The fastest processor. Choosing a processor for a computer
The heart of a computer is the processor, which is its main data processing device. The part looks like a set of chips and is responsible for computing processes. How to choose a processor for a computer is the most important question when purchasing equipment. The overall speed of the system largely depends on the performance of this part. In order not to regret your purchase, choose components taking into account their characteristics.
Main characteristics of the processor
- Manufacturer. There are two main competitors producing processors for computers: AMD and Intel. The second company is considered a leader developing cutting-edge technologies. AMD's main advantage over Intel is its relatively low prices. Moreover, the products of the first are slightly inferior to the second in productivity (on average, by 10%), but the cost is 1.5-2 times lower.
- What is processor clock speed? This parameter determines how many operations the device can perform per second. What is affected by processor frequency: a high indicator of this characteristic promises fast data processing by the computer. This parameter is considered one of the most important when choosing a device. How to find out the frequency in Windows OS: you need to right-click the properties menu on the “My Computer” icon.
- Number of Cores. This indicator affects the number of programs that can be run on a PC without losing its performance. Older computer models are equipped with quad-core or dual-core processors. New devices released in recent years have 6- and 8-core parts. However, if software optimized for a dual-core PC; more cores will not speed up its operation. On the box of the part you can see alphanumeric markings, the decoding of which will provide data on the number of cores.
- System bus frequency. The characteristic indicates the speed of flows of incoming or outgoing information. The higher the indicator, the faster the exchange of information.
- Cache memory. A major role in the operation of a PC is played by the processor cache, which takes the form of a high-speed memory block. The part is located directly on the core and is necessary to improve productivity. Thanks to it, data processing occurs faster than in the case of RAM. There are 3 levels of cache memory - from L1 to L3. The first two have small volumes, but the third ones confidently win, providing for greater capacity - due to the speed of operation.
- Connector type (socket). This characteristic is not considered paramount, but has a certain relevance when choosing a device. The socket is the “socket” on the motherboard that the processor fits into, so it must be compatible with the part you choose. For example, if the socket is marked AMZ, you need a corresponding connector on the motherboard. Latest models equipped modern types“sockets” and often have improved characteristics (bus frequency and others).
- Power consumption and cooling. Powerful modern devices have a negative impact on the computer's power consumption. To avoid overheating of parts and their breakdown, special fans (coolers) are used. The TDP indicator is used to indicate the amount of heat required in the outlet. Based on this value, a specific model of the cooling system is selected.
How AMD differs from Intel
A frequently asked question among those wishing to purchase a processor is: “Which is better, AMD or Intel?” The main difference is the hyper-strength technology and increased computing pipeline that Intel models have. Thanks to this, devices perform a number of tasks faster: archive files, encode video, and perform other tasks. Parts from AMD cope no worse with the listed tasks, but they spend more time on it. Everyone decides for themselves: which processor is better, Intel or AMD.
To make your choice easier, check out the advantages of products from both manufacturers. Comparison of AMD and Intel processors:
| Intel Advantages | AMD advantages |
| High PC speed | The optimum ratio of price and quality |
| Economical energy consumption | System stability |
| High gaming performance | Multitasking |
| Core i7 and i3 multi-threading gives extra performance | Possibility to speed up processes by 5-20% |
| Perfectly tuned work with RAM | Multiplatform (the ability to assemble a PC from parts from different generations of AMD) |
Which processor to choose for your computer
The answer to this question depends on the tasks that the PC will have to perform. So, when choosing gaming computer Attention should be paid to the video card model, since the graphics adapter is responsible for supporting certain technologies and performance levels in games. However, without a properly selected central processor, the video card will not reveal its potential. Less demanding parts are suitable for working with other programs or using a PC in the office.
For games
How to choose a processor for a gaming computer? A “gaming” PC has a number of requirements. The device must be able to process at least four data streams. Test results prove that Intel Hyper-Treading technology increases frames per second. Experts consider Intel Core i5 models to be optimal for a gaming PC. Parts from AMD show lower performance. If 4-core devices in the Intel line cope with their tasks, then their competitors show the same result with 8-core analogues. Which processor should I choose for gaming?
Top devices for games:
- Intel Core-i5 Ivy Bridge (quad-core);
- Intel Core i5-4440 Haswell (quad-core);
- AMD FX-8350 Vishera (octa-core).
For use at home or office
Browsers and other programs necessary for office work require an impressive amount of RAM, but practically do not load HDD and processor. Therefore choose better computer with a large amount of memory. However, processor performance should not be neglected either. According to the test results, a good decision will be models from the Intel Core i3 or i5 lines.
List of budget devices for the office:
- Intel Celeron G1820;
- AMD ATHLON II X2 255;
- AMD ATHLON II X4 750K;
- AMD A8-6600K.
For working with demanding programs
This category includes parts whose function is to ensure fast operation of demanding programs, for example, video, graphic editors etc. Devices of this type are expensive components and are characterized by maximum performance. This category of processors is often of interest to gamers who want to achieve best quality images during the game.
Review of the best devices for demanding programs:
- AMD FX-8350 (8-core). Ideal for games and other programs designed for . It is fast and reasonably priced.
- Intel i7-4770 (4-core). Runs games at the highest settings, works quickly, and is ideally optimized for Intel video cards.
Rating of the best processors for PCs 2019
- Intel Core i7-990x. Ideal for the latest generation gaming PC. The device is designed for socket 1366, equipped with 6 cores, has a frequency of 3.46 GHz and 12 megabytes of cache memory. Approximate cost: 38,000 rub.
- Intel Core i7-3970X Extreme Edition. One of the most popular models. Equipped with 6 cores, 15 MB cache and 3.5 GHz clock frequencies. Works great with any new demanding games and programs. Approximate cost: 46,000 rub.
- Intel Core i5-4690K. An inexpensive model will show excellent results in terms of performance. If you compare the i5-4690K with other devices, it stands out due to its price/quality ratio. The processor is equipped with a third-level cache, has a 3.5 GHz clock speed and 4 cores. Approximate cost: 22,000 rub.
- AMD FX-9370. Most powerful processor AMD has a new AM3+ socket and 8 cores with a maximum frequency of up to 4.4 GHz. The model is equipped with 8 MB of cache memory, which allows you to improve the performance of your PC and use any programs and games. Approximate cost: 20-22,000 rub.
- Intel Xeon E3-1230 v3. The quad-core device belongs to the fourth generation of processors from Intel. It is equipped with a socket type 1150, which is considered the best among existing ones. The clock frequency of the Xeon E3-1230 v3 is 3.3 GHz, the cache memory is 8 MB. Approximate cost: 22,000 rub.
Processor test table 2015
To understand how to choose a processor for a computer, you should familiarize yourself with the results of their testing. The devices are tested on Windows 7 (64-bit) OS. For this purpose, certain programs are selected to unlock the potential of multi-threading, to determine whether there is support for AMD Turbo CORE (dynamic overclocking) and Intel technologies Turbo Boost Technology, is it possible to use the new SIMD. Test results are expressed as a percentage of the performance of the fastest existing device that has a 100% result.
Processor performance summary table:
| Name | Result |
| Intel Core i7-5930K BOX | |
| Intel Core i7-4960X Extreme | |
| Intel Core i7-4960X Extreme BOX | |
| Intel Core i7-5820K BOX | |
| Intel Core i7-4790K | |
| Intel Core i7-4790K BOX | |
| Intel Core i7-4790 | |
| Intel Core i7-4790 BOX | |
| Intel Core i7-4820K BOX | |
| Intel Xeon E3-1240 V2 | |
| Intel Xeon E3-1230 V2 |
If you want to purchase a processor, you should study its characteristics. For example, in pursuit of frequency, many forget about the features of the core of a particular manufacturer, which negatively affects the performance of the computer. To remain satisfied with your purchase, you need to consider the device’s parameters and its compatibility with other parts. Find out how to choose the right processor for your computer by watching the video below.
Found an error in the text? Select it, press Ctrl + Enter and we will fix everything!
For an office, home or gaming computer, it is not so difficult to choose the right processor. You just need to decide on your needs, orient yourself a little in the characteristics and price ranges. There is no point in thoroughly studying the smallest nuances if you are not a “geek,” but you need to understand what to pay attention to.
For example, you can look for a processor with a higher frequency and cache memory, but without paying attention to the core of the chip, you can get into trouble. The core, in fact, is the main performance factor, and the rest of the characteristics are plus or minus. In general terms, I can say that the more expensive the product in the line of one manufacturer, the better, more powerful, and faster it is. But AMD processors are cheaper than those from Intel.
- The processor should be chosen depending on the tasks at hand. If in normal mode you have about two resource-intensive programs running, then it is better to buy a dual-core “stone” with a high frequency. If more threads are used, it is better to opt for a multi-core processor of the same architecture, even with a lower frequency.
- Hybrid processors (with a built-in video card) will allow you to save on the purchase of a video card, provided that you do not need to play fancy games. That's almost all modern processors Intel and AMD A4-A12 series, but AMD has a stronger graphics core.
- All processors marked “BOX” must be supplied with a cooler (of course, a simple model, which will not be enough for high loads, but is just what is needed for operation in nominal mode). If you need a cool cooler, then .
- Processors marked “OEM” are covered by a one-year warranty, while processors marked “OEM” are covered by a three-year warranty. If the warranty period provided by the store is shorter, it is better to think about looking for another distributor.
- In some cases, it makes sense to buy a percentage from hand, this way you can save about 30% of the amount. True, this method of purchase is associated with a certain risk, so you need to pay attention to the availability of a guarantee and the reputation of the seller.
Main technical characteristics of processors
Now about some characteristics that are still worth mentioning. It is not necessary to go into it, but it will be useful to understand my recommendations for specific models.
Each processor has its own socket (platform), i.e. the name of the connector on the motherboard for which it is intended. Whatever processor you choose, be sure to look at socket matching. On this moment There are several platforms.
- LGA1150 – not for high-end processors, used for office computers, gaming and home media centers. Integrated Graphics entry level, except Intel Iris/Iris Pro. Already going out of circulation.
- LGA1151 is a modern platform, recommended for future upgrade to newer hardware. The processors themselves are not much faster than the previous platform, i.e., there is little point in upgrading to it. But there is a more powerful built-in graphics core of the series Intel Graphics, DDR4 memory is supported, but it does not provide a significant performance gain.
- LGA2011-v3 is a top platform designed for building high-performance desktop systems on the base system logic Intel X299, expensive, outdated.
- LGA 2066 (Socket R4) - socket for HEDT (Hi-End) Intel processors of Skylake-X and Kaby Lake-X architecture, replaced 2011-3.
- AM1 for weak, energy-efficient processors
- AM3+ is a common socket, suitable for most AMD processors, incl. for high-performance processors without an integrated video core
- AM4 is designed for microprocessors with Zen microarchitecture (Ryzen brand) with and without integrated graphics, and all subsequent ones. Added support for DDR4 memory.
- FM2/FM2+ for budget options Athlon X2/X4 without integrated graphics.
- sTR4 is a connector type for the HEDT family of Ryzen Threadripper microprocessors. Similar to server sockets, the most massive and for desktop computers.
There are outdated platforms that you can buy in order to save money, but you need to take into account that new processors will no longer be made for them: LGA1155, AM3, LGA2011, AM2/+, LGA775 and others that are not on the lists.
Kernel name. Each line of processors has its own kernel name. For example, Intel currently has Sky Lake, Kaby Lake and the newest Coffee Lake eighth generation. AMD has Richland, Bulldozer, Zen. The higher the generation, the more high-performance the chip, with lower energy consumption, and the more technologies are introduced.
Number of Cores: from 2 to 18 pieces. The bigger, the better. But there is such a point: programs that do not know how to distribute the load across the cores will work faster on a dual-core with a higher clock frequency than on a 4-core, but with a lower frequency. In short, if there is no clear technical specification, then the rule works: more is better, and the further, the more correct it will be.
Technical process, measured in nanometers, for example – 14nm. Does not affect performance, but does affect processor heating. Each new generation of processors is manufactured using a new technical process with a smaller nm. This means that if you take a previous generation processor and a new one that is approximately the same, the latter will heat up less. But, since new products are made faster, they heat up about the same. That is, improving the technical process allows manufacturers to make faster processors.
Clock frequency, measured in gigahertz, for example - 3.5 GHz. Always the more the better, but only within one series. If you take an old Pentium with a frequency of 3.5 GHz and some new one, then the old one will be many times slower. This is explained by the fact that they have completely different kernels.
Almost all “stones” are capable of accelerating, i.e. operate at a higher frequency than that specified in the specifications. But this is a topic for those knowledgeable, because... You can burn the processor or get a non-working system!
Level 1, 2 and 3 cache size, one of the key characteristics, the more, the faster. The first level is the most important, the third is less significant. Directly depends on the kernel and series.
TDP– dissipated thermal power, or how much at maximum load. A lower number means less heat. Without clear personal preferences, this can be ignored. Powerful processors consume 110-220 watts of electricity under load. You can see a diagram of the approximate energy consumption of Intel and AMD processors under normal load, the less the better:
Model, series: does not relate to the characteristics, but nevertheless I want to tell you how to understand which processor is better within the same series, without delving too much into the characteristics. Processor name, for example " consists of a series Core i3″ and model number “8100”. The first number means the line of processors on a certain core, and the next ones are its “performance index,” roughly speaking. So, we can estimate that:
- Core i3-8300 is faster than i3-8100
- i3-8100 is faster than i3-7100
- But the i3-7300 will be faster than the i3-8100, despite the lower series, because the 300 strongly more than 100. I think you get the idea.
The same goes for AMD.
Will you play on the computer?
The next point that you need to decide in advance is the gaming future of the computer. For “Farm Frenzy” and other simple online games, any built-in graphics will do. If buying an expensive video card is not part of your plans, but you want to play, then you need to buy a processor with a normal graphics core Intel Graphics 530/630/Iris Pro, AMD Radeon RX Vega Series. Even modern games will run in Full HD 1080p resolution at minimum and medium graphics quality settings. You can play World of Tanks, GTA, Dota and others.
If so, then it makes sense to take a processor without built-in graphics at all and save on it (or get more power for the same price). The circle can be narrowed down this way:
- AMD has FX series processors for the AM3+ platform and hybrid solutions A12/10/8/6/4, as well as Athlon X4 for FM2+/AM4
- Intel has SkyLake and Kaby Lake series processors for the LGA1151 and LGA2066 platforms and the aging BroadWell-E for LGA2011-v3 (there are only a few models).
You also need to take into account that a powerful video card and processor need to match. I won’t give clear answers to questions like “what kind of processor is needed for this video card.” You need to study this issue yourself by reading relevant reviews, tests, comparisons, and forums. But I'll give you a couple of recommendations.
Firstly, you need at least a 4-core processor. Even more cores will not add much fps in games. At the same time, it turns out that 4-core AMD processors are better suited for games than 2-core Intel processors at the same or even lower price.
Secondly, you can focus on this: the cost of the processor is equal to the cost of the video card. In fact, despite dozens of models, making the right choice is not difficult.
A note about AMD
The most budget line is called “Sempron”. With each new generation, performance improves, but these are still the weakest processors. Recommended only for working with office documents, surfing the Internet, watching videos and music.
The company has the FX series - these are aging top-end chips for the AM3+ platform. Everyone has an unlocked multiplier, i.e. they are easy to overclock (if necessary). There are 4, 6 and 8 core models. Automatic overclocking technology supported - Turbo Core. Only DDR3 memory works. It's better when the platform works with DDR4.
There are also mid-class products - Athlon X4 and a line of hybrid processors (with integrated graphics) A4/A6/A8/A10/A12. This is for FM2/FM2+/AM4 platforms. The A-series is divided into 2 and 4 cores. The integrated graphics power is higher in older models. If the name has the letter “K” at the end, then this model comes with an unlocked multiplier, i.e. easier to overclock. Turbo Core supported. It makes sense to take something from the A-series only if there is no separate video card.
For socket AM4, the newest processors are the Ryzen 3, Ryzen 5, Ryzen 7 series. They are positioned as competitors to Intel Core i3, i5, i7. There are ones without built-in graphics and with it, then the model name will have the letter G, for example AMD Ryzen A5 2400G. The top line with 8-16 core processors is AMD Ryzen Threadripper with a massive cooling system.
A note about Intel
The LGA1151 platform includes a full range of models, listed in ascending order of performance: Celeron, Pentium, Core i3/i5/i7. There are economical processors with the letters “T” or “S” in their names. They are slower and I don’t see the point of putting them in home computers unless there is a special need, for example for a home file storage/media center. Supports DDR4 memory, built-in video everywhere.
The most budget-friendly dual-core processors with integrated graphics are Celeron, an analogue of AMD's Sempron, and the more powerful Pentium. For domestic needs it is better to install at least a Pentium.
Top LGA2066 for Skylake and Kabylake with i5/i7 and top i9 series processors. They work with DDR4 memory, have 4-18 cores on board and no built-in graphics. Unlocked multiplier.
For information:
- Core i5 and i7 processors support Turbo Boost automatic overclocking technology
- processors on the Kaby Lake socket are not always faster than their predecessors on Sky Lake. The difference in architecture can be offset by different clock frequencies. As a rule, the faster processor costs a little more, even if it is Sky Lake. But Skylake accelerates well.
- processors with integrated Iris Pro graphics are suitable for quiet gaming builds, but they are quite expensive
- processors based on the LGA1151 platform are suitable for gaming systems, but there will be no point in installing more than two video cards, because A maximum of 16 PCI Express lanes are supported. For complete separation, you need an LGA2011-v3 or LGA2066 socket and the corresponding stones.
- The Xeon line is designed for servers.
Which is better AMD or Intel?
This is an eternal debate, to which thousands of pages of forums on the Internet are devoted, and there is no clear answer to it. Both companies follow each other, but for myself I made a choice which is better. In a nutshell, AMD produces optimal budget solutions, while Intel produces more technologically advanced and expensive products. AMD rules in the low-cost sector, but this company simply has no analogues to the fastest Intel processors.
Processors do not break down, like monitors or, for example, so reliability is not an issue here. That is, if you do not overclock the “stone” and use a fan no worse than the boxed one (complete), then any processor will last for many, many years. There are no bad models, but it is advisable to purchase depending on the price, characteristics and other factors, such as the availability of one or another motherboard.
I provide for your reference a summary table of the approximate gaming performance of Intel and AMD processors on a powerful video card GeForce GTX 1080, the higher -> the better:
Comparison of processors in tasks. close to everyday, normal load:
Archiving in 7-zip (less time - better results):
To independently compare different processors, I suggest using tables. So, let's move on from verbosity to specific recommendations.
Processors costing up to $40
Of course, you shouldn’t expect high performance for this money. Typically, such a processor is purchased in two cases:
- For an office computer that does not require high performance
- For the so-called “home server” - a computer whose main purpose is to store and play video and audio files.
These computers will run high-definition movies and simple games without any problems, but don't expect anything more. AMD A4, A6 processors are suitable for operation in nominal mode (the higher the model, the slightly more expensive and faster). The cheapest models from the A4 series are NOT recommended; these are slow processors with sluggish graphics, worse than those of Intel.
An excellent choice would be Intel processor Celeron G3900-3930 (socket LGA1151) with support for DDR4 memory and a more powerful integrated graphics core. These processors overclock well.
If you have an external video card, then you can save a little more and take an AMD Athlon A4 X2, but it is better to aim for 4 cores of an Athlon II X4 or, because This processor does not have a built-in graphics core. Separately, it is worth mentioning that you should NOT pay attention to the quad-core AMD Sempron and Athlon Kabini X4 for socket AM1. These are slow processors, unsuccessful company products.
Up to 80$
There are somewhat more possibilities here, since for this amount you can buy a good quad-core processor. This also includes initial motherboard + built-in processor kits. Their purpose is to ensure stable operation of low- and medium-power stationary computers. Usually they are enough for comfortable work on the Internet, but such a kit is not suitable for serious workload.
To operate in nominal mode, it is best to choose an AMD Athlon X4 processor for the AMD AM4 platform. If you need integrated graphics, then take any one you like at the price from the AMD A8 series, or the Intel Pentium Dual-Core G4600 microprocessor for Intel platforms LGA1151.
Processors of the AMD FX series or Athlon X4 xxxK show good performance when working in overclocking mode, i.e. with the letter "K". These models have an unlocked multiplier, which means they can be easily overclocked. But when buying it, you need to take into account that not every motherboard is suitable for overclocking. Can be used with an NVidia GTX1050Ti level video card.
About 120$
You can choose a quad-core AMD APU from the Ryzen 3 series on the AMD AM4 platform, which is suitable for creating a media center and even for gaming at medium settings. These “stones” have a very good Radeon Vega R8 Series video card built into them. If you look at Intel in the price category up to $120, then there is nothing interesting, except perhaps the Pentium G5600.
To work in overclocking mode, and not only, choose the Intel i3-7100 processor. Not the best option for games, because there are only 2, but very fast cores. But the AMD FX-8350 processor with its 8 cores will come in handy. And the clock frequency can be raised from the standard 4 to 4.5 GHz.
Up to $200
The best performance in this category is provided by processors from Intel on the LGA1151 platform, although AMD is still trying to maintain its position. The best choice would be the Intel i5-7400. Despite its 4 cores, it supports multi-threading up to 8. It will show good performance in games and ideal in household applications. AMD Ryzen 5 with an excellent Vega 11 graphics card attracts attention.
At a slightly lower price, AMD may be more efficient in multi-threaded operations. In other words, you can take the Ryzen 5 series for games and save money. For other tasks where multithreading is not required, it is better to take a closer look at Intel.
Up to $280
For nominal work, the Intel Core i5-8600 is best suited. If you need to save a little money, then the i5-8500 is suitable. Among AMD, you can take the Ryzen 5 2600X without hesitation. This is an excellent LATEST processor from AMD that makes sense to buy (and overclock;).
For overclocking, the best choice would be the Intel Core i5-8600k processor for LGA 1151, which in this case has no competitors. The high frequency and unlocked multiplier make this “stone” ideal for gamers and overclockers. Among the processors used for overclocking, this is the one that so far shows best ratio price/performance/energy consumption.
The Core i5-5675C of the Broadwell generation carries on board the most powerful integrated graphics card Iris Pro 6200 (GT3e core) and at the same time it does not get very hot, because made using a 14nm process technology. Suitable for compact and no-compromise gaming systems.
Processors starting from $400
If we talk about the best model in this price range, it is worth highlighting the Intel Core i7-8700K for the Intel LGA 1151 platform. This percentage is the best for both use in nominal mode and for overclocking, and is also excellent for top games at high settings. at corresponding video card. Its antipode is AMD Ryzen 7 products.
If you can afford to spend more money on a “stone,” the choice here is clear - the Intel Core i7-7820X processor for the LGA 2066 socket. For the right price, you will get fast 8 cores, but without integrated graphics. Yes, I think who takes such a hustler and thinks of working on an integrated card :) AMD has a worthy competitor - this is the monster Ryzen Threadripper 1920X with 12 cores.
But the flagship Intel Core i9-7980XE with 18 cores is worth buying only for greater reliability, since, despite the significant difference in price (the flagship costs three times more), in desktop PC tasks the processor is not much ahead in terms of performance. This animal is the sole leader in this price category, both for nominal use and for overclocking.
Is it worth changing the processor?
Unlike smartphones and tablets, progress in the desktop and laptop industry has not been as noticeable. As a rule, the processor does not change for several years and works fine. Therefore, it is better to take his choice responsibly, preferably with a small margin.
So, processors from 2 or even 3 years ago are not particularly inferior to their modern brothers. The increase in performance, if we take similar prices, is on average 20%, which is almost unnoticeable in real life.
Finally, I want to give a couple more tips:
- Don't go after top models with super power. If you don’t play games or work in highly demanding applications, then a powerful processor will only consume excess electricity and quickly become cheaper over time.
- New products are not much faster than their predecessors, by 10-20%, and this is almost noticeable in everyday work, but they are more expensive and sometimes require replacing the motherboard for installation.
- When choosing a powerful processor, consider that your power supply has enough power based on the power consumption of the “stone” and everything system unit generally!
The central processor is the heart of the computer and the speed of computing operations depends on it. But the speed of work depends not only on it. If other components are slow, such as a hard drive, your computer will slow down even with the coolest beast!
It seems like I told you everything I wanted, now if something is not clear, ask in the comments! Only one request - do not write, like “which processor is better Intel i5-xxxx or amd fx-xx” and similar questions. All processors have long been tested and compared with each other. There are also ratings that include hundreds of models.
Edited: 2019-04-15
My name is Alexey Vinogradov, I am the author of this wonderful site. I am interested in computers, programs, programming. We have more than 20 years of experience and a lot of wasted nerves :)
Comments (225)
- In contact with
Alexey Vinogradov
Answer
-
Answer
Answer
-
Elena Malysheva
Answer
Alexey Vinogradov
Answer
Alexey Vinogradov
Answer
Alexey Vinogradov
Answer
Answer
Alexey Vinogradov
Answer
Alexey Vinogradov
Answer
Alexey Vinogradov
Answer
Alexey Vinogradov
Answer
Alexey Vinogradov
Answer
Sergey
Answer
Alexey Vinogradov
Answer
Alexey Vinogradov
Answer
Alexey Vinogradov
Answer
Alexey Vinogradov
Answer
Alexey Vinogradov
Answer
Alexey Vinogradov
Answer
Alexey Vinogradov
Answer
Alexey Vinogradov
Answer
Alexey Vinogradov
Answer
-
Answer
Alexey Vinogradov
Answer
-
Alexey Vinogradov
Answer
Alexey Vinogradov
Answer
Alexander S.
Answer
-
Answer
-
Alexey Vinogradov
Answer
Alexey Vinogradov
Answer
Alexey Vinogradov
Answer
Alexander S.
Answer
Alexey Vinogradov
Answer
Alexey Vinogradov
Answer
Alexey Vinogradov
Answer
Alexander S.
Answer
Alexander S.
Answer
Alexey Vinogradov
Answer
Alexander S.
Answer
Alexey Vinogradov
Answer
Alexander S.
Answer
Gregory
Answer
Alexey Vinogradov
Answer
Alexander S.
Answer
Alexander S.
Answer
-
Answer
-
Alexey Vinogradov
Answer
Alexander S.
Answer
Alexander S.
Answer
Leonid
Answer
Alexander S.
Answer
Alexey Vinogradov
Answer
Alexander S.
Answer
Alexander S.
Answer
-
Answer
-
Alexey Vinogradov
Answer
Alexander S.
Answer
Alexey Vinogradov
Answer
Alexey Vinogradov
Answer
Alexander S.
Answer
Alexey Vinogradov
Answer
Alexey Vinogradov
Answer
- Test and review: Intel Core i7-4770K and Core i5-4670K - new generation Haswell
- Test and review: Intel Core i7-4770K and Core i5-4670K - new generation Haswell
Intel Core i7-4790K Codename Devil's Canyon Technical process 22 nm Number of CPU cores/threads 4/8 Clock frequency 4.0 GHz (4.4 GHz) Socket LGA1150 L2 cache 1024 kbytes L3 cache 8 MB Thermal package 88 W In mid-May 2014, Intel introduced new “Haswell Refresh” processors. But compared to its predecessors, we did not get completely new models, but a small increase in clock frequency of 100-200 MHz, as a result, the increase in performance amounted to a few percent. But Intel did not raise prices, but introduced “Haswell Refresh” processors to the market at the same prices. Just in time for Computex 2014, the chipmaker introduced new "Devil's Canyon" processors to the market, aimed at ambitious overclockers with some improvements added.
The best processor at a price of 29,100 rubles - Core i7-5820K (Haswell-E, 2011-3)
For high-end desktops, Intel introduced a platform codenamed Haswell-E at the end of August 2014, which replaced the previous generation of Sandy Bridge-E/Ivy Bridge-E processors for Socket 2011.
The “junior” Haswell-E model is the Intel Core i7-5820K. It is equipped with 15 MB of L3 cache and six cores, the frequency of which can vary from 3.3 GHz to 3.6 GHz. Of course, the price drop is difficult to justify by a slight reduction in clock speeds, so Intel made other sacrifices. Compared to the two “senior” models, the “junior” Haswell-E no longer supports 40 PCI Express 3.0 lanes, but only 28 lanes.
So in an SLI or CrossFire configuration of two video cards, you will no longer be able to supply the full 16 lanes to each video card. If the motherboard is equipped with three PCI Express 3.0 slots, then x16, x8 and x4 configurations are possible. For motherboards with four slots - x8, x8, x8 and x4 configuration. However, the final implementation depends on the motherboard manufacturer.
You can get more information about Haswell-E processors in the review:
The best processor at a price of 44,300 rubles - Core i7-5930K (Haswell-E, 2011-3)
For high-end desktops, Intel introduced a platform codenamed Haswell-E at the end of August 2014, which replaced the previous generation of Sandy Bridge-E/Ivy Bridge-E processors for Socket 2011.
In August 2014, three models were presented, all of them are stated with a maximum power consumption of 140 W, but there are differences between them in clock speeds, cache and number of cores. In principle, we got a similar difference with the previous generation, but all three models worked with a thermal package (TDP) of up to 130 W. The top processor is equipped with eight cores, the other two have to be content with six cores. Clock frequencies, depending on the model, range from 3.0 to 3.5 GHz (base). Thanks to Turbo Boost 2.0 support, clock speeds up to 3.7 GHz are possible. The L3 cache size is 15-20 MB - that is, significantly more than that of the top Haswell processor.
With a price of $583, the Intel Core i7-5930K processor is also not cheap, but it is still more affordable. The processor is equipped with six cores, but the base frequency is 3.5 GHz, and in Turbo mode the frequency can increase to 3.7 GHz. But due to the reduced number of cores, the L3 cache size is also reduced. The processor is equipped with 15 MB of L3 cache.
Verdict: An excellent processor for productive builds and environments that can load all twelve logical cores.
You can get more information about Haswell-E processors in the review: Test and review: Intel Core i7-5960X – new Haswell-E processors
The best processor at a price of 68,400 rubles - Core i7-5960X (Haswell-E, 2011-3)
For high-end desktops, Intel introduced a platform codenamed Haswell-E at the end of August 2014, which replaced the previous generation of Sandy Bridge-E/Ivy Bridge-E processors for Socket 2011.
Intel debuted an 8-core desktop processor with support for DDR4 memory for the first time, and the Intel X79 chipset has finally given way to an updated version. The new Intel X99 chipset, compared to the X79, is equipped with standard USB interfaces 3.0 and supports more SATA III ports. Previously, motherboard manufacturers had to use additional controllers to expand functions. Compared to the Intel Z97 chipset, the new X99 platform provides more PCI Express lanes, which will be noticeable primarily in multi-GPU configurations with several fast video cards. But this does not apply to all three announced processors.
In August 2014, three models were presented, all of them are stated with a maximum power consumption of 140 W, but there are differences between them in clock speeds, cache and number of cores. In principle, we got a similar difference with the previous generation, but all three models worked with a thermal package (TDP) of up to 130 W. The top processor is equipped with eight cores, the other two have to be content with six cores. Clock frequencies, depending on the model, range from 3.0 to 3.5 GHz (base). Thanks to Turbo Boost 2.0 support, clock speeds up to 3.7 GHz are possible. The L3 cache size is 15-20 MB - that is, significantly more than that of the top Haswell processor.
The top model Intel Core i7-5960X is equipped with eight processing cores, 20 MB of shared L3 cache, and thanks to Turbo Boost support, frequencies up to 3.5 GHz are possible. The base frequency is 3.0 GHz. The price of the processor is not the cheapest.
Verdict: An excellent processor for productive builds and environments that can load all 16 logical cores.
You can get more information about Haswell-E processors in the review: Test and review: Intel Core i7-5960X – new Haswell-E processors
Processor performance comparison table
The table below shows balanced pairs; we do not recommend taking video cards from a more productive level - the processor simply won’t be able to handle them, the frame rate will be limited by the CPU. Again, a powerful processor with a weak video card will be idle - the frame rate in games will be limited by the video card.
Processor family Video cards Intel Core i5-2500K, i5-3570K and higher Radeon R9 290X, R9 290, GeForce GTX Titan (Black), GTX 980, GTX 970, GTX 780, GTX 780 Ti Intel Core i5-2xxx, i5-3xxx, i5-4xxx Radeon R9 280X, R9 280; GeForce GTX 770, GTX 760, GTX 960 Intel Core i3-21xx, i3-32xx, i3-4xxx Radeon R9 270X, R9 270; GeForce GTX 760, GTX 660, GTX 750 Ti Intel Celeron G, Pentium G and below AMD FX-8xxx Radeon R9 280X, R9 280, R9 285, R9 270X, GeForce GTX 770, GTX 760, GTX 960 AMD FX-6xxx, FX-4xxx, A10, A8(FM2), PhenomII X4 BE Radeon R9 270X, R9 270; GeForce GTX 760, GeForce GTX 660, GTX 750Ti AMD A8, A6, A4 and below Radeon R7 265, R7 260X, R7 260; GeForce GTX 750
Minsk Repairman
Answer
BRedScorpius
Answer
aleksandrzdor
Answer
Dmitriy
Answer
Answer
Answer
Answer
Leonid
Answer
Leonid
Answer
Sergey
Answer
Answer
Stanislav
Answer
Vladislav
Answer
Answer
Alexander
Answer
Alexander
Answer
Igor Novozhilov
Answer
Answer
Answer
Answer
Answer
Alexander S.
Answer
Alexey Vinogradov
Answer
Answer
Answer
Answer
Answer
Alexander S.
Answer
Answer
Alexander S.
Answer
Answer
Vyacheslav
Answer
Dmitriy
Answer
Answer
Konstantin
Answer
Vitaly
Answer
Answer
Dmitriy
Answer
Answer
Alexander S.
Answer
Answer
Leonid
Answer
Answer
Vladimir
Answer
Answer
Seryoga
Answer
Answer
Leonid
Answer
Natalia
Answer
Andrey
Answer
Andrey
Answer
Andrey
Best processor for games | Introduction
Intel Core i3-8350K- 15900 rubles
Best processor for gaming | The best choice in the category up to $100
There aren't many entry-level processors that are worthy of enthusiast attention - at least until the new Ryzen APUs hit the shelves. These chips won't have cutting-edge features like AVX or Optane memory support, but they'll be a great match for discrete graphics cards priced under $200.
AMD Ryzen 3 2200G
First level
High prices for video cards have not had as much of an impact on the market for budget and entry-level gaming systems as they have on the market for mid- and high-end PCs (think about any cards from Nvidia GTX 1050 and above). However, under conditions of severe restrictions, the ability to play without installing a video card allows you to save a lot. And since prices are RAM continue to grow, such savings are worth a lot.
All this makes the quad-core, four-threaded Ryzen 3 2200G especially attractive for building budget systems. The chip, which costs just over 7,000 rubles, provides stable performance at 720p resolution thanks to the built-in Vega graphics. It has sufficient performance reserves for everyday tasks and can be installed in a cheap motherboard based on the 300 series chipset (after updating the BIOS). Finally, it has an unlocked multiplier, so with good cooling it can be overclocked, including the integrated graphics.
Alternative:
Intel Pentium Gold G5600- 8100 rub.
AMD Ryzen 3 1200- 6900 rub.
Best processor for gaming | Conclusion
Now you have a list of our recommendations for choosing best gaming processor for the coming months. It's just a matter of small things: you need to choose and buy a suitable processor.
Please remember that the store situation is constantly changing. Therefore, focus on current prices and adjust your strategy. Anyway, good luck!
Do you want to buy the best CPU for your money? With an optimal performance/price ratio? With high speed? Then we recommend that you read our article. Here we will highlight the processors that provide the best performance for their price.
We understand perfectly well that not everyone has time to read detailed reviews processors, as well as delving into complex CPU specifications. That's why experts release summaries every few months that allow you to choose the best processor in your price range.
Before you begin to get acquainted with our recommendations, we will make a few reservations. The prices in this article are at the time of publication. Therefore, we recommend that you get acquainted with the prices that are current at the moment on such resources as market.yandex.ru and price.ru. We took into account only the prices of new processors. Don't forget that you can get various promotions and discounts in stores, which can tip the scales in favor of one CPU or another. In any case, you probably won’t regret if you buy any of the processors recommended in the article.
Before purchasing, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the comparative performance index of the selected models. This can be done, for example, on the CPU Boss website.
AMD processor market overview and latest news
Socket AM1 processors
In April 2014, AMD introduced a new budget platform, Socket AM1, within which four processors were announced. You can find out more details. The platform is very weak, the most powerful APU Athlon 5350 runs at 2.05 GHz, is equipped with 4 cores and 2 MB of L2 cache. It seems to us that the Athlon X4 for FM2/FM2+ will be a more reasonable purchase, especially since the upgrade path to more powerful APUs remains the same. But for the most budget PCs, the AM1 platform can be used.
Top Vishera processors (Socket AM3+)
At the end of October 2012, AMD introduced new high-end processors for the AM3+ platform after a year of waiting: the Zambezi generation gives way to Vishera processors. Processors AMD Vishera are no longer based on the Bulldozer architecture, but on its successor Piledriver. AMD promises that the new products will provide a performance increase of up to 15 percent at lower prices. The performance increase is associated, first of all, with an increase in IPC (performance per clock), and secondly with an increase in clock frequencies. All this became possible thanks to the transition to a new architecture. At the same time, the thermal package of the new processors did not increase and remained at the level of 125 W. Like processors based on the Bulldozer architecture, the new Piledriver models overclock well. Recently, Hardwareluxx wrote that the FX-8350 processor was overclocked to 7.4 GHz.
Vishera processors can work on existing AM3+ motherboards. For this reason, AMD refused to announce new chipsets for new processors. If you have acquired motherboard AM3+, it will be possible to add support for new processors simple update BIOS.
At the end of 2012, four Vishera models were announced. Two 8-core FX-8350 and FX-8320, 6-core FX-6300 and 4-core FX-4300. In the second quarter of 2013, FX-4320 at 4 GHz and FX-4350 at 4.2 GHz were added to them. The latter features an increased thermal package to 125 W, as well as 8 MB of L3 cache. The FX-6350 processor operates at 3.9 GHz, but the thermal package has increased to 125 W compared to the FX-6300. The FX-8300 processor, on the contrary, is an economical model in the line; the thermal package has been reduced to 95 W, but the frequency has also been reduced to 3.3 GHz.
The two new processors, the FX-9590 and FX-9370, use four “Piledriver” modules with two cores each, resulting in an 8-core processor. Until now, the fastest AMD processor remained the FX-8350 on the “Vishera” design, which was produced using a 32 nm process technology. The FX-9370's maximum Boost frequency is 4.7 GHz, while the FX-9590's is the aforementioned 5 GHz. The L2 cache, like the FX-8350, is 4x 2 MB, the L3 cache has a capacity of 8 MB. The built-in memory controller officially supports DDR3 with frequencies up to 1866 MHz. The 125-W thermal package of the FX-8350 is a thing of the past; the FX-9590 and FX-9370 processors consume significantly more. The rumors were confirmed, and the thermal package (TDP) was 220 W. The list of compatible motherboards has not yet been published.
Two processors appeared in retail sales. In the summer of 2013, some PC builders have already presented ready-made systems on both CPUs. It is quite possible that two processors will become the final chord for Socket AM3+, and we will not see any more AMD processors for this socket.
In the summer of 2014, the AMD FX-8300 processor was announced. It is stated with a maximum thermal package of 95 W, it runs on eight cores based on the “Piledriver” architecture. Clock speeds range from 3.3 GHz to 4.2 GHz. The processor turned out to be a very interesting option.
Below we provide a table with characteristics:
| AMD FX (Vishera) Desktop Processors | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CPU model | TDP | CPU cores | CPU frequency (nominal/max.) | L2 cache | L3 cache | Max. DDR3 memory frequency | Price in Russia |
| FX-9590 | 220 W | 8 | 4.7 GHz (5.0 GHz) | 1 MB per core | 8 MB | 1866 MHz | 15,300 rub. |
| FX-9370 | 220 W | 8 | 4.4 GHz (4.7 GHz) | 1 MB per core | 8 MB | 1866 MHz | 13,100 rub. |
| FX-8370 | 125 W | 8 | 4.0 GHz (4.3 GHz) | 1 MB per core | 8 MB | 1866 MHz | 12,400 rub. |
| FX-8370E | 95 W | 8 | 3.3 GHz (4.3 GHz) | 1 MB per core | 8 MB | 1866 MHz | 11,800 rub. |
| FX-8350 | 125 W | 8 | 4.0 GHz (4.2 GHz) | 1 MB per core | 8 MB | 1866 MHz | 10,900 rub. |
| FX-8320 | 125 W | 8 | 3.5 GHz (4.0 GHz) | 1 MB per core | 8 MB | 1866 MHz | 9,000 rub. |
| FX-8320E | 95 W | 8 | 3.2 GHz (4.0 GHz) | 1 MB per core | 8 MB | 1866 MHz | 9,000 rub. |
| FX-8300 | 95 W | 8 | 3.3 GHz (4.2 GHz) | 1 MB per core | 8 MB | 1866 MHz | 7,000 rub. |
| FX-6350 | 125 W | 6 | 3.9 GHz (4.2 GHz) | 1 MB per core | 8 MB | 1866 MHz | 7,600 rub. |
| FX-6300 | 95 W | 6 | 3.5 GHz (4.1 GHz) | 1 MB per core | 8 MB | 1866 MHz | 6,400 rub. |
| FX-4350 | 125 W | 4 | 4.2 GHz (4.3 GHz) | 1 MB per core | 8 MB | 1866 MHz | 6,000 rub. |
| FX-4320 | 95 W | 4 | 4.0 GHz | 1 MB per core | 4 MB | 1866 MHz | |
| FX-4300 | 95 W | 4 | 3.8 GHz (4.0 GHz) | 1 MB per core | 4 MB | 1866 MHz | 6,200 rub. |
Overall, Vishera is a step in the right direction for AMD, as the new processors deliver noticeably better performance than 2011's FX based on the Bulldozer architecture - without increasing power consumption. Thanks to improvements in architecture and clock speeds, AMD was able to deliver up to a 20% performance increase over last year's FX-8150, but at a lower price at the time of announcement and the same thermal package.
FX-6350 vs FX-6300
Next come the 8-core processors FX-8320, FX-8350 and FX-8370 with a thermal package of 125 W. The maximum frequency of the FX-8320 is 4.0 GHz, the nominal frequency is 3.5 GHz. Later, the FX-8300 was announced with a TDP of 95 W and a Boost frequency of up to 4.2 GHz (from a base of 3.3 GHz). Let’s add to this the unlocked multiplier, which allows you to overclock this CPU no worse than “older” models. So we don’t see any point in overpaying for the FX-8320 and older, unless you want to play it safe or don’t plan on overclocking.
The FX-9590 and FX-9370 processors with a TDP of 220 W were announced at the end of 2012, but given the unlocked multiplier of the FX-8300, we see no reason to buy them. Unless you want to play it safe.
The quad-core Haswell-based Intel Core i5 processor will still be the best buy for gaming.
APU Kaveri (Socket FM2+)
New for January 2014 is the Kaveri APU. Kaveri processors are based on a completely new architecture and contain a number of new features - both in the field of CPU and graphics cores. The APU is produced using the SHP Globalfoundries 28nm process technology. For Richland processors, a new motherboard was not required; the previous Socket FM2 platform could be used, but for the new generation everything is different again. For Kaveri processors you will need a Socket FM2+ motherboard. But you will get backward compatibility with Richland and Trinity processors. There is also a new family of chipsets with minor changes.
| APU model | Brand AMD Radeon | TDP | CPU cores | CPU frequency (nominal/max.) | AMD Radeon Cores | GPU frequency | L2 cache | Max. DDR3 memory frequency | Price in Russia |
| A10-7850K | Radeon R7 | 95 W | 4 | 3.7 GHz (4.0 GHz) | 512 | 720 MHz | 4 MB | 2133 MHz | 8,900 rub. |
| A10-7800 | Radeon R7 | 65 W/45 W | 4 | 3.5 GHz (3.9 GHz) | 512 | 720 MHz | 4 MB | 2133 MHz | 8,200 rub. |
| A10-7700K | Radeon R7 | 95 W | 4 | 3.4 GHz (3.8 GHz) | 384 | 720 MHz | 4 MB | 2133 MHz | 7,400 rub. |
| A8-7600 | Radeon R7 | 65/45 W | 4 |
3.3 GHz (3.8 GHz) 3.1 GHz (3.3 GHz) |
384 | 720 MHz | 4 MB | 2133 MHz | 6,200 rub. |
| A6-7400K | Radeon R5 | 65 W | 2 | 3.5 GHz (3.9 GHz) | 256 | 756 MHz | 1 MB | 1866 MHz | RUB 3,900 |
| A4-7300 | Radeon R5 | 65 W | 2 | 3.4 GHz | 1 MB | ||||
| Athlon X4 860K | - | 95 W | 4 | 3.7 GHz (4.0 GHz) | - | - | 4 MB | 4,800 rub. | |
| Athlon X4 840 | - | 65 W | 4 | 3.1 GHz | - | - | 4 MB | 3,600 rub. | |
| Athlon X2 450 | - | 65 W | 2 | 3.5 GHz | - | - | 1 MB | ||
The next oldest model is AMD A10-7700K. It operates at lower clock speeds: 3.4 GHz (standard) and 3.8 GHz (Turbo), and its graphics unit is also cut down. It operates at the same 720 MHz, but the number of stream processors is already 384. Also a little later, presumably during the first quarter, the third Kaveri processor, the A8-7600, will hit the market. It will be in the 65W category and will have clock speeds of 3.3 and 3.8 GHz. Its graphics unit will also contain 384 stream processors, and the same four “Steamroller” cores will be responsible for calculations. It is not yet known when the remaining A6 and A4 models will appear.
But based on the theoretical characteristics, this is what we expected. Let's wait for more detailed tests.
In the summer of 2014, three more Kaveri models were added: A10-7800, A8-7600 and A6-7400K. AMD has not made any changes in architecture. Two “junior” processors from the A8 and A6 families close the Kaveri line at the bottom in terms of price and performance, but the AMD A10-7800 is positioned just below the current flagship. As you can guess from the name, the processor no longer has an open multiplier, so you shouldn’t count on easy overclocking. The stock clock speeds have been revised down to 200 and 100 MHz (base and Turbo). The graphics core has not undergone any changes compared to the A10-7850K. But the maximum power consumption of 95 W has now decreased to only 65 W TDP. On compatible motherboards it can be reduced to 45 W at the expense of performance loss. But AMD points to a performance drop of only a few percent. Additional information you can get it in the AMD A10-7800 review.
APU Richland (Socket FM2)
At the beginning of June 2013, AMD introduced new Richland desktop APUs, which replaced the Trinity family. The processors still rely on Piledriver computing cores, but the GPU will receive a major boost.
| AMD A-Series Desktop APUs | |||||||||
| APU model | Brand AMD Radeon | TDP | CPU cores | CPU frequency (nominal/max.) | AMD Radeon Cores | GPU frequency | L2 cache | Max. DDR3 memory frequency | Price in Russia |
| A10-6800K | HD 8670D | 100 W | 4 | 4.1 GHz (4.4 GHz) | 384 | 844 MHz | 4 MB | 2133 MHz | 7,400 rub. |
| A10-6790K | HD 8670D | 100 W | 4 | 4.0 GHz (4.3 GHz) | 384 | 844 MHz | 4 MB | 1866 MHz | 6,900 rub. |
| A10-6700 | HD 8670D | 65 W | 4 | 3.7 GHz (4.3 GHz) | 384 | 844 MHz | 4 MB | 1866 MHz | 7,000 rub. |
| A10-6700T | HD 8650D | 45 W | 4 | 2.5 GHz (3.5 GHz) | 384 | 720 MHz | 4 MB | 2133 MHz | 8,000 rub. |
| A8-6600K | HD 8570D | 100 W | 4 | 3.9 GHz (4.2 GHz) | 256 | 844 MHz | 4 MB | 1866 MHz | 6,000 rub. |
| A8-6500 | HD 8570D | 65 W | 4 | 3.5 GHz (4.1 GHz) | 256 | 800 MHz | 4 MB | 1866 MHz | 6,200 rub. |
| A8-6500T | HD 8550D | 45 W | 4 | 2.1 GHz (3.1 GHz) | 256 | 720 MHz | 4 MB | 1866 MHz | 6,000 rub. |
| A6-6420K | HD 8470D | 65 W | 2 | 4.0 GHz (4.2 GHz) | 192 | 800 MHz | 1 MB | 1866 MHz | 4,300 rub. |
| A6-6400K | HD 8470D | 65 W | 2 | 3.9 GHz (4.1 GHz) | 192 | 800 MHz | 1 MB | 1866 MHz | 3,100 rub. |
| A4-7300 | HD 8470D | 65 W | 2 | 3.8 GHz (4.0 GHz) | 192 | 800 MHz | 1 MB | 1600 MHz | 2,800 rub. |
| A4-6320 | HD 8370D | 65 W | 2 | 3.8 GHz (4.0 GHz) | 128 | 760 MHz | 1 MB | 1600 MHz | 2,800 rub. |
| A4-6300 | HD 8370D | 65 W | 2 | 3.7 GHz (3.9 GHz) | 128 | 760 MHz | 1 MB | 1866 MHz | 2,500 rub. |
| A4-4020 | HD 7480D | 65 W | 2 | 3.2 GHz (3.4 GHz) | 128 | 720 MHz | 1 MB | 1333 MHz | 2,300 rub. |
| A4-4000 | HD 7480D | 65 W | 2 | 3.0 GHz (3.2 GHz) | 128 | 720 MHz | 1 MB | 1600 MHz | 1,900 rub. |
| Athlon X4 760K | - | 100 W | 4 | 3.8 GHz (4.1 GHz) | - | - | 4 MB | 1866 MHz | 5,000 rub. |
| Athlon X4 750 | - | 100 W | 4 | 3.4 GHz (4.0 GHz) | - | - | 4 MB | 1866 MHz | 4,700 rub. |
| Athlon X2 370K | - | 65 W | 2 | 4.0 GHz (4.2 GHz) | - | - | 1 MB | 1866 MHz | 2,400 rub. |
AMD has introduced several new CPU models, all of which contain 1.3 billion transistors. The top model in the new Richland family is the A10-6800K APU with two modules that provide four CPU cores and a Radeon HD 8600 graphics processor. Each processor core operates at a frequency of 4.1 GHz, but in Turbo mode the frequency can increase to 4.4 GHz. Compared to its direct predecessor, Trinity, we received a frequency increase of 300 MHz. Later, the A10-6790K processor was added, which costs slightly less, runs 100 MHz slower, and also officially only supports 1866 MHz memory.
The next model in the family is still rated A10, but the model number has been lowered to 6700. Also, the letter “K” is missing, indicating a locked multiplier. The nominal frequency of the A10-6700 is 3.7 GHz, which is 400 MHz lower than the “older” model. The 4.3 GHz Turbo frequency is also not that high. But you won’t get any compromises on the built-in graphics core. Although the memory controller was somewhat limited: instead of DDR3 2133 MHz mode, the maximum frequency is 1866 MHz. The thermal package of the new A10 models is 100 and 65 W, respectively. A little later, AMD released the A10-6700T processor with a thermal package reduced to 45 W. It will be interesting for building an HTPC.
The next three models belong to the A8 family and differ not only in CPU frequencies. The graphics core of the A8-6600K and A8-6500 operates at different frequencies, although 44 MHz is unlikely to affect performance that much. The four CPU cores in the A8-6600K operate at a standard frequency of 3.9 GHz, and thanks to Turbo the frequency increases to 4.2 GHz. The A8-6500 processor has to be content with frequencies of 3.5 and 4.1 GHz, respectively. The previous generation of APUs had frequencies of 3.6/3.9 GHz and 3.2/3.7 GHz, respectively. AMD also lists maximum power consumption at 65 and 100 W. The L2 cache of all four models reviewed has a capacity of 4096 KB. The A8-6500T processor has reduced power consumption to 45 W, it is suitable for HTPC assembly.
The entry-level processors in the new Richland family are AMD A6-6400K, A4-6300 and A4-4000. They are no longer based on two modules/four cores, but on half of given quantity. To somehow compensate for the reduction in the number of cores, the A6-6400K processor has increased clock speeds: they are 3.9 GHz and 4.1 GHz in Turbo mode. Graphic AMD core cut down, as did the L2 cache, which is a quarter the size of the “older” models - only 1 MB. The thermal package (TDP) of the chip is 65 W.
The A4-6300 is a processor with slightly lower clock speeds compared to the A6-6400K and a locked multiplier. Also, the graphics core has been slightly trimmed down. The processor is noticeably cheaper than the A6-6400K. AMD A4-4000 is a dual-core model, both cores operate at 3 GHz. Acceleration via Turbo Core is provided up to 3.2 GHz. The L2 cache is 1 MB, the thermal package (TDP) is 65 W. The graphics core is old - HD 7480D at a frequency of 724 MHz.
The A6-6420K, A4-6320 and A4-4020 processors are slightly accelerated versions of the original APUs. But they also cost several hundred rubles more.
The Athlon X4 760K, Athlon X4 750 and Athlon X2 370K processors appeared at the end of 2013. They do not have an integrated graphics core, but they provide good performance for their money. However, the computing cores remained the same.
To be fair, AMD has set the bar very high by positioning the new A10 "Richland" APUs to compete with Intel's Core i5 processors. Judging by Hardwareluxx's tests, both the AMD A10-6700 and A10-6800K processors don't come close to the higher-performing Intel processors, even compared to the slowest Core i5 tested. Two Richland APU computing modules are still the Achilles heel of the new product. Even an increase in the Boost frequency to 4.4 GHz does not help them, not to mention the high base frequency of 4.1 GHz - in the case of the Richland flagship. AMD has optimized the 32nm process, but this has not improved the overall picture of power efficiency. At idle, the power consumption of AMD systems is quite competitive with Intel, but under load, APUs consume noticeably more power.
However, regarding iGPU performance, our conclusion will be different. Although AMD would do well to call its integrated graphics core Radeon HD 6000 or Radeon HD 7000, and not disguise the iGPU as the new Radeon HD 8000 family, which has not even entered the desktop PC market yet. Moreover, we did not receive any serious changes compared to the Radeon HD 7670D in the A10-5800K processor, that is, the “Trinity” platform. The iGPU relies on the older VLIW4 design that was around during the Radeon HD 6000 family. But part of the reason for the numbering update is additional features like UVD 3.0 or VCE, which correspond to more recent desktop GPU generations. Integrated in performance GPU, which (according to AMD) takes up about 42 percent of AMD's footprint, actually turns out to be faster than its Intel competitor. However, Intel also made good progress with the new “Haswell” processors, which came close to the “Trinity” platform, but the “Richland” APUs were again able to widen the gap in 3D iGPU performance. Richland's performance will be quite sufficient for older games, but in new games APUs quickly run out of steam. However, if you lower the quality settings and resolution, then you can play the same Anno 2070 and Metro 2033 quite comfortably.
AMD is promoting the new "Richland" processors as "the best platform for casual gamers," and we can agree with that recommendation. But if you need more high performance from AMD, it is better to choose Socket AM3+ processors. They provide more cores. However, even they cannot compete with the Haswell or Ivy Bridge flagships, not to mention the Sandy Bridge-E processors. If you have already purchased a Trinity processor, then there is no reason to think about an upgrade, although the new APUs are compatible with the previous Socket FM2. AMD is having a very difficult time in the processor market today.
Kaveri processors provide better CPU and GPU performance for Socket FM2+, but they are not yet available for sale.
More detailed information You can get information about the performance of the Richland APU in the review: Test and review: AMD A10-6800K and A10-6700
Intel processor market overview and latest news
Intel Haswell-E (Socket 2011-3)
| Cores/threads | Base frequency | Max. Turbo Boost frequency | L3 cache | Max. memory frequency | TDP (W) | Price in Russia | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core i7-5960X | 8/16 | 3.0 GHz | 3.5 GHz | 20 MB | DDR4-2133 | 140 W | 68,400 rub. |
| Core i7-5930K | 6/12 | 3.5 GHz | 3.7 GHz | 15 MB | DDR4-2133 | 140 W | RUB 44,300 |
| Core i7-5820K | 6/12 | 3.3 GHz | 3.6 GHz | 15 MB | DDR4-2133 | 140 W | RUB 29,100 |
Intel Core i7-5960X – new Haswell-E processors
Intel Devils Canyon (Haswell Refresh, Socket 1150)
At Computex, the company introduced new Intel Core i7-4790K and Core i5-4690K processors with the “K” suffix, also known as “Devils Canyon.” The company is also celebrating its 20th anniversary with a new Pentium processor in a special Anniversary edition.
The new "Devils Canyon" processors not only feature an open multiplier and also (partially) run at higher clock speeds, but also contain other changes. The biggest drawback of previous K processors was that they no longer used soldering between the heat spreader and the die, so with the release of the Ivy Bridge generation, heat from the CPU die to the heat spreader was no longer as efficient. Intel now uses an improved material between the die and the heat spreader (TIM), NGPTIM (Next Generation Polymer Thermal Interface Material) to be precise, which provides better heat transfer due to the new chemistry. Of course, the new processor remains compatible with coolers of the previous generation. Intel also installed additional capacitors, which should provide more stable power. Intel also slightly revised the TDP of the new Devils Canyon processors. If the fastest processors “Haswell” and “Haswell Refresh” previously had a thermal package of up to 84 W, then with “Devils Canyon” we got up to 88 W.
The new flagship of “Devils Canyon”, but also of “Haswell Refresh” processors, is the Intel Core i7-4790K. The base frequency of the processor is 4.0 GHz; this is the first Intel processor that normally operates at this frequency without the help of the Turbo function. And this applies to all four cores. With Turbo Boost, individual cores can be accelerated up to 4.4 GHz, depending on workload. The non-K version runs 400 MHz slower, clocking in at 3.6 GHz and 4.0 GHz, respectively. The integrated graphics have also been slightly sped up compared to Intel's Core i7-4790 model. The Intel HD Graphics 4600 graphics core operates at a frequency of up to 1.250 MHz, that is, at the level of the Intel Core i7-4770K.
The Intel Core i5-4690K processor matches the Haswell Refresh model in performance. The base operating frequency is 3.5 GHz, it increases to 3.9 GHz, as in the case of the “non-K” version we get 6 MB of L3 cache. The processor uses the same Intel IGP graphics core, but at a frequency of 1,200 MHz. Like other desktop Core i5 models, there is no support for Hyper-Threading, so up to four threads can run simultaneously. Of course, all modern instruction sets are supported. The built-in memory controller operates at frequencies up to DDR3-1600.
For the 20th anniversary of Pentium processors, Intel also released a new model that does not have improvements in TIM material, but has an unlocked multiplier, which should please ambitious overclockers. The standard dual-core processor operates at a frequency of 3.2 GHz, the cache is 3 MB, and the processor has a built-in graphics core of the HD Graphics family. DDR3 memory officially operates at up to 1333 MHz, the latest instruction sets are not supported, but at least there is support for Quick Sync. The price is 65 euros, which means the Intel Pentium G3258 is much cheaper than many motherboards based on the Intel Z87 or even Z97 chipset, which are required for an unlocked Pentium multiplier.
Processors are given in general table below. You can find out more details.
Intel Haswell (Refresh) (“older” models, Socket 1150)
| Cores/threads | Base frequency | Max. Turbo Boost frequency | L3 cache | HD Graphics | GPU Base Frequency | Max. GPU frequency | TDP (W) | Price in Russia | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core i7-4790K | 4/8 | 4.0 GHz | 4.4 GHz | 8 MB | HD 4600 | 350 MHz | 1250 MHz | 88 W | RUB 24,400 |
| Core i7-4790 | 4/8 | 3.6 GHz | 4.0 GHz | 8 MB | HD 4600 | 350 MHz | 1200 MHz | 84 W | RUB 22,700 |
| Core i7-4790S | 4/8 | 3.2 GHz | 4.0 GHz | 8 MB | HD 4600 | 350 MHz | 1200 MHz | 65 W | 23,300 rub. |
| Core i7-4790T | 4/8 | 2.7 GHz | 3.9 GHz | 8 MB | HD 4600 | 350 MHz | 1200 MHz | 45 W | RUB 21,100 |
| Core i7-4785T | 4/8 | 2.2 GHz | 3.2 GHz | 8 MB | HD 4600 | 350 MHz | 1200 MHz | 35 W | |
| Core i7-4770K | 4/8 | 3.5 GHz | 3.9 GHz | 8 MB | HD 4600 | 350 MHz | 1250 MHz | 84 W | RUB 24,800 |
| Core i7-4771 | 4/8 | 3.5 GHz | 3.9 GHz | 8 MB | HD 4600 | 350 MHz | 1200 MHz | 84 W | RUB 24,200 |
| Core i7-4770 | 4/8 | 3.4 GHz | 3.9 GHz | 8 MB | HD 4600 | 350 MHz | 1200 MHz | 84 W | RUB 22,100 |
| Core i7-4770S | 4/8 | 3.1 GHz | 3.9 GHz | 8 MB | HD 4600 | 350 MHz | 1200 MHz | 65 W | RUB 22,700 |
| Core i7-4770T | 4/8 | 2.5 GHz | 3.7 GHz | 8 MB | HD 4600 | 350 MHz | 1200 MHz | 45 W | RUB 21,700 |
| Core i7-4765T | 4/8 | 2.0 GHz | 3.0 GHz | 8 MB | HD 4600 | 350 MHz | 1200 MHz | 35 W | |
| Core i5-4690K | 4/4 | 3.5 GHz | 3.9 GHz | 6 MB | HD 4600 | 350 MHz | 1200 MHz | 88 W | 16,700 rub. |
| Core i5-4690 | 4/4 | 3.5 GHz | 3.9 GHz | 6 MB | HD 4600 | 350 MHz | 1200 MHz | 84 W | 15,600 rub. |
| Core i5-4690S | 4/4 | 3.2 GHz | 3.9 GHz | 6 MB | HD 4600 | 350 MHz | 1200 MHz | 65 W | RUB 15,900 |
| Core i5-4690T | 4/4 | 2.5 GHz | 3.5 GHz | 6 MB | HD 4600 | 350 MHz | 1200 MHz | 45 W | RUB 14,700 |
| Core i5-4670K | 4/4 | 3.4 GHz | 3.8 GHz | 6 MB | HD 4600 | 350 MHz | 1200 MHz | 84 W | 16,500 rub. |
| Core i5-4670 | 4/4 | 3.4 GHz | 3.8 GHz | 6 MB | HD 4600 | 350 MHz | 1200 MHz | 84 W | 16,500 rub. |
| Core i5-4670S | 4/4 | 3.1 GHz | 3.8 GHz | 6 MB | HD 4600 | 350 MHz | 1200 MHz | 65 W | RUB 15,700 |
| Core i5-4670T | 4/4 | 2.3 GHz | 3.3 GHz | 6 MB | HD 4600 | 350 MHz | 1200 MHz | 45 W | 15,200 rub. |
| Core i5-4590 | 4/4 | 3.3 GHz | 3.7 GHz | 6 MB | HD 4600 | 350 MHz | 1150 MHz | 84 W | 14,400 rub. |
| Core i5-4590S | 4/4 | 3.0 GHz | 3.7 GHz | 6 MB | HD 4600 | 350 MHz | 1150 MHz | 65 W | 15,300 rub. |
| Core i5-4590T | 4/4 | 2.0 GHz | 3.0 GHz | 6 MB | HD 4600 | 350 MHz | 1150 MHz | 35 W | RUB 14,700 |
| Core i5-4570 | 4/4 | 3.2 GHz | 3.6 GHz | 6 MB | HD 4600 | 350 MHz | 1150 MHz | 84 W | 14,200 rub. |
| Core i5-4570S | 4/4 | 2.9 GHz | 3.6 GHz | 6 MB | HD 4600 | 350 MHz | 1150 MHz | 65 W | 15,200 rub. |
| Core i5-4570T | 2/4 | 2.9 GHz | 3.6 GHz | 6 MB | HD 4600 | 200 MHz | 1150 MHz | 35 W | |
| Core i5-4460 | 4/4 | 3.2 GHz | 3.4 GHz | 6 MB | HD 4600 | 350 MHz | 1100 MHz | 84 W | 13,300 rub. |
| Core i5-4460S | 4/4 | 2.9 GHz | 3.4 GHz | 6 MB | HD 4600 | 350 MHz | 1100 MHz | 65 W | 12,200 rub. |
| Core i5-4460T | 4/4 | 1.9 GHz | 2.7 GHz | 6 MB | HD 4600 | 350 MHz | 1100 MHz | 35 W | |
| Core i5-4440 | 4/4 | 3.1 GHz | 3.3 GHz | 6 MB | HD 4600 | 350 MHz | 1100 MHz | 84 W | 13,000 rub. |
| Core i5-4440S | 4/4 | 2.8 GHz | 3.3 GHz | 6 MB | HD 4600 | 350 MHz | 1100 MHz | 65 W | 12,900 rub. |
| Core i5-4430 | 4/4 | 3.0 GHz | 3.2 GHz | 6 MB | HD 4600 | 350 MHz | 1100 MHz | 84 W | 13,300 rub. |
| Core i5-4430S | 4/4 | 2.7 GHz | 3.2 GHz | 6 MB | HD 4600 | 350 MHz | 1100 MHz | 65 W | 12,300 rub. |
On June 1, 2013, chip giant Intel introduced a new platform called Haswell. In 2013, 14 new processors were announced, followed by another 20 Haswell Refresh processors in 2014. Intel remained committed to the standard naming scheme, with the Haswell generation maintaining the division between Core i7 and Core i5. Only the model number was increased from 3xxx to 4xxx. The top model in the line, Core i7-4790K, provides the most high level performance, the L3 cache size was 8 MB. The maximum clock speed of 4.0 GHz increases to 4.4 GHz in Turbo mode. In addition, four physical cores, thanks to Hyper-Threading technology, will provide eight virtual cores, the TDP thermal package is 88 W. The versions below have a thermal package of 84 W.
A step lower are the processors of the Core i5 family. Their L3 cache is slightly reduced to 6 MB, the fastest model in the line runs at 3.5 GHz. The top model, called Core i5-4690K, relies on four cores without Hyper-Threading. In Turbo mode, the processor accelerates to 3.9 GHz from the standard frequency of 3.5 GHz, the thermal package is 88 W. The versions below have a thermal package of 84 W.
Haswell's Iris Pro (GT3) graphics core is quite interesting, but this option is used only in BGA chips aimed at the mobile market. As for desktop PCs, here users get the GT2 option (Intel HD Graphics 4600), which gives an impressive increase over the HD 4000 for Ivy bridge processors, although one cannot expect a revolutionary increase compared to discrete video cards. For gamers, it's still better to get a discrete graphics card.
Do not forget that along with the Haswell processor you will have to purchase a Socket 1150 motherboard. For this purpose, we recommend ours.
Intel Haswell (Refresh) (“younger” models, Socket 1150)
Intel began production of new generation Haswell processors (test and review) from the very powerful models Core i7 and Core i5 for Socket LGA 1150. Less expensive Core i3 and Pentium appeared on the market in September. In May 2014 they were supplemented with new Haswell Refresh models.
| Cores/threads | Base frequency | L3 cache | HD Graphics | Max. GPU frequency | Memory | TDP (W) | Price in Russia | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core i3-4370 | 2/4 | 3.8 GHz | 4 MB | HD 4600 | 1150 MHz | DDR3-1600 | 54 W | 11,100 rub. |
| Core i3-4360 | 2/4 | 3.7 GHz | 4 MB | HD 4600 | 1150 MHz | DDR3-1600 | 54 W | 10,700 rub. |
| Core i3-4360T | 2/4 | 3.2 GHz | 4 MB | HD 4600 | 1150 MHz | DDR3-1600 | 35 W | |
| Core i3-4350 | 2/4 | 3.6 GHz | 4 MB | HD 4600 | 1150 MHz | DDR3-1600 | 54 W | 10,500 rub. |
| Core i3-4350T | 2/4 | 3.1 GHz | 4 MB | HD 4600 | 1150 MHz | DDR3-1600 | 35 W | |
| Core i3-4340 | 2/4 | 3.6 GHz | 4 MB | HD 4600 | 1150 MHz | DDR3-1600 | 54 W | 10,500 rub. |
| Core i3-4330TE | 2/4 | 2.4 GHz | 4 MB | HD | 1000 MHz | DDR3-1600 | 35 W | |
| Core i3-4330T | 2/4 | 3.0 GHz | 4 MB | HD 4600 | 1150 MHz | DDR3-1600 | 35 W | |
| Core i3-4330 | 2/4 | 3.5 GHz | 4 MB | HD 4600 | 1150 MHz | DDR3-1600 | 54 W | 9,500 rub. |
| Core i3-4160 | 2/4 | 3.6 GHz | 3 MB | HD 4400 | 1150 MHz | DDR3-1600 | 54 W | 8,500 rub. |
| Core i3-4160T | 2/4 | 3.1 GHz | 3 MB | HD 4400 | 1150 MHz | DDR3-1600 | 35 W | |
| Core i3-4150 | 2/4 | 3.5 GHz | 3 MB | HD 4400 | 1150 MHz | DDR3-1600 | 54 W | 8,400 rub. |
| Core i3-4150T | 2/4 | 3.0 GHz | 3 MB | HD 4400 | 1150 MHz | DDR3-1600 | 35 W | 12,200 rub. |
| Core i3-4130T | 2/4 | 2.9 GHz | 3 MB | HD 4400 | 1150 MHz | DDR3-1600 | 35 W | 8,900 rub. |
| Core i3-4130 | 2/4 | 3.4 GHz | 3 MB | HD 4400 | 1150 MHz | DDR3-1600 | 54 W | 8,200 rub. |
| Pentium G3460 | 2/2 | 3.5 GHz | 3 MB | HD | 1100 MHz | DDR3-1600 | 65 W | 6,600 rub. |
| Pentium G3450 | 2/2 | 3.4 GHz | 3 MB | HD | 1100 MHz | DDR3-1600 | 53 W | 5,500 rub. |
| Pentium G3450T | 2/2 | 2.9 GHz | 3 MB | HD | 1100 MHz | DDR3-1600 | 35 W | |
| Pentium G3440 | 2/2 | 3.3 GHz | 3 MB | HD | 1100 MHz | DDR3-1600 | 53 W | 5,600 rub. |
| Pentium G3440T | 2/2 | 2.8 GHz | 3 MB | HD | 1100 MHz | DDR3-1600 | 35 W | |
| Pentium G3430 | 2/2 | 3.3 GHz | 3 MB | HD | 1100 MHz | DDR3-1600 | 53 W | 6,500 rub. |
| Pentium G3420T | 2/2 | 2.7 GHz | 3 MB | HD | 1100 MHz | DDR3-1600 | 35 W | |
| Pentium G3420 | 2/2 | 3.2 GHz | 3 MB | HD | 1100 MHz | DDR3-1600 | 53 W | 5,200 rub. |
| Pentium G3250 | 2/2 | 3.2 GHz | 3 MB | HD | 1100 MHz | DDR3-1333 | 53 W | 4,500 rub. |
| Pentium G3250T | 2/2 | 2.8 GHz | 3 MB | HD | 1100 MHz | DDR3-1333 | 35 W | |
| Pentium G3240 | 2/2 | 3.1 GHz | 3 MB | HD | 1100 MHz | DDR3-1333 | 53 W | 4,400 rub. |
| Pentium G3240T | 2/2 | 2.7 GHz | 3 MB | HD | 1100 MHz | DDR3-1333 | 35 W | |
| Pentium G3320TE | 2/2 | 2.3 GHz | 3 MB | HD | 1000 MHz | DDR3-1600 | 35 W | |
| Pentium G3220T | 2/2 | 2.6 GHz | 3 MB | HD | 1100 MHz | DDR3-1333 | 35 W | |
| Pentium G3258(K) | 2/2 | 3.1 GHz | 3 MB | HD | 1100 MHz | DDR3-1333 | 53 W | 5,400 rub. |
| Pentium G3220 | 2/2 | 3.0 GHz | 3 MB | HD | 1100 MHz | DDR3-1333 | 53 W | 4,900 rub. |
| Celeron G1850 | 2/2 | 2.9 GHz | 2 MB | HD | 1050 GHz | DDR3-1333 | 53 W | RUB 3,400 |
| Celeron G1840 | 2/2 | 2.8 GHz | 2 MB | HD | 1050 GHz | DDR3-1333 | 53 W | 3,100 rub. |
| Celeron G1840T | 2/2 | 2.5 GHz | 2 MB | HD | 1050 GHz | DDR3-1333 | 35 W | |
| Celeron G1830 | 2/2 | 2.8 GHz | 2 MB | HD | 1050 GHz | DDR3-1333 | 53 W | 2,700 rub. |
| Celeron G1820 | 2/2 | 2.7 GHz | 2 MB | HD | 1050 GHz | DDR3-1333 | 53 W | 2,700 rub. |
| Celeron G1820T | 2/2 | 2.4 GHz | 2 MB | HD | 1050 GHz | DDR3-1333 | 35 W |
The younger Pentium G models operate with a thermal package of 53 W. Pentium G processors with the “T” suffix with a lower thermal package of 35 W were added to them. Please note that the Pentium G3240 and below only supports DDR3-1333 memory; older models already have support for DDR3-1600. There is no support for Turbo Boost, nor Hyper-Threading, so you will have to be content with two Haswell computing cores. Also, Celeron and Pentium processors will have to abandon support for AES and AVX instruction sets.
Intel Core i3 processors based on Haswell architecture already offer more. The most important advantage is that you will receive support for Hyper-Threading, which turns two physical cores into four virtual ones. AES and AVX instruction sets are also supported, as well as DDR3-1600 memory. But, unfortunately, automatic Turbo Boost overclocking is reserved for Core i5 and i7 models.
Intel introduced new Core i3 processors. These were added to Core i3 models with the “T” suffix with a lower thermal package of 35 W. Only the top Core i3 models are equipped with an HD 4600 graphics core; Core i3-4150 and lower processors have to make do with the less powerful HD 4400. The Core i3-4330TE generally uses a “budget” HD Graphic graphics core, like the Pentium line.
The best processor at a price of 2,700 rubles - Intel Celeron G1830 (Haswell, 1150)
Entry-level processor for the new Socket 1150 platform. Two cores at 2.8 GHz do not work miracles in terms of performance, but the price is low. In the future, the processor can be replaced with a Core i5 or Core i7 model for Socket 1150.
Verdict: ideal processor for “budget” builds. Suitable if you want to view web pages, videos and photos, listen to music, and work in office applications.
Alternative option 1. AMD A4-6300 for 2,500 rubles. (Richland, FM2)
The AMD A4-6300 processor can be considered as an alternative to the Celeron G1830 for an entry-level build. Thanks to its 900 MHz frequency advantage, it offers comparable computing performance, although it consumes more power. The advantages include the Radeon HD 8370D graphics core with 128 stream processors, although it is weak for games.
Alternative option 2. AMD Athlon X2 370K for 2,400 rubles. (Richland, FM2)
In the summer of 2013, AMD introduced a new family of Richland APUs, which included the release of a processor without a graphics core, the Athlon X2 370K. It can be considered as an alternative to the Celeron G/Pentium G for an entry-level build. Thanks to its 4.0 GHz frequency advantage, it offers similar computing performance, although it consumes more power. We also note the unlocked multiplier of the Athlon X2 370K
If you need a processor with a graphics core, we recommend getting the AMD A4-6300 above for a comparable price, or the A6-6400K for a little more. The advantages include the Radeon HD 8470D graphics core with 192 stream processors, although it is weak for games. The A6-6400K's unlocked multiplier makes it easy to overclock the processor.
You will also have to use the Socket FM2/FM2+ platform, the top processor for which is the 4-core A10-7850K. It is approximately equal to Core i3 on Haswell; to upgrade to the performance level of Core i5/i7 you will have to change the entire platform.
The best processor at a price of 3,900 rubles - AMD A6 7400K (Kaveri, FM2+)
The AMD A6-7400K processor can be considered as a less expensive alternative to the Intel Pentium G3220 for an entry-level build. Due to its frequency advantage of 0.5-0.9 GHz, it provides satisfactory computing performance, although it consumes more power. The advantages include Radeon R5 graphics core with 256 stream processors, although for modern games it is weak. We also note the unlocked multiplier, thanks to which you can easily overclock the processor.
The best processor at a price of 4,500 rubles - Intel Pentium G3250 (Haswell, 1150)
Entry-level processor for the new Socket 1150 platform. In the future, the processor can be replaced with a Core i5 or Core i7 model for Socket 1150.
Verdict: an excellent processor for “budget” builds. Suitable if you want to view web pages, videos and photos, listen to music, and work in office applications. Slightly more productive than Intel Celeron G1830.
The advantage of the Haswell platform and Socket 1150: in the future you can install the most powerful 4-core Core i5 and Core i7 processors, up to the i7-4790K.
Minimum standard for a gaming computer
The best processor at a price of 5,400 rubles - Pentium G3258 (Haswell, 1150)
The Pentium G3258 processor can be recommended as an entry-level option for the new Socket 1150 platform. If you purchase new computer, then it makes more sense to build it on the new Socket 1150 platform, but you can also take the old Socket 1155 at a significantly lower price. The Pentium G3258 operates at 3.2 GHz and features an unlocked multiplier. You can easily overclock the processor to 4.5 GHz and above. But make sure your motherboard supports CPU overclocking.
Verdict: An excellent processor for “budget” general-purpose builds, although for gaming PCs we would recommend 4 physical cores.
The advantage of the Haswell platform and Socket 1150: in the future you can install the most powerful 4-core Core i5 and Core i7 processors, up to the i7-4790K.
Alternative option 1. Athlon X4 860K for 4,800 rubles. (Kaveri, FM2+)
The AMD Athlon X4 860K processor provides four "budget" processing cores at 3.7 GHz (up to 4.0 GHz in Turbo mode). It is analogous to AMD A10/A8 processors, but without a graphics core. In principle, this processor is a less expensive alternative to the FX-4300; you get modern Piledriver processing cores, but there is no L3 cache.
We also note the unlocked X4 860K multiplier, thanks to which you can easily overclock the processor. In this case, it will be faster than 2-core Pentium and Core i3 processors from Intel, but 4 Intel cores are still faster. In addition, the 4-core FX-4350 is still preferable due to the L3 cache and the availability of top-end 8-core AMD CPUs for Socket AM3+. But it costs a little more.
You will also have to use the Socket FM2+ platform, the top processor for which is the 4-core A10-7850K. It is approximately equal to Core i3 on Haswell; to upgrade to the performance level of Core i5/i7 you will have to change the entire platform.
Verdict: an excellent processor for “budget” builds, including gaming PCs. But if you can pay extra for a quad-core Core i5 or FX-4350, then it's better to choose them.
If you install a video card rather than use the integrated graphics core, then the Athlon X4 860K is the most profitable processor for this platform.
The best processor at a price of 6,000 rubles - AMD FX-4350 (Vishera, AM3+)
FX-4350 vs FX-4300. The FX-4300 processor displaced the FX-4100, FX-4130 and FX-4170 in our recommendations. It is equipped with four new generation Piledriver cores and operates at a maximum frequency of 4.0 GHz (standard 3.8 GHz), that is, noticeably faster than the FX-4100, but slower than the 4.2 GHz FX-4170. The L3 cache is 4 MB. However, the FX-4170 has already disappeared from retail. The price in Russia of the FX-4300 today has risen above the FX-4350 at 4.2 GHz, which has an 8 MB L3 cache. So the choice is obvious - FX-4350.
We also note the unlocked multiplier of the FX-4350, thanks to which you can easily overclock the processor. In this case, it will be faster than 2-core Pentium and Core i3 processors from Intel, but 4 Intel cores are still faster. In addition, the 4-core FX-4350 is still preferable due to the L3 cache and the presence of top-end 8-core AMD CPUs for Socket AM3+ than the Athlon X4 860K.
Alternative option 1. AMD A8 6600K for 6,000 rubles. (Richland, FM2)
Processor AMD A8-6600K - good alternative FX-4350, you get the same Piledriver processing cores, but there is no L3 cache. The advantages include the Radeon HD 8570D graphics core with 256 stream processors, although it is still weak for games. Let's also note unlocked A8-6600K multiplier, thanks to which you can easily overclock the processor.
You will also have to use the Socket FM2/FM2+ platform, the top processor for which is the 4-core A10-7850K. It is approximately equal to Core i3 on Haswell; to upgrade to the performance level of Core i5/i7 you will have to change the entire platform.
The best processor at a price of 6,400 rubles - AMD FX-6300 (Vishera, AM3+)
Six cores for such a price - a very profitable offer. Moreover, the FX-6300 processor multiplier is unlocked, so you can increase the stock 3.5 GHz clock speed to a higher level. And for workstations, six cores perform very well - if you have applications that can load them.
FX-6350 vs FX-6300. The new 6-core FX-6300 processor operates at a maximum frequency of 4.1 GHz (3.5 GHz nominal). Since June 2013, the FX-6350 processor at 3.9 GHz has been on sale, but it costs more. Taking into account the unlocked multiplier of the “younger” models, there is no point in taking it.
We recommend paying extra for the FX-8300. You'll get eight cores for not much more!
The optimal bracket for a gaming computer
The best processor at a price of 7,000 rubles - AMD FX-8300 (Vishera, AM3+)
Eight cores for this price is a great deal!
After the 6-core CPUs, there are 8-core processors FX-8320, FX-8350 and FX-8370 with a thermal package of 125 W. The maximum frequency of the FX-8320 is 4.0 GHz, the nominal frequency is 3.5 GHz. Later, the FX-8300 was announced with a TDP of 95 W and a Boost frequency of up to 4.2 GHz (from a base of 3.3 GHz). Let's add to this an unlocked multiplier, which allows you to overclock this CPU no worse than older models. So we don’t see any point in overpaying for the FX-8320 and older, unless you want to play it safe or don’t plan on overclocking.
The quad-core Haswell-based Intel Core i5 processor will still be the best buy for gaming. But it costs more.
The best processor at a price of 8,200 rubles - Intel Core i3-4130 (Haswell, 1150)
The Intel Core i3-4130 processor can be recommended as an entry-level option with 4 virtual cores for the new Socket 1150 platform. If you are purchasing a new computer, then it is more reasonable to build it on the new Socket 1150 platform, but you can also take the old Socket 1155 provided it is much less prices. Intel Core i3-4130 operates at a clock speed of 3.4 GHz.
Verdict: an excellent processor for optimally priced builds, including gaming PCs on the new Socket 1150 platform.
But we should not forget that the Core i3-4130 does not support overclocking by raising the base frequency. Therefore, for overclocking you should choose Core i5 and i7 models with the “K” index, which are more expensive.
The advantage of the Haswell platform and Socket 1150: in the future you can install the most powerful 4-core Core i5 and Core i7 processors, up to the i7-4790K.
On the other hand, do not forget that the Core i3 is a 2-core processor with four virtual cores. If you are not going to upgrade to a Core i5/i7 in the future, then it is better to take the 8-core FX-8300.
If an upgrade is in your plans, today it is more profitable to take a 2-core Pentium G3258 with an unlocked multiplier, so as not to overpay for a Core i3, which you cannot overclock.
The best processor at a price of 8,900 rubles - AMD A10-7850K (Kaveri, FM2+)
The top model APU A10-7850K is equipped with 12 computing cores. If previously CPU and GPU cores were counted separately, today AMD summarizes them. To be more precise, we will get four CPU cores and eight GPU graphics cores. That is, four cores of the new “Steamroller” architecture and 512 GCN stream processors. AMD set clock frequencies at 3.7 GHz (base frequency) and 4.0 GHz (Turbo). Graphics cores operate at a frequency of 720 MHz. The APU is also equipped with 4 MB of L2 cache. The thermal package (TPD) is 95 W. The new A10-7850K APU boasts a total computing performance of 856 GFLOPs. Of course, AMD wanted to reach the 1.0 TFLOPs level with Kaveri, but this has not happened yet.
The transition from the old VLIW4 graphics architecture to the modern GCN, which AMD uses in its current Volcanic Islands video cards, provided Kaveri with a significant performance boost. IN modern games Metro: Last Light, Grid 2 or Bioshock we got a higher frame rate. Anno 2070 also saw a nice increase in frame rate. Overall, the new Kaveri APUs allow you to play games in Full-HD resolution. But depending on the game, you may need to lower the quality settings. Generally, Graphics performance of "Kaveri" is inferior to discrete AMD Radeon HD 7750- but according to the theoretical characteristics, this is what we expected.
If you install a video card rather than use the built-in graphics core, then it is more profitable to take the Athlon X4 860K for this platform. Or the 8-core FX-8300 for the AM3+ platform.
The best processor at a price of 13,300 rubles - Intel Core i5-4460 (Haswell, 1150)
On June 1, 2013, chip giant Intel introduced a new platform called Haswell. A step below the Core i7 are processors from the Core i5 family. Their L3 cache is slightly reduced to 6 MB, the fastest model in the line runs at 3.4 GHz. The cheapest model, called Core i5-4430, relies on four cores without Hyper-Threading. In Turbo mode, the processor accelerates to 3.2 GHz from the standard frequency of 3.0 GHz, the thermal package is the same 84 W. In the fall of 2014, the Core i5-4460 processor dropped in price to the level of 4430, displacing the “younger” 4-core Haswell model from our recommendations - yet it runs 200 MHz faster.
The difference at equal clock frequencies compared to its predecessor is small. So owners of Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge productivity platforms have no particular reason to worry about upgrading to Haswell. But if you are purchasing a platform from scratch, then it is better to take a Socket 1150 motherboard and a Haswell processor.
Verdict: a good processor for productive builds, including gaming PCs.
For more information about Haswell processors, check out the following reviews:
The best processor at a price of 16,700 rubles - Intel Core i5-4690K (Devil’s Canyon, 1150)
At the beginning of June 2014, Intel introduced new Intel “Devil’s Canyon” processors to the market. Thanks to numerous improvements related to heat spreader, the new processors were expected to achieve higher overclocking levels than the original Haswell generation. As shown by tests of the Intel Core i7-4790K processor, Intel was able to significantly improve temperatures, but the overclocking potential was not much higher.
The native clock speed of the Intel Core i5-4690K is much lower than the Core i7-4790K – only 3.5 GHz. The maximum Turbo frequency is also low, the level of 3.9 GHz is lower than the “older” model, operating at frequencies from 4.0 to 4.4 GHz. For the “younger” Devil’s Canyon model, Intel also abandoned the Hyper-Threading function. The Intel Core i5-4690K processor is based on four physical and logical cores. But it has an open multiplier and also has all the mentioned TIM improvements.
You can read more information about the Intel Core i5-4690K in the review: Test and review: Intel Core i5-4690K – the second Devil’s Canyon processor
Verdict: an excellent processor for productive builds, including gaming PCs. The processor multiplier is unlocked, you can overclock it to higher clock speeds.
The best processor at a price of 22,700 rubles - Intel Core i7-4790 (Haswell, 1150)
On June 1, 2013, chip giant Intel introduced a new platform called Haswell. The top model in the line, the Core i7-4770K, provided the highest level of performance, with an 8 MB L3 cache. The maximum clock speed of 3.5 GHz increases to 3.9 GHz in Turbo mode. In addition, four physical cores, thanks to Hyper-Threading technology, will provide eight virtual cores, the TDP thermal package is 84 W. The Core i7-4790 model (without the “K” suffix) has a standard clock frequency raised to 3.6 GHz, Turbo – to 4.0 GHz, but the multiplier is locked.
The difference at equal clock frequencies compared to its predecessor is small. So owners of Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge productivity platforms have no particular reason to worry about upgrading to Haswell. But if you are purchasing a platform from scratch, then it is better to take a Socket 1150 motherboard and a Haswell processor.
All processors will support DDR3 memory up to 1600 MHz, and the new LGA1150 will be used as the socket. The built-in graphics core operates, depending on the CPU model, at 1250-1100 MHz; Intel has slightly optimized the performance of each model depending on the needs.
For more information about Haswell processors, check out the following reviews:
Writing summaries about the desktop processor market requires more and more creativity every year. The fact is that the development of classic CPUs with x86 architecture is clearly slowing down, and there are fewer and fewer significant events. This is happening for obvious reasons: on the one hand, against the backdrop of the rapid development of mobile and portable devices User interest in traditional personal computers is falling. On the other hand, the lack of real competition in the x86 processor market is affecting. Thirdly, we should not forget that the development of new processor designs requires ever-increasing costs. Two factors play a role here: as serious production problems that inevitably arise with the introduction of increasingly “subtle” technological processes, as well as the increased complexity of the microarchitecture of modern CPUs themselves.
Therefore, it is not surprising that the presentation of events that occurred during the year in the processor market is becoming shorter and shorter. However, today's final material turned out to be much more meaningful than usual. The fact is that for everyone who is interested in the state of affairs in the CPU market, a ray of hope has dawned: next year AMD promises to introduce its new Zen microarchitecture, which can change the already familiar balance of power. As a result, when talking about the current situation with x86 processors, we, willy-nilly, have to make constant references to the near future and dwell in detail on forecasts and prospects. However, before we touch on the issue of the near future, let’s still remember what announcements AMD and Intel pleased us with over the past year.
