In the world of computer technology, new discoveries occur every month. In the most popular area, more modern “engines” for laptops and gaming PCs are released every six months. Now the most powerful processors in the world of 2017 from AMD and Intel are on the market. To choose the right model, you need to know all the technical parameters of the part, which you can read about in this article.

New processors 2017

The first half of 2017 was marked by two important innovations in the world of computer processors:

• Intel has released the seventh. During their manufacture, a 14-nanometer technical process is used.
• AMD has completely updated its line for the first time in several years, releasing processors called Ryzen 7.

How to choose the most powerful processor in the world in 2017? First you need to decide on your financial capabilities and goals. Currently, there are Ryzen and Core models on the market costing from $100 to $300. The purpose of the purchase also plays a role. If you want to buy the latest PC with a gaming processor for browsing the Internet, it is better to abandon this idea. If you are in the mood for professional design or photography programs or like to take computer games, this article is for you.

The most powerful processors 2017

• Athlon X4 860K and Pentium G4560: the cheapest computer engines. Their cost starts from 5 thousand rubles. Naturally, they are supplied without a cooler, but they specifications can help with a number of workflows. For modern games, a 4-core processor and a 64-bit system will clearly not be enough. Cheap and cheerful!
• AMD FX-6300 and Intel i3-7100 processors are the next step up in terms of power. Intel is launching a dual-core Socket processor based on the Kaby Lake core. AMD boasts a 6-core processor. Both are great for video games, and at the same time have an affordable price, which ranges around 6-7 thousand rubles.
• Coming close to the latest models, it is worth mentioning the Ryzen 5 1600X and Core i5-7500. Multi-threaded and multi-core processors will delight any professional with both their performance and price. They cost about 15,000 rubles.
• The only thing better than a great one is a premium gaming processor. For those who want to be at the center of the latest developments, AMD and Intel have released Core i7 and Ryzen 7 processors. The price of these models starts from 20 thousand rubles, and we will discuss their detailed technical characteristics below.

If you are looking for the most powerful processor for socket 478, then pay attention to the 3.0 GHz model.

Intel Core i3-7100

This model, although not the most powerful Intel processor, is the most balanced in terms of price-quality ratio in 2017. Equipped with a 2017 graphics card and a motherboard based on H270 chipsets, which allows you to play almost all video games. Don't be fooled by the presence of only two cores: their high frequency of 3900 megahertz completely replaces 6-core processors. And the latest generation of cores with Kaby Lake microarchitecture further expands the capabilities of the Intel processor.

AMD Ryzen 5 1600

The Ryzen 5 1600 is an excellent representative of one of the world's most powerful processors of 2017. A modern and very successful option has 6 physical and 12 virtual cores, which allows it to support multi-threading. The core power is 3200 MHz and 3600 MHz when overclocked. A nice addition is the inclusion of a powerful cooling cooler. The difference from the similar Intel model is support for DDR4 at 2666 MHz.

AMD Ryzen 7 1700

The Ryzen 7 processor is one of the most powerful gaming processors of 2017. Its characteristics will allow you to play the latest video games for a long time without problems. What is it remarkable about? As many as 8 physical and 16 virtual cores are packed into a small device. Their clock speed is 3700 MHz, which can be overclocked to 4100. The video card is not supplied with the processor, but with AMD Ryzen 7 it is not needed. Perhaps this processor is the best for multi-threaded video games and professional tasks in the field of visualization and 3D graphics. Another big plus is the temperature of the part, which rarely exceeds 50 degrees even under intense load.

Intel Core i7-7700K

The i7 model rightly deserves the title of the most powerful Intel processor. All the latest technologies are combined in this new product. Even the most avid gamers put it on their wish list, because its power is amazing. 4 cores of the Kaby Lake type with a frequency of 4500 MHz with dynamic overclocking reaching 5000 MHz. The processor supports DDR4-2400 and has a built-in HD Graphics 630 graphics core with excellent performance. The only thing that can upset buyers is the price, which starts at 20,000 rubles. If your tasks require the most powerful processor in the world in 2017, take the Intel i7-7700K and you won’t regret it.

The most powerful processors for smartphones 2017

The processor is the main component of not only computers, but also phones. It directly determines how long your smartphone will last and how productive it will be. What indicators should you pay attention to when choosing a mobile processor?

• Number of cores: remember that their number does not indicate quality. Apple models can have 2 cores that are much cooler than Meizu’s 8 cores.
• If you like to play a game that requires good technical characteristics, pay attention to the graphics accelerator. The most popular brands are Adreno, Mali and PowerVR.
• Heating - eternal headache smartphones. Because of small size their parts are quite difficult to cool, and continuous operation may simply melt the processor. Pay special attention to this parameter.
• Bit capacity: A 64-bit system is, of course, better than a 32-bit one. Please pay attention to this when choosing a processor for your smartphone.

Modern processors for smartphones are not much inferior to computer chipsets of 2-3 years ago. Thanks to them, phones can handle a lot of data and often become a personal office for many people. Which of them are the fastest and most productive?

• Samsung Exynos 8 Octa 8890 - was released in 2016 for such phones as: Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge. It has 8 cores, the frequency of which is 2300 Mg. It reproduces video well, but the graphics in games do not show their best side.
• Apple A9X APL1021 - “Apple” products, as always, are at their best. The ideal graphics accelerator produces the best graphics on the market. And he copes with other tasks with a bang. 12 cores and video recording in 4k resolution make this processor an absolute favorite of many.
• HiSilicon Kirin 950 is a budget compromise option. Supplied in smartphones such as Huawei Honor Note 8. This processor includes 4 cores of 900 Mg each, which allow you to shoot good video, but do not reproduce graphics well.

The most powerful server processor

Often the words “productive” and “expensive” are synonymous in the world of computer technology. This happened with the most powerful server processor Xeon E7-8894 v4 from Intel. Its frequency was 3.4 GHz, and its price was almost 9 thousand dollars. According to company employees, this is the most powerful processor in Intel history. It is designed for the heaviest loads and the most complex tasks. It includes 10 cores, and the process technology is 10 nM.

Recently, Intel introduced another new development - a process for supercomputers based on 60 cores. Xeon Phi is used exclusively for computing and can perform trillions of operations per minute. Despite its enormous power, its size is relatively small. Like all Intel products, it is distinguished by high quality. With it you can perform even very resource-intensive computing operations. You can build a supercomputer at home if the cost doesn’t stop you. At the moment, the price of Xeon Phi processors starts from 600 thousand rubles.

Most in the world 2017

The minimum budget that you need to set aside when choosing a computer is 20,000 rubles. This price includes only the processor without the monitor. So, what should you choose for home use?

The ideal option would be to independently select components, which is provided by most well-known hardware stores. Firstly, such a processor will be cheaper in cost, and you will be able to tailor it to your tasks better. For example, here is an example of an assembly: Intel Core i3-6100, Deepcool Gammax 200T cooler, MSI B150M Bazooka motherboard, 8 GB of Kingston memory and HDD W.D. If you prefer only the best, then the best will suit you powerful computer in the world 2017:

• Hyper Cosmos Z is the most powerful computer on the gaming market. Two GeForce video cards support impeccable graphics quality, and the 6 cores of the Intel Core i7 4960X Extreme processor are unrivaled in performance.

An alternative to a bulky computer can only be a good laptop, and here the competition comes from the Alienware model.

The best processors for a laptop

Alienware 18 is the most powerful laptop processor in 2017 according to many online media. The thing is that it includes all the top technical characteristics. The durable steel case contains an Intel i7 processor, 16 GB of memory on an Nvidia video card, and 8 GB of RAM. The laptop screen is also impressive: a whopping 18 inches! By the way, this baby has two video cards. So you can buy it for your favorite video games without any problem. Alienware 18 is in no way inferior to a full-fledged PC, it can be moved and transported without any problems. Wherever you go, your favorite games will always be with you.

In second place after Alienware is another monster: the MSI GT80S 6QE Titan SLI, which also has excellent parameters. A 1 terabyte hard drive, an Nvidia card and an Intel i7 processor, which is the most powerful of the modern ones.

The best processors for a computer

Which processor is better to choose for PC in 2017? The choice depends entirely on your goals. If you are planning serious work or battles in video games, feel free to take one of the most powerful processors of 2017. There are other options that are more affordable in price, which for convenience we have divided into the tasks you want to solve:

• For work: if you are engaged in processing and writing texts, layout and simply make money online, then you do not need to buy overly expensive and powerful options. The 2017 processor rating recommends the Intel Celeron G182 or ATHLON II from AMD.
• For designers, the 8-core FX-8350 processor from AMD or the 4-core i7-4770 from Intel are suitable. These processors allow you to solve more complex problems and work with graphics editor programs.
• For photographers, the most important thing is the fast performance that processors can provide. Therefore, the requirements for them are quite high. For batch image processing, it is better to choose computers with AMD A8-6600K processors.

Most expensive processor

When choosing a processor, it’s easy to get carried away and choose one that’s too expensive. But how much does the most powerful model on the market cost? The most expensive server processor, Tianhe-2, made in China, will cost buyers the most. It can process 34 quadrillion operations in one second. Not bad indicators, huh? I think many would like such a processor at home - no freezes or delays in completing tasks. The cost of such a miracle of technology is unknown to a wide audience, since the development is the property of China and is not released onto the world market.

As for ordinary computers, the title of the most powerful PC processor goes to the Intel Core i7-7700K, the price of which is 26 thousand rubles.

Those wishing to build a new computer in 2018 may make a big mistake when choosing a processor. Last year and the beginning of this year, major events took place in the processor industry, a lot has changed, new generations of CPUs are entering the scene.

Computer stores now have an abundance of processor models, old and new generations mixed together. And buying a processor from previous generations means seriously losing money and the lifespan of the platform.

Generations of processors in 2018

A year ago, the market for desktop and mobile processors experienced, if not a revolution, then at least a strong shake-up. AMD, which has lagged behind Intel in terms of processor performance for many years, has released processors based on a completely new architecture:

• Ryzen 3 1200/1300X/2200G
• Ryzen 5 1400/1500X/1600/1600X/2400G
• Ryzen 7 1700/1700X/1800X
• Ryzen Threadripper 1900X/1920X/1950X

The first three lines use the AM4 socket, Threadripper uses the premium TR4. These are new AMD platforms that will live for at least a few more years. They use the latest standard random access memory- DDR4, and also support PCIe 3.0, NVMe SSD, and other modern features.

Ryzen performed so well against the background of Intel processors that in the fall of 2017, it also updated the platform, releasing 8th generation Coffee Lake processors:

• Core i3 8100/8350k
• Core i5 8400/8600k
• Core i7 8700k
• Core i9 7900X/7920X/7960X/7980XE

As is the case with AMD, the first three lines use the LGA1151-2 desktop platform, and the last one uses the premium LGA2066 platform. And just like that, they use DDR4, PCIe 3.0, and everything else.

When assembling a new computer, it is these platforms that you need to focus on. But now stores are filled with processors of previous generations, for sockets AM3, AM3+, LGA1150, LGA2011. There is no point in buying them for a number of reasons:

1. They use the outdated DDR3 RAM standard, with lower frequencies and volumes, with higher energy consumption. It won’t be possible to transfer it to a new computer in a few years; you’ll have to buy a new one.
2. New processors from those that already exist, and those that will be, do not work on these sockets. In 3-4 years, you won’t be able to simply change the processor to a two-generation newer one; you’ll also have to buy a motherboard and RAM.
3. PCIe 3.0, NVMe SSD support, etc. are not available to them.
4. Processors of previous generations are much weaker than the latest ones, this is especially noticeable for AMD.

Compared to them, the LGA1151 socket of the first revision looks a little better, which does not support 8th generation Intel processors (Coffee Lake), but works with previous generations: Kaby Lake and Skylake. This platform already uses DDR4 and other innovations, but it is also no longer supported, and when updating the processor it will have to be changed.

Buying Kaby Lake and Skylake processors is now simply unprofitable, because for the same price you get fewer cores and lower frequencies than in the case of Coffee Lake. For example, the previous Core i5 with 4 cores is equivalent to the current Core i3 with the same 4 cores, and the current i5 already has 6 cores installed. The Core i7 8700k can run 12 threads simultaneously, compared to 8 threads on the Core i7 7700k/6700k.

So it is better to limit the choice of processor when assembling a new computer only to Ryzen and Coffee Lake models - especially since new programs increasingly use many cores. Then assembled computer will be valid for at least 5 years.

How much money to spend on a processor?

Conventionally, processors can be divided into several categories based on their price and performance.

• Ultra-budget (low-end) - Intel Celeron and Pentium, as well as AMD A6/A8/A10/A12/Athlon. As a rule, these are 2 cores without HT and at a low frequency. Cost - up to 4,000 rubles.
• Office (low-middle) - this includes Intel Core i3 and old i5, the latest Pentium with HT (each core is like double, i.e. 2 cores are seen as 4), along with AMD Ryzen 3/5 with SMT (the same , as HT). From 2 to 4 (8 thanks to SMT) cores, price - from 4,000 to 12,000 rubles.
• Middle segment (middle) - here you can already count on 6 cores in the latest Intel Core i5 and 6 (12) cores in AMD Ryzen 5. Price range: 12,000-20,000 rubles.
• Top (top) - the most powerful processors for the LGA1151 and AM4 platforms, have 6(12)-8(16) cores. These are Intel Core i7 and AMD Ryzen 7. From 20,000 to 30,000 rubles.
• Premium segment (HEDT) - processors for workstations using separate sockets - LGA2066 and TR4, and with a number of cores from 8(16) to 18(36). This includes everything that is more expensive than 30,000 rubles, and the most powerful models can cost about 140,000 rubles.

There are two approaches to spending on a processor: buy cheaper and upgrade in a few years, or immediately choose at least the average one in terms of price and performance. However, the first approach is appropriate, for the most part, only in the case of AMD processors - this company rarely changes sockets, so you can install the latest processor in a 3-5 year old motherboard. To do this, you just need to update the BIOS.

Intel changes sockets much more often, and most likely, after Coffee Lake this will happen again. Therefore, there is no point in taking an Intel processor “for growth”. The only option is not to spend a lot of money on a powerful processor right away, but to take a minimally suitable one, for example, a Core i3. And after 4 years, buy a used Core i7 at a much lower price. However, we must remember that when the processor is replaced, the platform will already be outdated.

If you need performance right now, then it’s better to immediately invest in top-end or premium models. Having bought such a processor, you can not experience a lack of power and cores for 5-7 years. So, in 2018, computers based on Core processors The 2012 i7s remain very fast, and the lack of performance is only felt in heavy tasks like video encoding and compilation.

On the other hand, there are often cases when the processor's power is wasted - it turns out that they just spent extra money on it. To prevent this from happening, it is better to proceed from the tasks for which the computer is purchased. After all, even low-end processors are not bad in themselves - for some tasks they are quite enough for convenient work.

Which processor to choose for...

...computer games

Although lately everything more games It is created with multi-core capabilities in mind; for the vast majority of new products, 4 cores are still more than enough. Here, high frequency and fast work with RAM are much more important. Therefore, AMD Ryzen processors, where the emphasis is placed specifically on multi-core performance, usually do not shine in games even compared to previous generations of Intel Core. However, the lag is small.

To comfortably play most games in conjunction with a sufficiently powerful video card, a 4-core Intel Core i3 8100 processor is suitable, but a Core i3 8350k with its frequency of 4 GHz is better. If you take a 6-core Core i5 8400/8600k, you will have a good supply of cores for games in the next 5 years. Well, with a Core i7 with 6 (12) cores, the supply will be even greater. Intel processors are good here also because k-models can be overclocked to somewhere around 5 GHz, with good cooling.

Does it make sense to use AMD Ryzen processors for gaming? Yes, if we are talking about playing and doing something else at the same time - for example, recording and encoding video. The lag of Ryzen 5/7 in games from Intel processors is rarely felt, but the older Ryzens have many cores, which are also multiplied by 2 by SMT technology - i.e. we are talking about formulas 6(12) and 8(16). An excellent foundation for the future.

There is no point in buying premium processors from both companies for games. A large number of cores results in a reduced frequency, which is bad for games.

Well, office and low-end processors are suitable for games of yesteryear, as well as light toys without graphical frills. In this case, it is not even necessary to buy a separate video card - the integrated video core copes. Especially when it comes to Ryzen 3 2200G and Ryzen 5 2400G, their video core is equal in power to the Nvidia GeForce 1030 video card.

...Internet and office tasks

Here, as in the case of games, you need a high frequency and a fairly powerful core, and the number of cores is not so important. Therefore, the office segment of processors has 2 (4) cores or a full 4 with a frequency of up to 4 GHz. However, for working on the Internet and with office programs Ultra-budget Intel processors with 2 cores are quite enough. Even the cheapest Pentiums are equipped with powerful HD530 video cores - with hardware acceleration in the Internet browser and office suite, the processor does not suffer from load.

AMD looks worse here - for such tasks it is reasonable to take only the younger Ryzen 3 with 4 cores or Ryzen 5 with 4 (8) cores, this is already the office segment. The ultra-budget Athlon and A-series are hopelessly outdated and weak even for the office.

The Internet and working with documents are those tasks for which there is no point in spending money on top-end or HEDT processors. Even if many office and Internet applications are used at once, the power of the middle segment is abundant. These are Intel Core i5 with 6 cores and AMD Ryzen 5 with formula 6(12). Exception: intensive work with large and complex tables; top processors will come in handy here.

…working with video and 3D

The area where there is not a lot of processing power. Despite the fact that when working with video and 3D graphics, a significant part of the operations is transferred to the video card, it is very inconvenient to work without a powerful processor. It all depends on the budget - if it allows, then it is better to take Intel Core i7 and i9 HEDT processors on the LGA2066 socket, or AMD Threadripper on the TR4 socket. At the same time, AMD processors are more profitable because they are more powerful than Intel processors of equal price.

Also a good option- top processors Intel Core i7 and AMD Ryzen 7 with 6(12) and 8(16) cores. Well, for fans who cannot afford expensive hardware, we can recommend the AMD Ryzen 5 1600/1600X with its 6 (12) cores, which is in the middle segment and is more powerful than the Core i7 of previous generations.

Office processors and low-end ones for working with video and 3D can only be used out of desperation. Such heavy tasks on such weak processors will cause great inconvenience, bordering on suffering.

...programming

Compiling source codes for programs also requires a powerful processor - the more cores and the higher the frequency, the more convenient it is for the programmer to work. Premium AMD Threadripper and Intel Core i9 processors give it maximum productivity. However, the top AMD Ryzen 7 and Intel Core i7 also show excellent results. In compilation, the lack of cores can sometimes be compensated for by frequency, and it is higher for top processors than for HEDT.

The average Ryzen 5 1600/1600X is also suitable for programming, but its price analogues Core i5 already do not have enough cores for quick compilation. Of course, if necessary, you can also work on office processors like Core i3 and Ryzen 3, but there is no talk of high speed when compiling large projects.

Final theses

• AMD platforms last longer, and their processors can be updated years later.
• Don't overpay for power that will almost never be used.
• A new computer with Intel processors should only be of the Coffee Lake generation.
• AMD Ryzen 5 can compete with top processors in heavy tasks.
• To work with video, 3D, compilation, you should take the most powerful tops and HEDT.

Also on the site:

The best PC processors of 2018 updated: March 29, 2018 by: alex ferman

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 the processor entry level, 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 handling everything 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 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.

The heart of a computer is the processor, which is its main data processing device. The part looks like a set of chips and is responsible for computing processes. How to choose a processor for a computer is the most important question when purchasing equipment. The overall speed of the system largely depends on the performance of this part. In order not to regret your purchase, choose components taking into account their characteristics.

Main characteristics of the processor

1. Manufacturer. There are two main competitors producing processors for computers: AMD and Intel. The second company is considered a leader developing cutting-edge technologies. AMD's main advantage over Intel is its relatively low prices. Moreover, the products of the first are slightly inferior to the second in productivity (on average, by 10%), but the cost is 1.5-2 times lower.
2. What is processor clock speed? This parameter determines how many operations the device can perform per second. What does the processor frequency affect: a high indicator of this characteristic promises fast processing data by computer. This parameter is considered one of the most important when choosing a device. How to find out the frequency in Windows OS: you need to right-click the properties menu on the “My Computer” icon.
3. Number of Cores. This indicator affects the number of programs that can be run on a PC without losing its performance. Older computer models are equipped with quad-core or dual-core processors. New devices released in recent years have 6- and 8-core parts. However, if software optimized for a dual-core PC; more cores will not speed up its operation. On the box of the part you can see alphanumeric markings, the decoding of which will provide data on the number of cores.
4. System bus frequency. The characteristic indicates the speed of flows of incoming or outgoing information. The higher the indicator, the faster the exchange of information.
5. Cache memory. A major role in the operation of a PC is played by the processor cache, which takes the form of a high-speed memory block. The part is located directly on the core and is necessary to improve productivity. Thanks to it, data processing occurs faster than in the case of RAM. There are 3 levels of cache memory - from L1 to L3. The first two have small volumes, but the third ones confidently win, providing for greater capacity - due to the speed of operation.
6. Connector type (socket). This characteristic is not considered paramount, but has a certain relevance when choosing a device. A socket is a “nest” in motherboard, which houses the processor, so it must be compatible with the selected part. For example, if the socket is marked AMZ, you need a corresponding connector on the motherboard. The latest models are equipped modern types“sockets” and often have improved characteristics (bus frequency and others).
7. Power consumption and cooling. Powerful modern devices provide Negative influence on computer power consumption. To avoid overheating of parts and their breakdown, special fans (coolers) are used. The TDP indicator is used to indicate the amount of heat required in the outlet. Based on this value, a specific model of the cooling system is selected.

How AMD differs from Intel

A frequently asked question among those wishing to purchase a processor is: “Which is better, AMD or Intel?” The main difference is the hyper-strength technology and increased computing pipeline that Intel models have. Thanks to this, devices perform a number of tasks faster: archive files, encode video, and perform other tasks. Parts from AMD cope no worse with the listed tasks, but they spend more time on it. Everyone decides for themselves: which processor is better, Intel or AMD.

To make your choice easier, check out the advantages of products from both manufacturers. Comparison of AMD and Intel processors:

Which processor to choose for your computer

The answer to this question depends on the tasks that the PC will have to perform. So, when choosing a gaming computer, you should pay attention to the video card model, since the graphics adapter is responsible for supporting certain technologies and performance levels in games. However, without a properly selected central processor, the video card will not reveal its potential. Less demanding parts are suitable for working with other programs or using a PC in the office.

For games

How to choose a processor for a gaming computer? A “gaming” PC has a number of requirements. The device must be able to process at least four data streams. Test results prove that Intel Hyper-Treading technology increases frames per second. Experts consider Intel Core i5 models to be optimal for a gaming PC. Parts from AMD show lower performance. If 4-core devices in the Intel line cope with their tasks, then their competitors show the same result with 8-core analogues. Which processor should I choose for gaming?

Top devices for games:

1. Intel Core-i5 Ivy Bridge (quad-core);
2. Intel Core i5-4440 Haswell (quad-core);
3. AMD FX-8350 Vishera (octa-core).

For use at home or office

Browsers and other necessary for office work programs require an impressive amount of RAM, but practically do not load the hard drive and processor. Therefore, it is better to choose a computer with a large amount of memory. However, processor performance should not be neglected either. According to the test results, models from the Intel Core i3 or i5 lines will be a good solution.

List of budget devices for the office:

• Intel Celeron G1820;
• AMD ATHLON II X2 255;
• AMD ATHLON II X4 750K;
• AMD A8-6600K.

For working with demanding programs

This category includes parts whose function is to provide fast work demanding programs, for example, video, graphic editors, etc. Devices of this type are expensive components and are characterized by maximum performance. This category of processors is often of interest to gamers who want to achieve best quality images during the game.

Review of the best devices for demanding programs:

• AMD FX-8350 (8-core). Ideal for games and other programs designed for . It is fast and reasonably priced.
• Intel i7-4770 (4-core). Runs games at the highest settings, works quickly, and is ideally optimized for Intel video cards.

Rating of the best processors for PCs 2019

1. Intel Core i7-990x. Ideal for the latest generation gaming PC. The device is designed for socket 1366, equipped with 6 cores, has a frequency of 3.46 GHz and 12 megabytes of cache memory. Approximate cost: 38,000 rub.
2. Intel Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition. One of the most popular models. Equipped with 6 cores, 15 MB cache and 3.5 GHz clock frequency. Works great with any new demanding games and programs. Approximate cost: 46,000 rub.
3. Intel Core i5-4690K. An inexpensive model will show excellent results in terms of performance. If you compare the i5-4690K with other devices, it stands out due to its price/quality ratio. The processor is equipped with a third-level cache, has a 3.5 GHz clock speed and 4 cores. Approximate cost: 22,000 rub.
4. AMD FX-9370. AMD's most powerful processor has a new AM3+ socket and 8 cores with a maximum frequency of up to 4.4 GHz. The model is equipped with 8 MB of cache memory, which allows you to improve the performance of your PC and use any programs and games. Approximate cost: 20-22,000 rub.
5. Intel Xeon E3-1230 v3. The quad-core device belongs to the fourth generation of processors from Intel. It is equipped with a socket type 1150, which is considered the best among existing ones. The clock frequency of the Xeon E3-1230 v3 is 3.3 GHz, the cache memory is 8 MB. Approximate cost: 22,000 rub.

Processor test table 2015

To understand how to choose a processor for a computer, you should familiarize yourself with the results of their testing. The devices are tested on Windows 7 (64-bit) OS. For this, certain programs are selected to unlock the potential of multithreading, determine whether there is support for AMD Turbo CORE (dynamic overclocking) and Intel Turbo Boost Technology, and whether it is possible to use new SIMDs. Test results are expressed as a percentage of the performance of the fastest existing device that has a 100% result.

Processor performance summary table:

If you want to purchase a processor, you should study its characteristics. For example, in pursuit of frequency, many forget about the features of the core of a particular manufacturer, which negatively affects the performance of the computer. To remain satisfied with your purchase, you need to consider the device’s parameters and its compatibility with other parts. Find out how to choose the right processor for your computer by watching the video below.