The most powerful processor intel core i7. Which processor to choose at the best price

Only a specialist who follows trends in the world of technological progress can advise. We will try to understand such a difficult and specific issue within the framework of the article, since the acquisition of a computer, in particular a processor, is an investment in the future, and the efficiency of investment should be maximal.

In fact, the price is a reflection of processor power, but there are other nuances, in some cases even a cheaper model may be more productive than another, expensive option. Naturally, buying expensive models of equipment is their purpose in carrying out resource-intensive tasks, otherwise it is worth thinking about the effectiveness of the investment.

Within the framework of the article, the most important processors will not be given the main importance; you can buy them already, being sure of the power covering all the needs of a modern person. The selection of the best devices will be based on the price / performance ratio.

1.AMD A8-7670K

The list of the best processors 2017 opens AMD A8-7670K with features:

• Kernels: 4;
• Consumption: 95 W;
• Integrated graphics adapter: Radeon R7;
• Kernel frequency: 3.6 GHz;
• Socket type used: FM2 +;
• Second level cache: 4 MB.

The main advantage aMD processors  is more affordable price than analog from Intel. Today the situation has become even more interesting, in the near future it is planned to launch processors on the modern Zen architecture. With the release of more new version, predecessors will fall in price. Despite some obsolescence of the device, it is the most successful of the line.

The basis is the 28 nm process technology, respectively, and delays a large power of 95 watts. The processor frequency is impressive - 3.6 GHz, and at overclocking it is 3.9 GHz. At the same time, using the device as the main video adapter is extremely convenient, since the Radeon R7 240 GPU graphics chip on the 757 MHz is integrated with additional capabilities due to additional cores.

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2.Intel Core i7-6800K

This device rightfully bears the title of the best processor for the games of 2017, since the power is just beyond the limit, no game will stand before it.

• Kernels: 6;
• Consumption: 140 W;
• Adapter:
• Frequency: 3.4 GHz;
• Socket: LGA2011-3;
• Second level cache: 15 MB.

It is considered one of the best options for both home and work PC. Certainly for such a miracle of technological thought will have to part with considerable means, but the result is worth it. The processor really has many advantages, one of which is an unlocked multiplier, that is, it is possible to independently set the required PC performance.

The basis contains multi-threaded cores (6 pcs.), Which support automatic overclocking. If necessary, Intel Turbo Boost is launched, which enhances performance up to 3.6 GHz, overclocking is additionally present for faster cores up to 3.8 GHz. The device works on the basis of 14 nm technical process, contains 15 MB cache, and is also capable of processing up to 128 GB of RAM model DDR4.

3.Intel Core i3-6100

If the question of how to choose a processor 2017 takes into account the financial costs and there is no need for excessive loads on the PC, then an excellent choice i3-6100:

• Kernels: 2;
• Consumption: 65 W;
• Adapter: Intel HD Graphics 530;
• Frequency: 3.7 GHz;
• Socket: LGA 1151;
• Cache: 256x2 Kb.

An inexpensive and powerful processor is a reality. So Intel i3-6100 boasts impressive performance and at the same time affordable price. The processor already belongs to the 7th generation of Intel processors and includes its advantages, such as the 14 nm process technology and is considered the cheapest representative of the category. At the same time, it contains 3.7 GHz cores, with a reasonable consumption of 65 W. There are 2 cores, providing 4 threads that can handle almost any demanding application.

Best processor  for games | Introduction

For a more convenient presentation of the results, we use the geometric geometric value of the 99th percentile of the frame rendering time, which we translate into the FPS value. Indicators of the 99th percentile of FHD well reflect the smoothness of the frame shift. This technique applies to the entire test suite, which includes six games released in 2016 and four games in 2015. Many believe that additional threads of Ryzen processors will improve performance in the future, since software  constantly evolving and optimized for an increased number of resources. This factor is not taken into account when analyzing the data obtained. We can only perform additional tests on the basis of new games, which, as a rule, involve more CPU resources.

We also formed separate graphics with a price-performance ratio, which includes the cost of the processor and additional costs for the platform. For models that come without a cooler, we add another $ 25 per third-party system  cooling We also add $ 20 in case overclocking requires a more expensive motherboard (for example, with an Intel Z270 chipset).

Ratio of platform cost to performance; the whole test package (the closer to the lower right corner, the better)

The ratio of the cost of the platform to performance; only new games (the closer to the lower right, the better)

The ratio of processor cost to performance; the whole test package (the closer to the lower right corner, the better)

The ratio of processor cost to performance; only new games (the closer to the lower right, the better)

Core i5-7500 sets the level of performance in games that the overclocked Ryzen 5 1500X cannot overcome. The i5-7500, like the 1500X, comes bundled with a cooler, and considering the locked frequency multiplier, you will hardly need a more expensive cooler for overclocking.

Nevertheless, Ryzen 5 1600 even with the standard settings is faster, but it costs an average of $ 20 more expensive. Ryzen 5 1600 closes the price gap between the Core i5-7500 and 7600K. If we take into account the unlocked multiplication factor and a fairly efficient cooler in the kit, then the Ryzen 5 1600 is the best decision  in the average price range. If you have extra money, we recommend choosing the Ryzen 5 1600 instead of the Intel Core i5-7500. In new games, he often steals up to the Core i5-7600K at the factory settings.

Ryzen 5 1600X offers good speed and in old games it differs from the Core i5-7600K by only a few frames per second, and if the overall system performance is constrained by the capabilities of your video card, you will not notice the difference at all. In more modern games, the Ryzen 5 1600X shows excellent results. If you often play new games, then you should look at the chip, which overtakes the Core i5-7600K and costs only $ 11 more expensive. On the other hand, i5-7600K is faster in overclocking, but only if you are ready to fork out for a more efficient cooler and motherboard based on the Z270 logic. We included these costs in the calculations, so that the total cost corresponds to reality, but if you are looking for the fastest chip with a price of up to $ 250, then the Core i5-7600K will help you (after overclocking).

The G4560 $ 85 and Core i3-7100 $ 115 processors remain the undisputed leaders in their segment, at least until the Ryzen 3 series chips appear. The Core i3-7100 is not the most profitable solution (the performance increase compared to the G4560 is 10%, and the difference in the price - $ 30), but with the price of $ 114 it fills a huge gap.

Now in line for testing in the laboratory are Core i7-7740X and i5-7640X. Given the high costs associated with buying a new platform on the Intel X299, we are almost sure that they will not be included in our list of recommendations.

The best processor for gaming | The list of the best processors for games

The best processor for gaming | What and to whom we recommend

A few comments are needed to understand the article:

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

The criterion for which the list was compiled is simple: price / performance. We recognize that there are other factors affecting the CPU, such as the price of the platform or the overclocking potential of the CPU, but we are not going to complicate things by adding the cost of motherboards to this list. Our recommendations are based on base clocks, performance, and pricing.

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

The list is compiled based on the best prices in Moscow online stores. In other countries or in retail stores, the cost is likely to differ from that indicated. In this list, we presented you the retail prices for new CPUs in the OEM.

The best processor for gaming | Intel Pentium G4560

In general, the generation of Intel Kaby Lake processors did not impress us, with the exception of a few models of the Pentium family with support for Hyper-Threading technology. In particular, our attention was attracted by the G4560 processor with a starting price of only $ 65.

At one time, gamers began to abandon the dual-core Pentium processors, because they sometimes caused problems in games that require more computing resources. Hyper-Threading technology helps eliminate this drawback by allowing each physical core to process two threads simultaneously.

Intel Pentium G4560 does not support Turbo Boost technology, but it operates at a rather high clock frequency of 3.5 GHz. Overall, the Pentium G4560 is a modern and quite capable processor, offering three megabytes of a third-level cache, a dual-channel DDR4 memory controller, and 16 third-generation PCIe lines at a very attractive price.

Details about the architecture of Kaby Lake can be found in the review " Intel Pentium G4620 And G4560 Review: Now With Hyper-Threading  "(English)

The best processor for gaming | Intel Core i3-7100

Intel offers new processor  Core i3-7100 at the same price as Core i3-6100, which was previously in the list of recommendations. Naturally, this month i3-7100 took its place. For $ 120, you get a dual-core processor with Hyper-Threading technology that can operate in four threads in parallel. The base frequency of the Core i3-6100 is 3.7 GHz, while for the i3-7100 this parameter is increased to 3.9 GHz.

Another advantage of the new Core i3 is a more modern platform. The Z270 chipset supports up to 24 PCIe 3.0 lanes (including drives with a PCIe interface), up to 10 USB 3.0 SuperSpeed ​​ports, up to six SATA 6 Gb / s connectors with software-level RAID and gigabit Ethernet.

Overview and testing of processors Intel Kaby Lake Core i7-7700K, i7-7700, i5-7600K and i5-7600. Part 1 ".

The best processor for gaming | Intel Core i5-7500

For its price, the quad-core Core i5-7500 provides high performance. The base clock frequency of 7500 is 3.4 GHz and reaches 3.8 GHz in Turbo Boost mode. The controller of the RAM supports modern memory DDR4 with a frequency of 2400 MHz. The chip is also equipped with a 6 MB shared L3 cache and is connected to the platform via an 8-channel DMI bus. The processor's thermal package is rated for 65 watts.

In our gaming test suite, the Core i5-7500 was not inferior to AMD Ryzen 5 1500X, despite the lower frequency. This is an impressive result compared to a chip that has twice the number of logical cores and almost three times the L3 cache. But if the budget allows, it may be better to look at the Ryzen 5 1600.

Details about the architecture can be found in the review " Overview and testing of processors Intel Kaby Lake Core i7-7700K, i7-7700, i5-7600K and i5-7600. Part 1 ".

The best processor for gaming | Ryzen 5 1600

Ryzen 5 1600 is cheaper than 1600X, but it also offers 6 cores, 12 threads and 16 MB of L3 cache, and an unlocked multiplier with proper settings allows you to achieve a close overclocking level. The processor comes with a fairly efficient Wraith Spire cooler, designed for chips with heat dissipation up to 95 W - it can cope with almost any overclocking, except for the limit, and this significantly reduces the total cost of the platform.

Ryzen 5 1600 shows a good speed at a base frequency of 3.2 GHz with the possibility of an automatic increase to 3.6 GHz. AMD allows overclocking even on low-cost motherboards with the B350 chipset, attracting budget shoppers. In our opinion, an overpayment of $ 20 compared with the Core i5-7500 in this case is fully justified.

Details on the architecture can be found in the "".

The best processor for gaming | Intel Core i5-7600K

Core i5-7600K is able to provide very high performance if you spend time setting it up. Thanks to Turbo Boost technology, the frequency in low-flow tasks rises from 3.8 GHz to 4.2 GHz, and the unlocked frequency multiplier makes it possible under certain conditions to overclock this chip to 5 GHz.

This processor offers excellent speed in both old and new games, although overclocking will be required motherboard  Z270 and more efficient cooler. Users of older systems on the LGA 1150 do not make sense to upgrade to a 4690K processor, it may be better to look at a more modern platform that offers more USB 3.0 ports, more PCIe 3.0 lines and support for Optane Technology in the future.

Details about the architecture can be found in the review " Overview and testing of processors Intel Kaby Lake Core i7-7700K, i7-7700, i5-7600K and i5-7600. Part 1 ".

The best processor for gaming | Ryzen 5 1600X

Ryzen 5 1600X has 6 logical cores capable of processing tasks in 12 threads. The processor got a large third-level cache of 16 MB, which helps it cope with the most resource-intensive games. The base frequency of 3.6 GHz jumps to 4 GHz thanks to Precision Boost, and if a good cooler is installed, the XFR technology adds another 100 MHz. Memory support has improved significantly, which also had a positive effect on gaming performance. The ability to install a chip in the motherboard on the logic of the B350 also allows significant savings.

If you plan to overclock the processor, then the 1600X will provide a slightly higher processor and memory frequency than the 1600 model.

Details about the architecture can be found in the ""

The best processor for gaming | Intel Core i7-7700K

The architecture of Intel Kaby Lake actually has few advantages over Skylake. Nevertheless, the four core i7-7700K cores with a base frequency of 4.2 GHz and a maximum Turbo Boost of 4.5 GHz are excellent for gaming. In addition, the additional thermal margin and unlocked multiplication factor open up the possibility of overclocking to 5 GHz. For most enthusiasts, we recommend the Core i7-7700K as the top solution in the line.

This month, Intel introduced, perhaps, a more efficient processor, the Core i7-7440X X-Series, which is based on the same chip as the Core i7-7700K processor. However, this chip is placed in the LGA 2066 interface. That is, to use this processor, you need a more advanced and more expensive X299 chipset. We recommend staying on the Core i7-7700K with a more mature platform.

Details about the architecture can be found in the review " Overview and testing of processors Intel Kaby Lake Core i7-7700K, i7-7700, i5-7600K and i5-7600. Part 1 ".

Return to the first overview page: Best gaming processor: current market analysis

The best processor for gaming | comparison table

What about other processors that are not in our list of recommendations? Should I buy them or not?

Such questions are relevant as accessibility different models  and their prices change daily. How do you know if the processor you have your eye on best buy  in this price range?

We decided to help you with this difficult task by presenting the CPU hierarchy table, where processors of the same level of gaming performance are on the same line. The top lines show the most productive gaming CPUs and as you move down the lines, performance decreases.

Proposed hierarchical table of various models processors Intel and AMD were originally based on the average performance of each of them in our test suite. Later, we added new game data as one of the evaluation criteria, however, it should be borne in mind that different games  behave differently due to the unique features of their program code. For example, some of them are extremely dependent on the power of the graphics subsystem, but others respond positively to a larger number of cores, cache memory, or even to a specific architecture.

We do not have the opportunity to test each CPU on the market, so in some cases the distribution of places depends on the results of similar models. In fact, this hierarchical table is useful as a general guide to choosing, but it is not a universal means of comparing different processors. For more information, see (English) or regularly updated section " Best gaming processor: current market analysis ".

You may have noticed that we have divided the flagship section into two levels. processors  and on one of them placed several quad-core AMD models. Considering that many older platforms can be used with several graphics subsystems different generations, we wanted to highlight the most high-performance models to maintain the balance between the system and the video accelerator. For example, on this moment, any owner of the Core i7 Sandy Bridge generation will feel a significant increase in the transition to Kaby Lake or Broadwell-E. And the flagship room processors  AMD FX series one step with several Core i7 and older Core i5 means increasing their status.

The hierarchy of processors Intel and AMD | Table

Currently our table consists of 13 levels. The bottom half of the list for the most part is already irrelevant: these chips will demonstrate insufficient performance in modern games, regardless of the installed video card. If your cPU  refers to this half of the list, then the upgrade will really increase the fun of games.

In fact, only chips in the top five levels can be considered today suitable for gaming. And in this upper part of the table, the sense in the upgrade appears only if you choose cPU  at least two levels higher. Otherwise, the improvements will not be enough to justify the cost of the new CPU, motherboard and memory, not to mention the video card and drives, which you will also think about replacing.

As a rule, the assembly of a classic desktop or the choice of a ready-made solution begins with the central processor, which largely determines the functionality and scope of the computer. Now the market for semiconductor chips with x86-architecture is dominated by two companies - AMD and Intel. At first glance, it may seem that there is nothing complicated here: we analyze the product line of both companies and select the desired model according to the wallet and needs. But a certain confusion is brought about by the presence on the market of several CPU connectors, chips of different generations and families from each manufacturer. Fans of this or that company also add fuel to the fire. Some confidently say: "Better two fast cores." Those in return say: "Eight cores are always better." How to be who to believe? Of course, you can independently study in the relevant section of our site and draw final conclusions.

For those who do not have the time or desire to do this business, we have prepared a material that will help shed light on this issue. Immediately, we note that we will not delve deeply into the technical wilderness, but will try to give the simplest and most intelligible advice for choosing the optimal processor from the price / performance position. It is also worth understanding that the thoughts and arguments set forth below are not raised to the category of truth of last resort.

It is important to know

To begin, consider the basic parameters that will help to quickly assess the possible computing performance of the selected processor. Of course, if you are an experienced user, then it will not be difficult for you. All the rest are offered a list of the most important criteria in the selection of the future "stone".

1. Technical process- is indicated in nanometers (nm or nm). It does not directly affect the performance of the chip, but hints at its manufacturability, energy efficiency and indirect parameters. Modern AMD chips are manufactured in compliance with the 32-nm and 28-nm process technology, while Intel has long mastered the 22-nm and 14-nm standards. The thinner the process, the better. This allows the manufacturer to place more functional elements on one silicon substrate, to reduce energy consumption and heat. That is, the development of new production standards allows us to develop integrated circuits.

2. Microarchitecture-a set of instructions and properties inherent in the family of processors. With each new generation, engineers are making a number of design changes that increase CPU performance and improve consumer properties. The final success and the life cycle of the finished products depend on the microarchitecture. At the moment, the most advanced micro-architectures are and, but the exit is not far off.

3. Clock frequencyPerhaps the most well-known parameter for evaluating processor performance, which shows the number of actions taken per unit of time (indicated in MHz or GHz). The higher the better. But only processors of the same generation, family and microarchitecture can be directly compared. For example, it has a base clock frequency of 2700 MHz, and operates at 3500 MHz. Therefore, the latter will certainly faster. Modern AMD and Intel processors support automatic overclocking (AMD Turbo Core and Intel Turbo Boost), which can raise the chip frequency by several levels (dynamic or floating frequency) depending on the load and temperature conditions. If you are familiar with the concept of overclocking, then you know that most modern processors  somehow accelerate. On sale, you can even find special models with an unlocked multiplier, which simplifies overclocking to the maximum. At Intel, they have at the end of the label prefix in the form of letters "K" or "X". But there are exceptions to the rule, for example, the anniversary. AMD has a similar hierarchy and all overclocking hybrid processors have the prefix "K". But in the flagship line of AMD FX (Socket AM3 + platform), all models without exception have an unlocked multiplier.

4. Number of cores-modern desktop processors have from two to ten cores. It is clear that the more cores, the better. But an important role in this is played by the software component. If the software or the game does not know how to distribute the load between the cores, then they will simply be idle, and there will be no benefit from multi-core. In this case, other parameters (frequency, cache size, etc.) will affect CPU performance. But as practice shows, every year programmers are actively working on this issue, and if you assemble a computer not only for office tasks, then it makes sense to look at least at 4-core models. You should also know that the first 4-core chips appeared back in 2006, and if you compare them with new products, for example, and the difference in performance is very significant, of course, not in favor of the old man. Important point: Intel Core i3 and Intel Core i7 processor families have a certain number of physical cores and twice the number of threads thanks to support for Intel Multi-Core Virtual Hyper-Threading Technology. This allows you to significantly improve their performance in multi-threaded programs and games. Soon they promise the appearance of processors on the AMD Zen microarchitecture (Socket AM4 platform), which will receive support from a similar technology.

5. Integrated graphics-Most processors from AMD and Intel have an integrated graphics core, which is labeled as AMD Radeon HD xxxx / Radeon Rx and Intel HD Graphics xxx, respectively, which, if necessary, allows you to save on the video card. The more powerful the processor, the more productive the video subsystem. If possible, pay attention to the number of execution units (more - better) and the core frequency. For example, AMD Radeon R7 and Intel HD Graphics 530 graphics allow you to play popular network projects such as Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Dota 2 and World of Tanks at minimum or medium graphics settings at 1920 x 1080. -how to play games like Fallout 4 or GTA V, but when the resolution is reduced to 720p. Avid gamers need to immediately take care of a decent discrete graphics card ().

6. Cache memoryis an ultra-fast volatile memory used by the processor to store the most frequently used data. It is placed straight on the chip to minimize access time. Often the cache consists of two or three levels (L1-L3), but sometimes even four (L4) levels, depending on the micro-architecture. The greater the amount and speed of such memory, the better. But do not follow this. As practice shows, processors of the same generation with L3 cache memory of 8 or 6 MB almost do not differ in performance, all other things being equal (frequency and number of cores / threads).

7. Tdp- calculated thermal power of the processor (W or W). It shows which cooling system is required for the chip to operate in nominal mode. For example, 84 W TDP indicates the need to use CO, which is able to dissipate 84 or more watts of heat. Otherwise, we will observe a drop in performance (the skip mechanism is turned on) or frequent reloads. Approximately TDP can be equal to the power consumption of the processor to simplify the selection of the power supply. Actual energy consumption may be lower than TDP, sometimes significantly lower. At the moment, TDP modern desktop processors fit into the range of 25-220 watts.

As you can see, when evaluating processor performance, you need to take into account not one parameter, but a whole series. And of course, one cannot do without analyzing the results of real tests. Further, let's talk in more detail about each manufacturer separately.

ProcessorsAMD

Today, AMD has three relevant platforms: Socket AM1, Socket FM2 + and Socket AM3 +. Soon we expect the emergence of Socket AM4. Briefly go through each of them.

Socket  AM1  - platform entry level, which includes family of processors. They are characterized by low power consumption (TDP 25 W), and their level of performance is enough to perform everyday tasks such as surfing the Internet, working with text documents, watching movies, etc. A choice of 2- and 4-core models with aMD graphics Radeon R3 (128 shader processors) under the well-known brands AMD Sempron and AMD Athlon. That is, we have a good basis for building an HTPC or home theater. The positive side of this platform is the possibility of buying the processor and the motherboard separately, whereas earlier this bundle actually consisted of one whole (the processor was soldered to the board), and as a result, the user could get a platform that did not quite respond to its requests. With a separate connector, this problem is easily solved.

Socket  FM2 +- the mainstream platform, which includes hybrid processors or APU AMD A6 / A8 / A10, which combine the processor part and the integrated graphics. The younger AMD A4 and A6 models have two processor cores and aMD graphics  Radeon R5 (256 shader processors), but AMD A8 and AMD A10 can already offer 4 processor cores and AMD Radeon R7 video core (384 and 512 shader processors, respectively). All of them are based on a combination of AMD Steamroller and AMD GCN micro-architectures, and also belong to the APU and. For those who do not need integrated graphics, chips are provided. Separately, we remind that you can install old AMD Trinity / Richland processors for Socket FM2 in Socket FM2 +. All this allows us to assemble on this platform both an office and a gaming computer of an initial (without a discrete video card) or intermediate level with a productive video card.

Socket  AM3 +- a top platform for building gaming and high-performance systems. After leaving the scene of the brand AMD Phenom, his place was taken by the old-new AMD FX. The platform includes 4-core (AMD FX 4xxx), 6-core (AMD FX 6xxx) and 8-core (AMD FX 8xxx / 9xxx) models, which belong to the “ancient” by the standards of computer hardware on the AMD Piledriver microarchitecture. All chips do not have integrated graphics, so to build a computer you will need a discrete graphics card or motherboard with integrated video. The undisputed advantage of this platform is the possibility of easy overclocking due to the unlocked multiplier of all AMD FX representatives without exception. We take the youngest model in the AMD FX-8300 line, and in a few clicks we turn it into a top-end AMD FX-9590, although its cost is almost two times lower. The main thing is to take care of high-quality motherboard and decent cooling system. At the same time, we recommend looking at the versions with the letter “E” in the title, which indicates their reduced heat release. For example, the AMD FX-8320 has a 125-watt TDP, and

As a small result. We are assembling a compact computer or media center - we are looking in the direction of the Socket AM1 platform. An office computer or an initial gaming system without a discrete video card — Socket FM2 + is the best choice. Need a gaming or working machine - Socket AM3 + platform. But it should be understood that all of them are dead-end, that is, there will not be any new models for them, and soon they will completely disappear from sale, which makes further modernization more difficult. In this case, it makes sense to wait for the release of Socket AM4.

Processors Intel

Intel also has three current platforms: Socket LGA1150, Socket LGA1151 and Socket LGA2011-v3. Briefly go through each of them.

Socket LGA1150platform of the previous generation for microarchitecture processors. The model range has a wide choice and accurate hierarchy. At the bottom are 2-core Intel Celeron and Intel Pentium chips with TDP in the range of 35-53 W and integrated intel Graphics  HD Graphics (10 execution units) for building entry-level systems. A step above are the models of the Intel Core i3 line - the same two cores, but already 4 threads, built-in intel Graphics  HD Graphics 4400 (20 execution modules) and support for AVX and AES instructions. A good option for entry level gaming machines. At the very top are the Intel Core i5 / i7 processors - the basis for mid-range and high-performance gaming and work computers. In their composition, they have 4 full cores, and in the latter case - twice the number of threads. Intel HD Graphics 4600 (20 executive modules) is responsible for the graphics. The TDP Intel Core i5 / i7 is in the range of 35-88 watts. On sale there are models with low power consumption, as evidenced by the letters "T" and "S" in the title. They are of little interest to the average user due to the higher price and lower frequencies, but are excellent for building compact systems. The representatives of the family in the face of Intel Core i5-5675C and Intel Core i7-5775C stand apart. They can boast the fastest on-market Intel Iris Pro Graphics 6200 integrated graphics (48 execution modules), a level 4 cache and an unlocked multiplier.

Socket LGA1151- I came to replace Socket LGA1150 and it will definitely be relevant for the next couple of years. The processor line includes 14-nm chips from Intel Celeron to Intel Core i7 microarchitecture. In short, the processors have become a bit more productive, energy efficient and have got more powerful graphics. Most of the chips are equipped with IGP Intel HD Graphics 530 (24 executive modules), but the most cost-effective Intel Celeron and out of the rules and representatives of the Intel Core ix with the letter “P” in the title are content with less productive Intel HD Graphics 510 (12 execution modules). Built-in memory controller supports DDR3L and DDR4 standards. But, perhaps, the main feature of this platform is hidden all processors on the BCLK bus, albeit with a number of restrictions. Separate mentions are worthy of a series of solutions for the corporate sector of the market, which can be used in home systems, but with specific boards. Also, Intel Kaby Lake processors will soon appear under this socket.

Socket LGA2011-v3-top hardware platform that replaces Socket LGA2011. Within the framework of this platform, a 10-core processor for desktop systems with a double number of threads on a micro-architecture was first introduced. In addition, on this platform with processors debuted and rAM  standard. At the moment, this is the best solution for building a productive workstation or an uncompromising gaming system with several video cards. AMD simply has no competitors for it.

Finally, we mention energy-efficient platforms, and Intel Apollo Lake for creating laptops, compact desktops and all-in-one PCs. The model range includes 2- and 4-core processors, which provide sufficient performance for everyday tasks (working with office documents, running undemanding application applications, searching for information on the Internet, etc.). And the Intel HD Graphics 405 graphics (12 executive modules) integrated into the Intel Celeron CPU and Intel Pentium Intel Braswell series of computers allows you to even play popular network projects and speed up 4K Ultra HD video. Intel Apollo Lake’s position in this area is even better thanks to Intel HD Graphics 505 (18 execution units), but there’s no need to expect revelations on the gaming front. You also need to remember that these processors are delivered already soldered on the motherboard, so you need to choose from ready-made solutions without further upgradeability.

As a small result. The Intel Bay Trail-D, Intel Braswell and Intel Apollo Lake platforms are designed for HTPC or media centers only, while Socket LGA1150 and Socket LGA1151 can be built from an office system to a powerful gaming or workstation. The purpose of the Socket LGA2011-v3 - exclusively high-performance gaming and working machines.

Is it worth it to upgrade, will or will not, will pull or not pull, open or not open?

A separate item when choosing a processor, we want to highlight the answers to four pressing questions that often sound in the comments to the reviews.

1. "Is it worth it to upgrade."Often, users ask: "Isn't it time to change the processor?" If you follow what is happening on the market of desktop processors from time to time, then you know that there is a certain trend, and with the release of a new generation of chips, we get 5-10% increase in performance compared with the previous one. From this it follows that if you have a sufficiently productive "stone" 2-3 years ago, it will not be disastrous to lose to new products. For example, even old people are inferior to about 20-30% in games, which can be completely leveled by overclocking. But in tasks with processing and content creation, the advantage of Intel Skylake can reach up to 50%. So you need to build on the tasks. Approximately the same situation with AMD processors. If you have something of a level, then you will not notice much difference when you switch to it. At a minimum, we recommend waiting for the release and then returning to this issue. It would be more rational to buy a newer graphics card, add RAM and install an SSD. As a rule, the processor in the system unit can survive a couple of generations of video cards that become obsolete much faster.

2. "Will or will not."  Many users doubt whether it is possible to install a specific processor on their motherboard. In practice, the question is quite easy. First you need to remember that the selected processor and motherboard must match sockets (connectors). Socket LGA1150 chips are not suitable for LGA1151 Socket and vice versa, although they are very similar. More loyal with this from AMD. Processors for Socket AM2 can be installed in Socket AM2 +, Socket AM3 - in Socket AM3 +, and Socket FM2 - in Socket FM2 +. But newer in the old socket can not be installed. Next, go to the manufacturer's website of your motherboard and look at the list of supported processors (CPU Support) and what is needed for this version of the BIOS. Update microcode if necessary.

3. "Pull or not pull". This question is asked by users who are not sure that their power supply unit (PSU) can provide stable job  final configuration. To do this, calculate the power consumption of all components. The easiest option is to use an online power calculator (for example, from be quiet!or ASUS), where you only need to enter all the components, and you will get the finished result. The second way is to do it yourself. To do this, sum up the power consumption of all components used, including fans, and add another 50–100 watts to the reserve. Next, we compare the estimated power with the channel power + 12V of your power source (usually indicated on the official page or on the label): if you have a higher value, then there should be no problems. If in doubt, specify in the comments - we will gladly try to help. By the way, if you plan to overclock the processor and video card, then the stock should be increased by another 100-150 watts. We also do not recommend buying very cheap power supplies from questionable brands, which, at best, simply can not work stably even with the stated rated power, and at worst, can fail, along with taking expensive components with them.

4. “Will open or not open”. In simple terms, this is the notion of balance or matching power between the processor and the video card. What is it for? If you have a weak processor and a powerful video card, then in the game the video card will simply be idle, and the number of frames per second (FPS) will be lower than it can produce. Conversely, with a weak video card, the processor will already be idle. This is easy to verify: if changing the quality and resolution settings do not particularly affect the speed of play of the game, then everything depends on the processor. With high settings, you have a low FPS, and with minimal settings, it is much higher, then it’s time to change the video card. Of course, all this is very conditional and depends on a number of factors: game optimization, monitor resolution, requirements for graphics quality and display speed virtual world. The simplest answer to the question “will reveal or not reveal” is in the positioning of the components themselves. That is, it is quite natural and logical to select an entry-level video card for budget processors, and to put top-end GPUs in a pair of flagship CPUs. To do this, we have compiled a table of optimal configurations, which you can navigate when selecting a bunch of processor and video card:

It should be borne in mind that for video cards above the average, AMD chips will have to be fairly overclocked.

In any case, this is a very broad topic, and all the arguments above are given for the average situation, when it is supposed to play completely different in exactingness, novelty, and optimization of the game.

The processor (CPU, CPU) is the heart of the computer. The more power your processor has, the more gigahertz and cores, the faster your personal computer can work. Gamers also need a high-performance video card.

Processor prices

There are a lot of current processors on the market to assemble your computer. They can be divided into five groups according to their cost (including performance).

Processors up to 3 thousand rubles, for example, AMD Athlon II / any Intel Celeron. Such models are most often bought in order to “sit out” on it until an upgrade to a better model.

Good inexpensive processor

The best processors in this category in mid-2017 are the AMD Athlon II X3 460 and Intel Celeron G3900. Each of them will cost about 2000 rubles. The first one can be thrown into the motherboard with an AM3 + socket, and the second one - in 1151. Thrust, use and save for further upgrade to the processors, which I will indicate below.

Budget gaming processor

Budget game processor  for 4-9 thousand rubles. These include Intel Core I3 / Pentium Kaby Lake (G4600, G4620, G4560), as well as the AMD FX-6000. Budget processors are suitable for video cards of a class, like the Radeon RX 460, 470 or analogs from GeForce - GTX 1050 and GTX 1050 TI.

At the moment, it is better to take a six-core AMD-FX 6300 processor for 5,000 rubles or a dual-core Intel Pentium G4560 for 4,000 rubles. The first is suitable for streams due to the fact that there are 6 cores in it, and the second shows better performance in games.

Medium Processors

The middle class for 7-14 thousand rubles. These include: AMD FX-8000 / any Intel Core I5. They are suitable for GeForce GTX 1060 or Radeon RX 480 video cards. In this case, the best solution would be to take processors: AMD FX 8320e for 7000 rubles or Intel Core I5 ​​7400 for 12 thousand rubles.

Pre-top processor for 20-34 thousand rubles (AMD Ryzen 7, younger versions of I7 (I7-6700 and I7-6800K, also I7-700 and I7-7800K)). Processors of this class are the golden mean in terms of performance. They can withstand such video cards as the Geforce GTX 1070, GTX 1080, as well as the Radeon RX 480 or the expected RX 490. The pretop segment is the minimum for serious streaming.

The optimal choice is Intel Core I7-7700K or AMD Ryzen 7 1700. Both cost about 21 thousand rubles.

Top processor

Top flagships for 60-120 thousand rubles - older versions of Intel Core I7 (I7-6900K and higher). Top flagships are worth buying if you are going to install two or more video cards, such as the GTX 1070 or GTX 1080, as well as the Geforce GTX Titan.

At the moment, to buy such flagships does not matter, since in games there is no particular difference between such processors and, say, with the Intel Core I7-7700K.

What to choose, AMD or Intel?

If you need a top-end system for streams or games, take Intel. At the moment, the best processor for this purpose is the Intel Core I7-7700K (it costs approximately 21,000 rubles). If the budget for its purchase is, take it. He pulls all the games at maximum and ultra settings.

If you have a limited budget, take AMD processors. Suppose the processor FX-8320E costs only 7,000 rubles, and on its basis you can build a full-fledged gaming computer that can pull all the new games. This processor will provide you not only a smooth picture, but also a game without Freezes and Statters. There is no alternative to this processor for price performance. In addition, this assembly can also be suitable for streaming or video rendering.

If you are ready to mess with overclocking, take AMD. The performance of FX or Ryzen processors can be significantly increased with overclocking. FX processors need to be overclocked along with RAM, as they are sensitive to the speed of the RAM. If you do not want to understand the intricacies of overclocking, then take Intel.

Gathered to buy a cheap system for further upgrade - take Intel. Good choice  will be the Pentium G4560. In the future, it can be replaced by Intel Core I7-7700, but you will have to take the motherboard with a margin.

Need performance in single-threaded applications - take Intel. In terms of performance, the AMD core is far behind Intel. This difference is particularly noticeable in games and applications that are not optimized for multi-core processors. (These games include World of Warships and World of Tanks).

Should I buy a line of Ryzen 7?

There are currently three models of the Ryzen 7 priced from 21,000 to 35,000 rubles. In games, they lag behind Intel Core I7-7700K. This is explained by the fact that most games are not optimized for the new architecture and they do not use all 16 streams.

After the release of Ryzen, prices for Intel products have decreased. Intel Core I7-7700K can be bought for about the same money (about 21 thousand rubles) as the younger AMD Ryzen 1700. At the moment there are no competitors for the I7-7700K, but if suddenly you are processing video or working in high-load applications, then AMD Ryzen 7 would be preferable to you.

What is better to buy, BOX or OEM processor?

The BOX version is sold in branded packages and often with coolers, which is often much more expensive than the usual “weighted” packaging. In addition to the boxed versions, there is a 3-year warranty, and the “weighted” one - 1. It is best to take the OEM version, since it is a waste of money and the cooler that lies in the package will be cheaper if you buy it separately.

How to find out how much my old processor is weaker than what I want to buy?

To do this, there are many videos on YouTube, as well as many comparisons on the Internet.

Computers have entered our lives so tightly that we already consider them to be something elementary. But their structure can not be called simple. Motherboard, processor, RAM, hard drives: all of these are integral parts of a computer. Throw this or that detail can not, because they are all important. But the processor plays the most important role. No wonder that it is called the "central".

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

Currently, there are only two major processor manufacturers in the consumer market: AMD and Intel. We will talk about them in the traditional rating.

The best low-cost Intel processors: a budget of up to 10,000 rubles.

In general, it is a thankless task to single out the “best” processors - there are a lot of different modifications even within the same line, and there are a lot of rulers themselves. In addition, in the case of the CPU, the simple rule is that the more expensive, the more powerful. Therefore, the choice of a particular model depends on your budget. We tried to select for you the most productive "stones" in each of the budget lines from the most popular manufacturer - Intel.

3 Intel Celeron G3900 Skylake

Best price
  Country: USA
Average price: 2 712 rub.
Rating (2017): 4.4

An extremely weak processor of the Celeron line opens the rating. Also, like the competitors mentioned below, it has two cores, but here they are the previous generation - Skylake, which, together with the frequency of 2.8 GHz, gives the lowest performance result. In synthetic tests, the processor shows a result about twice as small as Core i3. But the price here is lower by an order of magnitude - 2.5-3 thousand rubles. It means that this processor  perfect for assembly, for example, unpretentious office computer  or a multimedia system for the living room. In general, it is impossible to call this model bad. Nevertheless, the 14 nm process technology provides good energy efficiency, and the graphics core HD Graphics 510 is suitable for casual games.

Advantages:

• Lowest price in class
• Perfect for office PC or HTPC

Disadvantages:

• Does not support Hyper-Threading

2 Intel Core i3-7320 Kaby Lake

Best performance
  Country: USA
Average price: 10 101 rub.
Rating (2017): 4.6

Core i3 - already refers to the older lines of processors from Intel. The performance of i3-7320, built on the Kaby Lake core, is quite enough not only for an ordinary home user, but also for those who like to play, because paired with a normal video card it is quite possible to achieve a high frame rate even in modern demanding video games. Of course, the power reserve for years ahead is out of the question, but the price segment is different here.

If we talk about dry performance: Core i3-7320 carries 2 cores operating at 4.1 GHz. The graphics core HD Graphics 630 with a frequency of 1150 MHz - for office programs and even games like WoT is enough. Also worth noting is the record in class cache L3 - 4096 KB. Performance in the popular PassMark Benchmark is 6,634 points, which is almost the level of the previous generation Core i5.

Advantages:

• Maximum core frequencies
• The largest amount of cache L3

Disadvantages:

• Not very good price / performance ratio

At the moment there are only two players on the processor market - Intel and AMD. That's just the choice of this does not become easier. To facilitate the decision to purchase the CPU of a manufacturer, we have identified for you a few basic advantages and disadvantages of the products of these companies.

1 Intel Pentium G4600 Kaby Lake

The best ratio of the price and power
  Country: USA
Average price: 5,250 rubles.
Rating (2017): 4.7

To recommend for purchase in this category, we can just the good old Pentium. This processor, like the previous participants, is made on a 14 nm process technology, socket LGA1151. Refers to the latter, at the time of this writing, a generation - Kaby Lake. The cores, of course, are only 2. They operate at a frequency of 3.6 GHz, which causes the Core i3 to lag about 18-20%. But this is not much, because the price difference is double! In addition to the frequency of the cores, the lower power is due to the smaller L3 cache - 3071 Kb against 4096 Kb of the silver medalist.

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

Advantages:

• Great price with such performance
• Kaby Lake Generation
• Good integrated graphics core

The best low-cost AMD processors: a budget of up to 10,000 rubles.

AMD processors have always been somewhat behind sales and performance. But their cost is much lower than that of a competitor, which is important when building a budget PC. In addition, AMD is known for excellent overclocking potential, for which enthusiasts from all over the world fell in love.

3 AMD A10-7890K Godavari

Good performance for big money.
  Country: USA
Average price: 9,200 rubles.
Rating (2017): 4.4

Opens the category of a very controversial processor. On the one hand, we have a quad monster operating at 4.1 GHz, which is very good. In addition, like many AMD processors, there is an unlocked multiplier, which means you can easily disperse a stone to even more impressive numbers. But the performance figures in the benchmarks do not shine - in PassMark the processor is gaining only 5750 points, which is not enough for a model of this price category. Nevertheless, it is possible to recommend A10-7890K for purchase, because an excellent R7 graphics core is installed inside. It can be safely used to play FullHD at the minimum graphics settings in such demanding gamesas World of Tanks, GRID 2, Metro 2033, Hitman: Absolution and others.

Advantages:

• Good performance indicators
• Excellent built-in graphics core performance - even for gaming

Disadvantages:

• The average price is a bit high for such performance.

2 AMD Athlon X4 845 Carrizo

Best price
  Country: USA
Average price: 3,281 rubles.
Rating (2017): 4.4

Athlon line processors belong to the budget class, which is clearly seen in the cost of the silver medalist. But for three and a half thousand rubles you will get a very interesting stone. Like the previous participant, there are 4 cores (2 logical cores for each physical), made by 28 nm technical process. Due to this, the power consumption is low, and the heat dissipation is the lowest in the class - only 65 watts. True, this is not particularly happy because of the blocked 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 multimedia system, you will have to purchase a video card separately. But the performance in synthetic tests is lower than that of AMD A10-7890K by only 5-6%, which means the price / performance ratio is much better here.

Advantages:

• Lowest price in class
• Excellent performance at this cost

Disadvantages:

• Lack of integrated graphics core
• Unlocked multiplier

1 AMD FX-8320E Vishera

Excellent value for money
  Country: USA
Average price: 6 830 rub.
Rating (2017): 4.6

The category leader proves that brute force is more important in some situations. The FX-8320E is made on 32 nm process technology, which in 2017 is just awful. Heat dissipation due to this is nearly 95 watts. At the same time, the core frequency is the smallest - only 3.2 GHz. And all because the core was already developed in 2012.

But brute force, as we have said, decides. The leader has eight cores and the largest cache: both L2 and L3 are 8192 Kb. Performance in synthetic tests is simply excellent - an average of 7.5 thousand points in PassMark. This is about 12% more than the Intel Core i3 and 25% (!) - than the silver and bronze winners. And this despite the fact that the cost is lower by almost a third. But there is an extremely bad news - there is no integrated graphics core in the processor, which means you need to purchase a discrete graphics card.

Advantages:

• Best performance in the budget segment
• Low cost
• Unlocked multiplier - you can easily overclock

Disadvantages:

• No integrated graphics core
• Poor energy efficiency

The best processors for games: a budget of up to 25,000 rubles.

Assembling a game system obeys the rule that we have already voiced above: if you want more power, pay. There is essentially no price ceiling here, as there are assemblies for both 50, and 150, and 500 thousand rubles. Spend fabulous sums on PCs can only very wealthy people, but because we pay attention to the excellent, but not the most expensive CPU - we restrict ourselves to a budget of 25 thousand.

3 Intel Core i5-7600K Kaby Lake

The optimal choice for a relatively budget assembly
  Country: USA
Average price: 17,250 rubles.
Rating (2017): 4.6

To begin with, i5-7600K is by no means an outsider. Yes, in terms of performance, it is significantly worse than the mastodons, which you will see below, but for most gamers it will be enough for you. The processor has four Kaby Lake cores operating 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 you can play even the demanding games on the "minimals". With a normal video card (for example, GTX 1060), the processor reveals itself completely. In most games with FullHD resolution (most gamers have such monitors) and high graphics settings, the frame rate rarely drops below 60 fps. Do you need something else?

Advantages:

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

2 Intel Core i7-7700K Kaby Lake

The most powerful processor with integrated graphics core
  Country: USA
Average price: 24 948 rub.
Rating (2017): 4.8

In the second place of the rating it would be quite possible to place the Core i5, but the price / performance ratio when compared with the i7-7700K is almost the same, and therefore it makes sense if you can purchase this particular model. The key characteristics are almost the same: 14 nm process technology, 4 cores, an unlocked multiplier and an integrated graphics core. But the core frequency is higher - here it is 4.2 GHz (without taking into account overclocking). Also, the L3 cache size is 8192 Kb. All this allows the “seventh-seventh” to issue almost 12 thousand “bagels” in a synthetic test, which is a third more than the Core i5-7600K. In general, if you want to assemble a system on an Intel processor, the Core i7-7700K is an excellent choice.

Advantages:

• Intel's best class performance
• The standard core frequency is 4.2 GHz

1 AMD Ryzen 7 1700

Best performance
  Country: USA
Average price: 22 200 rubles.
Rating (2017): 4.9

Until recently, the undoubted leader in the top segment of the CPU was Intel with its Core i7 line, but a couple of months ago, AMD introduced a very strong competitor - the Ryzen line. The Ryzen 7 1700 model includes 8 cores operating at a frequency of 3.0 GHz. Increase this figure can be no problem, because the multiplier is unlocked. Also, the novelty boasts the most voluminous cache: L1 = 96 KB, L2 = 4096Kb, L3 = 16384Kb! All this provides a record in this class performance: an average of 13,791 points in PassMark, which is about 10% more than the Core i7-7700K, discussed above. At the same time Ryzen costs an average of 3 thousand cheaper. Even the heat dissipation of a beginner is lower than that of Intel processors, which is extremely unusual for AMD. Yes, you can find fault with the absence of the integrated graphics core, but let's think logically - who will take such a powerful processor to play without a discrete video card?

Advantages:

• Best class performance
• Excellent value for money and quality
• Lowest heat dissipation
• The largest amount of cache
• Unlocked multiplier
• 8 cores

Disadvantages:

• No integrated graphics core