and a maximum Turbo Core frequency of 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 increase the core frequency. This means the power supply, motherboard and cooler must be powerful enough. Also, the operation of these technologies should not be hampered by the motherboard BIOS settings and power settings in Windows.

Modern programs and games use all processor cores and the performance increase 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 memory

Cache memory is the internal memory of the processor that it needs to perform calculations faster. Cache memory size also affects processor performance, but to a much lesser extent than the number of cores and processor frequency. In different programs, this impact 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:

Level 1 cache is small and is usually not taken into account when choosing a processor.

The Level 2 cache is the most important. In low-end processors, 256 kilobytes (KB) of Level 2 cache per core is typical. Processors designed for mid-range computers have 512 KB of L2 cache per core. Processors for powerful professional and gaming computers must be equipped with at least 1 megabyte (MB) of Level 2 cache per core.

Not all processors have Level 3 cache. The weakest processors for office tasks may have up to 2 MB of Level 3 cache, or none at all. Processors for modern home multimedia computers should have 3-4 MB of Level 3 cache. Powerful processors for professional and gaming computers should have 6-8 MB of Level 3 cache.

Only some processors have a level 4 cache, and if they have it, it’s good, but in principle it’s not necessary.

If the processor has a level 3 or 4 cache, then the size of the level 2 cache 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 in reduced voltage from 1.5 to 1.35 V. Such processors can also work with regular DDR3 memory, if you have it already exists, but processor manufacturers do not recommend this due to increased degradation of memory controllers designed for DDR4 with an even lower voltage of 1.2 V. In addition, old memory also requires an old motherboard with DDR3 slots. So the best option is to sell the old DDR3 memory and upgrade to the new DDR4.

Today, the most optimal 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. Well, memory at 3000 MHz 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 memory frequency has a relatively small impact on overall performance and it’s not really worth pursuing.

Often, users who are beginning to understand computer components have a question about the availability of memory modules on sale with a much higher frequency than the processor officially supports (2666-3600 MHz). To operate memory at this frequency, the motherboard must have support for XMP (Extreme Memory Profile) technology. XMP automatically increases the bus frequency to allow the memory to run at a higher frequency.

6.7. Built-in video core

The processor may have a built-in video core, which allows you to save on the purchase of a separate video card for an office or multimedia PC (watching videos, 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 built-in 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. The most powerful is the A10, then the A8, A6 and A4.

FX processors on the AM3+ socket do not have a built-in video core and were previously used to build inexpensive gaming PCs with a discrete mid-class video card.

Also, most AMD processors of the Athlon and Phenom series do not have a built-in video core, and those that have it are on the very old AM1 socket.

Ryzen processors with the G index have a built-in Vega video core, which is twice as powerful as the video core of 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 expect that the integrated graphics will handle demanding modern games. The maximum it is capable of is online games and some well-optimized games at low or medium graphics settings in HD resolution (1280x720), in some cases Full HD (1920x1080). Watch tests of the processor you need on Youtube and see if it suits you.

7. Other processor characteristics

Processors are also characterized by such parameters as manufacturing process, power consumption and heat dissipation.

7.1. Manufacturing process

The technical process is the technology by which processors are produced. The more modern the equipment and production technology, the finer the technical process. Its power consumption and heat dissipation greatly depend on the technological process by which the processor is manufactured. The thinner the technical process, the more economical and cooler the processor will be.

Modern processors are manufactured using process technologies ranging from 10 to 45 nanometers (nm). The lower this value, the better. But first of all, focus on power consumption and the associated heat dissipation of the processor, which will be discussed further.

7.2. CPU power consumption

The greater the number of cores and frequency of the processor, the greater its power consumption. Energy consumption also greatly depends on the manufacturing process. The thinner the technical process, the lower the energy consumption. The main thing to consider is that a powerful processor cannot be installed on a weak motherboard and will require 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 parameters of the motherboard also indicate what processor power consumption it is designed for.

7.3. CPU heat dissipation

The heat dissipation of a processor is considered to be equal to its maximum power consumption. It is also measured in Watts and is called the Thermal Design Power (TDP). 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 45-95 W.

8. How to find out processor characteristics

All main characteristics of the processor, such as the number of cores, frequency and cache memory are usually indicated in sellers’ price lists.

All parameters of a particular processor can be clarified 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 website:

Or simply enter the model number in the Google or Yandex search engine (for example, “Ryzen 7 1800X”).

9. Processor models

Processor models change every year, so I won’t list them all here, but will only list series (lines) of processors that change less frequently and that you can easily navigate through.

I recommend purchasing processors of more modern series, as they are more productive and support new technologies. The higher the processor frequency, the higher the model number that comes after the series name.

9.1. Intel processor lines

Old episodes:

• 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 ultra-powerful 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 episodes:

• Sempron – for office tasks (2 cores)
• Athlon – for entry-level multimedia and gaming PCs (2 cores)
• Phenom – for mid-class multimedia and gaming PCs (2-4 cores)

Obsolete 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)

Ryzen 5, 7 and Threadripper processors are multi-threaded, which with a large number of cores makes them an excellent choice for video editing. In addition, there are models with an “X” at the end of the marking, which have a higher frequency.

9.3. Restarting the series

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 lines of Athlon II and Phenom II processors. These processors are slightly inferior to their more modern counterparts in performance, but significantly higher in price.

9.4. Core and generation of processors

Along with the change of sockets, the generation of processors usually changes. For example, on socket 1150 there were 4th generation Core i7-4xxx processors, on socket 2011-3 there were 5th generation Core i7-5xxx. When switching to socket 1151, 6th generation Core i7-6xxx processors appeared.

It also happens that the processor generation changes without changing the socket. For example, 7th generation Core i7-7xxx processors were released on socket 1151.

The change of generations is caused by improvements in the electronic architecture of the processor, also called the core. For example, Core i7-6xxx processors are built on a core code-named Skylake, and those that replaced them, Core i7-7xxx, are built on a Kaby Lake core.

The nuclei can have various differences from quite significant to purely cosmetic. For example, Kaby Lake differs from the previous Skylake by updated integrated graphics and blocking of overclocking on the processor bus without the K index.

In a similar way, there is a change in cores and generations of AMD processors. For example, the FX-9xxx processors replaced the FX-8xxx processors. Their main difference is the significantly increased frequency and, as a consequence, 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) processors on the AM4 socket and Ryzen (Threadripper core) on the TR4 socket.

10. Overclocking the processor

Intel Core processors with a “K” at the end of the marking have a higher base frequency and an unlocked multiplier. They are easy to overclock (increase the frequency) to increase performance, but will require a more expensive motherboard with 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 ability to overclock makes the processor more promising, since in the future, if there is a slight lack of performance, it will not be possible to change it, but simply overclock it.

11. Packaging and cooler

Processors with the word “BOX” at the end of the label are packaged in a high-quality box and can be sold complete with a cooler.

But some more expensive boxed processors may not have a cooler included.

If “Tray” or “OEM” is written at the end of the marking, this means that the processor is packaged in a small plastic tray and there is no cooler included.

Entry-class processors like Pentium are easier and cheaper to purchase complete with a cooler. But it is often more profitable to buy a mid- or high-end processor without a cooler and select a suitable cooler for it separately. The cost will be about the same, but the cooling and noise level will be much better.

12. Setting up filters in the online store

1. Go to the "Processors" section on the seller's website.
2. Select the manufacturer (Intel or AMD).
3. Select socket (1151, AM4).
4. Select a processor line (Pentium, i3, i5, i7, Ryzen).
5. Sort the selection by price.
6. Browse processors starting with the cheapest ones.
7. Buy a processor with the maximum possible number of threads and frequency that suits your price.

Thus, you will receive the optimal price/performance ratio processor that meets your requirements at the lowest possible cost.

13. Links

Intel Core i7 8700 processor
Intel Core i5 8600K processor
Processor Intel Pentium G4600

Perhaps the key advantage of the personal computer as a platform is its impressive flexibility and customization capabilities, which today, thanks to the emergence of new standards and types of components, seem almost limitless. If ten years ago, when pronouncing the abbreviation “PC,” one could confidently imagine a white iron box, entangled in wires and buzzing somewhere under the table, today there are no such unambiguous associations and cannot be.

Today's PC can be a powerful workstation focused on computing performance or a designer's work machine, "tailored" for the quality of two-dimensional graphics and fast work with data. It could be a top-end gaming machine or a modest multimedia system that lives under the TV...

In other words, each PC today has its own tasks, which correspond to one or another set of hardware. But how to choose the right one?

You should start with the central processor. The video card will determine the system performance in games (and a number of work applications that use GPU computing). Motherboard - system format, its functionality “out of the box” and the ability to connect components and peripheral devices. However, it is the processor that will determine the system's capabilities in everyday household tasks and work.

Let's look at what is important when choosing a processor and what is not.

What you should NEVER pay attention to

CPU Manufacturer

As in the case of video cards (and, indeed, with many other devices), our compatriots are always happy to turn an ordinary consumer product into something that can be raised to standards and go to war with supporters of the opposite camp. Can you imagine a situation in which lovers of pickled cucumbers and canned tomatoes divided the store with a barricade, hurled insults at each other and often resorted to assault? Agree, it sounds like complete nonsense... but in the field of computer components this happens all the time!

Moreover, like any sectarians, brand fans see the world exclusively divided into black and white. Everything, absolutely all products with their favorite logo are an absolute ideal and perfection itself, and the solutions opposing them are the very embodiment of evil, the container of all possible shortcomings.

The fact that each of the two manufacturers of central processors - respectively, Intel And AMD, - there are fully formed product lines consisting of devices with completely different characteristics and completely different prices, which the sectarians prefer to keep silent about. As, in fact, the fact that in different price segments the real leader may change.

Recommendation #1: When planning to build a new PC or upgrade an old one, first decide on your budget. Calculate the amount that you have on hand, add to it some reserve that you are ready to add if necessary, and then see which CPU models fit into this budget.

Clearly understand that you are choosing these particular models, and it is their characteristics that are important to you. What happens and who is leading in segments above or below your budget is none of your business. All you care about is how much performance you get now, for the money you have.

"Gaming" or "non-gaming" processor

The processor does not have a feature or function that will or will not allow it to run games (although some buyers' parents would happily pay for it). It has performance that may or may not be enough for you to play comfortably. The division into gaming and non-gaming models is nothing more than artificial marketing. Moreover, the division is very strange and often does not correspond to the real capabilities of the CPU.

Recommendation #2: Whatever goals you set for your future PC - whether it will be a gaming system, a workstation, or the main element of a home multimedia system - be guided by the simplest parameter: how much processor performance is sufficient for these tasks.

Openers

The crisis year of 2016, in which household incomes fell, and consequently sales of everything, including central processors, “gave” us another myth, which will now remain on the Internet for a long time. And in the minds of ordinary buyers - even longer.

The essence of the phenomenon is simple: “old processors cannot work with new video cards, everyone run to buy new ones!” Particularly noteworthy here are the recommendations to replace completely usable and current Core i5 processors of older generations with Core i3 processors of new generations, which are worse in all respects. Well, and, of course, advice to spend 40 thousand on upgrading the platform in order to play games with a video card for 20 thousand.

Recommendation #3: Actually, and. The goal of any disclosure is not to help you choose a suitable processor, but to sell you a newer and more expensive device, preferably complete with a motherboard and memory. If you see an opening, step aside and don’t listen. Otherwise it will cost you more.

What can SOMETIMES be important?

OEM and BOX configuration, aka “cooling system included”

Central processors can be supplied in two versions: "boxing" And OEM configurations. The difference is extremely simple: a “box” is, in fact, a box in which, in addition to the processor itself, there is a warranty card and a standard cooling system (although in rare cases, such as FX 9000 series processors, it may be absent). OEM is just a processor, without absolutely anything. No box, no cooler, no warranty card.

This is due to the fact that the OEM package, as intended by the processor manufacturer, is intended for companies that assemble and sell finished PCs. In this case, processors are purchased in large quantities and delivered in pallets containing more than 20 pieces. Again, according to the manufacturer’s logic, from these pallets they should go directly to the computers.

But in our country, a processor in OEM configuration can be freely purchased at retail (see angry reviews on the topic "They took out the processor in a bag"). This configuration is cheaper than the boxed one, and sometimes very significantly.

Recommendation #4: Boxing is always a compromise. The stock cooler is not the most efficient, not the quietest, and certainly not the most affordable. Some may be tempted by the longer warranty period of the “box” versus the OEM, but the processor is an extremely durable device, and it’s not easy to break it (except on purpose and mechanically). If he lived with you for the first day, there is a 95% chance that he will live for the next 10 years. Alternative coolers, again, may turn out to be cheaper and more efficient than the standard one.

On the other hand, it all comes down to price. If the cost of the "box" is only slightly higher than the OEM - take the box, it won't be any worse.

Free multiplier and processor frequency

Not every user of even the most ordinary gaming PC is interested in overclocking, not to mention platforms on which overclocking is not needed at all or is contraindicated. However, in some cases this option may be useful.

The frequency of modern processors consists of two parameters: the base frequency set by the system bus, and a multiplier that varies from model to model. Accordingly, by changing one of the two parameters or both at once, we can change the final processor clock speed and its performance. However, not all modern platforms allow you to overclock the processor via the bus (and even fewer platforms allow you to do this officially). So, if you are planning overclocking in advance, choose models CPU with unlocked multiplier, this will make your task much easier.

As for the processor clock speed (as basic, and in turbo mode) is a very specific parameter. All other things being equal, yes, processor performance is determined by frequency. For example, if we compare two processors from the line Core i5, belonging to the same generation and based on the same core, the one with the higher frequency will be faster.

But if you compare Core i5 with Core i3 of the same generation or with Core i5 of the previous generation, frequency will not be the determining factor at all! In the first case, the number of execution units will be important, in the second - architectural differences and support for individual technologies and instructions.

Recommendation #5: The free multiplier is a useful parameter, but not for everyone. Whether you need it or not depends on the situation, and unambiguous recommendations cannot be given here. As for the frequency, use this parameter with caution. It is only important if all other parameters are the same.

Integrated graphics core

Most modern processors, with rare exceptions, are equipped integrated graphics. This causes dissatisfaction among some buyers - they say, why am I overpaying for something that I will not use? However, in reality, the built-in graphics core does not take away, but SAVES your money.

How so? It's simple. You bought a computer with a powerful processor, an overclocking motherboard and a large amount of memory, and postponed the purchase of a gaming video card until later. Just 8-10 years ago, in such a situation, you would have had to look at flea markets for a “plug” for a slot - an outdated or weak video card that you could sit on until you purchased a more powerful modern device. Simply because otherwise the computer would not work - the processors at that time did not know how to output video, and top-end motherboards and built-in video were incompatible.

Today, you simply connect the monitor to the outputs on the motherboard and use the PC without spending extra time and money. Moreover, the performance of modern integrated graphics is such that undemanding users and those who do not need a computer for gaming do not need a video card at all!

They stand apart here AMD APU. Their key advantage is the powerful integrated graphics, which makes these processors an excellent option for HTPCs and multimedia systems, but at the same time their use with discrete video makes no sense. To be fair, the top models of modern Intel processors are equipped with a video core no worse, but they are much more expensive than an APU, and the performance of their processor part is extremely redundant for an HTPC.

Who lives today without built-in graphics? These are the top Intel processors for the platform LGA 2011-3- according to their status, they are supposed to work either with the most powerful gaming video cards or with professional computing accelerators. Also deprived of graphics are AMD processors under the outgoing AM3+ platform. And family processors Athlon II- the same APUs, only with the graphics part disabled: extremely cheap and just as productive for their price tag.

In addition, some (but not all) processors do without integrated graphics Intel Xeon, designed for mainstream LGA 115x platforms. These processors deserve special mention. Despite the “server” name, they are actually analogues of desktop Core i5/i7. Significant differences are the ability to install in motherboards that support multiprocessor configurations and support for error correction memory (ECC).

Recommendation #6: There is no need to be afraid of integrated graphics - this is an excellent bonus, which, moreover, will soon become a standard for all platforms with the exception of LGA 2011-3 and possibly its descendants. The integrated core can be very useful in some cases or even save you from having to buy a discrete video card. But you shouldn’t chase it either: processors without integrated graphics can also have many advantages.

What is REALLY important for you to know?

Socket

A socket is a connector into which the processor is installed on the motherboard. Like any other connector, it has certain physical dimensions, design, number of contacts, and so on. Accordingly, with rare exceptions, only one family of processors can be installed in one socket. For example, it is physically impossible to install a processor for socket AM4 into a motherboard with socket FM2+ or LGA 1151 (or rather, it is possible once, but after that you will need both a new processor and a new motherboard).

Accordingly, the choice of socket determines which processors will be available to you at the time of purchase, and which you will be able to install in the future (and whether you will be able to install them at all). The performance of the system, the capabilities and price of a future upgrade, and often the number of peripheral devices that can be installed in a PC depend on it.

Recommendation #7: Decide what you want to get from your PC. Yes, some modern platforms are absolutely universal (and some future platforms promise to be so) and can be flexibly configured for any task if you have the right amount of money, but this does not mean that they have no analogues. Some of your problems can be solved with much less spending, and some can be solved much more efficiently with the same spending.

If you are choosing a processor for an existing motherboard, take the time to spend a few minutes going to the manufacturer’s official website and look at the list of CPU models compatible with it. It is free, not at all difficult, and does not require any special knowledge, but in some cases it will help you save time and money.

It happens that the processor matches the socket, but is not supported by the motherboard at all, or requires a BIOS microcode update to run. The second can be done in advance before purchasing a new CPU, and it is better to find out the first right away than to later return a working product to the store, the incompatibility of which with your hardware is neither you nor the store’s employees to blame.

There are also cases when a processor is nominally supported, but in reality cannot work in a particular motherboard - for example, when the motherboard's power subsystem is too weak, and the processor, on the contrary, is too power hungry and demanding of power. It is also better to find out about this in advance than to deal with the consequences later.

If you are choosing a processor for a completely new system, you should pay attention to the current sockets:

AM1- AMD platform designed for nettops, embedded systems and entry-level multimedia PCs. Like all APUs, it is distinguished by the presence of relatively powerful integrated graphics, which is the main advantage.

AM4- AMD universal platform for the mainstream segment. It combines desktop APUs and powerful CPUs of the Ryzen family, making it possible to assemble a PC for literally any budget and user needs.

TR4- AMD's flagship platform designed for Threadripper processors. This is a product for professionals and enthusiasts: 16 physical cores, 32 computation threads, a four-channel memory controller and other impressive figures that provide a significant increase in performance in work tasks, but are practically not in demand in the home segment.

LGA 1151_v2- a socket that in no case should be confused with the usual LGA 1151 (!!!). It represents the current generation of the mainstream Intel platform, and finally brings processors with six physical cores to the consumer segment - this is why it is valuable. However, you should definitely remember that Coffee Lake processors cannot be installed in boards with 200 and 100 series chipsets, and old Skylake and Kaby Lake processors cannot be installed in boards with 300 series chipsets.

LGA 2066- current generation of the Intel platform intended for professionals. It may also be interesting as a platform for gradual upgrades. The younger Core i3 and Core i5 processors are practically no different from their LGA 1151 counterparts of the first version and are relatively affordable, but later they can be replaced with Core i7 and Core i9.

Number of Cores

This parameter requires many reservations and should be used with caution, but it is precisely this parameter that allows you to more or less logically arrange and differentiate central processors.

Models with two computing cores, and also with two physical cores and four virtual threads Regardless of clock speed, degree of dynamic overclocking, architectural advantages and fan mantras, today they are firmly established in the office PC segment, and even there - not in the most critical places. Today there is no need to talk seriously about the use of such CPUs in gaming machines, much less in workstations.

Processors with four computing cores look a little more modern, and can satisfy the needs of both office workers and not the most demanding home users. It is quite possible to build a budget gaming PC on them, although in modern titles the performance will be limited, and simultaneous execution of several operations - for example, recording a game video - will be impossible or will lead to a noticeable drop in FPS.

The best option for home - six core processors. They are able to provide high performance in games, do not faint when performing several resource-intensive tasks at the same time, allow you to use your PC as a home workstation, and at the same time, they remain quite affordable.

Octa-core processors- the choice of those who are busy with more serious tasks than games. Although they can handle entertainment without any problems, their advantages are most noticeable in work applications. If you are engaged in video processing and editing, draw complex layouts for printing, design houses or other complex structures, then these CPUs are worth choosing. You won't notice any excess performance, but the fast processing and lack of freezes at the most crucial moment will definitely please you.

Processors with 10 and 16 cores- this is a server segment and very specific workstations, which differ from the previous version approximately as the work of a special effects designer for a big movie differs from the work of a video editor on YouTube (in fact, that’s where they are used). It is difficult to definitely recommend or, on the contrary, to dissuade them from buying them. If you really need this kind of performance, you already know how and where you will use it.

Recommendation #8: The number of cores is not the clearest parameter, and it does not always allow processors with similar characteristics to be classified into the same group. However, when choosing a processor, you should focus on this parameter.

Performance

The final and most important parameter, which, alas, cannot be found in any store catalogue. However, in the end, it is he who determines whether a particular processor is suitable for you, and how much the operation of a PC based on it will meet your initial expectations.

Before you go to the store to buy a processor that seems to suit you, take the time to study its detailed tests. Moreover, “detailed” are not videos on YouTube that show you what you should see according to their author’s intention. Detailed tests are a large-scale comparison of the processor in synthetic benchmarks, professional software and games, carried out according to a clear methodology with the participation of all or most competing solutions.

As with video cards, reading and analyzing such materials will help you determine whether a particular processor is worth the money, and what, if possible, it can be replaced with.

Recommendation #9: By spending a couple of evenings reading and comparing information from different sources (it is important that they are authoritative, and preferably foreign), you will make a reasoned choice and save yourself a lot of problems in the future. Believe me, it's more than worth it.

Criteria and selection options:

Based on the criteria outlined above, CPUs from the DNS directory can be distributed as follows:

Processors AMD Sempron And Athlon under socket AM1 suitable for assembling budget multimedia PCs, embedded systems and similar tasks. For example, if you want to install a full-fledged PC with a desktop operating system in your car or build a small nettop that will live secretly in the depths of a country house or garage, you should pay attention to this platform.

For office PCs Dual core processors are suitable Intel Celeron, Pentium And Core i3. Their advantage in this case is the presence of a built-in graphics core. The performance of the latter is sufficient to display the necessary information and speed up the work of browsers, but it is completely insufficient for games, which should not be present in the workplace anyway.

For home multimedia PC The best choice would be AMD APUs designed for the current AM4 socket. Representatives of the A8, A10 and A12 lines combine a quad-core processor and very good graphics under one lid, which can confidently compete with budget video cards. A PC on this platform can be made very compact, but its performance is enough to play any content, as well as a number of work tasks and a considerable list of games.

For budget gaming PC Quad-core processors are suitable AMD Ryzen 3 and quad core Core i3 for socket LGA 1151_v2 ( don't be confused with dual-core Core i3 for socket LGA 1151!!!). The performance of these processors is sufficient for any home tasks and most games, but it is still not worth loading them with serious work or trying to perform several resource-intensive tasks at the same time.

For budget workstation a compromise could be AMD Ryzen 5 quad-core processors. In addition to physical cores, they also offer virtual computing threads, which ultimately allows operations to be performed in eight threads. Of course, this is not as efficient as physical cores, but the likelihood of seeing 100% CPU load and FPS dropping below playable levels when recording or live streaming gameplay is much lower here than with the previous two options. And the subsequent editing of this video will go faster.

The best choice for home gaming pc- six-core processors AMD Ryzen 5 And Intel Core i5 for the LGA 1151_v2 socket (not to be confused with their quad-core predecessors!!!). The cost of these CPUs is quite reasonable; they can even be called relatively affordable, unlike the top-end Ryzen 7 and Core i7 lines. But the performance is quite enough to play any games that interest the user and work from home. And even at the same time, if there is such a desire.

For top gaming PCs or workstations processors are suitable without pretense of selectivity and elitism AMD Ryzen 7 And Intel Core i7, having, respectively, 8 cores/16 threads and 6 cores/12 threads. Being a mainstream platform, these processors are still relatively affordable and do not require expensive motherboards, power supplies and coolers. However, their performance is sufficient for almost all tasks that an ordinary user can set for a PC.

If it is still not enough - for high performance workstations processors are intended AMD Ryzen Threadripper, designed for installation in the TR4 socket, and top models of Intel processors for the LGA 2066 socket - Core i7 and Core i9, having 8, 10, 12 or more physical cores. In addition, the processors offer a four-channel memory controller, which is important for a number of professional tasks, and up to 44 PCI-express lanes, allowing you to connect many peripherals without losing data exchange speed. It is impossible to recommend these CPUs for home use both due to their price and due to their “tailored” nature for multi-threading and professional tasks. But in operation, processors for top platforms can literally be several times faster than their desktop counterparts.

As a rule, processors are tested in tandem with top-end video cards of the 1080 Ti or Titan X level. They show well the capabilities of the “stones”, but do not answer the question of what to use for simpler systems. We ordered at "Citylink" three “stones” based on Coffee Lake and prepared a computer for the 1070 Ti Strix.

Test stand

Let's start with the computer. It is based on ASUS TUF Z730-Pro, a board from the mid-segment, but with the right power system, a good set of ports and a flexible BIOS. Why TUF and not Strix? We wanted to take a break from the backlight and get a decent set of technologies, high-quality sound chip hardware, DTS support and fan control.

A DeepCool MAELSTROM 120K air cooler was installed to cool the “stones”. It is suitable for both top-end i5 and i7, as well as i3. Intel turned it out hot and reaches 71°C under load.

The case is spacious, with a pair of turntables, and is designed for dual liquid cooling radiators. Note that the standard fans are installed on the front panel and that for assembly without a cooling fan you will have to either rearrange one of the fans or buy an additional one.

1070 Ti was taken by ASUS Strix. This series has been talked about more than once, so we will only note the important points. The card is cooled by an aluminum radiator with three turntables, the main elements are glued with thermal pads, and the processor takes 1962 MHz versus 1683 from the reference and stays within 53°C.

And finally, Seasonic was sent to provide power at 650 W - cold and with enormous efficiency. Anticipating comments in the spirit of “why such an expensive power supply?”, let’s say right away. The computer would run on FSP for 2500 rubles, but we rely on reliability and stability. If you don't like this option, we don't insist.

CPU

And now about the tests. We ended up with a pre-top system with a budget of approximately 100 thousand rubles. “Approximately” because the price for the video card is recommended, and if you don’t focus on quality, flexibility and maximum frequencies, you can save on the chipset, memory and power supply. But that's not the point. Let's see which processor is suitable for such a computer.

So, there are three “stones” on hand - i3-8350K, i5-8600K and i7-8700K. All of them were tested in stock and in total passed seven gaming and thirteen processor tests, including both synthetic and real applications. The result is interesting.

There's not much difference in gaming with the 1070 Ti. This means that for the first time in a long time, i3 can be purchased for purely gaming systems, even with powerful video cards.

The conclusion from this is simple. For a gaming computer up to 80-100 thousand rubles, a Core i3 is enough. Older processors are worth buying if you are interested in work tasks. Which model to take - decide for yourself, we have given the processor tests and breakdown.

Let us repeat once again that the choice in favor of i3 applies only to systems with 1080-level video cards. With Ti or Titan X, older Core i5 with i7 will go ahead. However, this can be compensated for by overclocking. All processors are overclocked, and from the same i3 we squeezed 4.4 GHz, and from the i7 - 4.7 GHz.

The main element of a gaming computer is the video card, but the central processor is also important. And in the case of office, multimedia, educational and other not the most resource-intensive tasks, it affects performance even to a greater extent than graphics. The TOP of inexpensive processors in 2016 included models that deserve a place in the assembly of a budget PC.

• Price. The amount of 3000 UAH was chosen as the upper limit of cost to be included in the rating of budget processors for PCs in 2016. With a more expensive CPU, you won’t be able to build an inexpensive and powerful computer, even if it’s not for gaming.
• Relevance. The rating of PC processors 2016 includes only those CPUs that remain relevant at the time of writing. Outdated platforms, such as socket 1150 from Intel or FM1 from AMD, were not considered.
• Value for money. To get into the TOP of the best processors of 2016, it is not enough for the CPU to be inexpensive and up-to-date. It is important that in its class it stands out from its competitors, and in its line it looks the most interesting.

Taking these parameters into account, 7 models were selected for the rating of budget processors 2016, the best in their class, or in general on the market. Each of the processors is optimal for a particular type of use, and is capable of delivering sufficient performance in the conditions of 2016 and early 2017.

TOP best processors for a budget PC

7th place: AMD Athlon 5150 x4, from 949 UAH

The 2016 budget processor rating opens with the cheap quad-core AMD Athlon 5150 CPU. This is an entry-level processor designed for silent multimedia and office PCs in compact cases. AMD Athlon 5150 is equipped with four cores operating at 1.6 GHz. The capacity of the second level cache is 2 MB. The processor is produced using a not-so-new 28 nm process technology, but nevertheless the heat dissipation level is only 25 W. The CPU is designed for installation in boards with socket AM1, working with DDR3 memory.

Based on the AMD Athlon 5150, you can build a cheap computer for simple tasks, such as working with documents and web surfing, as well as watching movies, within a budget of 5 thousand hryvnia for everything together. It is equipped with integrated Radeon R3 graphics, which is enough for multimedia and office tasks, although not enough for games. However, this processor is capable of handling the same WoT at low graphics settings.

6th place: AMD Athlon X4 860K, from 1914 UAH

The next hero in the TOP budget processors for inexpensive PCs in 2016 is the AMD Athlon X4 860K. This is a more productive solution for those who need a computer that can handle games. It has 4 cores operating at frequencies up to 3.7 GHz, and thanks to the unlocked multiplier, it easily overclocks to approximately 4.5 GHz. There is a 4 MB cache on board the processor, and the chip is manufactured using a 28 nm process technology. The chip's power consumption is limited to 95 W. It is designed to work in motherboards for FM2+ socket and DDR3 memory.

The AMD Athlon X4 860K is an inexpensive quad-core processor that is suitable for entry-level gaming systems and also handles light tasks well. 4 physical cores give it an advantage over Intel Celeron and Pentium of a similar price category (up to 2000 UAH), but in terms of specific performance per core it
is significantly behind. Therefore, this budget processor made it into the TOP in 6th place.

5th place: Intel Celeron G3900, from 965 UAH

The first representative from Intel in the 2016 ranking of low-cost processors for home PCs is the Celeron G3900. It is positioned as an office solution, and although it is equipped with only two cores, their performance is quite good. They operate at a frequency of 2.8 GHz, the cache capacity is 2 MB. The chip is produced using a thin 14 nm process technology, so its consumption in reality never reaches the declared 51 W. In practice, it consumes from 10 to 30 W of energy. The Celeron G3900 is installed in socket 1151 boards that support DDR3L and DDR4 memory.

The processor more than copes with its office purpose. It is also suitable for games, but not the most demanding ones. To play normally, the capabilities of the built-in Intel HD 510 video card are clearly not enough (although it can handle WoT at the minimum). But if you install something like a Radeon RX 460 into the system, then even normal gameplay in GTA 5 or The Witcher 3 is a reality.

4th place: AMD FX-6300, from 2595 UAH

AMD FX-6300 made it into the TOP of inexpensive processors for PCs 2016 due to the fact that it is a “people’s” six-core processor and has long been popular. It cannot be considered an ideal gaming solution, however, this processor is worth the money. Its 6 cores operate at a frequency of 3.5 GHz, and the cache size is 6 MB for the second level memory and 8 MB for the third. The chip is produced using a 32 nm process technology, so it is not very cold and emits 95 W of heat. The processor is designed for installation in motherboards with socket AM3+, but is also supported by many motherboards with AM3.

Due to good compatibility with older motherboards, a large number of cores (albeit not very powerful), and a large cache, the processor is quite good for its price. It lags behind Intel solutions (like the i3-6100) in tasks that require fast cores, but where multi-threading is important, it holds the lead. In combination with a GeForce GTX1050 Ti-level video card, the processor is capable of running all modern games at medium and high (and sometimes even more) settings.

3rd place: AMD A10-7850K, from 2632 UAH

The AMD A10-7850K is in the TOP of the best processors for a budget PC in 2016 due to the combination of a good CPU and integrated graphics. In terms of the CPU, this is the same Athlon 860K, with four cores at 3.7 GHz, 4 MB of second-level cache and overclocking support. It is also made using a 28 nm process technology and consumes up to 95 W of energy. The processor is designed for boards with an FM2+ connector and works with DDR3 RAM at frequencies up to 2133 MHz.

The advantage of the AMD A10-7850K compared to the Athlon 860K is the presence of a decent built-in video card. Its integrated core can even claim to be a gaming core, while this CPU costs only 700 UAH more than its counterpart without graphics. If you buy fast DDR3 memory in a set of 2 sticks, you can even play new games without purchasing a discrete video card. This is the main advantage of the AMD A10-7850K for those who rarely play, but sometimes can play tanks or ships. Some GTA5 will also work, but only on degraded graphics settings.