Which budget processor is best for gaming. Which is better - AMD or Intel for gaming? Which processor to choose

When buying a new processor, gamers most often focus on the price / performance ratio. Someone does not want to spend a lot of time and buys a system unit with components, while someone, on the contrary, is more advanced and, as they say, assembles his computer on his own.

The second option is the most optimal, as it will help you save money and get decent performance.

Before buying a new processor, we face the following questions: how many cores are needed, what characteristics it has, cache memory level, clock speed. This article will answer these questions.

Features of choice

Choosing a processor for a computer is a matter in which there are many nuances. Beginners buy ready-made models, and in the future their performance in most cases is not satisfactory.

The stores mainly offer what you need to sell in the shortest possible time. You can easily be persuaded to buy that computer, which in reality can not claim the status of a gaming computer. Therefore, further we will consider all the nuances of the choice.

Manufacturer's choice

At first glance, it seems that everything is quite simple in choosing a manufacturer, since there are only two leading companies on the market: Intel and their competitor, AMD. Each of them has its pros and cons.

At the moment, the leader in sales and the standard, of course, are Intel. Despite all the efforts of "AMD", in terms of sales, the former significantly overtake the latter. The reason lies not only in the marketing component and brand promotion, but also in the technical part.

But AMD does not lag behind its main competitors, they tightly occupied the niche of budget microprocessors, which is a definite plus. In the AMD product line, you can find quite powerful models in the price range from $50 to $150, which are great for gaming.

Reliability

Another important aspect in the choice is reliability. Modern Intel and AMD models are equipped with a system that can prevent overheating, which significantly eliminates the early failure of the component.

Based on practice, per thousand released processes, only one or two fail in the first months of operation. Thus, we can say that most products have a fairly high percentage of reliability and practically exclude premature failure.

Processors with integrated graphics

AMD and Intel have so-called hybrid processors in their product line. Hybrid processors are models where the processor itself and the integrated video card are directly located on the same chip.

The capabilities of the integrated video card are quite good, but they are unlikely to fit for timely games, because even at the minimum quality settings there will be freezes (not to mention medium and maximum quality settings).

Hybrids are ideal if you decide to build a computer for simple tasks, such as surfing the Internet, working with undemanding graphic editors and low-demanding games.

Hybrids are designed to reduce power consumption, minimize component heating and thus improve reliability.

They are equipped with a video card that has a "GDDR3" memory type, which is not known for its speed (many models of modern video cards are equipped with a "GDDR5" memory type, which makes them more powerful).

If you need a computer for simple tasks, then an integrated graphics card will be a good budget solution.

I would like to say a little more about the built-in video cards. AMD is doing much better in this regard than their competitors. Based on most tests, AMD's embedded solutions are significantly ahead of Intel's.

Thus, if you decide to purchase a hybrid that has an integrated graphics card, it is no doubt better to choose "AMD", since for games it will be a relatively good solution. If a computer is needed for tasks that do not require large computing power, then you can give preference to Intel.

Video: processor for games

Characteristics

One of the features of choosing a processor is its characteristics, which will determine the performance in demanding games.

Number of Cores

Many people think that the more cores, the better the performance will be, but this is one of several misconceptions. Performance (loading the operating system, the number of frames per second in games, the speed of programs) does not depend so much on the number of cores, but also on the hard disk (HDD or SSD).

Do not stick to and chase the principle: the more the better. You can assemble a fairly productive computer with a quad-core and an SSD drive on board. We can say with confidence that such a bunch of components will significantly increase the performance in modern games and allow you to play at high settings, provided that you have at least an average-level game card.

Let's take for example. For undemanding applications and surfing the Internet, the Athlon II X2 will suffice. But if, for the same tasks, we take Core i3 or Core i5 or FX 4xxx, then the increase in performance in undemanding applications will not be very noticeable. You can fully experience the increase in performance in stress tests ("LinX", "AIDA64", "PassMark", "OCCT") or in resource-intensive applications (graphic editors and games).

If you want to build a computer to perform tasks on it that do not require a lot of computing power (working in Office, surfing the Internet, undemanding games), then it is best to purchase 2-3 cores.

If the PC is going for games, then in this situation a minimum of 4 core processors is needed. But as we can see, for modern games released in 2014 and released in 2015, 4-6 cores are already required (to play at minimum settings).

Cache memory

One factor in high performance is cache memory. Microprocessors equipped with their own cache are much more productive than those without or reduced memory cache.

For example, boosting the performance of a gaming computer equipped with a processor with cache memory, the performance increase can be up to 25 percent, which is quite good.

I would like to note that when buying a new processor, you should pay attention to its cache memory. The amount of cache memory can significantly increase the performance of your computer.

Clock frequency

Many people often ask the question, what frequency should the processor have. Clock frequency is the number of operations that the processor can perform in one second. In the past, clock speed was one of the very first factors that affect performance. But at the moment this is not entirely true.

Clock speed is not a determining factor in computer performance. Performance is also affected by technologies that modern processors use (Hyper-Threading).

Chipset technologies

Most modern processor models are equipped with special technologies that significantly improve performance.

Hyper Threading

Hyper-Threading is a technology implemented in Intel products."Hyper-Threading", in simple terms, represents each physical core as two logical ones.

Photo: Hyper-Threading - splitting the core

Thus, when performing a certain logical operation, the processor does not fully use its resources and, thus, some of them are idle. Just the same, "Hyper-Threading" allows you to use these most unused resources to process parallel operations.

Of course, you should not count on the fact that "Hyper-Threading" will increase the performance of the computer quite strongly, but the increase in performance will be quite noticeable (it will be especially noticeable in games).

TurboBoost or TurboCore

TurboBoost technology implemented by Intel. "TurboBoost" automatically increases the nominal clock speed. Increasing the frequency is only possible if the power limit is not exceeded. "TurboBoost" significantly increases the performance of applications that have one or more threads.

"TurboCore" technology implemented by AMD "TurboCore", as in the case of Intel's "TurboBoost" allows you to automatically increase the clock speed. The main objective of TurboCore technology is to dynamically increase the performance of individual cores.

With the help of "TurboCore", each core gets an increase to the nominal clock frequency of up to 500 MHz, which will help to significantly increase the speed of the computer.

Which processor is best for games winter 2014 - 2015

We have come to the most important thing, which processor for games is better in the winter of 2014-2015. For convenience, the processors will be divided into several groups: "Budget", "Average", "Powerful".

Budget

AMD Athlon II X3 455

A budget and quite productive model with a high nominal clock frequency of 3.3 GHz. AMD Athlon II X3 455 is also characterized by a rather high overclocking potential.

Main characteristics:

• architecture - "Rana";
• number of cores - 3;
• nominal clock frequency - 3.3 GHz;
• cache L1 / L2 - 128 KB / 1536 KB;
• socket-AM3.

The cost is $35 (2300 rubles).

Photo: AMD Athlon II X3 455 processor

Athlon II X4 750K

The budget model is characterized by a fairly low cost, but at the same time, it has a fairly high performance. Another undoubted advantage of the Athlon II X4 750K is its good overclocking potential.

Athlon Key Features:

• architecture - "Trinity";
• number of cores - 4;
• nominal clock frequency - 3.4 GHz;
• cache L1 / L2 - 48 KB / 4096 KB;
• socket-FM2.

The cost is $50 (3500 rubles).

Intel Pentium G3420 Haswell

Intel Pentium G3420 Haswell - Intel Pentium™ is one of the oldest products of Intel, but, nevertheless, is still on the market and occupies a significant niche. Pentium G3420 Haswell is a new solution that provides a good performance boost.

Main characteristics:

• architecture - "Haswell";
• number of cores - 2;
• nominal clock frequency - 3.2 GHz;
• cache L1/L2/L3 -64 KB/512 KB/3072 KB;
• socket-LGA1150/

The cost is $55 (3800 rubles).

Intermediate level

Powerful enough six-core, providing optimal performance in today's games.

Main characteristics:

• architecture - "Vishera";
• number of cores - 6;
• nominal clock frequency - 3.5 GHz;
• cache L1 / L2 / L3 - 48 KB / 6144 KB / 8192 KB;
• socket-AM3+.

The cost is $80 (5500 rubles).

Built on the "Vishera" architecture. It has 8 physical cores and a high clock speed. AMD FX-8350 is the best amd gaming processor 2014-2015.

Main characteristics:

• number of cores - 8;
• nominal clock frequency - 4.0 GHz;
• cache L1 / L2 / L3 - 48 KB / 8192 KB / 8192 KB;
• socket-AM3+.

The cost is $130 (9000 rubles).

Productive solution from Intel. Powerful quad-core, will provide excellent performance in modern games. Built on the "Haswell" architecture.

Main characteristics:

A quad core with a fairly good overclocking potential is based on the Haswell architecture. As practice shows, the Core i5-4690K provides maximum performance in games of 2014 - 2015.

Main characteristics:

Powerful

The Intel Core i7-3770K is the top-end, built on the Ivy Bridge architecture. Provides maximum performance in games at high graphics settings.

Main characteristics:

• architecture - "Haswell";
• number of cores - 4;
• integrated graphics core - HD Graphics 4000
• cache L1/L2/L3 -64 KB/1024 KB/8192 KB;
• socket - LGA1155;

The average retail price is $305 (21,000 rubles).

The question of which processor is best for intel games can be answered as follows. For high gaming performance, the Intel Core i7-5930K Extreme Edition is the best solution. One of the features of the Core i7-5930K is support for LGA2011-v3 sockets and DDR4 SDRAM memory.

The product is based on the Haswell-E microarchitecture.

Main characteristics:

• number of cores - 6;
• nominal clock frequency - 3.5 GHz;
• integrated graphics core - absent;
• cache L1/L2/L3 -64 KB/1536 KB/15360 KB;
• socket - LGA2011-3;
• technology support - Hyper-Threading.

The average retail price is $652 (45,000 rubles).

The flagship product from AMD, built on the Vishera architecture. Eight cores and a high clock speed will provide the best performance in today's games.

Main characteristics:

• number of cores - 8;
  nominal clock frequency - 4.7 GHz;
  cache L1 / L2 / L3 - 48 KB / 8192 KB / 8192 KB;
  socket-AM3+.

The average retail price is $220 (15,000 rubles).

Table of performance and price ratio

This article reviewed the best processors for a gaming computer in 2014-2015.

Carefully study the test results so that later there are no performance problems. Do not forget that in order to assemble a productive computer, you need to pay attention to other components (video card, RAM, and others).

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

test bench

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

CBO DeepCool MAELSTROM 120K was installed to cool the "stones". It is suitable for both top-end i5 and i7, and for i3. It turned out to be hot at Intel and under load it reaches 71 ° C.

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

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

And finally, Seasonic was sent to provide power at 650 W - cold and with a huge efficiency. Anticipating comments in the spirit of “why such an expensive PSU?” Let’s say right away. The computer would run on FSP for 2500 rubles, but we rely on reliability and stability. Whoever does not like this option - we do not insist.

CPU

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

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

With the 1070 Ti, there is not much difference in games. And this means that for the first time in a long time, i3 can be bought for purely gaming systems, even with powerful video cards.

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

Once again, the choice in favor of the i3 applies only to systems with graphics cards of the 1080 level. With a Ti or Titan X, the older Core i5 with i7 will go ahead. However, this can be compensated by overclocking. All processors are overclocked, and we squeezed 4.4 GHz out of the same i3, and 4.7 GHz out of the i7.

The main element of a gaming computer is a video card, however, the central processing unit is also not the least important. And in the case of office, multimedia, educational and other not the most resource-intensive tasks, it affects performance even more than graphics. The TOP of inexpensive processors in 2016 includes models that deserve a place in the assembly of a budget PC.

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

Taking into account these parameters, 7 models were selected in the rating of budget processors in 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-early 2017.

TOP best processors for a budget PC

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

Opening the ranking of budget processors 2016 is the cheap quad-core AMD Athlon 5150 CPU. This is an entry-level processor designed for silent multimedia and office PCs in compact cases. AMD Athlon 5150 is equipped with four cores running at 1.6 GHz. The L2 cache capacity is 2 MB. The processor is produced according to not the most recent 28 nm process technology, but nevertheless, the heat dissipation level is only 25 watts. The CPU is designed to be installed in socket AM1 boards that work with DDR3 memory.

On the basis of AMD Athlon 5150, you can assemble a cheap computer for simple tasks, such as working with documents and surfing the web, as well as watching movies, fitting into the budget of 5 thousand hryvnias for everything. It is equipped with integrated Radeon R3 graphics, which is enough for multimedia and office tasks, although not enough for games. Nevertheless, the same WoT at low graphics settings, this processor is capable of pulling.

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

The next hero in the TOP budget processors for an inexpensive PC in 2016 is the AMD Athlon X4 860K. This is already a more productive solution for those who need a computer that can handle games. It has 4 cores running at frequencies up to 3.7 GHz, and thanks to an unlocked multiplier, it easily overclocks to about 4.5 GHz. The processor has 4 MB of cache on board, and the chip is manufactured according to the 28 nm process technology. The power consumption of the chip is limited to 95 watts. It is designed to work in motherboards for socket FM2+ 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 UAH 2000), but in terms of specific performance per core, it
lags significantly. Therefore, this budget processor got into the TOP in 6th place.

5th place: Intel Celeron G3900, from 965 UAH

The first representative of Intel in the ranking of low-cost processors for home PCs in 2016 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 manufactured 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 motherboards that support DDR3L and DDR4 memory.

The processor more than copes with its office purpose. For games, it is also suitable, but not the most demanding. To play normally, the capabilities of the built-in Intel HD 510 video card are clearly not enough (although WoT is at the minimum it can do). But if you install something like the 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 UAH 2595

AMD FX-6300 made it to the TOP of inexpensive PC processors in 2016 due to the fact that it is a “popular” six-core processor and has been popular for a long time. It cannot be considered an ideal gaming solution, however, this processor is worth its money. Its 6 cores operate at 3.5 GHz, and the cache size is 6 MB for L2 memory and 8 MB for L3. The chip is produced according to the 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 old motherboards, a large number of cores (albeit not very powerful ones), as well as a capacious cache, the processor is quite good for its price. It lags behind Intel solutions (like the same i3-6100) in tasks that require fast cores, but where multithreading is important, it holds the lead. In combination with a GeForce GTX1050 Ti-level graphics card, the processor is capable of running all modern games at medium and high (and sometimes even more) settings.

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

AMD A10-7850K is one of the best budget PC processors of 2016 due to the combination of a good CPU and integrated graphics. As for the CPU, it's the same Athlon 860K, with four cores at 3.7 GHz, 4 MB of L2 cache and overclocking support. It is also made according to the 28 nm process technology and consumes up to 95 W of energy. The processor is designed for motherboards with an FM2+ connector and works with DDR3 RAM at frequencies up to 2133 MHz.

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

Computers have entered our lives so tightly that we already consider them something elementary. But their structure is by no means simple. Motherboard, processor, RAM, hard drives: all these are integral parts of a computer. It is impossible to throw out this or that detail, because they are all important. But the most important role is played by the processor. They don't call it "central" for nothing.

The role of the CPU is simply huge. He is responsible for all calculations, which means that it depends on him how quickly you will complete your tasks. It can be surfing the web, drafting a document in a text editor, editing photos, moving files, and much, much more. Even in games and 3D modeling, where the main load falls on the shoulders of the graphics accelerator, the central processor plays a huge role, and with an incorrectly selected “stone”, the performance of even the most powerful video card will not be revealed to its fullest.

At the moment, there are only two major processor manufacturers in the consumer market: AMD and Intel. It is about them that we will talk in the traditional rating.

The best inexpensive processors: budget up to 5000 rubles.

4 Intel Celeron G3900 Skylake

The most affordable Intel processor
Country: USA
Average price: 4 381 ₽
Rating (2018): 4.5

The rating is opened by an extremely weak processor of the Celeron line. The G3900 model has two cores of the previous generation - Skylake, which, coupled with a frequency of 2.8 GHz, gives the lowest performance result. In synthetic tests, the processor shows a result about half that of the Core i3. But the price here is quite budgetary - 4-4.5 thousand rubles. This means that this processor is perfect for assembling, for example, a simple office computer or a multimedia system for the living room. In general, this model cannot be called bad. Still, the 14 nm process technology provides good power efficiency, and the HD Graphics 510 graphics core is suitable for casual games.

Advantages:

• Lowest price in the class
• Great for office PC or HTPC

Flaws:

• Does not support Hyper-Threading Technology

3 AMD Athlon X4 845 Carrizo

Best price
Country:
Average price: 3 070 ₽
Rating (2018): 4.5

The processors of the Athlon line belong to the budget class, which is clearly seen in the price of the bronze medalist. But for over three thousand rubles you will get a very interesting stone. There are 4 cores (2 logical cores for each physical core) made according to the 28 nm process technology. Due to this, power consumption is low, and heat dissipation is quite low for AMD - only 65 watts. True, this is not particularly rejoicing because of the locked multiplier - it will not work to overclock the processor. Also, the disadvantages include the lack of a built-in graphics core, which means that when assembling an office PC or a multimedia system, you will have to separately purchase a video card.

Advantages:

• Lowest price in the class
• Great performance for the price

Flaws:

• Lack of integrated graphics core
• Not unlocked multiplier

2 AMD FX-6300 Vishera

The only 6-core processor in the class
Country: USA (Made in Malaysia, China)
Average price: 4 160 ₽
Rating (2018): 4.6

AMD's FX-6300 is the only processor in the category with six cores. Unfortunately, one cannot hope for high power in the budget class - the model is based on the 2012 Vishera core. In normal mode, the cores run at 3.5 GHz, but like many AMD CPUs, it overclocks perfectly. Yes, performance, judging by user reviews, is enough even for games, but there are still enough minuses.

One of the main ones is high power consumption. Due to the use of an inexpensive 32 nm process technology, AMD gets very hot and consumes a lot of electricity. Also note the lack of support for modern DDR4 RAM. Because of this, the processor can be advised not to build a new PC, but to upgrade an old one without replacing the motherboard and other components.

Advantages:

• 6 cores. Great for doing multiple simple tasks at the same time.
• Good overclocking potential
• Low cost

Flaws:

• Poor energy efficiency
• Legacy platform

At the moment, there are only two players in the processor market - Intel and AMD. It's just that the choice doesn't get any easier. To make it easier for you to decide whether to buy a CPU from one manufacturer or another, we have listed some of the main pros and cons of these companies' products for you.

1 Intel Pentium G4600 Kaby Lake

Best Performance
Country: USA
Average price: 7 450 ₽
Rating (2018): 4.7

We can recommend the good old Pentium for purchase in this category. This processor, like the previous participants, is made according to the 14 nm process technology, socket LGA1151. Refers to one of the latest generations - Kaby Lake. Of course, there are only 2 cores. They operate at a frequency of 3.6 GHz, which causes the gap from the Core i3 by about 18-20%. But this is not much, because the difference in price is twofold! In addition to the frequency of the cores, the relatively low power is due to the small amount of L3 cache - 3071 KB.

In addition to the excellent price-performance ratio, the advantages of this CPU include the presence of an integrated graphics core Intel HD Graphics 630, which is more than enough for comfortable use of a PC without a discrete graphics card.

Advantages:

• Great price for this performance
• Generation Kaby Lake
• Good integrated graphics

The best mid-range processors: budget up to 20,000 rubles.

5 Intel Core i3-7320 Kaby Lake

The most affordable processor with integrated graphics
Country: USA
Average price: 12 340 ₽
Rating (2018): 4.6

Let's open the rating with the most affordable processor of the i-core line. The model is extremely difficult to call excellent in terms of price / quality ratio, because the cheaper ryzen 3 even shows slightly better results in synthetic tests. Nevertheless, the model that opens the TOP-5 can be safely chosen not only for an office system, but also for a gaming computer.

There are only two physical cores, but these are modern 14 nm chips of one of the latest generations - Kaby lake. Frequency - 4100 MHz. This is a very shameful indicator. In addition, there is the possibility of overclocking. Considering the excellent energy efficiency and low heat dissipation - even with the bundled cooler the idle temperature stays at 35-40 degrees, under load up to 70 degrees - you can painlessly increase the frequencies. Unlike competitors from AMD, Core i3 has an integrated graphics core, which allows it to be used in an office system without a discrete graphics card. But keep in mind that officially it only works on Windows 10.

Advantages:

• Integrated graphics core
• Overclocking capability
• Low temperatures

Flaws:

• Weak performance for the price

4 AMD Ryzen 3 1200 Summit Ridge

Best price
Country: USA (Made in Malaysia, China)
Average price: 6 917 ₽
Rating (2018): 4.7

Ryzen 3 is AMD's low-cost new line of processors, designed to once again impose a fight on Intel. And the 1200 does a great job. For 7 thousand rubles, the buyer receives a 4-core processor. The factory frequencies are low - only 3.1 GHz (in enhanced performance mode 3.4 GHz), but the multiplier is unlocked, which means that enthusiasts can easily make the "stone" a little faster.

The transition to new chips not only improved performance, but also reduced power consumption, and also allowed temperatures to be reduced to acceptable values. Due to the lack of an integrated graphics chip, we can only recommend this processor for budget gaming builds. The performance is only slightly better than the previous entrant.

Advantages:

• Unlocked multiplier

Flaws:

• No built-in graphics chip

3 Intel Core i5-7600K Kaby Lake

Great processor for gaming
Country: USA
Average price: 19 084 ₽
Rating (2018): 4.7

Let's start with the fact that the i5-7600K is by no means an outsider. Yes, in terms of performance, it is somewhat worse than the mastodons that you will see below, but for most gamers it will be more than enough. The processor has four Kaby Lake cores running at 3.8 GHz (in reality up to 4.0 GHz with TurboBoost). There is also a built-in graphics core - HD Graphics 630, which means that even demanding games can be played at the minimum wage. With a normal video card (for example, GTX 1060), the processor reveals itself completely. In most games at FullHD resolution (most gamers have such monitors) and high graphics settings, the frame rate rarely drops below 60 fps. Is there anything else needed?

Advantages:

• Best price
• Enough power for most gamers
• Excellent graphics core

2 AMD Ryzen 5 1600 Summit Ridge

Best price/performance ratio
Country: USA (Made in Malaysia, China)
Average price: 11 970 ₽
Rating (2018): 4.8

The second line of the TOP-5 mid-range processors is occupied by one of the best processors in terms of price / performance ratio. With an average cost of only 12,000 rubles, in synthetic tests, Ryzen 5 is able to compete with the well-known Intel Core i7-7700K at standard settings (In PassMark 12270 and 12050 points, respectively). Such power is due to the presence of six Summit Ridge physical cores, made according to the 12 nm process technology. The clock frequency is not a record - 3.6 GHz. The possibility of overclocking is present, but in the reviews, users claim that at frequencies above 4.0-4.1 GHz, the processor behaves unstable and gets very hot. At the factory settings, in idle time, the temperatures are kept at 42-46 degrees, in games 53-57 when using a standard cooler.

Also, high performance is due to large cache volumes of all levels. The CPU supports the modern DDR4-2667 standard, which allows you to create excellent computers based on this processor for playing at medium-high settings in FullHD.

Advantages:

• Excellent price/performance ratio
• Little heated

Flaws:

• Low overclocking potential

1 AMD Ryzen 7 1700 Summit Ridge

The most powerful processor in the class
Country: USA (Manufactured in Malaysia, China, China)
Average price: 17 100 ₽
Rating (2018): 4.8

As expected, the processor from the top Ryzen 7 line has the best performance in the class. Again, one cannot help but recall the cost - for 17 thousand rubles we get power at the level of the top Core i7 of previous years. The processor includes eight cores divided into two clusters. With a stock clock speed of just 3.0GHz, the Ryzen 7 is guaranteed to top out at 3.7GHz, and with a bit of luck, up to 4.1GHz.

Like the previous representatives of the line, the leader is made according to the 12 nm process technology, which makes it possible to save energy. The situation with heat dissipation is good - in stress tests, temperatures are kept at 70-75 degrees.

Advantages:

• High performance
• Overclocking available
• Fresh platform to be supported for at least 4 years

The best top processors

3 Intel Core i7-7700K Kaby Lake

The most popular top processor
Average price: 29 060 ₽
Rating (2018): 4.6

More recently, the i7-7700K was the top processor in Intel's lineup. But technology is developing extremely quickly, and in 2018 it is difficult to recommend this particular chip for purchase. According to synthetic tests, the model clearly lags behind its competitors - in PassMark, the CPU scores only 12,000 points, which is comparable to modern mid-range processors. But these figures are achieved at standard settings, when 4 physical cores operate at a frequency of 4.2 GHz, and the CPU can be easily overclocked to even higher frequencies, thereby increasing performance.

Yes, the bronze medalist lags behind competitors, but costs at least half as much, and given the popularity, it is quite possible to find a good second-hand processor. Also, the high prevalence and long-standing presence in the market allows you to find an affordable motherboard with an LGA1151 socket. In general, we have an excellent base for a powerful gaming system at a relatively low cost.

Advantages:

• Good price for this class
• High performance
• Great overclocking possibilities
• High popularity

Flaws:

• Not really relevant in 2018

2 Intel Core i9-7900X Skylake

The most powerful processor in the Intel line
Country: USA
Average price: 77 370 ₽
Rating (2018): 4.7

Until recently, Intel's top line was the Core i7 series. But modern realities require more and more power. If you have few familiar solutions, pay attention to the Core i9-7900X. The processor is already at a standard clock frequency is able to enter the TOP-10 most powerful CPU. For example, in PassMark, the model scores almost 22 thousand points - this is twice as much as that of the bronze medalist in the rating. At the same time, in the reviews, users talk about trouble-free overclocking to 4.2-4.5 GHz with high-quality air cooling. Temperatures do not exceed 70 degrees under load.

Such high performance is due to the use of 10 cores made according to the 14 nm process technology. The model supports all the necessary modern standards and commands, which allows it to be used for any task.

Advantages:

• Top performance
• Excellent overclocking potential
• Acceptable temperatures

Flaws:

• Very high cost
• No solder under the lid.

1 AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X

The leader of the rating is insane in everything - starting at a price of 65 thousand rubles, ending with incredible performance. In terms of power in synthetic tests, the model is slightly ahead of the previous participant. The internal arrangement is significantly different. Threadripper uses 16 (!) cores. The clock speed is comparable to the Core i9 - 3400 MHz - but the overclocking capabilities are more modest. Stable "stone" operates at a frequency of 3.9 GHz, with an increase in rates, the necessary stability is lost.

Such a large number of cores performs well in all tasks. But using a monster for games is not entirely reasonable - not all projects can unlock its potential. AMD is useful for professional video editors, 3D designers and more. - in professional software, the addition of cores gives a significant increase in rendering speed.

Advantages:

• Relatively low price tag
• high power
• Excellent performance in professional programs

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

Today's PC can be a powerful workstation focused on computing performance or a designer's work machine, "sharpened" for 2D graphics quality and fast data handling. It can be a top-end gaming machine or a modest multimedia system that lives under the TV...

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

Start with the CPU. The video card will determine the performance of the system in games (and a number of work applications that use GPU computing). The motherboard is the format of the system, its functionality "out of the box" and the ability to connect components and peripherals. However, it is the processor that will determine the capabilities of the system in everyday household tasks and work.

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

What you should NEVER pay attention to

Processor manufacturer

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

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

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

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

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

"Gaming" or "non-gaming" processor

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

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

openers

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

The essence of the phenomenon is simple: "old processors cannot work with new video cards, run to buy new ones!". Especially here are recommendations to replace quite suitable and current Core i5 processors of old generations with Core i3 processors of new generations, which are worse in all respects. Well, and, of course, advice to spend 40 thousand on a platform upgrade for the sake of games with a video card for 20 thousand.

Recommendation #3: Actually, and. The task of any opening is not to help you choose the right processor, but to “suck in” a newer and more expensive device, preferably complete with a motherboard and memory. You see the opening - step aside and do not listen. Otherwise it will cost you more.

What SOMETIMES can be important

OEM and BOX equipment, also known as "cooling system included"

Central processing units can be supplied in two versions: "box" and OEM packages. The difference is extremely simple: a "box" is, in fact, a box in which, in addition to the processor itself, there is a warranty card and a standard cooling system (although in rare cases, like FX 9000 series processors, it may be absent). OEM is just a processor, absolutely nothing. No box, no cooler, no warranty card.

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

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

Recommendation #4: Boxed equipment is always a compromise. The standard cooler is not the most efficient, not the quietest, and certainly not the most cost-effective. Someone can be bribed by a longer warranty period from the "box" against the OEM, however, the processor is an extremely tenacious device, and oh, how easy it is to break it (unless purposefully and mechanically). If he lived with you for the first day, with a 95% probability he will live for the next 10 years. Alternative coolers, again, can be cheaper and more efficient than stock ones.

On the other hand, everything depends on the price. If the cost of a "box" is only slightly higher than OEM - take the box, it won't get any worse.

Free multiplier and processor frequency

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

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

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

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

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

Integrated graphics core

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

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

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

Stand apart here AMD APUs. Their key advantage is their powerful integrated graphics, which makes these processors a great option for HTPC and multimedia systems, but at the same time, their use with discrete video makes no sense. In fairness, the top models of modern Intel processors are equipped with a video core no worse, but they cost much more than an APU, and the performance of their processor part for an HTPC is extremely excessive.

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

In addition, some (but by no means all) processors do without integrated graphics. Intel Xeon made for mainstream LGA 115x platforms. Special mention should be made of these processors. Despite the "server" name, they are actually analogues of the desktop Core i5 / i7. Significant differences are the ability to install in motherboards that support multiprocessor configurations and support for error-correcting RAM (ECC).

Recommendation #6: You should not be afraid of integrated graphics - this is a great bonus, which, moreover, will soon become the standard for all platforms with the exception of LGA 2011-3 and possibly its descendants. An embedded kernel can be very useful in some cases, or even save you from having to buy a discrete graphics card. But it's not worth chasing after him: processors without integrated graphics can also have a lot of advantages.

What you REALLY need to know

socket

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

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

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

If you are choosing a processor for an existing motherboard, do not be lazy to spend a few minutes going to the manufacturer's official website and looking at the list of CPU models compatible with it. It's free, it's not complicated at all, and it doesn't require any special knowledge, but in some cases it will help you save time and money.

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

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

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

AM1 is an AMD platform designed for entry-level nettop, embedded systems and multimedia PCs. Like all APUs, it features relatively powerful integrated graphics, which is its main advantage.

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

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

LGA 1151_v2- a socket that should never be confused with the usual LGA 1151 (!!!). It is the current generation of the Intel mainstream platform, and finally brings processors with six physical cores to the consumer segment - this is valuable. However, be sure to remember that Coffee Lake processors cannot be installed in motherboards with 200 and 100 series chipsets, and older Skylake and Kaby Lake processors cannot be installed in motherboards with 300 series chipsets.

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

Number of Cores

This parameter requires a lot of reservations, and it should be used with caution, but it is it that allows you to more or less logically line up and differentiate the central processors.

Models with two computing cores, as well as with two physical cores and four virtual threads regardless of the clock frequency, the degree of dynamic overclocking, architectural advantages and fan mantras, today they are firmly established in the office PC segment, and even there they are not in the most responsible places. There is no need to seriously talk about the use of such CPUs in gaming machines, and even more so - in workstations today.

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

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

Processors with eight cores- the choice of those who are busy with more serious tasks than games. Although they will cope with entertainment without problems, their advantages are most noticeable in work applications. If you are engaged in video processing and editing, drawing complex layouts for printing, designing houses or other complex structures, then these CPUs are worth choosing. You will not notice an excess of performance, but fast processing and the absence of freezes at the most crucial moment will definitely please you.

Processors with 10 and 16 cores- this is already a server segment and very specific workstations, which differ from the previous version approximately like the work of a special effects designer for a big movie from the work of a video editor on youtube (in fact, they are used approximately there). Definitely recommend or vice versa, dissuade from buying them is difficult. If you really need such performance, you already know how and where you will apply it.

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

Performance

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

Before heading to the store for a processor that seems to suit you, do not be too lazy to study its detailed tests. Moreover, "detailed" are not YouTube videos that show you what you should see according to the intention of their author. Detailed tests are a large-scale comparison of the processor in synthetic benchmarks, professional software and games, conducted according to a clear methodology, involving all or most competing solutions.

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

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

Criteria and selection options:

According to the above criteria, the CPUs in the DNS directory can be distributed as follows:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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