Good budget processor for gaming. Powerful gaming platform

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 gaming 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 want to complicate things by adding motherboard costs to the list. Our recommendations are based on base clock speeds, performance, and prices.

Prices change daily. We can't give you the latest and most accurate pricing information in this article, but we can list a few good chips that you probably won't regret buying.

The list is compiled based on the best prices in Moscow online stores. Prices in other countries or retail stores will likely vary. In this list, we have presented you with retail prices for new CPUs in OEM versions.

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

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? A comparison table will help you figure it out.

When building a gaming computer, the most important thing is to buy a good graphics card. Well, here’s the thing: because of the miners, GPU prices have seriously jumped over the year, and finding a successful model has become more difficult even after the “gold rush” died down. In order not to skimp on the graphics accelerator, the main component of a gaming PC, you have to optimize costs on other components that are not so critical in gaming tasks.

One of the easiest ways to build a budget gaming PC with a decent graphics card is to buy a good budget processor for gaming, as well as an inexpensive motherboard for it. Our selection includes 5 affordable entry-level and mid-level CPUs that can handle almost any modern game and are sold at prices up to 10 thousand rubles.

Intel Pentium Gold G5400 – Core i3 killer

The Intel Pentium G4560, released a year ago, played a cruel joke on the manufacturer. For the first time in the Pentium series (except for the Pentium 4 back in 2004), this processor received HyperThreading support, which allowed each core to process 2 data threads. This budget gaming processor is not much different from the Core i3 Skylake and Kaby Lake, which cost almost twice as much, and therefore it has hurt their sales. But in the fall of 2018, Intel chips became more expensive, and now the company’s most affordable option is the Pentium Gold G5400.

The Intel Pentium G5400 is the basic minimum, sufficient to play all modern games. In combination with a budget gaming video card like the GeForce GTX 1050 Ti, there should be no problems with FPS in FullHD resolution. Another advantage of this chip is its compatibility with the cheapest motherboards based on the Intel H310 chipset.

The processor has 2 cores processing 2 threads of calculations. Their clock frequency is 3.7 GHz; auto-overclocking in turbo mode is not provided. The on-chip cache size is 4 MB. Energy consumption is stated at up to 58 W, but from experience I can say that in practice it consumes up to 30 W. Thanks to this, you also don’t have to spend money on a cooler: the stock one copes with the task quite well and is not noisy. You can buy an Intel Pentium Gold G5400 for 6,000 rubles (at the time of compiling the selection).

AMD Ryzen 3 1200 – the most affordable quad-core

AMD Ryzen 3 1200 is the most budget processor for games in 2019, equipped with 4 full cores. It does not have SMT support (analogous to HyperThreading), unlike Ryzen 5 and 7, but 4 cores for the money is very attractive. After all, with the transition to the Zen architecture, AMD cleared itself of the bad reputation left by chips of previous generations and managed to catch up with Intel.

The processor cores operate at a frequency of 3.1 GHz, there is automatic overclocking to 3.4 GHz. Also, unlike Intel, all AMD processors can be manually overclocked if cooling allows. And for this you don’t have to buy a top-end motherboard; some overclocking options are available on budget motherboards with socket AM4. The chip has 8 MB of cache and consumes up to 65 W. By installing a video card like the Radeon RX 570, you can play any game at maximum settings in FullHD.

The only thing you shouldn't save much on with the AMD Ryzen 3 1200 is RAM. Processors in this series work better the higher the speed of the RAM modules installed on the board. With quality 3200 MHz chips, this affordable gaming processor outperforms almost all competitors in its price range. It costs from 5800 rubles.

AMD Ryzen 3 2200G – almost the same, but a little better

The AMD Ryzen 3 2200G is a slightly improved version of the previous processor. It differs from it by the presence of built-in graphics and a slightly increased frequency. Here it is 3.5 GHz, with auto overclocking to 3.7 GHz. The chip has four cores, they do not support SMT. The cache size is different from the “younger brother”; here it was cut to 4 MB, which is the main disadvantage. But the graphics on board are a big plus.

The presence of integrated graphics makes this budget gaming processor a good option for those who are building a PC gradually. The integrated graphics of the chip does not allow you to play modern projects in high resolution, but it is suitable as a temporary solution. With Radeon RX Vega 8, you can have fun in tanks or Dota (and something more demanding) until you save up the required amount for a discrete video card.

As with the Ryzen 3 1200, buying the Intel Pentium G4620 can save on motherboard and cooling costs without sacrificing performance or quietness. After all, boards based on AMD A320 and B350 chipsets are affordable, but allow you to unlock the potential of even powerful CPUs. This processor costs from 6.4 thousand rubles.

AMD Ryzen 5 1600 is the most affordable chip with six cores

After the release of AMD Ryzen processors, Intel had to strain a little. The Blues' response was the release of a new, eighth generation of Core chips. The youngest in the series is the Intel Core i3-8100, the first processor in the budget line with 4 full cores. Initially it cost about 7 thousand rubles, but now it sells for much more and therefore has given way to AMD.

Now, for 9,000 rubles, the AMD Ryzen 5 1600 looks much more interesting than the Intel Core i5, which, on the contrary, has become a little cheaper over time. In single-threaded tasks, it is practically not inferior to the Core i5 series 6000, 7000 and 8000, but at the same time it costs less and outperforms them in multi-threading. This is a good inexpensive gaming processor that can work in tandem with powerful video cards and provide high FPS levels in games.

The cost of AMD Ryzen 5 1600 is slightly higher than that of its younger brothers in the Ryzen 3 line, but less than its direct competitors Core i5. In Russian retail this processor now costs from 9,000 rubles. If for some reason you don't like Intel, then this CPU is a very good (almost unconditional) alternative to the "blue" ones.

AMD Ryzen 5 2400G – graphics card optional

Rounding out our selection of the best budget processors for gaming in 2019 is the recently released AMD Ryzen 5 2400G. This CPU is equipped with 4 cores that support SMT. This means that it can process 8 data streams. The cores operate at a frequency of 3600 MHz. There is also 4 MB of L3 cache on the chip. The chip is compatible with motherboards on socket AM4.

Unlike the 2017 models, the AMD Ryzen 5 2400G is equipped with an integrated graphics core. The GPU is represented by a Vega module containing 11 clusters with 704 stream processors. This is the level of entry-level discrete video cards, like the GeForce GT 1030. You shouldn’t count on playing in FullHD at maximum settings, but the AMD Ryzen 5 2400G satisfies basic gaming needs even without discrete graphics. In FullHD resolution, most games will run on low or medium settings, and in HD you can count on high settings.

AMD Ryzen 5 2400G is the best budget processor for gaming in 2019 if you are not interested in demanding projects. Of course, to play something like Battlefield 1 at maximum, you need a discrete GPU of at least a GeForce GTX 1050 Ti level. But if you are interested in something simpler - affordability, low power consumption (up to 65 W) and the presence of a built-in GPU allow you to build a miniature PC for a gamer based on the AMD Ryzen 5 2400G.

In conclusion, the best budget processor for gaming on a very tight budget is the AMD Ryzen 3 1200. You can purchase an inexpensive board on the A320 platform, a video card like the GTX 1050 or. From such a build you can already expect games at maximum settings, not only in FullHD, but also in a resolution of 2560x1440.

Gaming is one of the most resource-intensive tasks on a modern PC, and there's nothing you can do about it. Despite the fact that the main component responsible for processing graphics is the video card, the CPU also significantly affects the FPS in games. If it is not productive enough, it will become a “bottleneck”, not allowing the graphics chip to develop to its full potential. Which processor is best for gaming in 2016 will help you find out the TOP gaming CPUs.

Processor rating: requirements and selection criteria

To be considered a gaming processor, the processor must meet a single criterion: be able to run games (your Cap). However, how well it should do this depends on the price category and positioning. After all, it is already clear that the capabilities of models for 100 and 1000 dollars will be “slightly” different. It is difficult to make a rating of processors by performance in 2016, since in different tasks the models exhibit different price-to-potential ratios. This is especially true when comparing different manufacturers (Intel and AMD). Therefore, our rating of processors is limited to models in the price range up to 15 thousand rubles.

The TOP gaming processors 2016 included only current models that meet the following criteria:

• Connector type. The list contains processors for games that are intended for installation in motherboards on the latest sockets that are current. “Antiquity” under 1155 or FM2 was not taken into account, since such CPUs are incompatible with new boards. It only makes sense to buy them in 2016 for an upgrade, if there is no need or finances to completely change the platform.
• Possibilities. Only processors that are well suited for gaming were taken into account. No matter how good the eight-core AMD FX-8300 is in multi-threaded tasks, in games it is sometimes inferior even to the older dual-core Intel Core i3, which is why it is uninteresting in its class. Although in general such processors are not bad, compared to their competitors they do not deserve to be in the TOP.
• Price/performance ratio. More powerful does not always mean better. It often happens that for a minimal increase in productivity you have to pay a substantial amount. If the difference in performance between two CPUs reaches 5%, and in price - 20%, it is clear that the weaker option will be more effective in terms of cost-to-feature ratio.
• Related costs. Saving on a processor does not necessarily mean saving on building a PC in general. Having reduced costs in one place, you may need to overpay in another. So, when buying an AMD FX-9590, it may seem that for 15 thousand you are getting a Core i7-level processor. But don’t forget that to use this chip, you still need to buy an expensive board (while the i7 works on any compatible motherboard for 4 thousand), a more powerful power supply and a high-quality cooler. Such CPUs also have no place in the TOP gaming processors of 2016.

TOP gaming processors for different budgets

The 2016 gaming processor rating includes chips that meet the above requirements and are optimal in their class. All models are selected taking into account the most attractive ratio of price, capabilities, and costs for assembling a gaming system.

5th place: AMD A10-7850K, from 6469 rubles

The AMD A10-7850K took 5th place in the TOP gaming processors 2016. This is a quad-core processor with integrated graphics, aimed at budget gaming PCs. It is designed for boards with FM2+ socket. Processor Equipped with a quartet of Kaveri cores operating at a frequency of 3.7-4 GHz, thanks to the unlocked multiplier it can be raised (4.5 GHz is not a problem if the PC case is not stuffy, but has ventilation). The cache memory size is 4 MB. The chip also includes an integrated Radeon R7 video core.

The AMD A10-7850K is a minimal gaming solution for 2016 that deserves attention thanks to its integrated graphics. Its four cores provide normal, but not very high performance. The built-in video core, in itself, is capable of running modern games only at low and minimum settings, but in Dual Graphics mode with a discrete video card Radeon R7 240 or R7 250 it shows much more interesting results.

The main advantage of the processor, which ensured its inclusion in the rating, was the built-in graphics. Thanks to it, you can build an entry-level PC when you are short of money, and later you can also buy an inexpensive video card. However, the processor potential is not very high. If the average settings are not satisfactory and you want more, the practical ceiling of a powerful video card for it is the Radeon RX 460.

4th place: AMD FX-6300, from 5250 rubles

The AMD FX-6300 took fourth place in the 2016 ranking of gaming processors for inexpensive PCs. This six-core processor has been known for a long time; several successors were prepared for it, but none of them became significantly better. The AMD FX-6300 is designed for installation in AM3+ boards that support processor TDPs of up to 95, so it’s very good for upgrading a relatively old system to AM3/AM3+. Although the processor cores operate at a frequency of 3500 GHz, it does not have integrated graphics. The volume of cache memory is 4 MB of the second level, and another 6 MB of the third. The chip also supports overclocking, the latest revisions are good at frequencies above 4 GHz, but this requires a good cooler and a normal power supply.

The number of processor cores is a compromise among AMD processors. If 4 is not enough, and 8 is already too much (and this is too much, since Core i5 for the same money would be the best choice), then 6 is the golden mean. With such a processor, you can use a GeForce GTX 1050 Ti or Radeon RX 460 class video card to play new games at medium and high settings. It will only be able to handle anything more powerful in certain multi-core games, since the performance per core leaves much to be desired.

3rd place: Intel Pentium G4400, from 3550 rubles

The Intel Pentium G4400, like the AMD A10-7850K, is a minimal processor with enough capabilities for new toys. However, if the AMD chip takes the number of cores and integrated graphics as a bonus, then the strength of Intel's brainchild is quality. It has only 2 SkyLake cores, moreover, without HyperThreading support. They operate at a frequency of 3.3 GHz; there is no Turbo mode that automatically overclocks the CPU. The cache size is 3 MB. The processor is installed in boards on socket 1151, with DDR3L or DDR4 memory. There is integrated Intel HD 510 graphics, but it is not suitable for games, so you cannot do without a video card.

It is impossible to measure absolute computing power in games in practice, but if you believe synthetic tests, one core of the Intel Pentium G4400 is stronger than two cores of AMD. Due to this, the processor almost never loses to quad-core (and even six-core) rivals from a competing company. For World of Tanks or World of Warships, this processor is absolutely ideal as part of a budget gaming PC. After all, these games are not very friendly with multi-cores, so the Intel Pentium G4400 is superior to six- and eight-core AMD, and even fully competes with the Core i5.

The strength of the Intel Pentium G4400 is its price. For that kind of money, you won't find anything better among new components. And if you consider that motherboards based on socket 1151 with the H110 chipset are also cheap, and DDR4 memory is almost equal in price to the outdated DDR3, this CPU becomes simply a godsend for the budget-conscious player. In tandem with the processor, you can install a video card of the GeForce GTX 1050 Ti level or

Updated: 02/13/2018 12:18:37

The Intel Core i5 series includes mid-range processors that are suitable for most users (even light gamers).

Which i5 processor to choose: what to look for?

When choosing an Intel Core i5 series processor, you should pay attention to the following device parameters:

Generation (determines socket and performance);

Base clock speed and heat dissipation;

Complete set (BOX or OEM).

Almost all processor parameters can be found directly from its name. More precisely, from the alphanumeric code, which is indicated immediately after the series and looks like “8350U”.

For example, the Intel Core i5-8350U belongs to the eighth generation, provides fairly average peak performance and is intended for use in ultrabooks. This is clear from the model code. The first digit in the entry – in this case “8” – means the generation of the model. The second is productivity. The higher it is, the higher the base clock speed of the processor. The last character - in this case "U" - indicates the type of processor.

Intel updates its processors annually. Therefore, as of the fourth quarter of 2017, the eighth generation of chips – Coffee Lake – is relevant.

The generation of chips determines not only performance and other operational characteristics, but also the compatibility of the processor with the motherboard. The fact is that the socket (connector) is updated approximately every two to three years. Thus, processors of the Haswell and Broadwell generations (fourth and fifth, respectively) are designed for installation in the LGA1150 socket, while Skylake, Kabu Lake and Coffee Lake (sixth, seventh and eighth) are designed for LGA1151.

Since there is no cross-compatibility between Intel sockets, you must select a processor based on which socket is installed in your existing motherboard. So, if it is equipped with LGA1150, then an upgrade or replacement of the processor is available only within the Haswell and Broadwell generations.

If you want to purchase a more recent processor, you will need to replace the motherboard with one equipped with the most current version of the socket (at the end of 2017, this is Intel LGA1151-v2, designed specifically for Coffee Lake).

Processor type

Intel Core i5 processors are available in various configurations. So, today you can find the following versions of chips on the market:

Y – for laptops and subnotebooks. Have the lowest energy consumption;

U – for ultrabooks. They have low power consumption, but optimal performance, especially in multi-threaded mode;

Q – quad-core versions;

K – versions with an unlocked multiplier. Provide the highest performance, suitable for gamers. They can be overclocked directly through the computer's BIOS.

It is worth considering that many Intel Core i5 models, which are sold in BOX and OEM configurations on the retail market, simply do not have a letter addition in their name. This means that these processors are designed for use in desktop systems and correspond in their capabilities and characteristics to Q-configurations.

Base clock speed and heat dissipation

The base clock frequency is a parameter that indirectly determines the performance of the processor. In fact, it’s not worth chasing its maximum value within the Intel Core i5 line. If you replace a seventh-generation processor with a base clock speed of 2.5 GHz with a processor of the same generation, only with 3.0 GHz, there will be no noticeable increase in performance.

But heat generation and energy consumption will increase. And these parameters will also have to be taken into account. You may need a new cooler and power supply.

Thus, the appropriate method for choosing a processor when upgrading is:

First try to find a more recent model (next generation);

If this is not possible, purchase a model with a higher clock frequency.

However, this is only true when upgrading within the Intel Core i5 family. If an upgrade is required to improve the performance of the computer, it is advisable to replace the chip with one belonging to a different family (i7).

Processor performance is determined by 2-4 digits in the model number. The higher the three-digit number they form, the faster the chip works.

Equipment

On the retail market, Intel Core i5 processors are available in two configurations – BOX and OEM.

The first one is really focused on the retail market. The BOX package, in addition to the processor itself, includes numerous instructions for it, a cooler with a mount, and a three-year warranty.

In the second option – OEM – the buyer gets only the processor. And its warranty is 1 year.

However, purchasing the BOX package is not advisable. It is more expensive than OEM, and the cooler included in it is usually not very productive and is quite noisy. Therefore, many professional assemblers immediately change it to some other one. The only advantage of the BOX package is the three-year warranty on the processor. But if the chip works for the first year without any complaints, it will function normally for the rest.

Resume

Thus, when choosing a processor, you should start from the characteristics of an existing one, and the selection method for upgrading is as follows:

Try to “raise” the generation. Sandy Bridge can be upgraded to Ivy Bridge, Haswell to Broadwell, Skylake to Kabu Lake or Coffee Lake, Kabu Lake to Coffee Lake;

If your computer already has Ivy Bridge or Broadwell generation processors installed, you can choose a more powerful chip configuration (with a higher clock frequency) or purchase a model from the i7 family;

If a top-end Ivy Bridge or Broadwell generation processor is already installed in your computer, then the only way out is to replace the motherboard with a more recent one.

If we are talking about buying a processor for the first computer build, then it is advisable to look at models of the Lake families.

Good day and my respects, dear readers, visitors, passing individuals and... in general, everyone who reads these lines. Today we'll talk about which processor to choose and how to do it.

Many of us always want to have adequate computer hardware of good quality and powerful power at hand, and even at an affordable price.

However, despite our wishes, not everyone (I would even say only a few) are able to immediately name all the main criteria for choosing a particular computer component. And if they somehow cope with the video card, then when it comes to the brain of everything and everyone, namely the central processor, then this is where the absolute ambush begins.

Therefore, we once again (for, as many remember, there were already articles on choice, and much more) decided to lend a helping hand to everyone in need and talk about how to choose the right processor, namely, what you need to know, what to look for pay attention to what characteristics there are and all that stuff.

In general, today we are waiting for an article from the series: “I want to buy a processor, but I don’t know what to look for.. Can you tell me?”

In short, make yourself comfortable and... Let's go!

Which processor to choose - main characteristics

As I said, the article will be as practical as possible, so we won’t rant for a long time about what a CPU is and what it’s needed for, but let’s get straight to the point.

We have already touched upon the topic of processors in articles such as and , however, questions are constantly pouring in from readers, they say, give clear instructions on what and how to buy.

And since the project is, so to speak, social (we take into account the “wants” of visitors), without thinking twice we decided to cover this issue in as much detail as possible.

Note:
Very often we have to deal with a situation where users buy various sophisticated and expensive ones in the hope that everything will fly and run at once, but the processor is not given due attention, after which it slows down the entire system, because it simply cannot provide all the necessary agility and nimbleness to everyone other working subsystems and components.

Therefore, knowledge of the basic parameters is necessary, first of all, in order to assess the realistically possible computing performance of the future system. It turns out that by focusing on the characteristics of the processor, you will be able to fully reveal the potential of all the components of your computer brother.

Actually, here's what you have to decide on when choosing a processor:

• Manufacturer's brand ( Intel or AMD);
• Technical production process;
• Marking and architecture;
• Platform CPU or connector type (socket);
• Processor clock speed;
• Bit depth;
• Number of cores;
• Multithreading;
• Cache memory;
• Power consumption and cooling;
• Branded bells and whistles of technology.

There was a lot of text here, but I cut it out, because my, Sonikel's, personal opinion still coincides with the article.

Technical process and how it is involved in the selection

Very often this parameter is simply forgotten, but performance sometimes depends on it. To make microcircuits and crystals CPU The photolithography method is used - applying conductors, insulators, etc. to a silicon substrate with special equipment, which form the processor core itself.

Depending on the resolution of this equipment, a certain type of technological production process is formed. Most often it is indicated in nanometers: 130 nm, 90 nm, 45 nm, etc. What does the technical process influence and why is it important when choosing CPU?

Everything is very simple, the lower the number, the smaller the size of the structures that are placed on the substrate. All this leads to lower power consumption of processor cores, greater processing power, and a reduction in overall cost CPU.

Conclusion. Which processor should I choose based on this? The lower the number in the technological process index, the more high-performance and less expensive (in comparison with its older brothers) the processor chip turns out. However, one should not be too deluded, it will take a lot of time until the end consumer can feel this “cheapness” of the new technical process.

Labeling, architecture and name code

All manufactured processors have special markings that indicate their belonging to a specific family (architecture) and main characteristics.

Below we will take a closer look at some of the markings so that you can easily read them and understand all the information contained in them. To put it simply, architecture is a set of instructions and properties inherent not to one specific model, but to an entire family of microchips.

It defines the design features and organization of processors.

Architectures are almost always assigned a code name, i.e. code names that allow you to determine just by name what year a particular architecture was released and what characteristics are included in the models of this line.

Note:
For example, Intel has such architectures for Core 2 Duo(architecture Conroy): Lynnfield, Nehalem etc. AMD: Piledriver, Bulldozzer, Trinity.

Conclusion. Which processor should I choose based on this? If you can touch the processor with your hands, pay attention to its markings on the front side. There you can find a lot of additional information not listed on the box.

Processor socket or socket type

The processor is installed in a special section on the socket or, as it is called, Socket(socket). Conventionally, we can say that this is the lifespan of your platform or the potential for possible development in the future. Socket number, i.e. its model (for example, Socket 775) must match the socket number on the motherboard, otherwise it will not be possible to install the processor on it.

Very often you can encounter a situation where people try to save money on the processor socket, i.e. They initially buy an obsolete processor and motherboard that have been in circulation for quite some time. This is bad because as soon as new standards and a new type of connector appear, then, most likely, new, more powerful processors will no longer be produced for the old one, i.e. You will be limited in the ability to upgrade your computer and if you want to improve it, you will have to change not only the processor, but also the motherboard.

Note:
The processor socket and motherboard socket must match, otherwise nothing will simply work.

However, not everything is always so critical, because, for example, AMD more flexible policy regarding this issue. The company makes it possible to carry out a painless upgrade for your wallet by supporting the compatibility of new platforms with old ones. Each manufacturer has its own types of sockets. The main ones of the new and conditionally new, say, for Intel are considered LGA 2011, LGA 1155, LGA 775 And LGA 1156, and the last two have practically “sunk into oblivion.” U AMD the most popular are connectors AM3, Socket AM3+ And Socket FM1.

The easiest way to distinguish a processor Intel from AMD- is to look at them and remember that the products are from AMD They always have a lot of contact pins on the back surface, with the help of which they are inserted into the motherboard connector. Intel for some time now, in turn, it has been using another solution - the contact pins are located inside the connector of the motherboard itself.

Conclusion. Which processor should I choose based on this? The CPU and motherboard socket must be the same or backward compatible.

CPU clock speed

The most well-known parameter for assessing processor performance is the number of operations/calculations performed per unit of time (measured in Hz). For example, if it is said that the processor has a clock speed equal to 3,4 GHz, this means that it processes in one second 3 billions 400 million clock cycles (operation execution interval).

Processors Intel And AMD have different frequencies, but in general, “stones” (processors) often show the same performance. Many people believe that only the clock frequency clearly characterizes the power of the processor, and, therefore, the higher it is, the faster the computer and that’s it. However, this is not entirely true. All components play an important role, for example, parameters such as RAM speed, data bus width, etc. Ideally, all computer components should work, so to speak, “in unison.”

Conclusion. Clock speed is an important performance parameter, but it is far from the only one, so you should not chase it alone.

Processor size

It is also one of the most important characteristics of processor performance and shows the number of bits processed by the processor per clock cycle.

Currently the highest bit rate CPU- 128 , however, such models are extremely rare in the consumer market, but 32 And 64 bats are the most popular.

Note:
The processor capacity must be supported by the OS, in particular, for example, it must be able to work with 128- bit CPU.

When purchasing, many users are confused about the bit depth markings. 32 - And 64- bit "stones", so here you should remember that the bit depth 86 there are no bits, because such markings (“x 86 ") are designated 32 - bit processors. If the bit depth 64 bits, then the processor is marked as, for example, AMD64 or x64.

In one of the articles, in particular this one, we talked about the difference between bit depths. In the most general case, remember that 32 -bit architecture no longer supports 3,75 GB, so take this into account when upgrading your processor.

Conclusion. Which processor should I choose based on this? When purchasing, pay attention to the processor capacity, it is better to choose 64 -bit CPU.

Number of processor cores

A certain, very small number of years ago, such a thing as multi-core did not exist at all. Now, “everywhere you spit,” there are all multi-core processors. When choosing the number of cores, you should first of all proceed from specific tasks.

It is clear that the more cores, the better, but if you use a computer to solve office tasks such as working with documents, surfing the Internet and light multimedia tasks, then most likely a processor with more than two cores is a waste of money.

Conclusion. Which processor should I choose based on this? The “coreness” of processors is designed primarily to increase performance when working with specially optimized software, games and applications. Therefore, if you are a “full-time” user with minimal goals and objectives, then there is no point in overpaying for the number of cores. The best option would be: 2 kernels - for standard office PC(a kind of workhorse) and 4 and more cores - if you want to use your PC as a multimedia and gaming center.

Multithreading and the like

Many people often confuse the concepts of multi-threading and multi-core, but these are completely different things. Multithreading is the ability of a platform (OS, programs, applications) to work in several threads running in parallel. To unleash the full potential of multi-core processors, they need to work with multi-threaded applications. Such applications include: archivers, video encoders, defragmenters, browsers, flash etc.

From the OS, “lovers” of multithreading include: Windows 8, Windows 7 and various systems.

Conclusion. Which processor should I choose based on this? Multithreading depends on platform optimization by the developer. Now more and more games and applications adequately support this ability. However, it is not a fact that you should look for this parameter in the price lists for processors.

Cache memory and other tails

In addition to RAM, there is ultra-fast cache memory, with which the processor chip works, because it cannot wait for the RAM to “swing up” and perform the required operations.

Cache memory is an area of ​​the processor chip in which intermediate data between processor cores, RAM and other buses is processed and stored. In other words, it is an ultra-fast, volatile buffer that allows you to quickly access frequently used data.

The cache memory has a three-level organization (although some processors only have 2 ):

• L1– first level cache. The smallest (by volume, 16 -128 KB) and very fast, often operating at the frequency of the most CPU. It has high throughput and processor cores work directly with it.
• L2– slower, but more than L1 by volume.
• L3– the largest cache (from 6 to 16 MB).

In general, the main task of developers (regarding the cache) is to determine its optimal size for the processor being released. After all, performance gains in certain applications depend on this. Any cache memory is equipped with a protection system against possible errors ( ECC), upon detection of which the latter are automatically corrected.

Conclusion. Which processor should I choose based on this? If you are a passionate fan of good graphics, computer games and powerful video subsystems with two video cards, then choose a processor with a large amount of third-level cache ( 16 MB and above). In all other cases, a processor with almost any amount of ultra-fast memory will be sufficient.

Well, we’re done with the technical parameters, now let’s look at some, so to speak, tricks...

Power consumption and cooling

Of course, the development of processor production capacity could not but affect their energy consumption, which has increased significantly. If previously you could easily get by with a “complete” fan, now special cooling systems are needed to remove heat (see image).

To estimate the heat release, the quantity was introduced TDP, which shows how much heat the cooling system should be designed to remove when used with a specific model CPU. At the moment, in the era of development of portable devices (tablets, netbooks, etc.), the energy consumption parameter, due to the technical process, etc., has been significantly reduced. So, for example, TDP processors for mobile computer solutions is only 40 W.

Information on choosing a cooling system for your processor was in the article "".

Conclusion. Which processor should I choose based on this? If you are a supporter of all kinds of laptops and similar portable devices, then TDP and you shouldn’t pay special attention to all sorts of fans there - everything is already calculated and installed for you. If you want to assemble a high-performance desktop system, then you need to take a serious “cooler”.

Built-in graphics core

With the development of the technological process for producing processors, it became possible to place various chips inside the CPU, in particular the graphics core.

This solution is convenient because you do not need to buy a separate video card. It is aimed mainly at the budget sector (office environment), where the graphic capabilities of the system are secondary. AMD integrates video chips into its computing processors Radeon HD, such a single element is called APU(accelerated processing element).

Conclusion. Which processor should I choose based on this? If your goal is a budget computer in which graphics do not play an important role (well, you don’t play powerful games, don’t 3D-design, etc., etc., but just watch movies, surf the Internet, etc., etc.), then a hybrid processor with a built-in video core is just what the doctor ordered, cheap and cheerful, so to speak. If you need video power, then, of course, there is no point in spending money on a processor with a video core - better.

All sorts of proprietary technologies

Over such a long period of existence of processors, their manufacturers have acquired their own “bells and whistles” - additional functions that speed up and expand computing power CPU. For example, here are some of them.

From AMD:

• 3DNow!, SSE(instructions) – speeding up work in multimedia computing;
• AMD64– work with 64 -bit instructions, as well as with 32 -bit architectures;
• AMD Turbo Core- analogue Intel Turbo Boost;
• Cool'n'Quiet– reduced power consumption by reducing the multiplier and core voltage.

From Intel:

• Hyper Threading(hyperthreading) – creation of two virtual (logical) computing cores for each physical core;
• Intel Turbo Boost– increasing the CPU frequency depending on the load on the cores;
• Intel Virtualization Technology– run multiple operating systems simultaneously without loss of performance.

Conclusion. Which processor should I choose based on this? Of course, additional “goodies” in the form of proprietary technologies are not something you should base your choice of CPU on, but no one is stopping you from getting them for free as a pleasant bonus, the main thing is to decide what is needed.

So, the last thing for today is...

Processor marking

It is very important to be able to read and correctly interpret the processor markings, because stores are different, sellers are not always honest, but you have to pay extra N-thousands of rubles for an incomprehensible “stone” is hardly something anyone wants, and therefore it is important to be able to read the processor markings. Let's look at it using a specific example, for example, for a manufacturer AMD.

In general, the markings from AMD(for generation Family 10h) can be represented in the following form (see image):

The decryption will be as follows:

Processor brand ( 1 ). The following characters are possible:

• A – AMD Athlon;
• H – AMD Phenom;
• S – AMD Sempron;
• O – AMD Optheron.

Processor purpose ( 2 ). Options:

• D – desktop– for workstations or desktop PCs;
• E – embedded server– for dedicated servers;
• S-server– for servers.

Processor model ( 3 ). Possible designations:

• E– energy efficient processors;
• X - locked multiplier;
• Z– unlocked multiplier.

Thermal package and cooling system class ( 4 ). The data is taken from the table (see image):

CPU case ( 5 ). The data is taken from the table (see image).

Number of cores ( 6 ). Values ​​from 2 to C ( 12 ).

Cache memory size ( 7

Processor revision or stepping ( 8 ). Data from the table (see image).

So, based on the data in the table, you can easily determine what kind of processor we have in front of us, for example, judging by the model below (see image), we have it in front of us..

CPU AMD with markings HDZ560WFK2DGM, which means:

• H– CPU families AMD Phenom;
• D– purpose: workstations/desktop PCs;
• Z560– processor model number 560 (Z - with a free factor);
• W.F.– TDP to 95 W;
• K– the processor is packaged in a 938 pin OµPGA (Socket AM3) case;
• 2 – total number of active cores;
• D– L2 cache size 512 KB and L3 cache size 6144 KB;
• GM- C3 stepping processor core.

So, knowing the credentials of the tables, you can easily calculate what kind of instance is in front of you.

Actually, that's all I would like to tell you. I think that the information will be useful to you and will come in handy more than once.

Where is the best place to buy a processor?

• , - for those who are not afraid to buy abroad and save money. There are many, several popular brands, and in general a nice store where they stock regulars and so on;
• , - perhaps the best choice in terms of price-quality ratio SSD(and more). The prices are quite reasonable, although the range is not always ideal in terms of variety. The key advantage is the guarantee that really allows for 14 days to change the product without any questions, and in case of warranty problems, the store will take your side and help solve any problems. The author of the site has been using it for years 10 at least (since the days when they were part of Ultra Electoronics), which is what he advises you to do;
• , - one of the oldest stores on the market, as the company exists somewhere around 20 years. Decent selection, average prices and one of the most convenient sites. Overall a pleasure to work with.

The choice, traditionally, is yours. Of course, there are all kinds Yandex.Market“No one has canceled them, but of the good stores I would recommend these, and not some MVideo and other large networks (which are often not only expensive, but defective in terms of quality of service, warranty work, etc.).

Afterword

Today we found out in as much detail as possible which processor to choose and how to do it correctly, i.e. what you can pay attention to when purchasing it.

The information is quite specific and technical, perhaps difficult and unusual for some, so if you haven’t learned something, read it again, and then again, then open the price list and try to make several options for selecting processors for different needs.

Then reread again, then select again. In general, and so on in a circle until you get your hands on it :)

We have fulfilled our good mission, which means it’s time to say goodbye for a while.
As always, if you have any questions, additions, thanks, etc., feel free to write comments.

P.S. Thanks to team member 25 KADR for the existence of this article