For sheer performance, gaming still relies heavily on single-threaded CPUs, but you can't just go and put in a couple of nimble cores hoping they'll fully load your graphics card. Despite the dominance of four or more nuclear processors, the reality is that very few game engines fully exploit the potential of the powerful CPUs installed in our machines.
But everything starts to change with the appearance of everything more games using DirectX 12 and Vulkan that use processor resources more thoughtfully. Progress is slow, but sooner or later, CPUs will again become a vital part of gaming. True, I have been repeating this for ten years ...
AMD has usurped the throne of the best gaming CPU with its Ryzen 2 lineup, although Coffee lake from Intel came out serious. Our article will help you choose the most suitable processor for you.
Best gaming processors:
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600
- AMD Ryzen 5 2600X
- Intel Core i5 8400
- AMD Ryzen 5 1600X
- Intel Core i5 8600K
- AMD Ryzen 7 2700X
- Intel Core i7 8700K
- AMD Ryzen 7 1700X
- AMD Ryzen 7 1700
- AMD Ryzen 3 2200G
- AMD Ryzen 3 1300X
- Intel Pentium G4560
AMD Ryzen 5 2600
Winner: Best CPU for Gaming
Kernels: 6 | Threads: 12 | Base frequency: 3.4GHz | Acceleration: 3.9GHz | Socket: AM4
Approx. price:166€ / 14490₽
AMD Ryzen 5 2600 isn't just great game processor with twelve (!) streams, it also has incredible tasty price... At first we wanted to write in the best 2600X processors due to its superior performance, but it still fell behind the Core i5 8400 due to its cost.
While the 8400 holds the lead in terms of performance, the fact that the Ryzen 5 2600 costs almost the same has determined the winner. With a little overclocking, which will not affect your stone in any way, you can get the performance of the 2600X, which is inferior to the Core i5 by only a couple of fps. For the same money, but with all the delights of multithreading.
In conclusion, we can say that the non-xed 2600 is so powerful that you hardly use it one hundred percent, and all this at a very tempting price. And that overclocking is not as terrible as it is painted.
AMD Ryzen 5 2600X
Kernels: 6 | Threads: 12 | Base frequency: 3.6GHz | Overclocking: 4.2GHz | Socket: AM4
Approx. price:187€ / 16010₽
The 2600X has twice as many threads as its closest Intel rival, the Core i5 8400, giving it impressive computing power rivals the much more expensive i7 8700K. Yes, we said that the 8400 is faster in games, but the difference on average is no more than a couple of frames per second. And it's at 1080p; if we talk about an increase to GPU-dependent 1440p or 4K, then the difference is completely leveled.
But the X series representative from AMD has displaced him to the second place. younger brother, a 2600 processor. It has a noticeably lower price tag, and almost no overclocking effort is required to overclock it to 2600X speeds. If you can afford not to bother with overclocking, then go ahead, buy the X series, for everyone else, the non-X Ryzen 5 2600 will be a much more efficient purchase.
Intel Core i5 8400
Contender: Best CPU for Gaming
Kernels: 6 | Threads: 6 | Base frequency: 2.8GHz | Acceleration: 4GHz | Socket: LGA 1151 v2
Approx. price:153€ / 13809₽
I hesitated for a long time choosing the best gaming CPU among the i5 8400 and the new Ryzen 5. While the slightly cheaper 8400 has marginally better gaming performance, I still didn't recommend it as the best option. The arrival of the new mainstream chipsets, the H370 and B360, means that the non-K-series Coffee Lake processors will be delayed by more available platform but how long this will continue is unknown.
Intel has a habit of depriving backward compatibility all of its new CPUs, while AMD has already confirmed that current motherboards will support all major Zen processors through 2020.
The fact remains that the 8400 is now noticeably cheaper than the fresh 2600X, and slightly less than the regular Ryzen 5 2600. The price may (or could it?) Be the only factor in which Intel should be preferred to a competitor that has more threads for the same number of cores. , virtually one-to-one gaming performance and guaranteed long platform life. It turns out that the two above Ryzen 5 are the best among the CPUs.
AMD Ryzen 5 1600X
Contender: Best CPU for Gaming
Kernels: 6 | Threads: 12 | Base frequency: 3.6GHz | Acceleration: 4GHz | Socket: AM4
Approx. price:157€ / 14142₽
At the time of its launch, the 1600X was a fantastic processor. A symbol that AMD has made it into a competitive gaming CPU, and not just in terms of price tag.
However, if you are not only playing on a PC, but also doing something that requires multithreading from the processor, then the old-school Ryzen, which has twice as many threads as even its Intel K-series rival, will be a more profitable and efficient option than products with Coffee Lake markings.
Intel Core i5 8600K
Contender: Best CPU for Gaming
Kernels: 6 | Threads: 6 | Base frequency: 3.6GHz | Overclocking: 4.3GHz | Socket: LGA 1151 v2
Approx. price:215€ / 18790₽
To be honest, I'm even a little surprised. I sincerely believed that after dealing with previous generations of Intel, the K-Series Core i5 would be the best choice for a gaming PC. However, it turns out that, given the Ryzen 5 2600 on the market with its bunch of threads, and damn great in Core games i5 8400, there is almost no reason why you should spend extra money on the 8600K.
The whole value of this processor lies in its overclocking capabilities. Overclocked to a comfortable, stable 5.1GHz frequency, the Coffee Lake chip delivers the same level of performance as its 12-thread rival Ryzen 5. Honestly, this is the reason for its existence - to beat Ryzen at any cost.
But it is much more expensive than 1600X, and you can overclock the 8600K only on one of the expensive motherboards based on the Z370 chipset. There are no budget boards based on the 300th chipset on sale yet.
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X
Winner: Best High-End CPU for Gaming
Kernels: 8 | Threads: 16 | Base frequency: 3.7GHz | Overclocking: 4.3GHz | Socket: AM4
Approx. price:272€ / 23,990₽
If you're looking for a processor that delivers both high processing power and impressive gaming performance, limit your search to the new 2700X. An excellent member of the Ryzen 2 family, costing less than the 1800X at launch. It is even cheaper than the 1700X, which is intended to replace.
And the 2700X outperforms both of these processors with higher clock speeds and a microcontroller that gives you the power just when you need it. You will no longer be limited by the base frequency, because even with 100% utilization of all eight cores, the system can automatically overclock the CPU to 4GHz. That makes the processor practically unattainable in performance for competitors from Intel.
Actually, these second generation Ryzen chips showcase the fact that AMD has listened to its customers. After finalizing the processors, a little over a year later, they rolled out an improved new series. Impressive. And it's not just 12nm technology, they've done a great job on the architecture itself. And they turned out to be smart enough to hold back the Ryzen 7 2800X in order to respond in the future with what Intel will be able to put against them.
Intel Core i7 8700K
Kernels: 6 | Threads: 12 | Base frequency: 3.7GHz | Overclocking: 4.7GHz | Socket: LGA 1151 v2
Approx. price:302€ / 251 6 3₽
The Coffee Lake K-Series i7 processors are cannibals. They not only gobbled up the entire i7 Kaby Lake, but also disabled Kaby Lake-X. Well, nothing unusual, it could not be otherwise, since Intel was forced to give its answer to the appearance of Ryzen.
But against the fresh second generation of new CPUs from AMD, the 12-thread Intel has far from the same chances that it had in the battle with the first Ryzen. The 2700X boasts nearly the same level of gaming performance and much more processing power. And he has a lower price tag with all this. Considering the fact that a cooler for the 8700K will have to be bought separately, the difference can result in a decent amount.
Even though this processor retains its leadership, its positions are very shaky, the difference is literally a couple of frames per second.
AMD Ryzen 7 1700X
Contender: Best High-End CPU for Gaming
Kernels: 8 | Threads: 16 | Base frequency: 3.4GHz | Acceleration: 3.8GHz | Socket: AM4
Approx. price:216€ / 21 442₽
If you don't like the idea of risking your brand new processor when overclocking, then perhaps the Ryzen 7 1700X will be a better choice for you than its younger brother Ryzen 7 1700. And you will look towards AMD because their high frequency and number of threads more efficient for everyday tasks and games than those of the processors of the "blue" camp.
For tasks such as rendering or coding, you need a processor that is as stable as possible, but at the same time fast. If you are a practitioner of overclocking, then your choice is the R7 1700, but more safe option will be the X version of this eight-core CPU.
Simply put, paired with an AMD processor, the load on your video card will be slightly lower, and the performance in tasks other than games with Ryzen will be excellent.
AMD Ryzen 7 1700
Contender: Best High-End CPU for Gaming
Kernels: 8 | Threads: 16 | Base frequency: 3GHz | Overclocking: 3.7GHz | Socket: AM4
Approx. price:210€ / 20590₽
If a little overclocking makes you happy, then the Ryzen 7 1700 is a great choice, with its fantastic eight-core price and impressive power combination. For almost the same money as Intel's quad-core i7 7700K, the 1700 is a better value for money for anyone who uses their PC for more than just gaming.
By increasing the frequency to match the rest of the Ryzen 7 chips, you will squeeze almost the same performance out of the 1700 at a much lower cost. Yes, this is not a gaming processor, but its multi-threaded structure is capable of producing more than decent results.
AMD Ryzen 3 2200G
Winner: Best Budget CPU for Gaming
Approx. price:87€ / 7290₽
AMD started pushing the thousandth series of Ryzen processors to the far shelf even before the April launch of the second series. The new Raven Ridge APU replaced the Ryzen 5 1400 and Ryzen 3 1200 in the red mill, but this particular 2200G APU laid claim to the Ryzen 3 1300X.
The old Ryzen 3 previously held its place as the beloved budget processor, but with the advent of a new quad-core paired with an amazingly efficient Vega GPU, it had to vacate the throne.
As a budget gaming chip, the 2200G is capable of handling 720p resolution. Enough if you don’t submit special requirements to the graphical settings of the game. Ryzen 5 2400G is capable of more, but it also costs a lot more, and the difference can be leveled by overclocking the internal graphics core.
Due to the fact that AMD has managed to place both a GPU and a full-fledged quad-core processor under one cover, its performance remains at the same level even when paired with a discrete video card. Yes, it loses a little to 1300X in processing power due to the halved cache of 3 levels, but game tests show that the difference between them is very small. And the younger Raven Ridge is cheaper.
AMD Ryzen 3 1300X
Kernels: 4 | Threads: 4 | Base frequency: 3.5GHz | Overclocking: 3.7GHz | Socket: AM4
Approx. price:102€ / 8745₽
I love budget chips. No, no, I love budget chips that actually offer the same performance as their much more expensive cousins. Excellent work AMD. The new Ryzen 3 1300X was the best budget chip with its set of four overclockable Zen cores for the price of a dual-core processor. Until it was replaced by the cheaper Ryzen 3 2200G.
Ryzen 3 is a great platform. You can take an overclocker 1300X and motherboard on the B350 chipset for the same money as only Core i5 locked multiplier. In this situation, it is difficult to make a choice towards Intel, isn't it? It turns out that you can build a system on Ryzen 3 and GTX-1060, keeping within the amount for which a competitor can afford a Core i5 with GTX-1050Ti. You don't need to be seven inches in the forehead to understand who will prevail in the battle of benchmarks.
It will be funny if AMD does everything right when launching Ryzen Threadripper. In this case, they simply usurp our list of the best processors a little more than completely. The Ryzen 5 1600X will take the top, and the Ryzen 3 1300X will take the budget slot. Among high-end CPU the 12-core 1920X will rule. The situation will be radically different from the one that developed at the beginning of the year, when Intel was in full control of everything.
Intel Pentium G4560
Challenger: Best Budget CPU for Gaming
Kernels: 2 | Threads: 4 | Base frequency: 3.5GHz | Acceleration: No | Socket: LGA 1151
Approx. price:45€ / 4017₽
The Pentium G4560 is a fairly inexpensive processor offering for under $ 100 a 14nm Kaby Lake architecture with performance not unlike still too expensive core i3-7350K.
The "hyper" has neither overclocking potential, nor Turbo mode Boost to boost its modest 3.5GHz, but its Intel architecture Core lets you get the most out of your graphics card. The problem is that it's just dual core processor... He has HyperThreading, which is a definite plus for the budget arena, but it doesn't help him much to climb the top. With two new Ryzen 3 models coming out, buying a new dual-core processor isn't practical if you plan on using it for at least a year or two.
However, it can serve as a start for further platform upgrades. G4560 installed in socket LGA 1151, which, with a suitable motherboard like the H270, will also house the more powerful i5 / i7 that you may be aiming for in the future.
Exactly to the beginning 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 look at the variety modern models, and what parameters and criteria are used to select a chip for modern games.
PC processor price
Collecting 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 the i3, which costs several times cheaper - $ 150 (9,000 rubles), but it can also be installed in a gaming computer.
If you choose the AMD platform, it has traditionally always cost less than Intel. The younger version of the top Ryzen processor Threadripper 1920X, which in performance is on par with the most powerful Intel chips, 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 they 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 a 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. State-of-the-art chips of the latest generation AMD type Ryzen is equipped with more advanced architecture, allowing for hitherto unprecedented multiprocessing and multithreading, together with intellectual functions which self-optimize nutrition. 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 required by the task being performed. The Intel Core i7-7700T processor on our list is just that.
Kernels and threads
More and more modern games require a minimum 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, which gives more high productivity. New AMD Razen is also equipped with similar technology. All processors with such parameters can be safely written into gaming ones.
Cache
The size of the cache, 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 simple 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 were always cheaper than their competitor Intel, and did not have the same performance capabilities, so they were more often bought because of their budget. However, the last AMD generation Ryzen, thanks to the introduction of the latest technologies (including smart ones), even bypassed many models of Intel chips. This is 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, over the past 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 fairly 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, but rather premium. 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 good processors section is enough. Even expensive headsets deliver no more than Full HD resolution, which can handle any mid-range gaming graphics card, providing good performance and high frame rates (FPS).
If you can get an expensive VR headset like Htc vive or PlayStation VR, you can probably assemble 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 games that require high power.
Those who want to collect for themselves new computer in 2018, they can make a big mistake when choosing a processor. Last year and the beginning of this year, there were major events in the processor industry, a lot has changed, new generations of CPUs are entering the scene.
Computer stores now have an abundance of processor models, old and new generations mixed. And to buy a processor of previous generations means to seriously lose in terms of money and in terms of the platform's lifespan.
Generations of processors in 2018
A year ago on the desktop and mobile processors there was, if not a revolution, then at least a strong shake-up. AMD, which lagged behind Intel for many years in processor performance, released processors on a completely new architecture:
- Ryzen 3 1200 / 1300X / 2200G
- Ryzen 5 1400 / 1500X / 1600 / 1600X / 2400G
- Ryzen 7 1700 / 1700X / 1800X
- Ryzen Threadripper 1900X / 1920X / 1950X
The first three lines use socket AM4, Threadripper uses premium TR4. These are new AMD platforms that will live on for at least a few more years. They use latest standard random access memory- DDR4, and also supports PCIe 3.0, NVMe SSD, and other modern features.
Ryzen performed so well against the background of processors Intel that it also updated the platform in the fall of 2017, releasing 8th generation Coffee Lake processors:
- Core i3 8100 / 8350k
- Core i5 8400 / 8600k
- Core i7 8700k
- Core i9 7900X / 7920X / 7960X / 7980XE
As is the case with AMD, the first three lines use the LGA1151-2 desktop platform, and the last one uses the LGA2066 premium platform. And in the same way, they use DDR4, PCIe 3.0, and everything else.
When assembling a new computer, it is on these platforms that you need to focus. But now the stores are inundated with processors of previous generations, for sockets AM3, AM3 +, LGA1150, LGA2011. There is no point in buying them, for a number of reasons:
- They use the outdated DDR3 RAM standard, with lower frequencies and volumes, with higher power consumption. It will not be possible to transfer it to a new computer in a few years; you will have to buy a new one.
- New processors from those that already exist, and those that will be, do not work on these sockets. After 3-4 years, it will not be possible to simply change the processor for two generations newer, you will also have to buy a motherboard and RAM.
- They don't have access to PCIe 3.0, NVMe SSD support, etc.
- Previous generation processors are much weaker than the latest ones, especially for AMD.
The LGA1151 socket of the first revision looks a little better against their background, which does not support Intel 8th generation processors (Coffee Lake), but works with the previous generations: Kaby Lake and Skylake. This platform already uses DDR4 and other innovations, but it is also no longer supported, and it will have to be changed when the processor is updated.
Buy Kaby processors Lake and Skylake are now just not profitable, because for the same price you get fewer cores and less frequency than in the case of Coffee Lake. For example, the old Core i5 with 4 cores is equivalent to the current Core i3 with the same 4 cores, while the current i5 already has 6 cores. The Core i7 8700k can run 12 threads at the same time, up from 8 threads for the Core i7 7700k / 6700k.
So the choice of processor when assembling a new computer is better limited only to the Ryzen and Coffee Lake models - especially since new programs are increasingly using many cores. Then assembled computer will be valid for at least 5 years.
How much money should you spend on a processor?
Processors can be conventionally divided into several categories based on their price and performance.
- Ultra-budget (low-end) - Intel Celeron and Pentium, as well as AMD A6 / A8 / A10 / A12 / Athlon. As a rule, these are 2 cores without HT and with a low frequency. The cost is up to 4.000 rubles.
- Office (low-middle) - this includes Intel Core i3 and old i5, newest Pentium with HT (each core is kind of double, i.e. 2 cores are seen as 4), along with AMD Ryzen 3/5 with SMT (same as HT). From 2 to 4 (8 thanks to SMT) cores, price - from 4,000 to 12,000 rubles.
- Middle segment (middle) - here you can already count on 6 cores in the latest Intel Core i5 and 6 (12) cores in AMD Ryzen 5. Price range: 12,000-20,000 rubles.
- Top (top) - the most powerful processors for the LGA1151 and AM4 platforms, have 6 (12) -8 (16) cores. These are Intel Core i7 and AMD Ryzen 7. From 20,000 to 30,000 rubles.
- Premium segment (HEDT) - workstation processors using separate sockets - LGA2066 and TR4, and with a number of cores from 8 (16) to 18 (36). This includes everything that is more expensive than 30,000 rubles, and the most powerful models can cost about 140,000 rubles.
There are two approaches to spending on a processor: buy cheaper and upgrade after a few years, or immediately choose at least an average one about price and performance. However, the first approach is appropriate, for the most part, only in the case of AMD processors - this company rarely changes sockets, so you can install the latest processor in a motherboard 3-5 years ago. To do this, you just need to update the BIOS.
Intel changes sockets much more often, and most likely it will happen again after Coffee Lake. Therefore, it makes no sense to take an Intel processor "up-to-date". The only option is not to spend a lot of money on powerful processor, and take the least suitable, for example, Core i3. And after 4 years, take a used Core i7 at a much lower price. However, one must remember that then when the processor is replaced, the platform will already be outdated.
If you need performance right now, then it is better to spend money on top-end or premium models right away. Having bought such a processor, you can not experience a lack of power and cores for 5-7 years. So, in 2018, computers based on 2012 Core i7 processors remain very fast in operation, and the lack of performance is felt only in difficult tasks like video encoding and compilation.
On the other hand, there are often cases when processor power is wasted - it turns out that they just spent extra money on it. To prevent this from happening, it is better to proceed from the tasks for which the computer is being bought. After all, even low-end processors are not bad by themselves - they are quite enough for some tasks for convenient operation.
Which processor to choose for ...
... computer games
At least in recent times more and more games are created with an eye to multi-core, for the vast majority of new products 4 cores are still more than enough. A high frequency and fast work with RAM are much more relevant here. Therefore, AMD Ryzen processors, where the emphasis is on multi-core, in games, as a rule, do not shine even against the background of the previous generations of Intel Core. However, the gap is small.
To comfortably play in conjunction with a sufficiently powerful video card in most games, a 4-core Intel Core i3 8100 processor is suitable, but a Core i3 8350k with a frequency of 4 GHz is better. If we take the 6-core Core i5 8400 / 8600k, then there will be a good supply of cores for games in the next 5 years. But with a Core i7 with 6 (12) cores, the supply will be even greater. Intel processors are good here also because the k-models can be overclocked to somewhere around 5 GHz, with good cooling.
Does it make sense to take AMD Ryzen processors for games? Yes, if we are talking about playing and doing something else at the same time - for example, recording and encode video. The lag of Ryzen 5/7 in games from Intel processors is rarely felt, but at the same time, older Ryzen have many cores, which are still multiplied by 2 by SMT technology - i.e. we are talking about formulas 6 (12) and 8 (16). Excellent groundwork for the future.
There is no point in buying premium processors from both companies for games. A large number of cores turns into a reduced frequency, which is bad for games.
Well, office and low-end processors will fit for games of the past, as well as light toys without graphic frills. At the same time, it is not even necessary to buy a separate video card - the integrated video core does it. Especially when it comes to Ryzen 3 2200G and Ryzen 5 2400G, their video core is equal in power Nvidia graphics card GeForce 1030.
... Internet and office tasks
Here, as in the case of games, you need a high frequency and enough powerful core, and the number of cores is not that important. Therefore, the office segment of processors is 2 (4) cores or full 4 cores with a frequency of up to 4 GHz. However, ultra-budget Intel processors with 2 cores are enough for working on the Internet and with office programs. Even the cheapest Pentiums are equipped with powerful HD530 video cores - with hardware acceleration in an Internet browser and office suite the processor does not suffer from the load.
AMD looks worse here - for such tasks it is reasonable to take only the younger Ryzen 3 with 4 cores or Ryzen 5 with 4 (8) cores, this is already the office segment. The ultra-budget Athlon and A-series are hopelessly outdated and weak even for the office.
The Internet and working with documents are those tasks for which it makes no sense to spend money on top or HEDT processors. Even if many office and Internet applications are used at once, the capacity of the middle segment is sufficient in abundance. These are Intel Core i5 with 6 cores and AMD Ryzen 5 with formula 6 (12). Exception: intensive work with large and complex tables, top processors will come in handy here.
... work with video and 3D
The area where there is not a lot of processing power. Despite the fact that when working with video and 3D graphics, a significant part of the operations is transferred to the video card, it is very inconvenient to work without a powerful processor. It all depends on the budget - if it allows, then it is better to take HEDT Intel Core i7 and i9 processors on the LGA2066 socket, or AMD Threadripper on the TR4 socket. At the same time, AMD processors are more profitable because they are more powerful than Intel processors of equal price.
Also a good option is the top-end Intel Core i7 and AMD Ryzen 7 processors with 6 (12) and 8 (16) cores. Well, for amateurs who cannot afford expensive iron, we can recommend the AMD Ryzen 5 1600 / 1600X with its 6 (12) cores, which is in the middle segment and outperforms the Core i7 of previous generations.
Office processors and low-end processors for working with video and 3D can only be used out of desperation. Such difficult tasks on such weak processors will cause great inconvenience in work, bordering on suffering.
... programming
Building source codes of programs also requires a powerful processor - the more cores and the higher the frequency, the more comfortable it is for the programmer to work. Premium AMD Threadripper and Intel Core i9 processors give it the ultimate productivity. However, top AMD Ryzen 7 and Intel Core i7 also show excellent results. In compilation, the lack of cores can sometimes be compensated for by the frequency, and it is higher for top processors than for HEDT.
The average Ryzen 5 1600 / 1600X is also suitable for programming, but its pricey Core i5 counterparts already have few cores for fast compilation. Of course, if necessary, you can completely work on office processors like Core i3 and Ryzen 3, but oh high speed compilation work big projects no need to say.
Final theses
- AMD platforms live longer and have processors that can be upgraded years later.
- Don't overpay for power that will almost never be used.
- The new computer on Intel processors should only be on the Coffee Lake generation.
- AMD Ryzen 5 can compete with top-end processors in heavy tasks.
- To work with video, 3D, compilation, you should take the most powerful tops and HEDT.
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The best PC processors of 2018 updated: March 29, 2018 by: alex ferman
Perhaps the key advantage of the personal computer as a platform is its impressive flexibility and customization capabilities, which today, thanks to the emergence of new standards and types of components, seem almost limitless. If ten years ago, pronouncing the abbreviation "PC", one could confidently imagine a white iron box, entangled with wires and buzzing somewhere under the table, today there are no such unambiguous associations and cannot be.
Today's PC can be a powerful workstation focused on computing performance, or a designer's work machine "sharpened" for 2D quality and fast work with data. It could be a top-end gaming machine or a humble multimedia system that lives under the TV ...
In other words, each PC today has its own tasks, which correspond to a particular set of hardware. But how do you choose the right one?
You should start with the central processor. The graphics card will determine the performance of the system in games (and a number of work applications that use GPU computing). Motherboard - the format of the system, its functionality "out of the box" and the ability to connect components and peripherals. However, it is the processor that will determine the capabilities of the system in everyday household tasks and work.
Let's take a look at what is important when choosing a processor and what is not.
What you should NEVER pay attention to
Processor manufacturer
As is the case with video cards (and, by the way, with many other devices), our compatriots are always happy to turn an ordinary consumer product into something that can be raised to the standard and go to war with the supporters of the opposite camp. Can you imagine a situation in which lovers of pickled cucumbers and canned tomatoes have divided the store with a barricade, cover each other with the last words and often resort to assault? Agree, it sounds like complete nonsense ... but in the field of computer components this happens all the time!
Moreover, like any sectarian, brand fans see the world as exclusively divided into black and white. Everything, absolutely all products with their favorite logo are the absolute ideal and perfection itself, and the solutions opposing them are the very embodiment of evil, the container of all possible shortcomings.
The fact that each of the two manufacturers of central processing units - respectively, Intel and AMD, - there are fully formed product lines, consisting of devices of completely different characteristics with completely different prices, the sectarians prefer to remain silent. As, in fact, and that in different price segments the real leader can change.
Recommendation # 1: When planning to build a new PC or upgrade an old one, decide on the budget first. Calculate the amount that you have on hand, add to it a certain reserve, which you, if necessary, are ready to add, and then see which models of central processing units fit into this budget.
Clearly realize that you are choosing these particular models, and it is their characteristics that are important to you. What is happening and who is leading in segments above or below your budget is none of your business. All that matters to you is how much productivity you get now for the money you have.
"Game" or "non-game" processor
The processor does not have a feature or feature that would or would not allow it to run games (although the parents of some buyers would gladly pay for it). It has a performance that may or may not be sufficient for a comfortable game. The division into game and non-game models is nothing more than artificial marketing. Moreover, the division is very strange and often does not correspond to the real capabilities of the CPU.
Recommendation # 2: Whatever goals you set for your future PC - whether it will be a gaming system, a workstation or the main element of a home multimedia system - the simplest parameter is guided by the simplest parameter: how much processor performance is sufficient for these tasks.
Openers
The crisis year 2016, in which incomes of the population fell, and, consequently, sales of everything and everyone, including central processing units, "gave" to us another myth, which will now sit on the Internet for a long time. And even longer in the minds of ordinary buyers.
The essence of the phenomenon is simple: "old processors cannot work with new video cards, keep running to buy new ones!" Recommendations to replace quite suitable and relevant ones are especially delivered here. Core processors i5 old generations on new generations of Core i3 processors, which are worse in all respects. Well, and, of course, advice to spend 40 thousand on upgrading the platform for the sake of games with a video card for 20 thousand.
Recommendation # 3: Actually, and. The job of any opener is not to help you choose suitable processor, and "plug in" the device is newer and more expensive, preferably complete with a motherboard and memory. If you see the opening, step aside and do not listen. Otherwise it will be more expensive for itself.
What can SOMETIMES be important
OEM and BOX-complete set, it is also "cooling system included"
Central processing units can be supplied in two versions: "boxed" and OEM configuration... The difference is very simple: a "box" is, in fact, a box in which, in addition to the processor itself, there are a warranty card and a standard cooling system (although in rare cases, like the FX 9000 series processors, it may be absent). OEM is just a processor, absolutely nothing. No box, no cooler, no warranty card.
This is due to the fact that the OEM-complete set, as intended by the processor manufacturer, is intended for companies that assemble and sell ready-made PCs. Processors in this case are purchased in large quantities and are supplied in pallets containing more than 20 pieces. Again, according to the manufacturer's logic, from these pallets they should go straight to computers.
But in our country, an OEM processor can be freely purchased at retail (see angry reviews on the topic "They took out the processor in a bag"). Such a configuration is cheaper than a boxed one, and sometimes it is very significant.
Recommendation # 4: The box configuration is always a compromise. The stock cooler is not the most efficient, not the quietest, and certainly not the most profitable in terms of price. Someone can bribe more long term"boxing" guarantees against OEM, however, the processor is an extremely tenacious device, and it is not easy to break it (except purposefully and mechanically). If he lived with you for the first day, with a 95% probability he will live for the next 10 years. Alternative coolers, again, may turn out to be both cheaper and more efficient than the standard one.
On the other hand, everything depends on the price. If the cost of "boxing" is only slightly higher than the OEM - take the box, it won't get any worse.
Free multiplier and processor frequency
Not every user of even the most ordinary gaming PC is interested in overclocking, not to mention platforms on which such overclocking is generally not needed or contraindicated. However, in some cases, this parameter can be useful.
The frequency of modern processors consists of two parameters: base frequency given by system bus, and a multiplier that varies from model to model. Accordingly, by changing one of the two parameters or both at once, we can change the final clock frequency of the processor and its performance. Nevertheless, not all modern platforms allow overclocking the processor via the bus (and even fewer platforms allow you to do it officially). So, if you plan to overclock in advance - choose models CPU Unlocked Multiplier, this will greatly facilitate your task.
As for the processor clock speed (how basic and in turbo mode) is a very specific parameter. All other things being equal, yes, processor performance is determined by frequency. For example, if we compare two processors from the line Core i5 belonging to the same generation and based on the same core, the faster will be the one with the higher frequency.
But if you compare the Core i5 with the Core i3 of the same generation or with the Core i5 of the previous generation, the frequency will not be the determining factor at all! In the first case, the number of execution units will be important, in the second - architectural differences and support for individual technologies and instructions.
Recommendation # 5: The free factor is a useful parameter, but not for everyone. Whether you need it or not, depends on the situation, and you cannot give unequivocal recommendations here. As for the frequency, use this parameter with caution. It is only important if all other parameters are the same.
Integrated graphics core
Most modern processors, with rare exceptions, are equipped with integrated graphics... Some buyers are dissatisfied with this - they say, why am I overpaying for something that I will not use? However, in reality, the integrated graphics core does not take away, but SAVES your money.
How so? It's simple. You bought a computer with a powerful processor, an overclocking motherboard and a large amount of memory, and postponed the purchase of a gaming video card for later. Just 8-10 years ago, in such a situation, you would have had to look for a "plug" for a slot at flea markets - an outdated or weak video card, on which you could sit out until a more powerful modern device was purchased. Simply because otherwise the computer would not work - processors did not know how to output video then, and top-end motherboards and integrated video were incompatible things.
Today, you simply connect a monitor to the outputs on the motherboard and use a PC without wasting time and money. Moreover, the performance of modern integrated graphics is such that undemanding users and those who need a computer not for games do not need a video card at all!
Stand alone here AMD APU... Their key advantage- it is the powerful integrated graphics that make these processors a great option for HTPC and multimedia systems, but at the same time, their use with discrete video loses all meaning. To be fair - the top models of modern Intel processors are equipped with a video core no worse, but they cost much more than APUs, and the performance of their processor part for an HTPC is extremely redundant.
Who lives today without integrated graphics? These are the top Intel processors for the platform LGA 2011-3- according to their status, they are supposed to work with either the most powerful gaming graphics cards, or with professional computing accelerators. Also, AMD processors are deprived of graphics for the outgoing already AM3 + platform... And processor family Athlon II- the same APU, only with disabled graphic part: Extremely cheap and equally productive for their price tag.
In addition, some (but not all) processors do without integrated graphics. Intel Xeon designed for the mainstream LGA 115x platforms. These processors are worth a special mention. Despite the "server" name, they are actually analogous to the desktop Core i5 / i7. Significant differences are the ability to install in motherboards that support multiprocessor configurations and support for Error Correcting RAM (ECC).
Recommendation # 6: You shouldn't be afraid of integrated graphics - this is a great bonus, which will also soon become the standard for all platforms with the exception of LGA 2011-3 and possibly its descendants. The built-in kernel can be very useful in some cases or even save you the trouble of buying discrete graphics card... But it's not worth chasing after it either: processors without integrated graphics can also have many advantages.
What is REALLY important for you to know
Socket
A socket is a connector where a processor is installed on the motherboard. Like any other connector, it has certain physical dimensions, design, number of contacts, and so on. Accordingly, with rare exceptions, only one processor family can be installed in one socket. For example, a processor for socket AM4 in a motherboard with an FM2 + or LGA 1151 socket cannot be physically installed (or rather, it is possible once, but after that you will need a new processor and a new motherboard).
Accordingly, the choice of socket determines which processors will be available to you at the time of purchase, and which you will be able to install in the future (if at all). It affects the performance of the system, the capabilities and price of the future upgrade, and often the number of peripheral devices that can be installed in a PC.
Recommendation No. 7: Decide what you want to get from the PC. Yes, some modern platforms are absolutely universal (and some future platforms promise to be so) and can be flexibly configured for any task if you have the right amount of money, but this does not mean that they have no analogues. Some of your tasks can be solved with much less expenses, and some - much more efficiently for the same expenses.
If you choose a processor for an existing motherboard, do not be lazy to spend a few minutes to go to the manufacturer's official website and see a list of CPU models compatible with it. It is free, not difficult at all, and does not require any special knowledge, but in some cases it will help you save time and money.
It so happens that the processor matches the socket, but is not supported by the motherboard at all, or requires a BIOS update to start. The second can be done in advance before buying a new CPU, and the first is better to find out right away than to return a serviceable product to the store later, for the incompatibility of which with your hardware is not your fault, nor the store employees are to blame.
There are also cases when the processor is nominally supported, but in fact cannot work in a specific motherboard - for example, when the power subsystem of the motherboard is too weak, and the processor, on the contrary, is too power-hungry and demanding on power. It is also better to learn about this in advance than to deal with the consequences later.
If you choose a processor for a completely new system, you should pay attention to the current sockets:
AM1 - AMD platform designed for nettops, embedded systems and entry-level multimedia PCs. Like all APUs, it has relatively powerful integrated graphics, which is its main advantage.
AM4 is AMD's universal platform for the mainstream segment. Combines desktop APUs with powerful Ryzen CPUs to build PCs for virtually any budget and user need.
TR4 is AMD's flagship platform for Threadripper processors. This is a product for professionals and enthusiasts: 16 physical cores, 32 threads of computing, a four-channel memory controller and other impressive numbers that give a serious increase in productivity in work tasks, but are practically not in demand in the home segment.
LGA 1151_v2- a socket, which in no case should be confused with a regular LGA 1151 (!!!). Is the current generation of the mainstream Intel platforms, and finally brings processors with six physical cores to the consumer segment - this is why it is valuable. However, be sure to keep in mind that Coffee Lake processors cannot be installed in motherboards with 200 and 100 series chipsets, and older Skylake and Kaby Lake processors cannot be installed in motherboards with 300 series chipsets.
LGA 2066- the latest generation of the Intel platform, designed for professionals. It can also be interesting as a platform for a gradual upgrade. Younger processors Core i3 and Core i5 practically do not differ from their counterparts under the LGA 1151 of the first version and are relatively affordable, but later they can be replaced with Core i7 and Core i9.
Number of Cores
This parameter requires a lot of caveats, and it should be used with caution, however, it is this parameter that allows you to more or less logically build and differentiate central processors.
Models with two computing cores and also with two physical cores and four virtual threads Regardless of the clock frequency, the degree of dynamic overclocking, architectural advantages and fan mantras, today they are firmly established in the segment of office PCs, and even there - not in the most critical places. We don't have to seriously talk about using such CPUs in gaming machines, and even more so - in workstations.
Processors with four computing cores look a little more relevant, and can satisfy the needs of both office workers and not the most demanding home users. It is quite possible to build a budget gaming PC on them, although in modern titles the performance will be limited, and simultaneous execution several operations - for example, writing game video, - it will be impossible or will lead to a noticeable drop in FPS.
The best option for home - six-core processors... They are able to provide high performance in games, do not faint when performing several resource-intensive tasks at the same time, allow you to use a PC as a home workstation, and with all this, they keep quite an affordable cost.
Eight-core processors- the choice of those who are busy with more serious tasks than games. While they can handle entertainment without any problems, their benefits are most noticeable in work applications. If you are engaged in video processing and editing, draw complex layouts for printing, design houses or other complex structures, then these CPUs should be chosen. You will not notice excess performance, but fast processing and the absence of freezes at the most crucial moment - they will definitely delight you.
Processors with 10 and 16 cores- this is already a server segment and very specific workstations, which differ from the previous version approximately like the work of a special effects designer for a big movie from the work of a video editor on youtube (in fact, they are used there approximately). It is difficult to recommend unequivocally, or vice versa, to discourage them from buying. If you really need such performance, you already know how and where you will use it.
Recommendation # 8: The number of cores is not the clearest parameter, and it does not always allow us to classify processors with similar characteristics to the same group. Nevertheless, when choosing a processor, you should be guided by this parameter.
Performance
The final and most important parameter, which, alas, cannot be found in any store catalog. Nevertheless, in the end, it is he who determines whether this or that processor is right for you, and how much the operation of a PC based on it will meet your initial expectations.
Before heading to the store for a processor that seems to suit you, do not be too lazy to study its detailed tests. Moreover, "detailed" are not vidos on YouTube, showing you what you should see as intended by their author. Detailed tests are a large-scale comparison of a processor in synthetic benchmarks, professional software and games, carried out according to a clear methodology with the participation of all or most of the competing solutions.
As is the case with video cards, reading and analyzing such materials will help you determine whether a particular processor is worth its money, and what, if possible, it can be replaced.
Recommendation # 9: Spending a couple of evenings reading and comparing information from different sources (it is important that they are authoritative, and highly desirable - foreign), you will make a reasoned choice and save yourself a lot of problems in the future. Trust me, it's more than worth it.
Criteria and options for selection:
According to the above criteria, the CPUs from the DNS directory can be allocated as follows:
Processors AMD Sempron and Athlon under socket AM1 suitable for assembling budget multimedia PCs, embedded systems and similar tasks. For example, if you want to install a full-fledged PC with a desktop operating system or assemble a small nettop that will secretly live in the bowels of a country house or garage - you should pay attention to this platform.
For office PCs dual-core processors will do Intel Celeron, Pentium and Core i3... Their advantage in this case will be the presence of a built-in graphics core. The performance of the latter is sufficient to output necessary information and speeding up browsers, but completely insufficient for games that shouldn't be in the workplace anyway.
For home multimedia pc the best choice would be AMD's APUs for the current AM4 socket. Representatives of the A8, A10 and A12 lines combine a quad-core processor and quite good graphics under one cover, which can confidently compete with budget video cards... A PC based on this platform can be made very compact, but its performance is sufficient to play any content, as well as a number of work tasks and a considerable list of games.
For budget gaming PC quad-core processors will do AMD Ryzen 3 and quad-core Core i3 for socket LGA 1151_v2 ( do not confuse with dual-core Core i3 for the LGA 1151 socket !!!). The performance of these processors is sufficient for any home tasks and most games, but it is still not worth loading them with serious work or trying to perform several resource-intensive tasks at the same time.
For budget workstation compromise option could be AMD Ryzen 5 Quad-Core Processors... In addition to physical cores, they also offer virtual compute threads, which ultimately allow operations to be performed in eight threads. Of course, this is not as efficient as physical cores, but the probability of seeing 100% CPU load and a drop in FPS below playable when recording or streaming gameplay is much lower here than in the previous two options. And the subsequent editing of this video will be faster.
The best choice for home gaming pc- six-core processors AMD Ryzen 5 and Intel Core i5 for the LGA 1151_v2 socket (not to be confused with their four-core predecessors !!!). The cost of these CPUs is quite humane, they can even be called relatively affordable, unlike the top lines of Ryzen 7 and Core i7. But the performance is quite enough to play any games interesting to the user and work from home. And even at the same time, if there is such a desire.
For top-end gaming PCs or workstations processors will do without pretensions to being chosen and elitist AMD Ryzen 7 and Intel Core i7 having, respectively, 8 cores / 16 threads and 6 cores / 12 threads. As a mainstream platform, these processors are still relatively affordable and do not require expensive motherboards, power supplies or coolers. However, their performance is sufficient for almost all tasks that an ordinary user can put before a PC.
If it is still not enough - for high-performance workstations processors intended AMD Ryzen Threadripper designed for installation in the TR4 socket, and top models of Intel processors for the LGA 2066 socket - Core i7 and Core i9 with 8, 10, 12 or more physical nuclei. In addition, the processors offer a four-channel memory controller, which is important for a number of professional tasks, and up to 44 PCI-express lines, allowing you to connect a lot of peripherals without losing the speed of data exchange. Recommend these CPUs for home use it does not work both due to their price, and due to the "sharpening" for multithreading and professional tasks. But in operation, processors for top platforms can literally outrun their desktop counterparts by several times.
To play modern games you need powerful components for your computer, and now we are talking not only about the video card. The processor plays a very important role in performance in games. Moreover, even the most top-end video card will not be able to reach its potential without the proper processor. But how do you determine which processor is better? To do this, you need to take into account the set various parameters... But if you just want to know about the top-end models that are currently on the market, our rating of processors will help you with this. After reading this top, you will understand which processor is better to choose for a gaming computer in 2018-2019.
No. 10 - Intel Pentium G4560
Price: 6740 rubles
The Intel Pentium G4560 is a dual-core processor that clocks in at 3500 MHz. Of course, two cores do not look very attractive for our time, especially considering that we will be using the processor for games, but the high frequency saves the situation. The unit gives out good performance, which you would not expect from such a cheap chip.
In general, Intel Pentium G4560 is a very good processor for this price category... It should be understood that this model is not intended for the most powerful computers.
This is a good budget employee who is able to run relatively new games if you install a good video card. You shouldn't expect more from him. Perfect option for a cheap weak computer.
Intel Pentium G4560
No. 9 - Intel Pentium Gold G5500
Price: 5940 rubles
Another good and inexpensive dual-core processor is the Intel Pentium Gold G5500. In our top, it has moved a little further, thanks to the fact that it has a frequency of 3800 MHz.
The cache size of this processor is 4096 KB. There is an integrated graphics core, which will obviously not be superfluous for a gaming computer. Processor socket LGA1151 v2.
Intel Pentium Gold G5500 is perfect for playing even new, not very demanding games. True, there are slowdowns in relatively large-scale projects. However, in most cases, this problem is corrected by relaxing the graphics settings.
The G5500 is a gaming processor. But do not expect frantic performance in games from it. It can be bought for a PC, which will play not the most demanding games. We can say that this is a good model for novice gamers.
Intel Pentium Gold G5500
# 8 - AMD Ryzen 3 2200G
Price: 7247 rubles
But, be that as it may, for 2019 a dual-core processor is no longer serious. Moreover, it is not much more expensive to buy a quad-core AMD Ryzen 3 2200G with a frequency of 3500 MHz.
The AMD Ryzen 3 2200G is a very good processor for its price. After all, it surpasses the dual-core models by a head, but costs, at the same time, only a couple of thousand more. This processor already allows you to play most games at high settings.
The processor received full four cores, which provide good performance... Ryzen 3 is great because it has overclocking potential. According to the manufacturers themselves, the frequency of the device can be overclocked to 3700 MHz. But in practice, users manage to get even 4100 MHz.
AMD Ryzen 3 2200G
No. 7 - Intel Core i3 8100
Price: 10790 rubles
The analogue of the previous model from amd is the Intel Core i3 8100 processor. It is somewhat more expensive, but will appeal to Intel fans. In terms of performance and characteristics, the processors are approximately the same, but for a number of reasons, different users choose different developers.
An Intel Core i3 8100 processor should be enough to play all modern games at maximum settings. An undoubted plus of the chip is that the cooler is sufficient for cooling it.
The device heats up weakly even under heavy load. Of course, the problem with this processor is that it is more expensive than its competitor with about the same characteristics. But Intel has always been more expensive, because they are more focused.
Intel Core i3 8100
# 6 - AMD Ryzen 5 2400G
Price: 10 490 rubles
AMD Ryzen 5 2400G is a processor with an integrated graphics core and it is worth saying that, in comparison with previous models, it is here on a fundamentally different level.
If you do not need modern games at maximum settings, this processor will suffice even without a video card. Full HD games with medium settings AMD Ryzen 5 2400G withstands calmly, even if no other graphics card is connected to the motherboard.
Also, the processor is quite cold. If you install a decent cooling system, the temperature even in games will not rise above 40-50 degrees. But the main advantage of the AMD Ryzen 5 2400G is, of course, perfect ratio prices and quality.
Also, the device can be overclocked, which will significantly increase its speed and performance level. This is perhaps best processor for medium computers.
AMD Ryzen 5 2400G
# 5 - Intel Core i5-8400
Price: 17900 rubles
The fifth place in our rating table is occupied by the Intel Core i5-8400 processor. This is already a device of a new level, because it has as many as six cores. This chip is not intended for cheap or average computers, but for full-fledged expensive gaming PCs.
Core i5-8400 is a worthy representative of Intel, capable of providing the user with six fast cores. With this processor, any games will simply fly on your computer, even with maximum graphics settings.
Of course, if you have the right graphics card. Intel Core i5-8400 is able to provide maximum performance without overheating. In games, it only reaches a temperature of 61 degrees.
This processor has a very reasonable price for this category. A good choice for a really powerful gaming computer.
Intel Core i5-8400
# 4 - AMD Ryzen 5 2600
Price: 12 300 rubles
AMD Ryzen 5 2600 is another situation where AMD is ahead of its competitor due to a lower price for a similar model. At the same time, it cannot be said that this processor has not surpassed the previous position in technical terms.
It, like the Intel model, has six cores, but their frequency is no longer 2800, but 3400 MHz. Moreover, it can be overclocked, leaving the competing model far behind. It's also worth noting that the AMD Ryzen 5 2600 runs 12 threads.
This processor will be an excellent solution for both a gaming computer and video editing. With a sufficiently powerful graphics card and a good amount of RAM, the AMD Ryzen 5 2600 is capable of handling games at maximum settings, and especially heavy rendering.
Among the disadvantages of this processor, one can note a frankly bad cooler that comes with the bundle. It is clearly not enough to cool the AMD Ryzen 5 2600, so you will have to buy it separately.
AMD Ryzen 5 2600
# 3 - AMD Ryzen 7 2700
Price: 16,520 rubles
Six cores is, of course, already very good, but the evolution of processors does not stand still, and now there is an opportunity to purchase an eight-core AMD Ryzen 7 2700.
This is a pre-top chip that is already able to provide even the most demanding gamers with the required performance. The good thing about this processor is that it is unlikely that I will need it in the coming years. It will still be relevant for at least five years.
A feature of this processor is that it practically does not lag behind top solutions in terms of performance, but its price is much less.
If you just want to build a powerful enough computer high level rather than chasing record-breaking performance numbers, the AMD Ryzen 7 2700X will be more than enough. In addition, it will be possible to save five thousand rubles.
AMD Ryzen 7 2700
# 2 - AMD Ryzen 7 2700X
Price: 22170 rubles
In second place we have the most top-end chip from the creators - AMD Ryzen 7 2700X. This powerful processor runs at 3700 MHz, which can be overclocked to 4300 MHz.
The Ryzen 7 2700X is currently one of the best processors in the world that can deliver the highest multi-threaded performance. But if we take single-threaded work as a criterion, then AMD processors are, in principle, inferior to their competitor.
16 threads provide excellent AMD performance Ryzen 7 2700X. Yes, some games, the processor pulls not perfectly enough to take the first place, but the price factor should also be taken into account.
In general, this model is worth buying if you want a top-end processor and either prefer AMD or want to save some money. In any case, it is impossible to say unequivocally that the AMD Ryzen 7 2700X loses in all respects to the competitor who took first place.
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X
# 1 - Intel Core i7-8700K
Price: 30500 rubles
Well, the best processor for a gaming computer that you can find on the market right now is the Intel Core i7-8700K. This six-core chip provides high performance in absolutely any game at maximum settings.
Moreover, the power reserve of this chip will last for years to come. Also, the device is distinguished by the most advanced 14 ++ process technology at the moment.
Of course, it can be very frustrating to discourage a user from purchasing an Intel Core i7-8700K. high price... Indeed, in some situations it is better to choose a cheaper competitor.
But if you want to build truly the best gaming PC in the world, you'll have to invest in the most powerful Intel Core i7-8700K processor.
Intel Core i7-8700K
The choice of processors is very diverse, depending on how powerful the computer you want to build and for what tasks it will be used.
This top contains chips designed to work in gaming PCs. Already from them you can choose the one that suits you.
