The best processors for your computer

The best computer processors are capable of delivering the best performance for work or home devices. For gamers and professionals, manufacturers offer the most powerful and fastest models. The rating of the best will help you choose the processor that is optimal in terms of price and functionality, suitable for all user requirements.

How to choose a processor for your computer

For office equipment, the requirements for its components are minimal, for processing photos or videos at a professional level, more powerful top models are needed, for gaming computers, the selection of the heart of a PC is especially scrupulous. When reviewing the proposals of various manufacturers, the technical characteristics of devices of different price segments, customer reviews, reviews and expert opinions were studied. When comparing models and adding them to the TOP of the best, the following criteria were taken into account:

• Performance;
• The level of power consumption and heat dissipation;
• Overclocking capability;
• Clock frequency;
• The number of cores, their microarchitecture;
• Packaging quality;
• Availability and quality of the video core;
• Connector type;
• Number of threads;
• Availability in computer stores;
• Popularity with buyers.

The processor affects the overall performance and speed of the computer. His choice is determined primarily by the tasks that the user sets for the PC.

Best Low Cost Processors

Inexpensive processors are installed in offices or at home in computers that do not require the best performance and multitasking. We studied 15 processors at a cost of up to 6,500 rubles and selected the most reliable models of the past years, which have not lost their relevance and are still popular among users.

Intel Core 2 Duo Wolfdale

The best 2-core processor for your computer at a low price and good performance. It is manufactured using the 45-nm process technology by gluing crystals. The Wolfdale line includes 3 models: E8200, E8400, E8500. Their clock speeds are 2,660, 3,000 and 3,160 MHz. The system detects the device quickly without flashing.

Advantages

• Huge overclocking headroom (50%);
• Low temperature;
• Reliability;
• Socket LGA775.

disadvantages

• Cooler noise.

The model entered the market in 2008, it still remains relevant, it pulls most of the new games, and in combination with good memory and a video card, it does not lag far behind its higher-priced counterparts in video games.

AMD Athlon X4 Kaveri

Inexpensive computer processor. Decent performance is provided by 4 Kaveri cores and 2 cache levels. The model supports a 64-bit instruction set and 4 computation threads. Additional functionality is provided by energy-saving and virtualization technologies. Turbo Core 3.0 technology allows you to significantly increase the clock speed. The integrated controller communicates with the RAM modules.

Advantages

• Supports PCI 3.0;
• Low price;
• Suitable for 750 series graphics cards;
• Not heated.

disadvantages

• FM2 + connector;
• Weak boxed cooler.

The recommended memory frequency for the maximum data transfer rate is from 1066 to 2133 MHz. For significant overclocking, users recommend installing an additional cooler.

Intel Celeron G4900 Coffee Lake (3100MHz, LGA1151 v2, L3 2048Kb)

The processor of the budget segment, which does not heat up even at maximum loads. Thanks to this, no additional serious cooling is needed, passive systems are enough. This will keep your PC running quietly. The model is assembled according to the 14nm process technology. Despite the fact that it is based on 2 cores with 2 threads, the processor performance is high. Supported by RAM up to 3100 MHz.

Advantages

• Modern architecture;
• Reliable packaging;
• Low power consumption;
• Easy installation;
• Built-in video core.

disadvantages

• Only 2 streams.

You can buy this processor for an Intel computer inexpensively. It is suitable for solving simple work or educational tasks. Considering it to build a gaming PC is pointless.

AMD Ryzen 3 2200G Raven Ridge (AM4, L3 4096Kb)

The model is one of the best processors for an economy class computer. The model is based on 4 full-fledged cores on the 14-nm microarchitecture. There is no significant gain when overclocking, so most users prefer to use it with factory settings, even when building for games. High-quality beautiful cooler 150W and thermal grease Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut provide low heat.

The adornment of the AMD model is the graphics core Radeon Vega 8. The maximum frequency is 1,100 MHz. The processor is delivered in a dense cardboard box that reliably protects it from unsold mechanical damage.

Advantages

• Performance;
• HDR support, Radeon FreeSync;
• Low power consumption up to 32W;
• Supports 3,400 MHz RAM.

disadvantages

• Stripped down cache 4 MB;
• Only 12 PCI-e 3.0 lanes.

The frequency declared by the manufacturer is 3,500 MHz, with it the temperature does not rise above 45 degrees with a standard boxed cooler. Some gamers use this processor as the most inexpensive option for building a gaming computer.

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Best mid-range processors

Mid-range models are put on multimedia and multitasking PCs for business or home use. We analyzed this segment, studied more than 10 models and selected the best 4 of them.

Intel Xeon E3-1220V3 Haswell (3100MHz, LGA1150, L3 8192Kb)

One of the best computer processors in its segment. Users choose it for its price-performance ratio. The model has a high performance level up to 3,200 MHz, 8 MB of cache, power consumption of 80 W, which is significantly less than many analogs. Each core corresponds to 1 thread. The processor is made on the basis of 4 cores according to the 22-nm technological process. Turbo Boost technology is supported.

Advantages

• Suitable for regular motherboards on socket 1150;
• Low heat dissipation;
• You can set a multiplier of 39 for each core;
• Compatibility (unlike Xeon Skylake) with any chipset.

disadvantages

• We practically do not overclock.

The processor is not enough for the latest games, but it can handle multi-tasking and older games.

Intel Core i5-7400 Kaby Lake (3000MHz, LGA1151, L3 6144Kb)

4-core processor with integrated graphics adapter with support for current APIs and 3-screen connectivity. Turbo Boost allows you to achieve a frequency of 4,200 MHz at the factory settings of the device.

The model is delivered in a colorful cardboard box. The set includes a user manual and a standard 2.16 W cooler. Three-level cache organization, built-in RAM controller, available RAM up to 64 GB are the arguments in favor of buying the model.

Advantages

• Can be purchased at almost every hardware store;
• Nice built-in graphics;
• Power consumption 65 W;
• Pairs well with GTX 1060 and 1070
• It does not heat up above 65 degrees even at maximum loads.

disadvantages

• Thermal paste under the lid;
• Not all motherboards are supported.

This model from Intel is a good option not only for a work but also for a budget gaming computer.

Intel Core i5 Ivy Bridge

Bestseller for affordable price and decent performance. The model entered the market in April 2011 and still does not lose its relevance. In the line of models with 2 and 4 cores with 3-level cache of 8 MB. There is also a system agent in charge of Turbo and auxiliary interfaces.

With good cooling, the frequency overclocks to 4,500 MHz.For maximum power saving, the processor will automatically lower or increase the frequency depending on the load. The frequency of the video core in 1,150 MHz makes the device relevant to this day for most gaming tasks.

Advantages

• Reliability;
• Technical process - 22 nm;
• Unlocked multiplier;
• 2-channel built-in memory controller;
• Socket LGA1155.

disadvantages

• Weak boxed cooler.

Overclocking has several features compared to devices based on the Sandy Bridge architecture, and the heat-dissipating layers are not the most optimal structure. If you remake the cover, you can gain up to 10 degrees of thermal efficiency. However, the processor easily tolerates heating up to 80-85 degrees, this is within the operating temperature range.

AMD Ryzen 5 2600X Pinnacle Ridge (AM4, L3 16384Kb)

6-core processor with the best multi-thread performance. 12nm crystal on Zen + microarchitecture increases frequency, improves cache memory. The clock speed is 3,600 MHz, with Turbo Boost - 4,200 MHz. An additional manual overclocking up to 4,500 MHz is also possible. The increase in productivity is visible to the naked eye. Advanced users recommend using primary and secondary timings rather than standard overclocking profiles.

Advantages

• Price-performance ratio;
• Zen microarchitecture;
• SMT technologies for processing 12 streams;
• Complete cooling.

disadvantages

• Demanding on RAM.

Problems may arise with the selection of a motherboard. The B350 and X370 chipsets are not suitable. With the socket of the second generation of risen (B450 and X470) 2024-19, it works out of the box.

The best top processors

Top-end processors have high performance and are used to solve professional tasks on a computer or are bought by avid gamers. We analyzed this market segment, studied more than a dozen models and selected the best 3.

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX Colfax (sTR4, L3 65536Kb)

The highly anticipated new product of 2024 from AMD, featuring a powerful 32-core processor with 64 threads. This is the first model built on 4 x 12 nm Zen + crystals. 3-level cache increased to 64 MB. However, the processor cannot be called energy efficient: the power consumption is 250 watts. Operating frequencies are standard and reach 4,200 MHz. The water system cools the device.

During the production process, the best silicon blanks are selected for it. Despite the fact that in fact it is not a single system, but 4 units assembled on one textolite substrate, the model is a real powerful giant, which has practically no analogues on the market.

Advantages

• High core speed even in single-threaded mode;
• Maximum performance level;
• Support for 4 memory channels;
• Cooperative work of 2 memory controllers;
• 60 PCI Express 3.0 lanes

disadvantages

• High price;
• Heats up with long loads.

The model is chosen primarily by professional photographers, videographers, designers and representatives of other professions dealing with complex processing of graphic or video content.

Intel Core i7-7700 Kaby Lake (3600MHz, LGA1151, L3 8192Kb)

A top model with an acceptable cost. It does not require overclocking and is ready to handle many tasks at default settings: Turbo Boost delivers up to 4,500 MHz. Socket 1151 provides a wide variety of plug-in motherboards.

The processor has 4 additional PCI-e, Thunderbolt 3 lanes, which makes it possible to connect 2 monitors with 4K resolution or 1 with 5K resolution. Also among the bonuses of the model is support for Intel Optane memory technology and HDCP 2.2 media content protection.

Advantages

• Good performance;
• 3 years warranty for boxed versions;
• Unlocked multiplier;
• Intel Optane SSD support.

disadvantages

• Temperature jumps;
• Poor quality thermal paste under the lid.

To regulate the temperature, scalping or the use of quality water cooling is recommended. With its correct selection, it is possible to cool the processor by 15-20 degrees, keeping the heating within the operating mode.

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Intel Xeon E5-2609V3 Haswell-EP (1900MHz, LGA2011-3, L3 15360Kb)

A powerful processor for a computer that heats up a little. Unique cold model with 14 cores with 28 threads - at the highest load, the temperature does not rise above 55 degrees.In Turbo Boost mode, multiple cores operate at 3,000 MHz, and at full load of all cores, the processor outputs 2,500 MHz.

The model allows you to install DDR4 RAM up to 768 GB in 4-channel mode. Reading speed reaches 80 GB per second. The processor also supports all modern motherboard formats and security protocols.

Advantages

• Bypasses most analogs in performance;
• Compatible with many gaming motherboards with 2011-3 socket and intel X99 chipset;
• Low TDP - 140W;
• 3 levels of cache;
• Support for RAM with parity and error correction.

disadvantages

• No video core;
• Support for RAM up to 2.133 MHz.

The overclocking procedure is rather complicated and ineffective. Users are advised to stay at factory settings.

Best gaming processors

Real fans of computer games carefully monitor the update of the processor market and the release of new models, trying to set themselves the most productive and overclocked version in order to get the most out of their favorite activity. When analyzing this segment, we selected the 3 best models according to gamers.

Intel Core i5-8600K

The processor has 6 computational cores made on the 14 ++ n process. This results in a reduction in heat generation in half while maintaining the level of performance. The base frequency is 3,600 MHz, the maximum in turbo mode reaches 4,300 MHz.

The model also offers increased 3-level cache and support for 2-channel DDR4-2666 and DDR4-2400. The bandwidth is 42.7 GB / s and 38.4 GB / s, respectively.

Advantages

• Fast configuration update and almost instant start;
• Price-to-power ratio;
• Excellent single-core performance in stock;
• Memory overclocking independence;
• Extended 3-year warranty.

disadvantages

• Temperature jumps at the core;
• Heating at high frequencies.

When choosing a cooler, it is important to take into account the high heat dissipation of the processor. When scalping and replacing thermal paste, the temperature decreases by an average of 10-15 degrees. The model lends itself to overclocking, but at 5,000 MHz it is not stable, above 5,100 MHz there are serious malfunctions.

Intel Core i7-9700K Coffee Lake (3600MHz, LGA1151 v2, L3 12288Kb)

The most powerful and affordable 8-core processor from Intel. Its distinctive feature is a frequency floating depending on the load from 4,200 MHz to 4,700 MHz under load. The model is easily overclocked manually up to 5,000 MHz. The 3rd level cache reaches 16 MB.

Hyper-Threading technology is not provided in the device, so no more than 8 threads are processed per clock. In various stress tests, the heating level reaches 79 degrees. Since there is no cooler in the box version, the user needs to carefully select it himself.

Advantages

• Technological process 14 ++;
• Official support for DDR4-2666 SDRAM;
• Unlocked multiplier;
• Original box;
• High quality solder instead of thermal paste.

disadvantages

• TPD up to 140W;
• Not compatible with LGA1151 v1.

Sudden changes in frequency often lead to jumps in core temperature, which affects the operation of fans. According to the manufacturer, this does not affect the service life and stability of the processor.

AMD Ryzen 5 2400G

The model is one of the good inexpensive processors for a gaming computer. It is based on 4 cores with multi-threaded operation. Basic overclocking of processing cores up to 3,900 MHz and graphics up to 1,550 MHz with acceptable voltage makes it an even bigger favorite of gamers. And the Ryzen Master app allows you to overclock your device only when you need it.

Thanks to the unlocked multiplier, additional manual overclocking can be done. But it does not give much performance gain, but the temperature rises to 90 degrees. Experienced gamers are advised to overclock only the RAM. The bundled cooler is pretty good. It copes with the work of the processor on default settings; during overclocking, you need to buy a more powerful cooling system.

Advantages

• You can buy a processor at every hardware store;
• Easy installation;
• Embedded video at a very good level;
• The ratio of functionality and cost;
• DDR-2933 RAM support;
• Socket AM4.

disadvantages

• Complicated installation of drivers for the video core.

The motherboard is better to take on the 450 chipset.When buying another model, you need to update the BIOS using any AM4 processor with an integrated video core or a processor with a discrete video card.

Which processor for a computer is better to buy

Intel's and AMD's eternal struggle for leadership is making it difficult to buy PC components. To understand how to choose a processor for your computer, you need to study in detail the specifications and user reviews. Only then is it made a conclusion about the advantages and weaknesses of each model and its compliance with the user's requirements.

You can also use the following guidelines for choosing inexpensive models:

• Intel Celeron G4900 Coffee Lake as the coolest and quietest 2-core variant
• AMD Ryzen 3 2200G Raven Ridge is the best model in the budget segment. 4 cores on a modern microarchitecture and integrated graphics are capable of delivering maximum performance at default settings without additional overclocking;
• For stable work when performing office tasks, the cheapest but reliable 2-core Intel Core 2 Duo Wolfdale with an average price of 2,500 rubles or a simple 4-core AMD Athlon X4 Kaveri at a price of 2,100 rubles is enough.

The rating of middle-class devices is led by:

• Intel Xeon E3-1220V3 Haswell wins Best Value for Money;
• Intel Core i5-7400 Kaby Lake is the best option for solving graphics tasks;
• Intel Core i5 Ivy Bridge - the most reliable and cheapest option in its class with good overclocking headroom and high video core frequency;
• AMD Ryzen 5 2600X Pinnacle Ridge (AM4, L3 16384Kb) is the best 6-core processor with manual overclocking and significant performance boosts.

Among the top options were:

• AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX Colfax is a powerful new product with 32 cores with 64 threads;
• Intel Core i7-7700 Kaby Lake - the model of choice for budget buyers. It does not require a lot of setup, overclocking and provides quality work out of the box;
• Intel Xeon E5-2609V3 Haswell-EP is the coldest of the top models presented in this rating. 14 cores perform well at factory settings without additional acceleration.

TOP game processors:

• Intel Core i5-8600K - 6-core processor with a frequency of 4,300 MHz in turbo mode;
• Intel Core i7-9700K Coffee Lake - the most productive processor with 8 cores presented in the rating with overclocked to 5,000 MHz and 16 MB at the 3rd cache level;
• The AMD Ryzen 5 2400G is the lowest-cost 4-core option for building a decent gaming PC.

The user decides which processor to buy based on his requirements for the processor and financial capabilities.