Central processing unit (CPU, CPU, “stone”) - the heart personal computer. The more powerful the processor, the more cores and gigahertz it has, the faster the entire computer can work.
For games, of course, you also need a powerful video card, we have already written about this. Now let's talk about how to choose a processor.
Price categories
The modern market for current processors for assembly gaming computer can be divided into five segments according to their cost (and therefore performance):
The processors are separated by the processor companies, then within those companies, an overall rating and purpose is offered for the processors that each of them offers. In between these extremes are processors that can typically handle a little from the high and low ends of the spectrum.
It's important to note that there is a significant amount of detail that affects the overall performance of any given processor beyond frequency. This is not a valid way to compare most processors, especially between competing companies and between generations. Therefore, it is more useful to compare frequencies and core counts of processors in the same product line.
Note. The prices listed below are current as of early August 2017.
1. “Gag processors” up to 3 thousand rubles - AMD series Athlon II / any Intel Celeron. Such models are usually purchased for the first time, so that there is something to “sit out” before upgrading to a full-fledged gaming system.
It is worth noting that AMD has this moment There are no cheap processors on the current platform. The cheapest Ryzen 3 1200 for socket AM4 costs about 8 thousand rubles, so it is difficult to recommend it as a plug. And start assembling a system on AM3+ (i.e. buy an Athlon II and save for more powerful processor) no longer makes any sense.
Additionally, these benchmarks, when considered in conjunction with the cost of a given processor, also allow buyers to compare costs based on performance per dollar. The following links provide comprehensive rankings for desktop and mobile processors.
In this section, we break down the practical implications of some notable technical characteristics included in the various processors available. The vast majority of these features relate to how a given processor is able to achieve performance improvements over competitors or previous generations of products.
The best processor in this category can be considered the Intel Celeron G3900. It will cost 2600 rubles. You can plug it into a motherboard with socket 1151, use the computer and calmly save up for something from the categories below.
2. Initial (budget) gaming level for 4-10 thousand rubles - AMD Ryzen 3 / any Intel Core i3/ Pentium Kaby Lake (G4560, G4600, G4620). Budget processors are suitable for video cards of a similar class such as Radeon RX 560, RX 570 or GeForce GTX 1050 and GTX 1050 Ti (read more about the classification of video cards).
Q: What is the difference between a 32-bit and a 64-bit processor?
Technically, a 64-bit processor can handle larger chunks of data from physical memory than their 32-bit counterparts. The advantage of a 64-bit solution is associated with the growing complexity of applications, as well as greater efficiency in working with large files and their processing.
Mid-range processors
This is a fast type of volatile memory that the system uses to process data. Since processor upgrades are usually the most significant changes that accompany an upgrade, this guide will help you shop "strategically" during your purchases to get the most processing power for your dollar. We may live in a world devoid of flying machines and personal teleportation devices, but that doesn't mean technology isn't advancing at an incredible pace.
Now it’s better to take AMD Ryzen 3 for 8,000 rubles or dual-core Intel Pentium G4560 for 4000 rubles. Assembly on AMD will be more expensive, including due to a more expensive motherboard. However, on the “red” side there are four full-fledged cores (i.e., higher performance in heavy games), overclocking support (at motherboard with the B350 chipset and higher), a platform that will be relevant for several years. And the Intel processor can only boast of the low price of the entire assembly as a whole. In addition, after the release of series processors Coffee Lake and the new Z370 chipset, this assembly will become obsolete.
By comparing each processor's floating operations per second, we avoided any differences in microarchitecture. Computer chips continued to increase in performance while getting smaller, allowing innovations that engineers never thought possible. 40 years ago, most people wouldn't have believed that we would soon have access to limitless information from the palm of your hand.
What is a socket and what sockets are currently relevant?
The question remains, how far back in the last 60 years is computing power? Today's supercomputers exceed commercially available products; However, it's still interesting to compare what it would take to compete with the titans of the industry.
3. Middle class for 11-18 thousand rubles - AMD Ryzen 5 / any Intel Core i5. These are suitable for graphics cards of the Radeon RX 580 or GeForce GTX 1060 level.
On the AM4 platform, it is worth taking a closer look at the Ryzen 5 1400 and 1600. The first is cheaper and copes well with modern games, but does not have a reserve for the future. The older six-core processor overall shows more high performance in games and applications. In terms of price/quality ratio, it has no competitors in this price segment. And overclocked 1600 (or stock 1600X) already with Intel Core i7-7700.
Intel processor sockets
The full infographic shows the extent of scientific progress in integrated circuits. The last element in each plot is reduced to zero in each subsequent plot. The following formula was used. Searching for operations per cycle? Each machine requires the use of multiple sources to ensure accuracy. The calculations used double precision operations per cycle.
How to choose between processors
So which processor should you choose? After Romley there was Grantley, and Purley the next generation. Modern microprocessors are incredibly complex beasts, housing over a billion transistors, each about 02% the thickness of a human hair.
As an option for an upgrade (precisely an upgrade, not an assembly new system) we can recommend the AMD FX 8320e for 6,000 rubles. When overclocked it is almost R5 1400, which is quite good.
It's difficult to advise anything from the Intel camp. All current generation Core i5s have only 4 cores and 4 threads, which is already too few for 2017 games. Undemanding gamers should pay attention to the Core i5-7400 for 12,000 rubles.
There are two ways in which one processor can be better than another: the number of instructions it can execute in a given period of time, and the amount of power it consumes. The power used by the processor affects the computer in two ways: time battery life and warmth. Simply put, all other things being equal, the faster the processor runs, the more heat it will generate, and the more energy it will suck from the laptop battery.
How do I know how much weaker my old processor is than the one I'm going to buy?
We will also look at Various types processors in every generation. The other big difference will be the number of cores available, with dual-core, quad-core and even 8-12 and 18 cores. We will also cover this below. And the more cores the better, as we'll explain below. This figure can sometimes give an idea of how one generation of processor compares to the next. Another difference is the cache size, which we will also talk about later.
4. Pre-top segment for 20-40 thousand rubles - AMD Ryzen 7, Intel Core i7 (i7-6700 and 6800K, as well as i7-7700 and 7800X). “Stones” of this class can be considered the golden mean in terms of price/performance. They will be able to pull off both pre-top segment video cards (GeForce GTX 1070) and flagships (GeForce GTX 1080). In addition, the pre-top segment is a desirable minimum for serious streaming.
However, you can get more cores if that's what you need. The more processor cache you have, the better. A cache is built-in memory, and it helps the processor handle repetitive tasks faster because information can be stored in memory. More cache will also help with multitasking as multiple tasks can be executed simultaneously.
It allows the processor to handle twice as many "threads" as it has cores, by tricking the software into thinking it has twice as many cores. Thus, a quad-core processor with hyperthreading must execute four times as many instruction sets in a given period of time as dual core processor with the same clock frequency, but without hyperthreading. For now, however, this is the peak performance of ten tiers. In tests the performance is probably due to the newly introduced grid structure, but is still very good as it shows.
It is worth noting that in games the R5 1600 is not yet far behind its older brother with sixteen threads. It's all about optimizing the games themselves, which cannot yet fully load such a number of cores and threads.
The optimal choice is Intel Core i7-7700K or AMD Ryzen 7 1700. Both cost about 20-23 thousand rubles.
5. Top solutions (flagships) for 60-120 thousand rubles - older versions of Intel Core i7 and i9 (i7-6900K and higher). Top processors are usually purchased if two video cards of the GeForce GTX 1070 or GTX 1080 level are installed in the system at once. They are also well suited for the GeForce GTX Titan line.
"Overclockability" of processor frequency
Considering a 50 percent increase in the base number, this will still be impressive and is likely due to the optimized manufacturing process. Additionally, the first motherboards are likely to feature a renamed chipset. Various components interact with one computer. Each of them performs an important task. Which vendor you get your processor from is often a matter of faith - both camps have loyal supporters. Benchmark tests and measurements reliably identify the fastest or most efficient copies.
At the moment, it doesn't make sense to buy flagship processors just for gaming. In modern games, a 7700K-level processor (especially when overclocked) provides a sufficient level of performance. Therefore, top solutions still remain the domain of professionals.
Intel or AMD?
If you want to build a top-end system, take Intel. At the moment, the best processor for a gamer is the Intel Core i7-7700k (~23,000 rubles). If your budget allows, then take it. Runs all games on ultra settings.
Who is the processor suitable for?
Entry level: Anyone who surfs the Internet, works and works needs only a simple processor. A good side effect: simple processors are quite adequate for power consumption and do not require complex cooling. And without a long wait? This requires a mid-range processor. Prices start at around 110 euros. Even gamers who value good value for money are well catered for in the mid-range CPU class. Hook: These processors are expensive - sales prices start at 335 euros, respectively 355 euros. In addition, they sometimes develop high operating temperatures, requiring more complex cooling.
Before the change: inventory
Useful to know about processors.- These processors are already available from 40 euros.
- Middle class: photos with many effects?
- Create multi-layer graphics?
Limited budget - take AMD. The FX-8320E processor costs only 6,000 rubles, but on its basis you can build a gaming PC that can handle all the new products. In addition to a comfortable frame rate, this processor will provide smooth gameplay without freezes and stutters (overclocked). In addition, this assembly is suitable for streaming and video processing. However, you should understand that you are getting good (for your money) performance at the moment, but without the possibility of an upgrade. If in a year or two there is no longer enough power, you will have to assemble a new system.
For a long time, manufacturers have increased processor clock speeds to increase speed. But at about 4 gigahertz they reached technical limits - at even higher frequencies the chips became too hot, requiring complex cooling to ensure smooth operation. To achieve even greater performance, manufacturers install multiple data cores running in parallel. The processor provides more processing power at lower clock speeds.
At the same time, multi-core processors prevail: most models today combine two or four cores in a package. Thanks to the multi-core hyperthreading technique, the processor's performance can be better utilized: the processor reports more work cores than are actually available to the operating system.
If you are ready to tinker with overclocking, take AMD. The performance of FX and Ryzen series processors can be significantly increased by overclocking. In addition, AMD processors are sensitive to the speed of the RAM, so it is necessary to overclock not only the processor itself, but also the memory subsystem. If you don't want to understand all the intricacies of overclocking, it's better to go with an Intel processor.
Increase shift speed. More high speed also provides new transistors in processors. To provide space in a small area of more than 80 square millimeters, processor manufacturers no longer simply flatten small circuits in the arithmetic unit through exposure processes, but also build them tall. These so-called tri-transistors require less power and the switching process is 37% faster.
Lower power consumption at higher rates is also aided by smaller transistor structures. There is also a choice between two socket types and a range of chipsets. And yet the whole confusing angle is the story of when motherboards come into play. It's not easy to maintain an overview.
If you are planning to build a cheap system and then upgrade it, take AMD. Before the release of Ryzen 3, the only option for an upgrade was an assembly based on the Pentium G4560. For the money, the processor shows good performance, you can safely use it and save up for something more powerful. Ryzen 3 is more expensive, but support for the AM4 platform will be much longer. And the current maternal Intel boards(socket 1151) will no longer support the new Coffee Lake processors, so owners of the “blue” system will only be able to upgrade to the Core i7-7700.
This is because the maximum clock multiplier is not locked, making overclocking easier. Direct successor to Haswell Broadwell with 14 nanometer architecture now only as a mobile processor with two cores. However, tabletop Broadwells can be very short-lived.
From cheap to extreme: motherboards for different requirements
They are significantly slower, but with prices ranging from 130 to 250 euros, they are also much cheaper. For motherboards, the price difference is almost the same as for processors. The first differentiator is the chipset, which also plays a role in price. High quality solid capacitors can be found on cheaper motherboards.
If you need performance in single-threaded applications, take Intel. By performance on AMD core loses to Intel (with the release Ryzen processors the gap has decreased noticeably). This difference will be noticeable in games and applications that are not optimized to work with multi-core processors(from current games this is, for example, and ).
The central processing unit is the main processor: it is responsible for how powerful your system is. However, it is undeniable that hardware has always been the number one criterion for choosing a processor, and it still exists. The choice is even more difficult for developers because the processor decision also hangs the expensive tail of the cooler, memory, chipset and motherboard roof. Besides, no one wants to spend too much. A powerful but expensive processor offers you a performance buffer for the next few years, however, if the more unreasonably higher power consumption, however, is on another sheet.
FAQ
How can I find out what processor I currently have installed?
Open “Device Manager” (official instructions from Microsoft), click on the “>” icon (or “+” in older Windows versions) next to the Processors category. The category will open and the model name of your video card will appear inside. Write it down so you don't forget.
What is better to buy, BOX or OEM processor?
BOX versions are sold in branded boxes, and they are sometimes significantly more expensive, while OEM versions have virtually no packaging. In the first case, a cooling fan (cooler) is usually also installed along with the processor. Also, boxed versions come with a three-year warranty, while “by weight” versions have only one year.
It's not worth overpaying for the boxed edition. If the processor works for the first year, then it will continue to function properly, but the three-year warranty will not be useful. In most cases, the cooler will be cheaper if you buy it separately.
Which cooler should I get?
The cooler is selected based on the TDP indicator. This is energy consumption. The higher it is, the hotter the processor heats up and the more powerful the cooling system it needs:
- for TDP 125 W and higher (AMD FX and many other older models), a tower cooler with two or three copper tubes, 95 W is desirable - you can get by with a high-quality standard format fan (not the one that comes with the processor!), 60 W and below - any, even complete cooling system will do.
If you are going to overclock, then it is better to take a cooler with a reserve.
Which processor to buy for gaming: dual-core, quad-core, six-core or eight-core?
To play games in 2017, you need at least four cores; dual-core ones can only be purchased for the first time. The more cores, the better, since in essence each core is a separate processor. However, there are also nuances here: the eight-core AMD FX-8300 is much weaker than the quad-core Intel Core i7-6700K. Therefore for processors Intel is better take at least four cores and eight threads (Core i7), for AMD FX - at least eight cores (FX 83XX), for Ryzen - at least four cores and eight threads (R5 1400).
The more cores and gigahertz, the better?
There seems to be nothing to explain here. The more cores the better. The more gigahertz, the better. However, most processors for home PCs now operate at frequencies from 2.5 GHz to 5 GHz, and there are still no more than eight cores. Therefore, statements about cores and gigahertz are valid only for representatives of one generation and one line. That is, some seventh generation dual-core Intel Core i3 ( Kaby Lake) will be more powerful than the second Core i3 ( Sandy Bridge), even if they have the same frequencies.
What is a socket and what sockets are currently relevant?
A socket is a connector for a processor. Their models usually change every few generations of processors. In addition, sockets for Intel will not fit AMD products and vice versa.
Current sockets:
- 1151 is the latest and most popular connector for Intel processors,AM4 is a fresh connector for the new AMD Ryzen line,
Is it worth getting a processor with integrated graphics? In which cases?
Integrated graphics are always seriously inferior to their classic counterparts. For example, in the latest processors from Intel, the graphics core is approximately comparable to the GeForce 9600 GT, a video card from 2008. This will be enough only for two-dimensional games, as well as old (before 2010) and undemanding three-dimensional (,). But for more simple tasks like surfing the web, watching movies or working with texts, it will be enough.
In any case, the built-in graphics will not be superfluous. You can sit on it for a while, for example, while saving up for a good video card. If you do not plan to use the computer for games (or mining cryptocurrencies, or other specific things), then you do not need a separate video card at all - the built-in one will suffice.
What kind of power supply is needed?
- for budget PCs - at least 300 watts (for old ones - 400), for mid-range systems - 400 watts (for old ones - 500), for top-end ones - 600 watts (for old ones - 750).
For budget power supplies from little-known companies (up to 3,000 rubles), add 100 watts on top.
What is processor cache? Does its amount affect gaming performance?
Cache memory is the link between RAM(RAM) and central processor. It allows them to work more effectively with each other. In recent years, the size of cache memory has had virtually no effect on performance in games, and this is confirmed by numerous. But in a number of other tasks, such as archiving files or rewriting data from flash memory to HDD she can help a lot.
Which generation should I take? Previous or newest?
Long gone are the days when the price of old-generation flagships drops sharply immediately after the release of a new one. These days, processors are easily sold in stores. different generations with the same cost, but different in performance. For example, the Core i5-7500 is 10% more powerful than the i5-6500, but costs about the same. So always take the newest one.
How do I know how much weaker my old processor is than the one I'm going to buy?
Which processors do not support SSE 4.2 and what is it?
This is a technology that somewhat improves the efficiency of processor arithmetic calculations and work with certain types of data. Some of the latest games like or use these instructions, so they may not run on CPUs that do not support SSE 4.2. These are any models of Intel processors older than 2008 (Core 2 Duo, Pentium - and earlier), as well as AMD processors released before 2011 (Athlon 64, Phenom II and earlier).
Important selection parameters are the number of cores and processor frequency. Basically, frequency is the number of actions that a processor can perform in a certain amount of time. This parameter is measured in Hz. The higher the frequency, the more powerful the processor.
Cores are independent units that process information. Theoretically, the more cores, the more information it can process simultaneously, and performance increases accordingly. But there is one small nuance. The maximum performance of the processor will be achieved only if software, installed on a computer, will be able to work with this number of cores. If the program cannot divide the given task into several fragments and load all the cores, then only one core will work, and the processing time will depend on the frequency of the core.
Two popular processor manufacturers - AMD and Intel
Multi-core helps to process video and render faster, that is, the process is divided into cores, calculated and then put together. Games are a little more difficult. Some developers introduce task parallelization into the game code, while others do not. Although in Lately You can notice a tendency for game speed to increase depending on the number of cores. You should not purchase a large number of cores with an eye to the future, since until the number of cores exceeds two becomes the norm, the rest of the hardware will become obsolete, and you will simply overpay for what is not used now. Moreover, the potential of the processor will be revealed only with an appropriate video card.
Overlocking
To increase performance, new-fangled processors have a frequency adjustment function. This technology has different names among manufacturers:
- Intel denotes it as Turbo Boost;
- AMD labels it Turbo Core.
The user can change the frequency and overclock the processor if the multiplier is unlocked. Usually these are processors in the expensive segment, which are installed on high-performance gaming devices.
If you're an overlocker, AMD's FX line will be cheaper than Intel's for this purpose. When overclocking, do not forget about one little thing: when the multiplier increases, only the core frequency increases, and the system bus does not change. To calculate the processor frequency, you need to multiply the bus data by a multiplication factor. The system bus coordinates data exchange between the processor, cores and other computer components. The unit of measurement for its frequency is MHz.
Advice. To make overclocking effective, increase OPI - the system bus frequency and multiplier.
Cache
The more channels the RAM has, the higher the computer's performance. Modules and slots on the motherboard are selected similar to the processor. The type and frequency must match. Processors of the same modification may have different sockets. The processor has integrated memory, it stores data and exchanges it with RAM. This is the cache.
A gaming computer requires a third level cache (L36 MB). It works as follows. The processor accesses its memory for data. If the cache size is small and the requested information is missing, then the request goes to RAM, which works more slowly, and as a result, the data takes a long time to process. With a large amount of memory, information may be located in the cache.
Advice. Choose a L3 cache with a large storage capacity.
Heat dissipation
Processors may have a box cooling system or be sold separately. Heat dissipation is taken into account when selecting a power supply and a cooling radiator with a fan. It will be impossible to adjust the speed in a built-in cooler, since they are designed for their processor without overclocking. Radiators have some features:
- Intel is attached with plastic clips, which often fail. The design itself can affect the deformation of motherboards in the cheap segment, which can cause it to fail;
- AMD's heatsink design is better thought out. It is more convenient and is rigidly mounted on the motherboard, which prevents its deformation. Although there are exceptions, the fastener on the board has broken off.
Advice. "Voh" is suitable for an average-performance computer. Powerful gaming processor Overclocking requires a high-quality cooler, which is best purchased separately.
Video card
A video card is of great importance for a gaming device. The processor may have a built-in video core, which is called differently by Radeon and Intel:
- Intel HD Graphics;
- AMD Radeon HD.
The kernel allows you to display images on the screen without a video card, this is enough for home or office computer, but for the game it is fraught with consequences. The fact is that modern games are quite resource-intensive; up to 75% of the overall performance depends on the video card. The built-in core gets very hot and will damage the processor. Therefore, it is better to think about purchasing a separate graphics card.
AMD Strengths and Weaknesses
In addition to lower cost than a similar Intel product, AMD processors have other advantages.
- Optimal price/performance ratio.
- Multiplatform. If the device has an AM2+ socket, you can purchase a processor with an AM3 socket and install it in the AM2+ socket.
- Stable work.
- Multitasking. Computers built on AMD can easily handle the simultaneous operation of several powerful applications, surfing the Internet, watching a movie or listening to music.
- It is possible to set the frequency.
- FX processors have excellent overclocking reserves.
As for the shortcomings, the following points are worth noting.
- RAM performs somewhat worse compared to Intel.
- Power consumption is slightly higher than Intel.
- AMD processors experience constant additional load, since most software and games are created for Intel products.
- The distance between processor transistors for AMD is 32 nanometers, and for Intel it is 22, so AMD processors heat up more and are more demanding on the cooling system.
Intel's strengths and weaknesses
Intel processors are characterized by stability in system operation and have a number of other advantages.
- Low power consumption.
- Thoughtful operation of RAM.
- Processors with the prefix “K” overclock well.
- The majority is created for Intel software shells and games.
- Speed of work open application provided that only it is running.
- Multithreading increases game performance, because the main load falls on the processor, not the video card.
At the same time, there is also a downside.
- High price.
- i7 processors with the prefix “K” require the installation of a powerful cooling system.
- Can work with one or two applications at a time, but no more. So there is no question of multitasking.
- When replacing a recent processor, the platform must be replaced. As an exception, only processors with an LGA 1155 socket can be mentioned.
Which brand to choose is up to you. Processor versions are very different: frequency, cache and number of cores vary. As for the socket, it is better to take a modern connector with an eye to further modernization. Monitor prices and view synthetic tests. If you are selecting a processor to replace an existing one, then choose taking into account the specifics and characteristics of the motherboard.
Review of the best processors: video
