Choosing a processor is quite a serious task, which should be approached only after you have thoroughly familiarized yourself with all the nuances and characteristics. Much can be learned from the name of the processor, its markings, which contain information about the main characteristics of this model. You can read what these characteristics mean in this article, and in this article we will talk about how to decipher the processor markings.

Intel processor markings

1. Intel processor series
   • I7 – top processors that support everything Intel technologies, have 4 cores, equipped with an 8 MB L3 cache.
   • I5 – mid-price segment processors, can have from 2 to 4 cores. Equipped with L3 cache memory with a capacity of 3 to 6 MB. No technology support Trusted Execution, Hyper-Threading and Virtualization Technology.
   • I3 is a budget series of processors that has 2 cores and a 3 MB L3 cache.
2. Indicates the generation of the Core i-x series of processors. SandyBridje is marked with the number 2, IvyBridge is marked with the number 3.
3. Indicates position in the series. The higher the number, the faster the processor runs. Depends on the clock frequency.
4. Processor version
   • K – this processor has an unlocked multiplier, which means it can be overclocked.
   • M – processor used in mobile devices(smartphone, tablet).
   • P – processor without automatic overclocking.
   • S – such processors have power consumption reduced to 65 W.
   • T – these processors have reduced power consumption to 45/35 W.

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Intel processor markings

Intel processor markings and processor generation definitions intel series core I3/I5/i7.

Marking of old processors for socket Lga 775.

Celeron is a modification of budget processors. (Still released on new platforms).

The number is a model range; the higher the number, the better the processor.

In new processors, everything is very unclear about the model number, so it is better to look for information about these processors on the intel page.

Processors labeled Core 2 Duo

Core 2 Duo E8400 and Core 2 Duo X6800

Core 2 duo modification of the processor.

E8400 model number, the higher the better. (If compared with the same line of processors).

But do not forget about the characteristics of the processor itself.

The letter X on some processors means that the processor is Extreme Edition. With an unlocked multiplier.

Processors labeled Pentium Dual-Core (released on new platforms) are also a modification of the processor better than Celeron.

Example E5700 is a model range; the higher the number, the more powerful the processor.

In new processors, it’s unclear how they are marked; you can’t determine which core it was made on; we look for information about these processors on the intel page.

Modifier Core 2 Quad processors are the first of four core processors.

Q6600 letter Q means that the processor is 4-core (quad).

Some processors are designated QX9650, the letter X indicates that the processor is Extreme Edition. (unlocked multiplier)

Low power consumption are designated by the letter suffix S

In terms of numbers, as everywhere else, the higher the better.

also see the table Characteristics of INTEL processors (LGA 775)

We got to the latest intel processors codenamed core I3, core I5, core I7.

Core i3, i5, i7 of the first generation did not have a generation number, so they have three-digit designations.

Core I3 550, Core I5 ​​670, Core I7 920.

Intel® Core™ processor numbers 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th use a four-digit value.

You can find out the Intel Core generation by the first digit of the four-digit sequence indicates the generation of the processor, the next three digits are the processor code or model number and a letter suffix depending on the processor.

Using the first digit we determine the generation of the processor; if there are only 3 digits, this means it is the first generation.

The model range or processor code means that the higher the numbers, the more powerful the processor; also, do not forget about suffixes.

All suffixes related to energy consumption mean frequencies lower than usual.

An example is the i7 4770 (3.50 GHz) and i7 4770T (2.50 GHz). Hence the conclusion is that the i7 4770 is simply better than the i7 4770T in terms of performance.

Existing suffixes

Desktop	For Mobile Devices
K-So removed protection from increasing the clock frequency (unlocked multiplier)	M-for mobile PCs
S-Optimized Performance	QM-Four nuclear processors for mobile PCs.
T-Optimized energy consumption	U-Over low power consumption m.
R-Desktop processors in BGA1364 package (for mobile devices) with high-performance graphics solution.	Y - extreme low power consumption.
C-Unlocked LGA 1150 desktop processors with high-performance graphics (4th and 5th generation).	HQ-High-performance graphics solution.
H-High Performance Graphics Solution
HK-High performance graphics, unlocked multiplier.
MX-Series extreme edition for mobile PCs.

We also read tables with processor parameters

First generation Core I3 (specs), First generation Core I5 ​​(specs), First generation Core I7 (specs)

Core i3 second generation (characteristics), Core I5 ​​Second generation (characteristics), Core I7 Second generation (characteristics)

Core i3 Third generation (specifications), Core i5 Third generation (specifications), Core I7 Third generation (specifications)

Core i3 Fourth generation(specifications), Core i5 Fourth generation (specifications), Core i7 Fourth generation (specifications)

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How to choose the best processor

IN certain moment Every computer user faces the problem of upgrading the system or purchasing new car. As a rule, the financial resource for this is limited, but you need to assemble a productive configuration.

Each has its own requirements for the system, which means that each needs its own processor (CPU) corresponding to the level of tasks performed. Based on CPU performance, CPUs are usually divided into categories: beginner, intermediate, or basic, and advanced.

• Processor selection criteria
• Intel processor
• Processor prices

Manufacturer. There are only two of them - Intel and AMD, and each has models worthy of attention. Home strong point the first is low power consumption combined with high performance, the second is built-in powerful graphic cards, and stones with more than four cores.

Type of processor socket, otherwise known as socket. It partly determines the generation of the processor and the model of motherboard with which it is compatible. When choosing, you need to pay attention to this, and not take an outdated platform that has no prospect of modernization (for example, Intel 1155, and AMDFM1).

Number of cores. A characteristic that directly affects performance, but is only needed in resource-intensive applications and 3D games. IN office tasks ah and watching movies, all the computing power is not used.

Clock frequency. The performance characteristic, measured in gigahertz, reflects the amount simple calculations per second. The higher the frequency, the higher the performance.

Cache memory. Participates in the exchange of data between the processor and RAM. Has several levels. The larger its size and the greater the number of such levels, the more productive the CPU.

Data bus frequency. Characterizes the speed of processor information exchange and system bus computer. System performance directly depends on its frequency.

Built-in graphics. Almost all new CPUs come with an integrated video card. Its main purpose is to be an alternative to inexpensive discrete graphics, although some models are capable of showing decent performance in not the most complex games (see Which video card is best for gaming). Relatively powerful built-in graphics core differ AMD processors.

Intel processor

Processor markings consist of numbers. The first determines the generation, for example, Corei3 3245 belongs to the third. Sometimes there are letters after the numbers that mean:

• K – accelerates;
• S and T – the core has reduced heat generation and power consumption. These features come at the cost of reduced performance;
• R – speaks of a powerful built-in video core.

You should also identify the differences between the Corei3, i5 and i7 lines. The first ones have two cores, but have Hyper-Treading, i.e. process four data streams and are visible in the system as quad-core. The i5 series has four cores and TurboBoost technology, which increases the frequency of the CPU, giving an additional boost in performance. The seventh series has all the features of the previous lines.

Hyper-Treading means that the processor physically has one core, but due to the technology, the second core (logical) is created virtually, i.e. the number of physical ones is multiplied by two.

Processor prices

The best budget processor Celeron G1620 and PentiumG3450 are considered. Their socket is on the aging 1155 platform, but the price/performance ratio makes it worth the purchase. Both have dual cores, Level III cache and extremely low power consumption.

Perfect for office programs, watching good quality videos and listening to music (see Why there is no sound on a computer or laptop). At working together with a discrete video card they can run most games, although not at high graphics settings.

An alternative from competitors - A4-7300, A6-7400K on the current FM2+ platform is slightly slower in terms of characteristics, there is no Level III cache, but they are cheaper and have a strong integrated video card.

The middle level is characterized by a large number of options, and the purpose of using computers in a given price niche varies from office tasks to multimedia centers, and to productive gaming machines.

The best inexpensive solution for this is the new sixth generation Core i3-6300 chip running on 3.7 GHz clock frequencies.

Like all members of this family, it has two cores, but uses four data streams, Hyper technology Trading. If the buyer, due to the fact that the new product is still rare on the shelves, does not have the opportunity to purchase it, an excellent alternative would be the 4th generation stone Corei3-4160, which has similar characteristics, but with an older, although still relevant, socket1150.

The more powerful Corei5-4590 also belongs to the middle level. An alternative from AMD would be the AthlonX4 860K, A8-7600, FX-8320, which combine lower cost with excellent performance.

Powerful gaming processors for a computer on Intel Corei7-4790K or Corei7-6700K will show the highest better performance in games with maximum graphic settings, as well as in resource-intensive applications related to multi-threaded computing, large amounts of data and 3D rendering.

At AMD, this processor will be the eight-core FX-9590, which is inferior in speed to its competitors, but has a lower price.

The best CPU models in different price ranges, depending on the price-quality ratio:

• Budget Intel Celeron G1620, Pentium G3450, AMD A4-7300, A6-7400K
• Intermediate level Intel Core i3-6300, Core i3-4160, Core i5-4590, AMD Athlon X4 860K, A8-7600, FX-8320
• High-performance systems Intel Corei7-4790K, Corei7-6700K, AMDFX-9590

More recently, 6th generation Intel processors with the Skylake core (6xxx) began to appear on sale, which will gradually replace the 4th generation Haswell (4xxx). They are produced at 14 nm. technologies with a number of innovative solutions, and will be used both in stationary systems, and in mobile.

When buying a new product, you should know that its performance will be 10-15% higher than its previous analogues, and the price will be significantly higher.

Based on this logic, it is up to the buyer to decide whether to spend money on a new product, buy an older platform, or wait for a price reduction.

Laptop processors differ from those used in desktop computers technologies for reduced energy consumption. And although they are removable, the operation of replacing the CPU in mobile devices is extremely rare, so frequently asked question“How to choose a processor for a laptop?” Sounds wrong.

You have to choose a whole device with a number of other parameters. But the principle of choice is this: it is advisable to take Intel as it is cooler, which will help avoid breakdowns and problems with turning on the laptop. The rest is similar to computers.

Budget systems are Celeron, Pentium; optimal Core i3, i5; Gaming Core i5, i7, the marking of which should be “4xxx”, this means a 4th generation stone, which guarantees high speed work.

Remember a few rules:

1. Depending on the packaging, there will be a different warranty period for the same model. Thus, BOX has a three-year warranty, while OEM has only a year.
2. The CPU cooler is supplied based on the nominal thermal package. Overclocking enthusiasts need to take care of their purchase powerful system cooling.
3. The built-in video core will allow you not to spend money on buying a video card, unless the task is to play complex 3D games that, in addition to video cards, also require capacious hard drives.
4. All processors have a specific platform, and this determines the different connectors on motherboards. When making a purchase, you need to pay attention to its model and the motherboard for which it is intended.
5. High-power CPUs are very power hungry, consuming between 100 and 200 watts of electricity per hour.

When buying a computer, you need to remember that the processor sets the calculation speed, but the speed of the entire system depends not only on it.

There may be some components that will become a bottleneck.

Yes, when powerful processor and a slow hard drive, the computer will be slow, the same goes for the video card, memory, etc. The productive system will always be balanced. Following this principle, you can build a powerful computer for relatively little money.

Intel processors Core 4th generation (Haswell) are included in the Core i7 and Core i5 lines, manufactured according to 22 nm standards technological process under LGA socket 1150 and are intended primarily for 2-in-1 format devices that support the functionality of mobile and tablet PCs, as well as portable all-in-one PCs.

4th generation Intel Core Haswell processors were primarily developed for ultrabook devices.
They provide 50% more long time work under active loads compared to processors previous generation.
High energy efficiency allows some ultrabook models to work for more than 9 hours without recharging.

Processors have built-in graphics systems, the performance of which is comparable to discrete graphics solutions.
The graphics performance of these processors is twice that of previous generation Intel processors.

The corporation is ready to present more than 50 various options 2-in-1 form factor devices in a variety of price categories.

The flagship of this family is the Core i7-4770K processor, consisting of 1.4 billion transistors and, in addition to a quartet of x86 cores with support for Hyper-Threading, includes HD Graphics 4600 graphics, a controller with support for up to 32 GB dual channel memory DDR3 1600 and 8 MB L3 cache.

Clock CPU frequency equal to 3.5 GHz (up to 3.9 GHz with Turbo Boost), in addition, this model is distinguished by a TDP of 84 watts and an unlocked multiplier, which allows it to be seriously overclocked.

4th Intel generation Core i7 for desktops:

. Intel Core i7-4770T: unlocked multiplier, 45W TDP, 4 cores, 8 threads, 2.5 GHz base, 3.7 GHz Turbo, 1333/1600 MHz DDR3, 8 MB L3 cache, Intel HD Graphics 4600 up to 1200 MHz, LGA-1150

. Intel Core i7-4770S: unlocked multiplier, 65W TDP, 4 cores, 8 threads, 3.1 GHz base, 3.9 GHz Turbo, 1333/1600 MHz DDR3, 8 MB L3 cache, Intel HD Graphics 4600 up to 1200 MHz, LGA-1150

. Intel Core i7-4770: unlocked multiplier, TDP 84 W, 4 cores, 8 threads, 3.4 GHz base, 3.9 GHz Turbo, 1333/1600 MHz DDR3, 8 MB L3 cache, Intel HD Graphics 4600 up to 1200 MHz, LGA-1150

. Intel Core i7-4770K: unlocked multiplier, TDP 84 W, 4 cores, 8 threads, 3.5 GHz base, 3.9 GHz Turbo, 1333/1600 MHz DDR3, 8 MB L3 cache, Intel HD Graphics 4600 up to 1250 MHz, LGA-1150

. Intel Core i7-4770R: unlocked multiplier, TDP 65 W, 4 cores, 8 threads, 3.2 GHz base, 3.9 GHz Turbo, 1333/1600 MHz DDR3, 8 MB L3 cache, graphics Intel Iris Pro 5200 up to 1300 MHz, BGA

. Intel Core i7-4765T: unlocked multiplier, 35W TDP, 4 cores, 8 threads, 2.0 GHz base, 3.0 GHz Turbo, 1333/1600 MHz DDR3, 8 MB L3 cache, Intel HD Graphics 4600 up to 1200 MHz, LGA-1150

4th generation Intel Core i5 for desktops:

. Intel Core i5-4670T: unlocked multiplier, 45W TDP, 4 cores, 4 threads, 2.3 GHz base, 3.3 GHz Turbo, 1333/1600 MHz DDR3, 6 MB L3 cache, Intel HD Graphics 4600 up to 1200 MHz, LGA-1150

. Intel Core i5-4670S: unlocked multiplier, 65W TDP, 4 cores, 4 threads, 3.1 GHz base, 3.8 GHz Turbo, 1333/1600 MHz DDR3, 6 MB L3 cache, Intel HD Graphics 4600 up to 1200 MHz, LGA-1150

. Intel Core i5-4670K

. Intel Core i5-4670: unlocked multiplier, TDP 84 W, 4 cores, 4 threads, 3.4 GHz base, 3.8 GHz Turbo, 1333/1600 MHz DDR3, 6 MB L3 cache, Intel HD Graphics 4600 up to 1200 MHz, LGA-1150

. Intel Core i5-4570: unlocked multiplier, TDP 84 W, 4 cores, 4 threads, 3.2 GHz base, 3.6 GHz Turbo, 1333/1600 MHz DDR3, 6 MB L3 cache, Intel HD Graphics 4600 up to 1200 MHz, LGA-1150

. Intel Core i5-4570S: unlocked multiplier, 65W TDP, 4 cores, 4 threads, 2.9 GHz base, 3.6 GHz Turbo, 1333/1600 MHz DDR3, 6 MB L3 cache, Intel HD Graphics 4600 up to 1200 MHz, LGA-1150

. Intel Core i5-4570T: unlocked multiplier, 35W TDP, 2 cores, 4 threads, 2.9 GHz base, 3.6 GHz Turbo, 1333/1600 MHz DDR3, 6 MB L3 cache, Intel HD Graphics 4600 up to 1200 MHz, LGA-1150

In early January Intel officially introduced a new generation of processors Intel Core on architecture Kaby Lake. The update turned out to be quite strange, so today we will dispense with lengthy discussions and will only talk about what you really need to know.

Fact one: no "Tick-Tock"

For a long time, Intel followed a simple pattern for updating processors: “Tick-tock.” One year the technical process was updated, and the next year a new architecture was released. The first few years the rhythm was maintained almost flawlessly, but in recent years the scheme began to noticeably fail. And so with Kaby Lake the manufacturer has officially admitted that it is no longer possible to live with “tick-tock” and another stage is being added to it, called “optimization”, at which already created crystals will be finished. Unfortunately, it was precisely this new phase that Kaby Lake fell into.

Why Intel decided to change itself is difficult to say. According to the company itself, everything is to blame high cost transition to new technical processes. We, however, believe that the general decline in sales in the computer market is more to blame - it is becoming increasingly difficult to recoup money with such short production cycles.

Fact two: architecture

Despite the new name and the solid word “optimization,” technically and structurally Kaby Lake exactly copies last year’s Skylake. The structure of the chips, the memory structure, the operating logic, the instruction sets - everything remains the same. Even the numerical indicators have not changed: a maximum of four cores, 8 MB of cache and 16 PCIe lanes for communicating with the video card. In general, apart from the name, there are no innovations.

Fact three: technical process

The technical process also remained unchanged. Kaby Lake is produced at the same 14nm standards. Only now a plus sign (14 nm+) is added to their name, which actually hides some updates. In Kaby Lake, the height of the fins and the distance between them slightly increased for transistors. As a result, leakage currents and heat dissipation decreased slightly, and this made it possible to increase the frequency of the crystals.

Fact four: operating frequency

The official frequency record for the Core i7-7700K is 7383 MHz. Installed, by the way, by a Russian team on an ASUS Maximus IX Apex motherboard.

Compared to processors of the previous generation, the frequency of new crystals has increased by an average of 200-300 MHz. At the same time, the TDP of the models remained the same. That is, at the same 90 W the new one Core i7-7700K takes the bar to 4.5 GHz, while the i7-6700K only rose to 4.2 GHz.

Moreover, processors also overclock better. If on average it was possible to squeeze out 4.4-4.5 GHz from Skylake, then for Kaby Lake 4.8 GHz is considered the norm, and with a successful combination of circumstances, 5 GHz. And yes, we are now talking about working under conventional air coolers.

Let us immediately note that, as before, all Intel Core and Pentium crystals can be overclocked on the bus, and models with the “K” index are also overclocked on the multiplier. By the way, unlocked crystals are now available not only in Core series i5 and Core i7, but also in Core i3. And the family Pentium, the cheapest Kaby Lake, now supports Hyper-Threading.

Fact five: embedded kernel

Integrated graphics also remain in Kaby Lake. But if earlier it was Intel HD Graphics 530, now it is HD Graphics 630 . Evolution? Not at all, there are still the same 24 blocks with a frequency of 1150 MHz on board. The new number in the title was added thanks to the updated media engine. Quick Sync. It can now decode H.265 and VP.9 video on the fly. In other words, if you are a keen connoisseur of 4K movies or intend to stream in this resolution, know that with Kaby Lake the processor will no longer be 100% loaded.

As for the performance of the graphics itself, it’s hard to complain about it. It copes with Windows rendering without any problems, and as a bonus, it can also handle not particularly demanding games. Maybe a village in Rim World build, and a prison in Prison Architect fuck off, and even in DOTA 2 drive. The latter in Full HD and at medium settings produces a quite decent 62 fps.

Fact six: chipsets

Together with Kaby Lake Intel company also introduced new 200 series chipsets. True, there are as few changes in them as in processors. The older models, Z270, received additional four PCIe lanes, to which motherboard manufacturers can attach extra USB ports or M.2. Frankly speaking, the list is not particularly intriguing, but the scarcity is compensated to some extent by board manufacturers.

So, for example, DIMM.2 technology has appeared in top-end ASUS Apex motherboards, which allows you to install two M.2 drives in the RAM slot. And our test Maximus IX Formula could easily be connected to a custom “water heater” to remove heat from the power circuits.

However, if none of these new products appeal to you, we have a pleasant fact in store. They did not change the socket for Kaby Lake, leaving the already familiar LGA 1151. That is, the new processors work great on old Z170 Express motherboards, but Skylake works well on the Z270.

Fact Seven: Productivity

Test results
CPU	Intel Core i7-7700K	Intel Core i7-6700K
Cinebench R15
One Core	196	175
All Cores	988	897
Multiplier	5,05	5,11
WinRar (KB/s)
One Core	2061	1946
All Cores	11258	10711
TrueCrypt (MB/s)
AES-Twofish-Serpent	336	295
PCMark (Work)
Work	5429	5281
Rise of the Tomb Raider
1920x1080, VeryHigh	118,1	119
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Siege
1920x1080, Ultra	115,7	114,9
Tom Clancy's The Division
1920x1080, Max	93	92,6

And finally, about the most important thing: performance. The senior representative of the line, the Core i7-7700K, which replaced the Core i7-6600K, visited us for testing. As we have already said, technically the crystals differ only in frequency: under Turbo Boost, the new product produces 300 MHz more, and in the standard it keeps the speed 200 MHz higher. Actually, this difference in frequency accounts for the performance increase. In all tasks, the i7-7700K is about 5-6% faster than its predecessor. And when comparing at the same frequency, the difference fits into the measurement error.

As for the processor temperature, nothing has changed here. At the limit, the processor easily reaches 80°C. But our processor was scalped and even at a frequency of 4.8 GHz it did not heat up above 70°C.

* * *

The seventh generation Intel Core i7 can hardly be called “new”. Essentially, we have the same Skylake, but at slightly higher frequencies. Whether this is good or bad, decide for yourself, this is our opinion. If you are sitting on a relatively fresh Intel architecture(Skylake or Haswell), there is no point in upgrading to Kaby Lake. But if you are building a computer from scratch, then until the release of AMD Ryzen, the seventh Core is the only correct option.

Thank you ASUS company for the equipment provided.

Test stand
Cooling	Thermalright Macho HR-02
Motherboard	ASUS ROG Maximus IX Formula
Memory	2x 4 GB DDR4-2666 MHz Kingston HyperX Fury
Video card	NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070
Drives	Toshiba OCZ RD400 (512 GB)
power unit	Hiper K900
Additionally	Windows 10 64-bit
NVIDIA Drivers	378.41

Technical Core specifications i7
CPU	Intel Core i7-7700K	Intel Core i7-7700
Architecture	Kaby Lake	Kaby Lake
Process	14 nm	14 nm
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1151
Number of cores/threads	4/8 pcs.	4/8 pcs.
L3 cache size	8 MB	8 MB
Regular clock frequency	4.2 GHz	3.6 GHz
	4.5 GHz	4.2 GHz
Number of memory channels	2 pcs.	2 pcs.
Supported memory type	DDR4-2400/DDR3L-1600	DDR4-2400/DDR3L-1600
	16	16
Thermal package (TDP)	91 W	65 W
Price for January 2017	20,700 rubles ($345)	18,600 rubles ($310)

Core i5 Specifications
CPU	Core i5-7600K	Core i5-7600	Core i5-7500	Core i5-7400
Architecture	Kaby Lake	Kaby Lake	Kaby Lake	Kaby Lake
Process	14 nm	14 nm	14 nm	14 nm
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1151	LGA1151	LGA1151
Number of cores/threads	4/4 pcs.	4/4 pcs.	4/4 pcs.	4/4 pcs.
L3 cache size	6 MB	6 MB	6 MB	6 MB
Standard clock frequency	3.8 GHz	3.5 GHz	3.4 GHz	3.0 GHz
Maximum frequency in Turbo mode Boost	4.2 GHz	4.1 GHz	3.8 GHz	3.5 GHz
Number of memory channels	2 pcs.	2 pcs.	2 pcs.	2 pcs.
Supported memory type	DDR4-2400/DDR3L-1600	DDR4-2400/DDR3L-1600	DDR4-2400/DDR3L-1600	DDR4-2400/DDR3L-1600
Number of lines supported PCI Express 3.0	16	16	16	16
Thermal package (TDP)	91 W	65 W	65 W	65 W
Price for January 2017	14,500 rubles ($242)	13,200 rubles ($220)	12,000 rubles ($200)	11,100 rubles ($185)

Core i3 Specifications
CPU	Core i3-7350K	Core i3-7320	Core i3-7300	Core i3-7100
Architecture	Kaby Lake	Kaby Lake	Kaby Lake	Kaby Lake
Process	14 nm	14 nm	14 nm	14 nm
Socket	LGA1151	LGA1151	LGA1151	LGA1151
Number of cores/threads	2/4 pcs.	2/4 pcs.	2/4 pcs.	2/4 pcs.
L3 cache size	4 MB	4 MB	4 MB	3 MB
Standard clock frequency	4.2 GHz	4.1 GHz	4.0 GHz	3.9 GHz
Maximum frequency in Turbo Boost mode	-
Number of memory channels	2 pcs.	2 pcs.	2 pcs.	2 pcs.
Supported memory type	DDR4-2400/DDR3L-1600	DDR4-2400/DDR3L-1600	DDR4-2400/DDR3L-1600	DDR4-2400/DDR3L-1600
Number of PCI Express 3.0 lanes supported	16	16	16	16
Thermal package (TDP)	60 W	51 W	51 W	51 W
Price for January 2017	10,500 rubles ($175)	9300 rubles ($155)	8700 rubles ($145)	7000 rubles ($117)

Posted on October 30, 2017

We have chosen Core processors i7 and Core i5 HQ and U series. These four models are used in most of the laptops available in the market. As you may have noticed above, the two U-series processors have more high frequency than the Core i5-7300HQ, and are generally offered at a lower price.
Is this enough to win?

The short answer is NO. Full processors The HQ series is still cooler.

Cinebench R15

Let's start with one of the cult processor benchmarks, Cinebench. We chose the multi-core scenario not only because most applications (including games) use multiple cores at once, but also to see how the result would be affected by the presence of additional processing cores on the processor (or the ability to execute more instruction threads).

We see the same picture: HQ series processors are tearing their U-series rivals to shreds. Moreover Core model The i5-7300HQ not only outperforms the i5-7200U by as much as 40%, but also leaves the Core i7-7500U behind by 22%!

X264 Benchmark

If the term “computing performance” sounds too vague for you, the X264 benchmark will help clarify the picture, which simulates video transcoding using central processor. The higher the result, the faster the processor can convert videos from one format to another.
HQ series processors win again. This time their advantage is on average about 30%.

Conclusions

If you expect decent performance from your computer, go for the HQ series processor.

Don't let the "i7" name fool you. Even the i5-HQ processor will be faster than the i7-U! In addition to the number of cores and execution threads, HQ processors have other advantages, such as larger cache sizes, and are therefore better suited for high-end laptops, including gaming models.
This does not mean that U-series processors are worse. They are just designed for different purposes. Their destiny is ultrabooks, for which mobility and low power consumption are priorities. When speed matters most, you should always choose HQ series processors.

We reviewed the “top” worst gaming video cards. Now, after the release Coffee Lake, you can make a list of the worst processors, since nothing particularly important is observed on the CPU market until the end of the year. Of course, I will only consider the relevance of buying such processors now: if you already own one of the “stones” below, then you clearly had your reasons for buying it.

Intel Core i7-7740X and Core-i5 7640X (Kaby Lake-X) - welcome to 2010

It's mid-2017. AMD introduces the first honest eight-core desktop processor - Ryzen 7. Intel introduces new processors for its high-performance platform, now called Skylake-X and Kaby Lake-X. This may include solutions with 16 or even 18 cores, and the simplest representatives have... wait, 4 cores?! Hmm, how then do they differ from the simple i5-7600K and i7-7700K? The frequencies are the same, the number of memory channels and PCIe lanes is the same, as are the instruction sets. Except that the X-line does not have a built-in video core, but this is more a minus than a plus. Taking into account the fact that these processors are more expensive than their non-X counterparts, and motherboards on the X299 chipset are expensive - there is absolutely no point in buying these “stones”, and it is difficult to explain the point of their release - well, unless Intel has a lot of unnecessary 4-core crystals lying around.

AMD FX - goodbye gaming bulldozer


The FX line, which was the top line before the release of Ryzen for almost seven years, can now safely retire. To tell the truth, even at the time of its release it was not top-end: and although the programs showed that the FX-8000 line had as many as 8 cores, in reality they were 4 APUs, and according to tests, the top FX was at the level of the best i5s, while the i7s were are not achievable - that is why Intel did not “itch” then, continuing to release new processors with a 5% increase in performance per generation. Before the release of 4-thread Pentiums at the beginning of this year, it made sense to buy the FX-4000 line - they were extremely cheap, but at the same time made it possible to create a basic gaming system with video cards of the level of GTX 750 Ti and even GTX 950. But, alas, the new Pentiums turned out to be so good that they left the younger FX without work. Well, AMD “finished off” the older representatives, FX-8000, themselves by releasing the younger Ryzen 3 at the same price and with higher performance and lower heat generation. So the FX line that once was good choice to build mid-budget game builds, now it’s finally time to rest.

But still, these processors can be taken in one case - for the sake of an upgrade: for example, if you have an FX-4000 line, then now is the time to upgrade to the FX-8000 - you will get double the performance for quite little money. Considering that the 8000 line pulls out video cards of the level of GTX 1060 or RX 580, you will be able to play comfortably for another couple of years.

Most of the representatives of the Skylake and Kaby Lake lines - Intel is strangling the “old stuff”

Rumors that Intel should release desktop processors with a large number nuclei, have been floating around for a long time, and now this happened, and since October 5, the Internet has been flooded with their tests. And, alas, they clearly show that the previous lines no longer have a place in the Sun: why buy an 8-thread processor for 19 thousand rubles, if the youngest 12-thread one costs only 20.5 thousand, and even when overclocked, the previous generation is at least 20% worse? It’s the same with the i5, and even more so with the i3 of the 6th and 7th generations - the latter were already meaningless processors on the market after the appearance of the new Pentiums, but now, after the release of the 4-core i3 of the 8th generation, i3 Skylake and Kaby Lake can definitely be written off as scrap.

By the way, now the line of processors from Intel looks quite logical: the very, very low-level are 2-core Celerons: they are quite enough for comfortable work on the Internet and watching movies, and even simple games like Dota, WoT and CS:GO. The next step is Pentium, which still has the same 2 cores, but already 4 threads, and slightly higher frequencies - on their basis you can already assemble a low-middle level gaming system. Core i3, which is now 4-core, goes one step higher, allowing you to create a middle-level assembly. Well, for the top, there are 6-core i5 and i7 - for those who want to get the best gaming solution on the market.

But, however, there is one reason why “old” processors are worth taking, and it is still the same - an upgrade. For example, a couple of years ago you got yourself a junior i5-6400. And now there is good opportunity upgrade it to the i7-7700K and get a 2x increase in performance, and it’s not very expensive (especially if you sell the i5).

Haswell-E and Broadwell-E line - oldies at top prices


Let's see how much the 8-core processor of the new Skylake-X line costs - Intel Core i7-7820X. In Moscow retail, the price tag for it is about 40 thousand rubles. Expensive, you say? Well, here for this price we get 8 cores on a new architecture with a frequency of 4 GHz - quite good for a high-performance PC. Still expensive? Hmm, okay, let's look at the previous generation processors - they should be cheaper, right? So, the analogue from Broadwell-E is the i7-6900X: also 8 cores, but on the previous architecture, and the frequency is about 3.5 GHz. And the price... 70 thousand rubles?! Where? Why? Let's look for the advantages of the old processor. And yet, yes, we find one - it’s solder under the lid, which allows it to be overclocked better than the Skylake-X representatives with “mayonnaise” instead of solder. But even if you are very lucky and overclock the i7-6900X so that it is at the level of the i7-7820X, this will not eliminate the almost twofold difference in price.

As a result, Intel killed two old lines at once this year - Broadwell-E and Kaby Lake, and the latter is not even a year old. That's what it is, a monopoly...

AMD Ryzen with X - the company is stepping on the same rake

Those who remember AMD FX processors know that there was no point in overpaying for the older processors in the line - all processors could be overclocked, so the younger “stone” turned into the older one with one easy wave of the hand. And for some reason AMD continued this in Ryzen, and here it reaches the point of absurdity: for example, the junior Ryzen 7 1700 costs about 20 thousand rubles. The older 7 1800X already costs 30 thousand - one and a half times more expensive. A overclocking potential they have the same - about 4 GHz. Is it worth paying extra for the 1800X? I think the answer is obvious. And so in all Ryzen lines - 3, 5 and 7 - it makes sense to take a junior processor, without the X index, and overclock it to the level of the older one.

AMD Bristol Ridge - for those who don't have money for Ryzen


AMD, with the same tenacity, continues to develop its APUs - two-in-one systems, where an average CPU includes full-fledged graphics from AMD, only with a lower number of computing units and frequency than in full-fledged video cards. In principle, quite good solution for those who need a simple home PC - the processor performance is enough to make the OS, browser and movies work quickly, and the GPU will allow you to play even new games, albeit in HD resolution and with low settings graphics. Well, and most importantly, the new APUs are compatible with AM4, that is, in the future, no one is stopping you from replacing such a processor with some kind of Ryzen 7, which is good for those who are building a PC in stages.

But, on the other hand, yes, it is budget solution, but why is it based on the Excavator architecture, which is 7 years old at lunchtime, and even at 28 nm?! Was it really so difficult to make these “stones” on Zen, which would also allow the heat dissipation to be reduced from 65 to 30 W, acceptable for such a system? In general, APUs are strange - on the one hand they are new, on the other they are ancient. But, in principle, they can find their buyers.

But we started talking about desktops, it’s time to move on to mobile processors, because they are also full of strange “features”.

Intel Celeron N3050 and N3350 - worse than Atom for the same money

For some reason, branded laptop manufacturers have one trick - we install Celeron and Pentium in netbooks/laptops, and Atom in tablets. It would seem that everything is correct, Celeron should be better than Atom, but no - Intel thinks differently: the architecture of these processors is similar, but Atom has 4 computing cores, while Celeron has only 2. Taking into account the fact that we are considering the lowest -level (10-15 thousand rubles), a couple of cores will not be superfluous here, and while laptops on Celeron may well start to freeze with 3-4 tabs in Chrome, Atom is quite capable of simultaneous surfing and watching a PiP movie. And taking into account the fact that for $150 you can simply remain silent about the quality of branded netbooks, it makes sense to take a solution from any Digma or iRu, but with Atom, and get seriously better performance for the same money.

Intel Core i3-6006U and Pentium 4405U - i3 is worse than Pentium


After Atom, which is better than Celeron, it would seem much worse. However, they knocked on the bottom - the i3-6006U, quite widespread in the 18-25 thousand rubles segment... worse than its brother in the same segment, but from the Pentium camp! Let's take a closer look at these processors: both have 2 cores and 4 threads, the same set of instructions, however, the Pentium has a 100 MHz higher frequency, but at the same time the integrated graphics are twice as bad: HD 510 versus HD 520 for i3. It would seem - 100 MHz frequencies(+5%) will definitely not outweigh the twice as bad graphics, but there are two nuances here:

1. If the laptop has discrete graphics (and often it does - this is the Nvidia GT 920M), then it makes no difference at all to the integrated graphics - it’s the “discrete” graphics that will work in games, so here a slightly higher-frequency Pentium is better.
2. If a person has chosen a laptop without discrete graphics, it means that he does not need games, and both integrated video cards cope equally well with GUI rendering and playback, including 1080p60, which means, again, there is no point in taking an i3.

As a result, Pentium turns out to be a little better and often even a little cheaper. But, alas, the i3 sounds prouder than the Pentium, so laptop manufacturers create the first processor, but if you have the opportunity to buy a Pentium for the same amount, it’s better to take it. The cheaper it is, the more you take it.

Mobile processors from AMD - Intel still won the war

The fact that AMD did not really update its mobile processors a couple of years, and Intel even increased the number of cores to 4 in low-voltage solutions, has led to the fact that it simply doesn’t make sense to buy laptops with AMD processors - analogues with Intel processors will be both more productive and more autonomous. Yes, the “reds” do not want to lose the mobile market, and are actively making mobile Ryzen, but so far the only thing that is on the Internet is a couple of tests, where AMD processors again do not perform in the best light. Of course, when they come out, everything may change, but for now Intel reigns in the mobile segment. You can read more about this.

What's the result? But in the end, there is the same confusion and vacillation as with video cards - there is great solutions, there are good ones, but there are those that, when you see them, you think - what was the manufacturer guided by when releasing this?! But what’s good is that the processor market has been seriously moving lately, and mainly thanks to AMD: Intel rolled out 6-core desktop processors in response to 8-core Ryzen processors, and in the mobile segment the number of cores in the same lines has also increased. So those who wanted to upgrade or build a new PC - IMHO, it's time to get started.