The main element of a gaming computer is a video card, however, the central processor is also not the last thing. And in the case of office, multimedia, educational and other not the most resource-intensive tasks - it affects performance even more than graphics. In the TOP of inexpensive processors in 2016, there are models that deserve a place in the assembly of a budget PC.
- Price... As the upper limit of the cost, to get into the rating of budget processors for PCs in 2016, the amount of UAH 3,000 was chosen. With a more expensive CPU, you won't be able to build an inexpensive and powerful computer, not even a gaming one.
- Relevance... The rating of processors for PC 2016 includes only those CPUs that remain relevant at the time of this writing. Outdated platforms like socket 1150 from Intel or FM1 from AMD were not considered.
- Value for money... To get into the TOP of the best processors in 2016, it is not enough for the CPU to be inexpensive and relevant. It is important that in its class it stands out favorably against the background of competitors, and in its lineup it looks the most interesting.
Considering these parameters, 7 models, the best in their class, or in general on the market, were selected for the rating of budget processors in 2016. Each of the processors is optimal for a particular type of use, and is capable of delivering sufficient performance in the conditions of 2016-early 2017.
TOP best processors for budget PC
7th place: AMD Athlon 5150 x4, from 949 UAH
Opens budget processor rankings 2016 cheap quad-core cpu AMD Athlon 5150. This is a processor entry leveldesigned for silent multimedia and office PCs in compact enclosures. AMD Athlon 5150 is equipped with four cores clocked at 1.6 GHz. The L2 cache capacity is 2 MB. The processor is made according to the not very recent 28 nm process technology, but nevertheless the heat dissipation level is only 25 watts. The CPU is designed to fit into socket AM1 boards with DDR3 memory.
On the basis of AMD Athlon 5150, you can assemble a cheap computer for simple tasks, such as working with documents and surfing the web, as well as watching movies, within the budget of 5 thousand hryvnia for everything together. It is equipped with integrated Radeon R3 graphics, which is sufficient for multimedia and office tasks, although not enough for gaming. However, the same WoT on low settings charts given processor able to pull.
6th place: AMD Athlon X4 860K, from UAH 1914
The next hero in the TOP budget processors for low-cost PC in 2016 is the AMD Athlon X4 860K. This is already a more productive solution for those who need a computer that can handle games. It has 4 cores, operating at frequencies up to 3.7 GHz, and thanks to an unlocked multiplier, it easily overclocks to about 4.5 GHz. The processor has a 4 MB cache on board, and the chip is manufactured using the 28 nm process technology. The power consumption of the chip is limited to 95 W. It is designed to work in motherboards for socket FM2 + and DDR3 memory.
The AMD Athlon X4 860K is an inexpensive quad-core processor that is suitable for entry-level gaming systems and also handles light tasks well. 4 physical cores give it an advantage over Intel Celeron and Pentium of a similar price category (up to UAH 2000), but in terms of specific performance per core, it
lags significantly behind. Therefore, this budget processor was in the TOP at 6th place.
5th place: Intel Celeron G3900, from 965 UAH
The first Intel representative in the 2016 ranking of low-cost home PC processors is the Celeron G3900. It is positioned as an office solution, and although it is equipped with only two cores, their performance is quite good. They work at a frequency of 2.8 GHz, the cache capacity is 2 MB. The chip is manufactured using a thin 14 nm process technology, so its consumption in reality never reaches the declared 51 W. In practice, it consumes 10 to 30 watts of power. The Celeron G3900 is installed in Socket 1151 motherboards that support DDR3L and DDR4 memory.
The processor more than copes with its office purpose. For games, it is also suitable, but not the most demanding. To play normally, the built-in intel graphics cards HD 510 is clearly not enough (although WoT is at the minimum it can handle). But if you install something like a Radeon RX 460 into the system, then even normal gameplay in GTA 5 or The Witcher 3 is a reality.
4th place: AMD FX-6300, from UAH 2595
AMD FX-6300 got into the TOP of inexpensive processors for PCs in 2016 due to the fact that it is a "popular" six-core processor and has long been popular. It cannot be considered an ideal gaming solution, nevertheless, this processor is worth its money. Its 6 cores operate at 3.5 GHz, and the cache size is 6 MB for L2 memory and 8 MB for L3 memory. The chip is manufactured using a 32 nm process technology, so it is not very cold and emits 95 watts of heat. The processor is designed for installation in motherboards with socket AM3 +, but is supported by many motherboards with AM3.
Due to its good compatibility with old motherboards, a large number of cores (albeit not very powerful), as well as a spacious cache, the processor is quite good for its price. It lags behind Intel solutions (like the same i3-6100) in tasks requiring fast cores, but where multithreading is important, it holds the lead. In combination with a video card of the level of GeForce GTX1050 Ti, the processor is able to handle all modern games at medium and high (and sometimes even more) settings.
3rd place: AMD A10-7850K, from UAH 2632
AMD A10-7850K is in the TOP of the best processors for budget PCs in 2016 due to the combination of a decent CPU and integrated graphics. As for the CPU, this is the same Athlon 860K, with four cores at 3.7 GHz, 4 MB of L2 cache and overclocking support. It is also made according to the 28 nm process technology and consumes up to 95 watts of energy. The processor is designed for motherboards with an FM2 + socket and works with DDR3 RAM at frequencies up to 2133 MHz.
The advantage of the AMD A10-7850K against the Athlon 860K is the presence of a decent integrated video card. Its integrated core can even claim to be a gaming one, while this CPU is only 700 UAH more expensive than its counterpart without graphics. If you buy fast DDR3 memory in a set of 2 strips, you will even be able to play new games without buying a discrete video card. This is the main advantage of AMD A10-7850K for those who rarely play, but sometimes can drive in tanks or boats. Some kind of GTA5 will also work, but only on degraded graphics settings.
Quality and speed of operation personal computerand its performance is highly dependent on the processor. This becomes clear when the PC refuses to cope with the tasks that the user sets for it. There is only one way out - to upgrade your computer and look for a new, more productive and modern processor. So that the purchase does not turn out to be useless, you need to clearly understand how to choose a processor and what parameters it must have in order to cope with specific tasks. Similar problems are faced by those who decided to assemble a car for themselves. Let's try to answer all questions as briefly and succinctly as possible, as well as study the modern market and determine the best processors in 2018.
The main point of controversy when choosing a processor is the manufacturer. At the moment, there are two companies competing on the market - AMD andIntel... The controversy over which product is better resembles the perpetual debate about iOS and Android, or Canon and Nikon. Fans of this or that system are ready to tirelessly prove their point of view, there is a constant arms race between the companies themselves, so it is impossible to unequivocally answer which processors are better, AMD or Intel. Someone once said that it was a matter of religion or even a matter of habit.
We will return to the manufacturer's question later, try to understand their proposals in more detail, but for now we note that when choosing a processor, you should still pay attention to its architecture, the number of cores, clock speed, cache memory and other parameters.
Processor socket, or Socket type
The processor is installed in a special socket on the motherboard, so the type of socket (socket) they must match. Different types connectors are incompatible - a system assembled in this way will not work. Motherboard manufacturers indicate which processors each model is compatible with. Information is available in the instructions for the motherboard or on the official websites. If you assemble the computer yourself, then do not take outdated motherboard: In a couple of years, when you want to upgrade your PC, you will have to buy not only a new processor, but also a new motherboard. 
There are up to 30 different types of sockets, many of which are already considered obsolete.
Intel processors are currently available with these sockets:
For processorsAMD such sockets are relevant:
- FM2 / FM2 + - inexpensive simple processorswhich are suitable for assembling ordinary office systems and the simplest gaming PCs;
- AM3 + - one of the most common sockets, on its basis it is possible to assemble systems of any capacity, up to the most advanced gaming computers;
- AM4 - Socket for the most powerful processors used to build professional and gaming PCs;
- AM1 - socket for the simplest processors.
Sockets LGA1155, LGA775AM3, LGA2011, AM2 / + are deprecated. 
Number of cores and threads
The core of the process is its heart, brain and soul. The first multi-core processor was introduced to the world by Intel, but there is still an opinion that the idea was stolen from AMD. Let's not stir up the past - the main thing is that today you can't find single-core processors. It remains to figure out how many cores are really needed.
If to simplify a little, then you can come to the following conclusions:
- 2 cores - an option for a computer that will be used to work with basic set office programs, launching a browser and watching a video;
- 4 cores- option for both office use and for running medium-sized toys. It all depends on the frequency and architecture;
- 6, 8 and 10 cores - powerful computers for running 3D programs and the most advanced and demanding games. A good option for the gamer.
Please note that there are programs that cannot balance the load across the cores, and they will run faster on a 2-core processor with a higher clock speed than a 4-core processor, but at a lower frequency.
Please note that there is processors with virtual additional cores... Special technology (Intel Hyper-Threading or AMD SMT) allows you to clone every physical core, so the number of data processing threads does not always equal the number of cores... If you're talking about an eight-threaded processor, then it might have 4 or 8 real cores. 
CPU frequency
Many users naively believe that the higher the clock speed, the better and faster the computer will work. This is not entirely true, or rather true, but under certain conditions. Let's figure it out.
Clock speed refers to the number of operations a processor performs per second. Consequently, the higher the frequency, the faster the "brains" work, and a 3.5 GHz processor would be preferred over a 2.8 GHz processor, for example. This is really so when it comes to processors of the same linewhere identical kernels are used.
Performance depends not only on the frequency, but also on the processor architecture and cache size, so you shouldn't focus solely on the frequency, but within the same line it is a significant factor. 
Technical process
The technical process determines the size of the transistors on the processor and the distance between them. The photolithography method is used to apply conductors, insulators and other elements to a silicon substrate. The resolution of the equipment used forms a certain technical process and affects the size of the transistors and the distance between them.
The technical process is measured in nm and the smaller it is, the more elements can be placed on the same area. At the moment, the most modern processors have a 14 nm process technology.
This parameter has a very indirect effect on performance. Much more significantly, it affects the heating of the processor. The improvement of technologies allows each time to release a processor with a lower technical process, they heat up less. If we compare the processor of the old generation and the new one with the same performance, then the new one will heat up less. As productivity increases in new models, old and new “stones” are heated approximately the same. Thus, the reduction in the technical process allows manufacturers to create faster and more efficient processors without increasing their heating. 
Cache memory
Cache memory is built-in ultra-fast memory that helps store and process data between cores, RAM, and other buses. Essentially, it is link between RAM and processor... Thanks to this buffer, you can quickly access frequently used data. In modern processors, the cache has several levels (as a rule, three, rarely two). The larger the amount of memory on them, the faster the "stone" will work, but again this is true only for processors of the same line.
Memory is unevenly distributed across levels:
- L1 is first level cache, its volume is minimal (8-128 Kb), but the speed is the highest. The frequency usually reaches the level of the processor frequency;
- L2 - second level cache, more in volume (from 128 Kb) than the first, but slower than it;
- L3 is the largest but slowest cache. On the other hand, even the L3 cache is faster than RAM.
If you need to choose a processor for a gaming computer or for running powerful professional programs with high graphics requirements, it is better to take processor with the highest possible level 3 memory (the parameter usually ranges from 2 to 20 MB). This long-standing truth in recent times destroy the tests of new processors, which show that the cache memory practically does not affect the performance in games. However, this parameter should not be written off - a good amount of cache memory will speed up data archiving and writing data from flash memory to the hard drive. 
Integrated graphics core
Improvement of the production technology made it possible to place various microcircuits inside the processor, incl. graphics core. Main advantage such a decision - no need to buy a video card separately. They are built into the processor, as a rule, the video cards are quite average in terms of capabilities, therefore, models with an integrated graphics core suitable for users for whom graphical capabilities are secondary. These are budget processors for the office environment, but video from the Internet, most non-specific programs, ordinary toys and even entry-level 3D games will be able to handle it.
If your goal is to build a powerful gaming computer, then it is better to take a processor without built-in graphics core and then buy a powerful video card. Considering that it costs a lot, and many have to save some more time for it, a processor with an integrated video card can be useful in this case as well. 
What is processor bitness, and is it so important?
The bit depth of the processor shows how many bits the computer can process in one cycle. This parameter affects performance. Currently the most commonly used processors for 32 and 64 bits, there are also 128-bit processors, but their segment is still very limited.
Is a 64-bit processor always better than a 32-bit processor, and what are the differences?If the processor has 2 cores, and random access memory 2-3 GB is used, then you will not feel the difference. A 64-bit processor when using multi-core processors can significantly increase performance when running 64-bit applications. In fairness, it should be noted that the increase in productivity will not always be noticed.
The main advantageous difference between 64-bit processors - this is the ability to work with 4 GB of RAM or more. If you have even 8 GB of RAM in your computer, the 32-bit processor will see and use only 3.75 GB of them. 
Heat dissipation
The more powerful the processor, the more it heats up. It is good that the improvement of the technical process can significantly reduce heating. Today, the TDP value is used to estimate heat dissipation, W. The lower the value, the less heat is generated. AT laptop computers everything is well calculated, installed and works without additional cooling. If you need to assemble a very powerful computer, then you will hardly be able to do without a cooler built into the processor (such models are labeled as BOX, without a cooler - OEM).
If TDP system 60W and less, it can even use the complete or the most simple system cooling. With heat release up to 95 W it is better to take high-quality medium-format fans - the complete one will not cope. At TDP 125 W or more you can't do without a tower cooler with multiple copper pipes. 
Unlocked multiplier
If you are going to overclock the processor, then make sure that it is possible to do it using standard methods. It is important that the multiplier change function is supported and motherboard.
AMD or Intel - which is better?
There is no objective answer to this question and cannot be.Thousands of pages on the Internet have been created on this topic, disputes sometimes turn into scandals using foul language - this is how users protect the products of their favorite manufacturer. Often, all these disputes resemble attempts to find out which is better, pineapple or sausage - there can be no consensus here.
In some segments it is better than AMD, in some - Intel, but often even these opinions are subjective, so when choosing, rely purely on your subjective opinion - we will not bother you. Well, for those who have not yet decided on their subjective opinion, here are a few facts.
The competition between the two leaders is fierce, but it is believed that Intel is producing more powerful processors that AMD cannot keep up with, and AMD, in turn, offers the best budget solutions. But this opinion is too generalized, since Intel also has good inexpensive processors, and AMD offers good top-end solutions. In terms of durability and reliability, the products of both companies are on an equal footing.
To decide which processor is better, AMD or Intel, you need to clearly define goals for yourself and answer the question of why the computer is going... Moreover, the number of cores and frequency do not always determine the performance - the whole point is in a completely different architecture. Therefore, use special sites where you can view test results, compare with analogs and see what tasks a particular processor does best. 
We understand that we are touching on a very delicate and controversial topic, but nevertheless, let's talk about the general advantages of the processors of the two companies.
Processor advantagesIntel:
- high performance and speed. Working with RAM is better optimized than AMD;
- a large number of games and programs that are optimized specifically for Intel;
- l2 and L3 caches often run at higher speeds than AMD processors;
- lower power consumption.
Disadvantages of processorsIntel:
- higher price;
- they are inferior to AMD processors in multitasking, despite the fact that they win when working with one process;
- strong binding to specific sockets, so when buying a new process, you will most likely have to change the motherboard too.
Recently there was a real scandal... Intel processors have revealed vulnerabilitywhich allows third-party malware to gain access to the structure of the protected part of the kernel memory and discover where confidential information is stored. Our passwords, messages, photos and payment card details can be read and used by intruders. Elimination of this problem and emergency update operating system will slow down computers by 20-30%. While the company was trying to resolve the conflict, it turned out that a similar there is a vulnerability in processors fromAMD.
Processor advantages fromAMD:
- affordable price, so many recognize the manufacturer's processors as the best in terms of price / quality ratio;
- multitasking;
- multiplatform;
- modern processors the companies have good overclocking potential, so in terms of performance they are catching up with Intel.
Disadvantages of processors fromAMD:
The best processors of 2018
Best Intel processors 2018
Performance kings, intel processors presented in different price categories. AT the budgetary sphere is the Celeron and Pentium lines... By the way, in terms of performance, they surpass similar ones in cost. aMD processorsbut are inferior to them in multitasking. For entry-level gaming PCs and multimedia PCs, processors fit Core i3 , for more powerful ones - Core i5 , for the most powerful gaming - Core i7 .
Core i7-7700K
Despite the existence of more productive Core i7-6950X, Intel Core i7-7820X, Intel Core i9-7900Xand some others, the most balanced in terms of price and quality can be considered the Core i7-7700K. The frequency is 4.2-4.7 GHz, there are 4 cores in stock, there is an integrated video card, but it will not be enough for top games, but it can easily cope with the launch of video in the highest resolution. The price is about $ 400. 
Core i7-6950X Extreme Edition
It is indecently expensive (about $ 1,700), is equipped with 10 cores, has 25 MB of L3 cache, has a frequency of 3 GHz, and supports Hyper-Threading technology. Power and strength! However, to build a gaming computer, the processor's capabilities will be even too much. This solution is only for those who use very specific and highly demanding programs, and then finding a suitable solution can be cheaper.
Core i5-7500
If you want to build a gaming PC, and the budget for buying a processor is modest, then the $ 200 Core i5-7500 is a good solution. Performance, L3 cache (6 MB versus 8 MB) are almost as good as the Core i7-7700K, and with a good video card, the processor can handle any game. There is a built-in graphics core that supports 4K video. 4 cores operate at 3.4-3.8 GHz.
Core i3-7100
Two cores, four threads, 3.9 GHz frequency and low power consumption combined with an affordable price (110-170 $) makes this processor a popular favorite. Users note that when using a sufficient amount of RAM and graphics memory, this processor can handle even those games where Core i5 and Core i7 are specified in the requirements.
Pentium G4560
The processor has 2 cores, but 4 threads, the frequency is 3.5 GHz. The cost is about $ 70, so if you need to build an inexpensive gaming PC, then this is a good option. It is impossible to compare it with more expensive solutions, but with an appropriate video card, modern games on minimum settings it will pull, older and less demanding games will generally fly. 
Pentium Haswell
Not a bad option for an office PC. There are 2 cores, an integrated graphics processor, a frequency of 2.3-3.6 GHz. The cache of the third level is 3 MB. Heat dissipation is small. The cost is about $ 85.
Celeron skylake
A simple, inexpensive processor for computers designed to work with documents, a browser and watching videos. Main characteristics: 2 cores, frequency 2.6-2.9 GHz, cache of the third level of 2 MB, minimal heat dissipation, there is a graphics core. Cost $ 45.
Best AMD processors 2018
Ruler budget processors - Sempron, Athlon, Phenom, A4 and A6. A8 and A10 can be used for multimedia and simple games, series Fx - for gaming computers of the middle class, and Ryzen Are top-end processors. You can buy AMD processors on the website: all modern developments of AMD are presented to the attention of potential buyers, as well as photographs of models, detailed lists of characteristics, short descriptions and instruction manuals. To make it easier for you, we have selected several of the most interesting modelssuitable for different tasks.
Ryzen Threadripper 1920X
The honorable first place goes to the processor from the flagship Ryzen series - Threadripper 1920X. The 12-core "beast" with a clock frequency of 3.5-4 GHz simply could not stay outside our rating. An incredible 24 streams allow you to make the most of the productive power of your personal computer. The processor is equipped with DDR4 memory (4 channels) with error correction, which guarantees extremely high data transfer rates. The cost is about $ 990. 
Ryzen 7 1800X
The second place also goes to the representative of Ryzen - 7 1800X. This processor differs from the leader in the lack of virtualization technology, the number of cores (Ryzen 7 has eight of them) and, accordingly, threads (16), as well as RAM channels. There is support for an unlocked multiplier. This model great for gamers - it can handle 3D games and simulation programs even at maximum settings. It costs about $ 480.
Ryzen 5 1600X
The top three also includes the Ryzen 5 1600X, a strong contender to the rival Core i5 family. Its characteristics are, first of all, 6 cores / 12 threads, Socket AM4 and two channels of RAM. Frequency - 3.6 GHz with overclocking up to 4 GHz. There is support for an unlocked multiplier. It costs about $ 260.
AMD A10-7860K
In fourth place is a powerful 4-core processor intended for home PCs and office use. Model with integrated graphics. The clock speed is 3.6 GHz. It copes well with running games online (medium settings) with good performance and without overheating the hardware. The price is about $ 100.
AMD FX-6300
Not a bad alternative to performance solutions from Intel. The processor works with 6 cores, has an unlocked multiplier, a clock speed of 3.5 GHz with the ability to overclock to 4.1 GHz. Socket - Socket AM3 +. The performance is good, suitable for games and demanding applications, there is no integrated graphics core. The cost is about $ 85. 
Athlon X4 880K
Closing the TOP is the Athlon 880K family - a 4-core processor for home PCs. The clock frequency of the model is 4.0-4.2 GHz. Together with radeon graphics Athlon 880K delivers excellent performance and demonstrates all the positive qualities of AMD products. Cost $ 84.
There is also a more budgetary solution from this series. Athlon X4 860K runs on 4 cores, 3.7 GHz, but there is no integrated graphics core. Cost $ 45.
You can still write a lot, give arguments for a long time, argue, test and reflect. We will round off on this, and leave you alone with your thoughts.
The Best Processor for Gaming | Introduction
Intel Core i3-8350K - 15900 rubles
The Best Processor for Gaming | Best choice under $ 100 category
There are not many entry-level processors worthy of enthusiast attention - at least until the new Ryzen APUs hit the shelves. These chips won't have advanced features like AVX or Optane memory support, but they make a great pair of discrete graphics cards under $ 200.
AMD Ryzen 3 2200G
First level
High prices for video cards did not affect the market of budget and entry-level gaming systems as much as it did on the market for mid-range and high-end PCs (about any cards starting from Nvidia GTX 1050 and up). However, in conditions of severe restrictions, the ability to play without installing a video card allows serious savings. And as memory prices continue to climb, the savings come at a premium.
All this makes the Ryzen 3 2200G's quad-core quad-thread especially attractive for budget systems. The chip, which will cost you a little more than 7,000 rubles, provides stable performance at 720p resolution thanks to integrated Vega graphics. It has enough performance headroom for everyday tasks and can be installed in a cheap motherboard based on the 300 series chipset (after a BIOS update). Finally, it has the multiplier unlocked, so with good cooling it lends itself to overclocking, including the integrated graphics.
Alternative:
Intel Pentium Gold G5600 - 8100 rubles.
AMD Ryzen 3 1200 - 6900 rubles.
The Best Processor for Gaming | Conclusion
Now you have a list of our recommendations for choosing best gaming processor for the coming months. The only thing is small: you need to choose and buy a suitable processor.
Remember that the situation in stores is constantly changing. Therefore, focus on current prices and adjust your strategy. Anyway, good luck!
Around the beginning of the school year and during it the need for new computers increases, and many will ask the question - which processor is better for games?
To answer this question, let's take a look at the variety of modern models, and by what parameters and criteria a chip is generally chosen for modern games.
PC Processor Price
When assembling a gaming computer, the main thing is not the processor, but the video card, the main expenses will be on it. You can naturally spend money and collect from all the best, but such system unit will be very expensive, which is not available to everyone.
If you don't want to spend a lot, but get a decent enough gaming PC, you will have to save on something. One of the options is to save on the processor, which does not always play such a decisive role in the speed of toys.
For example, Intel processors of the i3, i5, i7, i9 families differ in price, but all four can be used in gaming systems... The best processor for games is, of course, the i9 series, but the price of the youngest of them starts at $ 1000 (60,000 rubles). Another thing is i3, which costs several times cheaper - $ 150 (9000 rubles), but it can also be installed in a gaming computer.
If you choose aMD platform, then it has traditionally always cost less than Intel. The younger version of the top-end Ryzen Threadripper 1920X processor, which is on par with the most powerful Intel chips in performance, will cost $ 800 (48,000 rubles), which is already cheaper. If you choose the younger AMD Ryzen 3 1200, then the price for it is only $ 110, and yes, it can also be used for a gaming computer.
This range of prices raises many questions, which we will try to answer below.
Which gaming processor should you choose?
Let's divide all the processors listed below into some subgroups: premium, fast and good. The latter will be the best option when the budget is not very large. The premium ones, of course, are very productive, but are designed for buyers who often want to highlight their high social status.
Premium processors
Fast processors
Good processors
There are many processor models that can be used in gaming computer... We chose purely for our own subjective reasons. This does not mean that you cannot use even cheaper and low-performance chips, but if you want to unleash the full potential of a gaming video card, then we choose at least from the last four.
Game Processor Specifications 2017
Now let's look a little at some of the main characteristics and nuances by which you should choose a gaming processor. Today's latest-generation chips like AMD Ryzen feature more advanced architecture to deliver never-before-seen multiprocessing and multithreading, along with intelligent features that self-optimize power. Although not all games or applications may reveal all these possibilities, everything is moving in this direction. Consider the main selection criteria.
Frequency
This is one of the parameters by which a processor is most often chosen for gaming. Usually, something below 2.8 GHz is not considered a game processor, so we try to select it in the 3-4 GHz range. The fact that above this threshold is usually overclocked "stones" for overlocking. Such models have an unlocked multiplier and can significantly increase the frequency, provided there is good cooling. Both Intel and AMD often refer to them with the letters K and X, for example, we have the Intel Core i7-7700K on our list.
True, most modern processors independently adjust the frequency within certain limits (2.9-3.9 GHz), if the task requires it. The Intel Core i7-7700T processor from our list is just that.
Kernels and threads
More and more modern games require a minimum of 4 cores (GTA V, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Far Cry 4, or Assassin's Creed Unity) to deliver acceptable performance when paired with your gaming graphics card. True, multicore does not always affect performance; multithreading often plays a key role. All modern Intel processors support Hyper-Threading Technology, which realizes twice the number of threads in relation to the cores for better performance. The new AMD Razen are also equipped with similar technology. All processors with such parameters can be safely written into gaming ones.
Cache
The cache size, as a rule, does not affect the performance in games, but it will be noticeable if you run many programs at the same time or, like crazy surfing the Internet, opening many tabs at the same time. It is definitely impossible to exclude this parameter in the rapidly developing world of technologies. Some processors like the premium AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1920X are equipped with a huge amount of this memory (38 MB in total). There are caches of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd level.
Intel or AMD?
Traditionally, AMD processors have always been cheaper than their competitor Intel, and did not have the same performance capabilities, so they were more often bought because of their budget. but last generation AMD Ryzen thanks to the introduction the latest technologies (including intelligent ones) even bypassed many models of Intel chips. This despite the fact that their prices are much cheaper.
The time has passed when AMD lagged behind Intel, now the company is gaining more and more momentum and is likely to bypass its eminent brother. Moreover, the last few years the latter has not offered anything fundamentally new.
Which processor should you choose for 4K gaming?
Although many top video cards support 4K resolution, only creating a system of two or even three video cards will allow you to get a reasonably acceptable speed (at least 60 FPS) at maximum settings. Accordingly, such a configuration requires a sufficiently powerful central processor.
For these purposes, choose from fast processors, and better premium ones. Expensive, yes, but you get a completely different UHD gaming experience.
Which processor is right for VR games?
To comfortably use a VR headset, any chip from the section is enough good processors... Even expensive headsets deliver no more than Full HD resolution, which any gaming graphics card medium level, providing good performance and high frame rate (FPS).
If you can get an expensive VR headset like the HTC Vive or PlayStation VR, you can probably build a very decent system unit with an expensive processor.
Conclusion
So which processor should you choose for gaming? If you are not tight-lipped and want to surprise your friends and pamper your self, then the answer is obvious. And if your budget is small, but you really want to play with comfort, then choose a processor with at least 4 threads. An Intel Core i3-7320 from our list or AMD Ryzen 3 1300X will do. But it is better to install Intel Core i5-7600, which will be the best option with a small margin for the future, because the gaming industry offers more and more interesting gamesrequiring large capacities.
The choice of a central processor for a computer must be approached with the utmost responsibility, because the performance of many other computer components directly depends on the quality of the selected CPU.
It is necessary to correlate the capabilities of your PC with the data of the desired processor model. If you decide to assemble a computer yourself, then first of all decide on the processor and motherboard. It should be remembered, in order to avoid unnecessary expenses, that not all motherboards support powerful processors.
The modern market is ready to provide a wide range of central processing units - from CPUs designed for low-performance, semi-mobile devices and ending with high-performance chips for data centers. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:
- Choose a manufacturer you trust. There are only two home PC processor vendors on the market today - Intel and AMD. More details about the benefits of each of them are described below.
- Look not only at the frequency. It is believed that frequency is the main factor responsible for performance, but this is not entirely true. This parameter is also strongly influenced by the number of cores, the speed of reading and writing information, the amount of cache memory.
- Before purchasing a processor, find out if your motherboard supports it.
- For a powerful processor, you will need to buy a cooling system. The more powerful the CPU and other components, the higher the requirements for this system.
- Pay attention to how much you can overclock the processor. Typically, low-cost processors that do not seem to be high-performance at first glance can be overclocked to premium CPUs.
After purchasing a processor, do not forget to apply thermal paste to it - this is a must. It is advisable not to skimp on this point and immediately buy a normal paste that will last a long time.
Choosing a manufacturer
There are only two of them - Intel and AMD. Both make processors for stationary PCs and laptops, however, there are very significant differences between them.
About Intel
Intel supplies quite powerful and reliable processors, but at the same time their prices are the highest on the market. The production uses the most modern technologies, which saves on the cooling system. Intel CPUs rarely overheat, so good system only top models require cooling. Let's take a look at the benefits of Intel processors:
- Excellent resource allocation. Performance in a resource-intensive program is higher (provided that another program with similar CPU requirements is no longer running). all processor power is transferred to it.
- Intel products perform better with some modern games.
- Improved interaction with RAM, which speeds up the entire system.
- For laptop owners, it is recommended to choose this manufacturer, because its processors use less power, are compact, and do not run hot.
- Many programs are optimized to work with Intel.
- The multitasking of the processors when working with complex programs leaves much to be desired.
- There is an overpayment for the brand.
- If you need to replace the CPU with a newer one, then there is a high probability that you will have to change some other components in the computer (for example, the mother card). Blue CPUs may not be compatible with some older components.
- Relatively small overclocking capabilities compared to the competitor.
About AMD
It is another processor maker with a market share roughly equal to Intel. Basically, it is focused on the budget and mid-budget segment, but also produces top-end processor models. The main advantages of this manufacturer:
- Value for money. You won't have to “overpay for the brand” in the case of AMD.
- Ample opportunities for performance upgrades. You can overclock the processor by 20% of its original power, as well as adjust the voltage.
- AMD products perform well in multitasking mode compared to Intel counterparts.
- Multi-platform products. An AMD processor will work without problems with any motherboard, RAM, video card.
But the products from this manufacturer also have their disadvantages:
- AMD CPUs are not quite reliable compared to Intel ones. Bugs are more common, especially if the processor is already several years old.
- AMD processors (especially powerful models or models that have been overclocked by the user) get very hot, so it is worth considering buying a good cooling system.
- If you have built-in graphics adapter from Intel, be prepared for compatibility issues.
How important is frequency and number of cores
It is believed that the more cores and frequencies a processor has, the better and faster the system works. This statement is only partly true, because if you have an 8-core processor installed, but in conjunction with an HDD-disk, then the performance will be noticeable only in demanding programs (and that is not a fact).
For standard work at a computer and for games at medium and low settings, a processor with 2-4 cores in conjunction with. Such a package will delight you with performance in browsers, in office applications, with simple graphics and video processing. If instead of the usual CPU for 2-4 cores, if you include a powerful 8-core unit in this package, then ideal performance will be achieved in heavy games even at ultra-settings (although a lot will still depend on the video card).
Also, if you have a choice between two processors with the same performance, but different models, you will need to review the results of various tests. For many models of modern CPUs, you can easily find them on the manufacturer's website.
What to expect from CPUs of different price tiers
The situation with prices at the moment is as follows:
- Only AMD supplies the cheapest processors on the market. They can be good for simple office applications, surfing the net and playing Solitaire games. However, a lot in this case will depend on the PC configuration. For example, if you have little RAM, a weak HDD and no graphics adapter, then you can not count on the correct operation of the system.
- Mid-range processors. Here you can already see quite productive models from AMD and models with an average performance from Intel. For the former, a reliable cooling system is imperative, the costs of which can offset the benefit from the low price. In the second case, the performance will be lower, but the processor will be much more stable. A lot, again, depends on the configuration of the PC or laptop.
- High-quality processors at a high price point. In this case, the characteristics of products from both AMD and Intel are approximately equal.
About the cooling system
Some processors may come with a bundled cooling system, the so-called. "Boxing". It is not recommended to change the “native” system to an analog from another manufacturer, even if it does its job better. The fact is that "boxed" systems are better adapted to their processor and do not require serious tuning.
If the CPU cores start to overheat, it is better to install additional system cooling to the existing one. It will be cheaper, and the risk of damage will be lower.
The boxed cooling system from Intel is significantly worse than from AMD, so it is recommended to be especially attentive to its shortcomings. Clips are mainly made of plastic, which is also very heavy. This causes such a problem - if the processor together with the heatsink are installed on a cheap motherboard, then there is a risk that they "bend" it, rendering it unusable. Therefore, if you still prefer Intel, then choose only high-quality motherboards. There is also another problem - with strong heating (more than 100 degrees), the clips can simply melt. Fortunately, these temperatures are rare for Intel products.
The Reds also made a better cooling system with metal clips. Despite this, the system weighs less than its Intel counterpart. Also, the design of the radiators allows you to install them on the motherboard without any problems, while the connection to the motherboard will be many times better, which will eliminate the possibility of damaging the motherboard. But it should be borne in mind that AMD processors get hotter, so high-quality boxed heatsinks are a must.
Hybrid Processors with Integrated Graphics
Both companies are also engaged in the release of processors that have an integrated graphics card (APU). True, the performance of the latter is very low and it is enough only for performing simple everyday tasks - working in office applications, surfing the Internet, watching videos and even playing undemanding games. Of course, there are top-end APUs on the market, whose resources are enough even for professional work in graphic editors, simple video processing and launching modern games at minimal settings.
These CPUs are more expensive and heat up significantly faster than their conventional counterparts. You also need to take into account that in the case of an integrated video card, not the built-in video memory is used, but operational type DDR3 or DDR4. From this it follows that performance will also directly depend on the amount of RAM. But even if your PC is equipped with several dozen GB of DDR4 RAM (the fastest type available today), an integrated card is unlikely to be able to match the performance of a graphics adapter even in the middle price category.
The thing is that video memory (even if there is only one GB of it) is much faster than RAM. it is geared towards working with graphics.
However, the APU-processor in conjunction with even a slightly expensive video card is able to please with high performance in modern games at low or medium settings. But in this case, you should think about the cooling system (especially if the processor and / or graphics adapter is from AMD), because the default built-in radiators may not be sufficient. It is better to test the work and then, based on the results, decide whether the "native" cooling system is doing well or not.
Whose APU is the best? Until recently, AMD was the leader in this segment, but in the last couple of years the situation is starting to change and in terms of capacities, AMD and Intel products from this segment have almost become equal. "Blues" try to take on reliability, but at the same time the price-performance ratio suffers a little. You can get a high-performance APU from the "red" ones for a not very high price, but many users consider the budget APU-chips from this manufacturer to be unreliable.
Integrated processors
Buying a motherboard, into which the processor is already soldered along with the cooling system, helps the consumer to get rid of all sorts of compatibility problems and save time. everything you need is already built into the motherboard. In addition, such a decision is not affordable.
But it has its own significant disadvantages:
- There is no upgrade path. The processor, which is soldered into the motherboard, will sooner or later become obsolete, but to replace it you will have to completely change the motherboard.
- The power of the processor, which is integrated into the motherboard, leaves much to be desired, so you will not be able to play modern games even with minimal settings. But such a solution practically does not make noise and takes up very little space in the system unit.
- Such motherboards do not have very many slots for RAM and HDD / SSD drives.
- In case of any minor breakdown, the computer will have to be handed over either for repair, or (more likely) to completely replace the motherboard.
Several popular processors
The best state employees:
Mid-range processors:
TOP processors:
If you are assembling a computer from scratch, then it is better to initially buy a processor, and then other important components for it - a video card and a motherboard.
