Buy a budget processor for games. What is a good computer processor to choose?

Vacations are in full swing, but the weather outside is not very good. What would you do with this? I suggest spending time with pleasure: playing computer games. Is your “old man” not up to modern toys? Maybe, . But which one?

Today's article is designed to help you decide on the choice of “pebble” for your gaming PC. The rating of the best processors as of mid-summer 2017 included models that showed the optimal balance in terms of performance and price. For your convenience, we have divided them into 3 groups: costing approximately $100, approximately $200 and approximately $300. So that no one feels left out, each group consists of a pair of processors - one Intel and one AMD.

Around $100: Intel Core i3-7100 and AMD FX-8320

Intel Core i3-7100

Desktop processor Intel Core The i3-7100 is the most balanced in terms of cost and performance in the $100-120 price segment. In combination with a top-end video card produced in 2016-2017 and a motherboard based on H270 or Z270 chipsets, it allows you to comfortably play the vast majority of games modern games. Except, perhaps, the most demanding ones.

Yes, it only has 2 cores, but this shortcoming is compensated by the high clock frequency (3900 Mhz), support for DDR4-2400 memory and, to some extent, technology Hyper Threading, which allows the operating system to use each physical core as 2 logical ones. In addition, the “pebble” has good built-in graphics with support for 4k resolution at 60 Hz. Thanks to it, you will be able to do without a discrete video card if for some reason you put off purchasing one.

Specifications

Microarchitecture: Kaby Lake(7th generation).
Number of cores: 2.
Clock frequency: 3900 Mhz.
Socket: LGA1151.
Process technology: 14 nm.
Multiplier: 34, unlocked.
L1 cache: 64 Kb (instructions + data).
L2 cache: 512 Kb.
L3 cache: 3072 Kb.
Controller PCI Express: There is.
Technologies: Hyper Threading (hyperthreading), EM64T (x64 support), Virtualization Technology (virtualization), Enhanced SpeedStep (energy saving), hardware encryption, XD Bit, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSE4, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, SSSE3, VT-x, MMX.
Thermal power (TDP): 51 W.
: 100 °C

The most attractive qualities of the Core i3-7100: high performance, reasonable price, integrated graphics and low TDP - the small cooler included in the kit is enough to cool the processor even under maximum load.

Disadvantage – it only works on Windows 10 (as well as Linux and Mac OS). Those who cannot part with the “seven” and “eight” will have to choose - either the system or new processor. By the way, this drawback applies not only to the Intel Core i3-7100, but to the entire Kaby Lake line and AMD Ryzen.

AMD FX-8320

A MD FX-8320, although old, is extremely successful model game "stone". In mid-2017, the balance between its performance and price reached optimal levels, which gave us a reason to include it in today's rating and place it on the same level as the Intel Core i3-7100.

8 cores, 4000 Mhz frequencies with the possibility of increasing to 4600 Mhz or more due to overclocking by a multiplier (here, unlike its competitor Intel, it is free), as well as support for DDR3-1866 memory perform well in multi-threaded games like Battlefield.

Specifications

Microarchitecture: Vishera.
Number of cores: 8.
Clock frequency: 3500-4000
Socket: AM3+.
Technological process: 32 nm.
Multiplier: 17.5, free.
Integrated graphics: no.
L1 cache: 96 Kb.
L2 cache: 2048 Kb.
L3 cache: 8192 Kb.
PCI Express controller: no.
Maximum supported memory size: 128 GB.
Supported memory standards: DDR3-800/1066/1333/1600/1866. There is ECC support.
Technologies: AMD64 (x64 support), Virtualization Technology, AMD PowerNow (noise reduction), Turbo Core 3.0 (increasing frequency during peak loads), NX Bit, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSE4, SSE1, SSE4.2, SSSE3, MMX, VT, XOP, TBM.
Thermal power (TDP): 125 W.

Advantages of AMD FX-8320: high performance, nice price($115-120), the multiplier makes it possible to assemble an inexpensive gaming computer, which will remain relevant for the next 3-4 years.

Disadvantages: very hot – requires powerful system cooling, consumes a lot of energy, has no graphics core.

About $200: Intel Core i5-7500 and AMD Ryzen 5 1600

Intel Core i5-7500

I ntel Core i5-7500 is sold in retail stores at a price of $200-210, that is, about a hundred more expensive than the i3-7100. However, for this money you will get 4 full-fledged physical cores, which is much preferable to virtual ones in gaming systems, as well as as much as 6 MB of L3 cache.

The clock frequency of this processor reaches 3800 Mhz (or a little more) with dynamic overclocking, there is built-in video - the same as the i3-7100, and support for DDR4-2400 memory.

Specifications

Microarchitecture: Kaby Lake.
Number of cores: 4.
Clock frequency: 3400-3800
Socket: LGA1151.
Process technology: 14 nm.
Multiplier: 39, unlocked.
Built-in graphics: HD Graphics 630.
Graphics core frequency: 1100 Mhz.
L2 cache: 1024 Kb.
L3 cache: 6144 Kb.
PCI Express controller: yes.
Number of PCI Express 3.0 lanes: 16.
Maximum supported memory size: 64 GB.
Supported memory standards: DDR3L-1333/1600, DDR4-2133/2400.
Technologies: Turbo Boost 0 (increased frequency during peak loads), EM64T, Virtualization Technology, Enhanced SpeedStep, Intel vPro(remote control of a computer outside the OS), hardware encryption, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSE4, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, SSE4a, SSSE3, MMX, TBT 2.0, VT-x, XD Bit.
Maximum temperature: 80 °C

Advantages of the Intel Core i5-7500: fast, cool (TDP 65 W), supports dynamic overclocking (Turbo Boost 2.0), has built-in graphics, and the Intel vPro function is implemented. The latter allows you to remotely edit the BIOS and run diagnostic tests outside the operating system by connecting to your computer over the network.

Disadvantages - no support for the universally beloved Windows 7, no hyperthreading, locked multiplier (for this price, as many believe, they could implement Hyper Threading and make multiplication free).

AMD Ryzen 5 1600

Ryzen 5 1600 is another AMD representative, this time modern and also very successful. On board are 6 physical and 12 virtual cores (supports multithreading), a free multiplier and 16 MB of L3 cache. Bonus – support for DDR4-2666 memory (from a competitor Intel limit DDR4 frequency – 2400 MHz). Standard core clocks are 3200 MHz, with dynamic overclocking - 3600 MHz, after overclocking by a multiplier - up to 4200 MHz.

Processors based on the Zen microarchitecture, one of which is the Ryzen 5 1600, differ low power consumption and TDP (which is unusual for the bulk of AMD products). In addition, the boxed model includes a compact, efficient and quiet cooler, the power of which is sufficient even with some overclocking.

Specifications

Number of cores: 6.
Clock frequency: 3200-3600 Mhz.
Socket: AM4.
Process technology: 14 nm.
Multiplier: 32, free.
Integrated graphics: no.
L1 cache: 96 Kb.
L2 cache: 3072 Kb.
L3 cache: 16384 Kb.
PCI Express controller: yes.
Number of PCI Express 3.0 lanes: 16.
Maximum supported memory size: 64 GB.
Supported memory standards: DDR4-1866/2666.
Technology support: multi-threading, AMD64, virtualization, hardware encryption, Precision Boost (increasing clock cycles during peak loads), Pure Power(power saving), instructions SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSE4, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, SSE4a, SSSE3, MMX.
Thermal power (TDP): 65 W.

Pros of AMD Ryzen 5 1600: excellent performance at a moderate price ($200-210), low heating, low power consumption, overclocking, the ability to unleash the potential of any modern video card.

Cons: no integrated graphics, no support for Windows 7.

Around $300: Intel Core i7-7700K and AMD Ryzen 7 1700

Intel Core i7-7700K

Intel Core i7-7700K is the best price/performance ratio among top processors today. Here's what it has: 4 physical and 8 virtual cores, a free multiplier, 8 Mb L3, the frequency of each core is 4500 MHz in Turbo Boost mode and 5000 MHz in overclocking. In my opinion, excellent opportunities for the most resource-intensive toys. There is also another gentleman's set - support for DDR4-2400 and an integrated graphics core HD Graphics 630 with higher clocks than the younger brothers of the Kaby Lake family.

Specifications

Microarchitecture: Kaby Lake.
Number of cores: 4.
Clock frequency: 4200-4500
Socket: LGA1151.
Process technology: 14 nm.
Multiplier: 42, free.
Built-in graphics: HD Graphics 630.
Graphics core frequency: 1150 Mhz.
L1 cache: 128 Kb (instructions + data).
L2 cache: 1024 Kb.
L3 cache: 8192 Kb.
PCI Express controller: yes.
Number of PCI Express 3.0 lanes: 16.
Maximum supported memory size: 64 GB.
Supported memory standards: DDR3L-1333-1600, DDR4-2133-2400.
Technologies supported: Hyper-Threading, Turbo Boost0, EM64T, Virtualization Technology, Enhanced SpeedStep, hardware encryption, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSE4, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, SSSE3, MMX, XD Bit.
Thermal power (TDP): 91 W.
Maximum temperature: 100 °C

Strengths of the Intel Core i7-7700K: best ratio performance in games and purchase costs ($300-315), unlocked multiplier, powerful video core. In short, a good foundation for the future.

Weaknesses: in case of overclocking, it requires a powerful, expensive cooling system; it does not support Windows 7.

AMD Ryzen 7 1700

A MD Ryzen 7 1700 is the best of the best for multi-threaded games and a wide variety of resource-intensive non-gaming tasks, in particular, 3D graphics rendering, video editing, etc. An excellent investment for the future.

“Under the hood” of this processor: 8 physical and 16 virtual cores, a free multiplier, 16 Mb L3, support for DDR4-2933, 24 PCI Express lanes (competitors have 16), the frequency of each core in dynamic overclocking is 3700 MHz, when overclocked by the multiplier – up to approximately 4100 MHz. There is no built-in video card, but the systems for which the Ryzen 7 1700 is intended do not need it. Besides, he's cold. Even under intense load (by the way, it is extremely difficult to load it 100%), it does not heat above 50 °C.

The cost of the model is comparable to the Core i7-7700K.

Specifications

Microarchitecture: Summit Ridge (Zen).
Number of cores: 8.
Clock frequency: 3000-3700 MHz.
Socket: AM4.
Process technology: 14 nm.
Multiplier: 30, free.
Integrated graphics: no.
L1 cache: 256 Kb (instructions + data).
L2 cache: 4096 Kb.
L3 cache: 16384 Kb.
PCI Express controller: yes.
Number of PCI Express 3.0 lanes: 24.
Maximum supported memory size: 64 GB.
Supported memory standards: DDR4-1866/2933.
Technology support: multithreading, AMD64, virtualization, hardware encryption, Precision Boost, Pure Power, SSE instructions, SSE2, SSE3, SSE4, SSE4.1, SSE4.2, SSE4a, SSSE3, MMX.
Thermal power (TDP): 65 W.
Maximum temperature: 90 °C

Advantages of AMD Ryzen 7 1700: amazing power, multitasking, versatility, energy efficiency. The disadvantage is that there is no support for older versions of Windows.

According to many owners and experts, the Ryzen 7 1700 is AMD’s huge leap forward. The release of this processor showed that the Reds are not as hopelessly behind as they are thought to be, and are still capable of giving the Blues a hard time. As they say, they harness for a long time, but go quickly.

Best processor for gaming | Introduction

Detailed specifications are great, of course, but only if you have time to study them. However, all the user needs is best processor for games for the available amount. For those who do not have time to look through numerous test results, for those who do not feel confident enough in their choice best processor for gaming, there is absolutely nothing to fear: the editors regularly update this article, which talks about the choice best processor for gaming for every budget and taste. At the same time, you will find here links to the most current detailed reviews if you want to clarify any details.

A few notes necessary to understand the article:

This article is written for gamers who want to get the most out of their investment. If you are not a gamer, then the processors on this list are most likely more expensive than what you really need. In any case, regardless of whether you need best processor for gaming, or for work, at the end of the article we have added an indicative list of gaming processors.

The criterion used to compile the list is simple: price/performance. We recognize that there are other factors that affect a CPU, such as platform price or CPU overclocking potential, but we don't intend to complicate things by adding cost to the list. motherboards. Our recommendations are based on base clock speeds, performance, and pricing.

Prices change daily. In the article "" we cannot offer you the most current and accurate pricing information, but we are able to list a few good chips, having bought which, you most likely will not regret the money spent.

The list is compiled based on the most best prices in Moscow online stores. Prices in other countries or retail stores will likely vary. IN this list we presented to you retail prices for new CPUs in OEM version.

Best processor for gaming | List of the best processors for gaming

Model	Intel Core i7-9700K	Intel Core i5-8400	AMD Ryzen 5 2400G	AMD Ryzen 3 2200G
Category	The best in everything	Best in price/performance	Budget choice	Entry level

Price in Russia, rub.	33500	16800	11800	7600
CPU socket	LGA 1151	LGA 1151	AM4	AM4
Number of cores (threads)	8 (8)	6 (6)	4 (8)	4 (4)
Base clock frequency, GHz	3,6	2,8	3,6	3,5
Clock frequency in Boost mode, GHz	4,6	1 core: 4.0; 2 cores: 3.9; 4 cores: 3.9; 6 cores: 3.8	3,9	3,7
RAM speed	DDR4-2666	DDR4-2666	up to DDR4-2933	up to DDR4-2933
RAM controller	Dual channel	Dual channel	Dual channel	Dual channel
Unlocked multiplier	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
PCIe lanes	x16 Gen3	x16 Gen3	x8 3.0	x8 Gen3
Integrated GPU	350 / 1200	Intel UHD Graphics 630 (up to 1150 MHz)	Vega	Vega
Cache (L2/L3)	12 MB	10.5 MB	4 MB L3	4 MB L3
Architecture	Coffee Lake	Coffee Lake	Zen - Vega	Kaby Lake
Technical process	14nm++	14nm++	14nm+	14nm+
TDP, W	95	65	65	65

Read also: Hierarchy of Intel and AMD processors: comparison table
What about those processors that aren't on our list of recommendations in Best Processor for Gaming: Current Market Analysis? Are they worth buying or not? Comparison table will help you figure it out.

THG recommends:

The processor is an integral part of any computer device, it is entrusted with the most important tasks and processing of all incoming tasks. This article collected the best budget processors of 2015 for games and office work who have no high cost and sufficient performance for most needs. A properly selected computer brain will significantly speed up its operation and response time. installed programs. A good cheap processor will be useful in an office system for quickly generating reports and presentations. Your speed of working on it depends on the speed of your PC.

The best cheap processors for the office

AMD A4-4000

(socket FM2)

The cheapest processor, but not the worst and with a built-in video card. Great for office solutions when you need to assemble a computer in minimum amount. In it you will find two cores, each at 3000 MHz, capable of providing sufficient performance for most users. office applications. The processor chip contains an integrated Radeon video card HD 7480D, its power is enough for undemanding games such as Conter-Strike 1.6. Created using a 32 nm process, therefore it consumes electricity in moderate quantities, and is also equipped with 1MB of second level.

Intel Celeron G1820

(LGA socket 1150)

Cheap processor Intel, stands out from the first one by the presence of a level 3 cache with a capacity of 2048 KB. Two cores with a frequency of 2700 MHz, due to the use of the Haswell architecture, which has not yet become outdated, easily cope with office or multimedia tasks. The built-in Intel HD graphics card allows you to run games up to 2009 and display images in Full HD resolution. Does not consume large number electricity, within 53W, which makes it economical. In conjunction with a high-quality video card, surprisingly, show good performance in games.

Powerful, cheap processors for gaming

AMD FX-4130

(Socket AM3+)

The first in AMD's line of powerful processors. For a price of 4,450 rubles it has solid characteristics. So there are four cores, the frequency of each, when the turbo mode is turned on, reaches 3900 MHz, which is an excellent result for a device in this price range. It has a large amount of cache memory, 4MB on the second and third levels. High performance has its own price - this is power consumption, the processor requires as much as 125W to operate. In return, it shows high performance and good connectivity even with .

Intel Pentium G3420

(LGA 1150 socket)

Another fast and cheap processor for gaming. It has lower performance than the AMD FX-4130, but at the same time consumes significantly less electricity - 54W. It can be called a stripped-down version of Core i3; the most noticeable difference is the absence of Hyper-Threading. There are two cores, each capable of operating at a frequency of 3.2 GHz and has a second level cache of 512 KB and a third level cache of 3072 KB. With a good video card, for example GT660, it runs World of Tanks on maximum settings graphics.

Best cheap processor

AMD A6-6400K

(FM2 socket)

Great inexpensive processor, with good overclocking potential. It has 2 cores, each of which operates at a maximum frequency of 4100 MHz, which is enough for any office or entertainment tasks, the processor processes everything quickly and without noticeable delays. The relatively powerful integrated graphics core of the Radeon HD 8470D performs well in games up to 2010 and is capable of running most modern online games at low and medium settings. Great choice for office or home personal computer, which will combine high performance and savings.

Also, at the end of the article about the best cheap processors, I would like to note that if you are looking for a model without a built-in video card, and main goal– this is a budget gaming PC, then I advise you to pay attention to AMD Athlon II X4 860K. This is probably best solution for your money in the low price segment.

Today I will tell you maybe not new information, but definitely useful! The processor is key part of the computer, which carries out calculations and execution of commands received from programs. Now there are two most popular processor manufacturers - Amd and Intel. In order not to make a mistake, I will tell you how to choose the right processor for a computer in 2014-2015, you need to know the main technical characteristics and do not forget about tests that show real capabilities, but read more in detail below or you can immediately watch the video at the end of the article.

How many cores do 2015 games need?

The number of cores should not be overlooked. The current stage of development does not allow increasing the frequency, so manufacturers are forced to develop a direction capable of parallel computing. That is, increase the number of cores, at the moment there are from 2 to 8. This parameter indicates how many programs can be launched simultaneously without losing performance in games and programs. The most popular games require at least 4 cores for comfortable game into the coolest toys like World of Tanks, Crysis, STALKER, NFS and so on.

What is the optimal frequency?

Clock frequency is a parameter measured in gigahertz. For example, 2.21 GHz tells the buyer that the processor can perform as many as 2 billion operations in one second. That is, the higher the frequency, the faster information is processed; 1.6 GHz is enough for office, and 2.5 for games. Clock frequency is the most important parameter, so you need to pay attention to it first!

AMD models

Cache and bus frequency

The speed of outgoing and incoming information is demonstrated by the bus frequency. The higher this indicator, the faster the exchange of information takes place. The bus frequency is measured in gigahertz. But a high-speed memory unit or processor cache is of greater importance. It is located right on the core and performs performance functions. Compared to RAM, cache processes data much faster.

There are three levels of cache memory:

L1 is the smallest level in terms of volume, ranging in size from 8 to 128 KB. But he is the fastest;
L2 is a little slower than the first, but a level larger than it. It has parameters from 128 to 12288 KB;
L3 is the third level, inferior in speed to the previous ones. But its volumes are much larger. The third level may be completely absent, as it is intended for northern solutions and special editions of processes. Its size reaches a limit of 16384 KB.

Other parameters

Less significant, but still relevant when purchasing a processor, are parameters such as heat dissipation and socket.

Socket- this is the connector where the processor should be installed on the motherboard. For example, if the marking indicates an AMZ or Intel S1155 socket, then, accordingly, the motherboard is needed with an identical socket. The heat dissipation parameter shows the degree of heating during operation. This indicator must be taken into account first of all when choosing a cooling system. Heat dissipation is measured in watts and ranges from 50 to 300 W.

An important characteristic is support for a variety of technologies. The parameter defines a set of commands that are intended to improve performance, for example, SSE4 technology. This is a specific set of fifty-four commands that are designed to increase processor performance while working with media content and gaming applications.

The basis of the internal circuit is made up of semiconductor elements. The scale of technology, which is determined by such semiconductor elements called a technical process. The elements consist of transistors connected to each other. Technologies are improving every year, transistors are proportionally decreasing in size, and therefore the performance characteristics of processors are increasing. For example, the Willamette core is made according to the 0.18 micron technical process. It has 42 million transistors. At the same time, another Prescott core corresponds to technical process 0.09 microns, and the number of available transistors is 125 million.

Which is better to choose Intel or AMD?

If you apply the acquired knowledge in practice and compare two modern processors, you will get the following picture. For example, the AMD FX-8150 Zambezi has a clock speed of 3600 MHz, while the Intel Core i5-3570K Ivy Bridge is limited to a clock speed of 3400 GHz. That is, the first is characterized by rapid action. Comparing these models further, it becomes clear that AMD is the leader in the number of cores - 8, while Intel has only four. But this is a rather controversial point, since most applications may not be optimized to work with four cores, let alone eight. Intel also loses in terms of cache size. It has a third level cache of 6144 KB, while AMD has 8192 KB. AMD's L2 cache is also larger - 8192 KB, while Intel's is 1024 KB.

Based on these key parameters, you need to choose the processor that is faster in games or the tasks you will use, so in order to 100% decide on your choice, you should first look at comparative tests!

Top best processors for PC

When buying a good processor, you need to focus not only on the characteristics, but also on public opinion (reviews, forums, expert opinions). You can consult with familiar programmers who know exactly what is best to buy, or rely on the opinion of friends who recently bought a processor. We also made a rating of the best processors for computers for 2014-2015, so that you don’t spend a lot of hours on the forum or read about paid reviews. The models that are most often purchased definitely have both good quality and reasonable price. List best models will help you navigate the countless diversity modern devices Intel and AMD. Individual preferences should also be taken into account. Some models are better suited for games and home use, while other models are more intended for office work, but not for games.

Budget processor up to 3000 rubles

Celeron G1820
INTEL Pentium Dual-Core G2130 (if you are building a simple computer on Intel, then this is the best choice)
Celeron G1620
Trinity A4-5300
AMD A6 6400K
AMD A6 5400K

(best processor entry level)

The best processors for 4000 rubles

INTEL Pentium Dual-Core G3420 (optimal for Intel)
AMD Athlon X4 860K
Trinity A8-5600K
AMD FX 4300 (best value for the money for an entry-level gaming PC)
Core i3-2120 (if you find it, it’s a good replacement for hemp)
Pentium Processor G3220

The best processors for 5000 rubles

AMD Athlon X4 860K
FX-4300
FX-6300 Best buy for your money
FX-8320
Core i3-3220
AMD Richland A8-6600K
AMD Trinity A8-5600K 3.6GHz/4MB
Core i3-4130

Best processor for gaming 2015

Intel Core i5-4440
AMD FX-9590
Core i5-4670K
Core i7-3770K

(the best processor for gaming today)

(a good choice if you can find it and if you are assembling a system unit for AMD)

AMD FX-6350
AMD Richland A10-6800K
AMD FX-4350

Well, if you have an unlimited amount of money, then these three models are exactly what you need for the most powerful system unit, but finding such devices will not be so easy, but believe me, it’s worth it!

Intel Core i7-4960X Extreme Edition
Xeon E5-2650 v2

Comparison of intel and amd processors 2015 table

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 home 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 receptacle 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 real possibilities 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 most a simple 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 and everything, including central processing units, “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!” Especially useful here are recommendations to replace completely suitable and current processors Core i5 older generations on Core processors i3 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. Processors in in this case 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 standard 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: base frequency, given 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 on 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 clock frequency processor (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 the 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 - top models modern Intel processors are equipped with a video core no worse, but are much more expensive than APUs, and the performance of their processor part is extremely redundant for an HTPC.

Who lives today without built-in graphics? This top processors Intel for 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 lacks graphics AMD processors under the departing already 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's free, not difficult at all, and doesn't 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’s 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 not your fault or the store’s employees.

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 numbers 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 (!!!). Represents the current generation of mainstream Intel platforms, and finally brings processors with six physical cores to the consumer segment - this is what makes it valuable. However, it is important to remember that Coffee processors Lake cannot be installed in boards with 200 and 100 series chipsets, and older ones Skylake processors and Kaby Lake - 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 the simultaneous performance of several operations - for example, recording gaming 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, and allow you to use your PC as a home workstation, and with all this - they maintain a very affordable price.

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 already 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 an editor of videos 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 country house or garage - it's worth paying attention to this platform.

For office PCs will fit dual core processors 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 for output necessary information and speeding up browsers, but is completely insufficient for games that shouldn’t be in the workplace anyway.

For home multimedia PC best choice There will be APUs from AMD 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 will fit quad core processors 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 humane, they can even be called relatively affordable, unlike top lines Ryzen 7 and Core i7. 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 due to their price, and due to their “tailoring” for multi-threading and professional tasks. But in operation, processors for top platforms can literally be several times faster than their desktop counterparts.