How to choose a processor

The processor affects not only the performance of the computer, but also the functionality of peripheral equipment (such as video cards).

How to choose a processor: what to look for

When choosing a processor for a computer (home, gaming, office, etc.), it is advisable to pay attention to the following parameters:

1. Socket (type of socket where the processor is installed);

2. Generation of processor;

3. Clock frequency and number of cores;

4. Equipment type (BOX or OEM);

5. Power consumption (determined via TDP);

6. Integrated graphics card.

However, if we are talking about buying a processor not for games, but for a home or office computer, you can take into account only the first parameter – and buy the cheapest model.

Socket

This is the most important parameter that determines the compatibility of the processor and motherboard. Socket type is the type of socket in which the chip is installed. There is no cross-compatibility (except for some models from AMD), therefore, in some cases, if you want to upgrade to a fresh 'chip', you will have to change the motherboard.

For 2017, the most relevant are two sockets:

1. Intel LG A1151 – socket used in Intel Skylake and Kabu Lake processors (sixth and seventh generations, released in 2016 and 2017, respectively);

2. AMD AM4 is the current socket for AMD Ryzen 7 series processors.

Obsolete but still valid sockets:

1. Intel LG A1150 is a socket used in processors Intel up to the Skylake generation (from Ivy Bridge to Broadwell, i.e. from the first to the fifth). Now the chips on it are no longer produced, but some old computer can be upgraded to be compatible with some modern games;

2. AMD AM3 and AM3 + are cross-compatible sockets on which AMD Athlon II processors were manufactured. Likewise Intel, the company's new chips are for AM4, but the old computer can also be upgraded.

Considering processors on even older sockets for a gaming computer is pointless.

Processor generation

Many parameters depend on the processor generation – both performance and power, and the level of heating, and compatibility with current components, and the implementation of modern technologies, and much more. Therefore, this parameter must also be taken into account when choosing a chip.

Leading processor manufacturers update their chip lines annually. In 2017, the company's current generation Intel is Kabu Lake (it's the seventh), AMD's is Zen (it's the sixteenth).

Obviously, when buying a processor, it is better to purchase the latest generation chip – if, of course, it is compatible with the socket of the existing motherboard. So, Intel Core i5 series Skylake and Kabu Lake cost about the same, but the latter is 15-20% more productive – because it is more 'fresh'.

Clock speed and number of cores

Such a parameter as 'clock frequency' in most modern processors and configurations has a very indirect meaning. High-performance chips may not be too high (about 2.5 GHz), but they work very quickly. At the same time, budget processors for the same 2.5 GHz with the same number of cores may simply be 'weak'.

When choosing a processor for gaming, it is worth remembering that most modern projects are designed to run on quad-core configurations. Considering that you need to ensure compatibility with a powerful video card, it is advisable to purchase Intel Core i7 of the latest (or penultimate) generation – or AMD Ryzen 7 from the Zen series.

More important is the parameter called the 'number of computational threads'. It depends on the number of cores. So, processors of the series Intel Core i5 of the last and penultimate generations have 4 cores and 4 computational threads, which is clearly not enough for modern games. At the same time, i7 with all the same 4 cores has 8 computational threads, making it suitable for games.

However, all of the above is true when choosing a configuration for a gaming computer. For an office 'typewriter' absolutely any chip is suitable, regardless of the number of cores, frequency and number of threads.

Completion (BOX or OEM)

Processors, especially Intel, are available in two trim levels:

1. BOX – in a beautiful package, with a bunch of documentation, a complete cooler and a three-year warranty;

2. OEM – in a plastic sleeve, without documentation and cooler, with a one-year warranty.

BOX equipment is always more expensive – for obvious reasons. However, you do not need to overpay for it. First, the extended warranty is a myth, since a processor that does not break in the first year of use will last all three or five. Secondly, a bundled cooler does not always provide the same cooling as its often cheaper competitors.

Power Consumption (via TDP)

Power consumption of modern processors is expediently determined through TDP. This parameter allows you to select not only the power supply, but also the cooling system for the chip.

Obviously, the power of the computer's power supply must be sufficient to “pull” the processor, and the video card, and other components. Therefore, if it is not planned to change it, it is worth choosing such a chip, the power of which corresponds to the power of the existing one. Considering that the process technology of processors is constantly decreasing, modern models provide greater performance with the same consumption.

The more power a chip consumes, the more efficient it is. But it also heats up more. Therefore, what kind of cooler the processor needs depends on the power consumption:

1. Consumption up to 60 W – any cooler will do, both boxed and the one that was already in the computer;

2. Consumption approx. 95 W – requires a new fan. High quality, but not complete;

3. Consumption of 125 W or more – a powerful cooling system is required: a radiator with several powerful heat pipes (thick copper pipes), a full-fledged tower cooler, perhaps even a liquid system.

As a result, if you do not plan to install a powerful cooler, then it is better to do with a less powerful processor.

Integrated graphics

A video card integrated into the processor allows the computer to work without a discrete one. Therefore, such chips are an ideal solution for a laptop, for example, because they provide an optimal 'picture' and do not require additional power consumption.

But the use of an integrated video card in desktop processors is a rather controversial decision. It is practically useless for games – only the oldest projects will “go” on such a graphics accelerator.

Nevertheless, it also cannot be called absolutely unnecessary. The integrated video card will ensure the performance of the computer, even if the discrete one breaks down for one reason or another.

AMD or Intel

Today, computer processors are manufactured by two companies – AMD and Intel. They differ both in positioning and in the capabilities of their chips.

So, processors Intel are the ideal solution if you need the most powerful (top-end) configuration right now. Nevertheless, they constantly change the socket, so it will not be possible to upgrade it to the latest generation of chips in a few years.

AMD processors are cheaper and less powerful. But this company supports sockets longer, which opens up opportunities for upgrades, and allows you to overclock your chips (increase their clock frequency yourself).

!

In the following articles, our experts will tell you how to choose the right CPU cooler and the secrets of choosing a processor Intel.

---

Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.