Intel or amd for games. Which processor is better: AMD or Intel? Intel processors are now available with these sockets

Let's see what are the main differences between the processors of the world leaders - Intel and AMD.

We will also consider their positive and negative sides.

Major CPU manufacturers

Everyone is well aware that there are two leading companies in the computing market that are developing and manufacturing the Central Processing Unit (central processing unit), or, more simply, processors.

These devices combine millions of transistors and other logic elements, and are electronic devices of the highest complexity.

The whole world uses computers, the heart of which is an electronic chip either from Intel, or, therefore, it is no secret to anyone that both of these companies are constantly fighting for leadership in this area.

But let's leave these companies alone and move on to the average user, who faces a dilemma of choice - which is still preferable - Intel or AMD?

Say what you like, but there is no definite answer to this question, and there cannot be, since both manufacturers have huge potential, and their CPUs are capable of meeting the current requirements.

When choosing a processor for his device, the user primarily focuses on its performance and cost - relying on these two criteria as the main ones.

Most of the users have long been divided into two opposing camps, becoming ardent supporters of Intel or AMD products.

Let's take a look at all the strengths and weaknesses of the devices of these leading companies, so that when choosing a particular one, we rely not on speculation, but on specific facts and characteristics.

Pros and cons of Intel processors

So what are the advantages of an Intel processor?

• First of all, this is very high performance and performance in applications and games, which are most optimized for Intel processors.
• Under the control of these processors, the system operates with maximum stability.
• It should be noted that the memory of the second and third levels in Intel CPUs operates at higher speeds than in similar processors from AMD.
• An important role in performance when working with optimized applications is played by multithreading, which is implemented by Intel in such CPUs as.

Pros and cons of AMD processors

• The advantages of AMD processors, first of all, are their affordability in terms of cost, which is remarkably combined with performance.
• A huge plus is the multi-platform, which allows you to replace one processor model with another without having to change the motherboard.
• That is, a processor designed for socket AM3 can be installed on socket AM2 + without any negative consequences.
• It should also be noted that multitasking, with which many AMD processors do an excellent job, simultaneously performing work with three applications.
• In addition, the FX series processors have quite good overclocking potential, which is sometimes badly needed.

• The disadvantages of AMD's CPUs include higher power consumption than Intel's, as well as operation at lower cache speeds of the second and third levels.
• It should also be noted that most of the processors belonging to the FX line require additional cooling, which will have to be purchased separately.
• And one more disadvantage is that fewer games and applications have been adapted and written for AMD processors than for Intel.

Latest connectors from Intel

Today, many of the leading CPU manufacturers are equipped with two current connectors. Intel has the following:

• LGA 2011 v3 is a combo connector that is focused on the online assembly of a high-performance personal computer for both servers and the end user. The key feature of such a platform is the presence of a RAM controller that successfully operates in multi-channel mode. Thanks to this important feature, they are characterized by unprecedented performance with such processors. It must be said that an integrated subsystem is not used within such a platform. Unlocking the potential of such chips is possible only with the help of discrete graphics. For this, only the best video cards should be used;
• thanks to LGA, you can easily organize not only a high-performance computing system, but also a budget PC. For example, socket LGA 1151 great for creating a mid-priced computing station, at the same time, it will have a powerful integrated graphics core of the Intel Graphics series and support DDR4 memory.

Latest AMD connectors

AMD is promoting the following processor sockets today:

• the main computing platform for such a developer is AM3 +... The most productive CPUs are considered to be the FX lineup, which includes up to eight computational modules. In addition, this platform supports an integrated graphics subsystem. However, here the graphics core goes into the motherboard, rather than being integrated into semiconductor crystals;
• most recent current AMD CPU socket - FM3 +... AMD's new CPUs are designed to be used in both entry-level and mid-range desktops and media centers. Thanks to this, the most modern integrated solution will be available to the average user for a fairly small amount.

Work opportunities

Many people pay attention to the price of the processor first. It is also important for them that he can easily solve the tasks assigned to him.

So what can both organizations offer on this point? AMD is not known for its outstanding achievements.

On the other hand, this processor presents an excellent price / performance ratio. If configured correctly, you can expect stable operation without any complaints.

It is worth noting that AMD has managed to implement multitasking. Thanks to such a processor, various applications are easily launched.

With it, you can simultaneously install the game and surf the endless expanses of the Internet.

But Intel is known for more modest results in this area, which confirms the comparison of processors.

It will not be superfluous to pay attention to the possibility of overclocking, during which the performance of the AMD processor can be easily increased by twenty percent compared to the standard settings.

To do this, you just need to use additional software.

Intel beats AMD in almost everything except multitasking. In addition, Intel has always worked with the highest level.

Power consumption

Energy consumption is one of the important criteria for laptop owners. This is due to the fact that with low power consumption the device will work longer without the need for recharging.

In addition, during such work, there is a slight generation of heat, which also affects the service life of the main components of the PC.

We should also say about performance. After AMD acquired ATI, its creators were able to successfully integrate most of the graphics processing capabilities into the processor cores. These efforts have paid off successfully.

Those who use an AMD chip for games should have no doubt that they get good performance, which is much better than equivalent Intel chips (this is especially true for those who use a card with ATI graphics).

If it comes to a lot of multitasking, then it is better to opt for Intel, since it has HyperTreasing technology.

However, this advantage can only be used when the software application is capable of multitasking, that is, the ability to divide tasks into several small parts.

If the user needs a gaming processor, it is better to combine AMD processor with.

So there is a big difference between intel and amd processor sockets. When choosing a suitable option, consider the differences between them, listed in this article. This will greatly simplify the selection of the appropriate option.

The main differences between processors

The difference between Intel and AMD processors lies primarily in the sockets - the sockets in which they are installed.

When choosing a motherboard, you must first of all pay attention to this fact, since you simply cannot find a compromise solution.

AMD processor sockets

How much money would you like to spend on a central processing unit? Depending on the price segment, the difference in performance can be very significant. Of course, there is also a dependence on what requirements you have for your computer. It all starts with CPU models costing up to 10,000 rubles, which are intended for simple PCs with a small performance, but sufficient for office work and web surfing.

In the category from 15,000 rubles, there is an opportunity to get much more power. These models can be equipped with already good gaming computers. AMD offers some attractive quad-core models in this price segment, but Intel also has something to offer, such as the Core i5 processors with four cores and high clock speeds.

Intel's Core i7 and high-end AMD Ryzen 7 series models typically start at Rs. 20,000 and only justify their use in serious systems. Even more money will need to be spent only by those who want to achieve fast operation of resource-intensive specialized software optimized for multi-core systems.

CoolerMaster V8: CPU cooler can be huge.

Choosing a processor: what to look for

Those who want to get the best option for their money should first of all pay attention to the overall performance of the model when buying a processor. However, the level of energy consumption also plays an important role. When evaluating a specific model, parameters such as clock speeds, number of cores and the availability of special features are also important.

How comprehensively and objectively processors are tested in the CHIP laboratory, we talk in. Below we will tell you what you should pay attention to when choosing a specific model.

1. CPU performance

Performance is the most important parameter when evaluating a processor. Who knows exactly what tasks will be assigned to the computer, additional useful information can be gleaned from the corresponding benchmarks. For office work, a high score in the Excel benchmark is important.

1.

Overall rating: 100

Value for money: 76

2.

Overall rating: 93.6

Value for money: 100

3.

Overall rating: 86.6

Value for money: 73

2. Processor manufacturer

In essence, the question is: Intel or AMD? Both processor manufacturers have their own advantages and disadvantages. Intel CPUs now offer higher clock speeds and high instruction-per-cycle (IPC) counts, making them shine in applications that require "one core" performance.

Since 2017, AMD has joined the arms race with new Ryzen processors. The manufacturer has presented very good 6- and 8-core CPUs with multithreading support, beating Intel's price offer, and in every segment.

3. CPU power consumption

Processors convert large amounts of energy into heat. AMD chips need up to 95 W, Intel's this parameter reaches 140 W for the fastest models. In the segment of mainstream desktop CPUs, power consumption levels are at 65 and 95 watts, respectively.

Those who do not assemble a workstation and do not plan to overclock the processor may not bother too much when buying a power supply and cooler. However: before purchasing components, you must add up the power consumption of all parts of the system in order to find a power supply with the appropriate characteristics.

4. Specifications

Anyone who wants to equip an existing computer with a new processor should make sure that the CPU fits the motherboard and its socket. For current models (which are no more than 2-3 years old), the choice will be quite simple: processors with Skylake and KabyLake architecture from Intel need socket 1151, Ryzen processors from AMD require socket AM4.

The fact that the CPU is a socket type doesn’t guarantee that everything will work as it should. Your best bet is to find up-to-date motherboard user manuals on the manufacturer's website - usually there is an exact list of supported processors.

Rating leader (extreme processors): Intel Core i9-7900X

This CPU from Intel with its ten cores set, as they say, the heat during the tests and demonstrated the highest level of performance. Of course, the cost is also huge - about 73,000 rubles. For ordinary users, such a processor is still redundant.

But those who need it will find in him a chip for the high-end LGA2066 socket platform with a base clock frequency of 3.3 GHz, which can be increased to 4.5 GHz if necessary. At the same time, technically, despite the index “7” in the designation, we are talking about a processor of the generation not of Kaby Lake, but Skylake in the extreme version.

Test results

Intel Core i9-7900X is a new top-level processor from Intel. During test tests, the Skylake X generation processor proved to be fantastic: in many benchmarks, it confidently fits on the blades of its predecessor, the Intel Core i7-6950X. Many, but not all. The new cache structure takes its toll. However, the processor deserves an undisputed buy recommendation for anyone looking to maximize the processing power of their computer.

Benefits

Highest performance
Ten CPU cores
Very promising
Good value for money
Large L2 cache

disadvantages

Very expensive
High energy consumption

The results of testing Intel Core i9-7900X

• Price-quality ratio
  Good
• Place in the overall rating
  7 from 28

• Value for money: 65
• CPU performance (100%): 84.1

Only a specialist who follows the trends in the world of technological progress can advise. We will try to understand such a difficult and specific issue within the framework of the article, since the acquisition of a computer, in particular a processor, is an investment in the future, and the efficiency of investment should be maximum.

In fact, the price is a reflection of the processor's power, but there are other nuances, in some cases even a cheaper model may be more productive than another, expensive option. Naturally, when buying expensive equipment models, their purpose is to perform resource-intensive tasks, otherwise you should think about the effectiveness of the investment.

Within the framework of the article, the main importance will not be given to the most expensive processors, you can already acquire them, being confident in the power that covers all the needs of a modern person. The best devices will be selected based on price / performance ratio.

1.AMD A8-7670K

The list of the best processors of 2017 opens AMD A8-7670K with characteristics:

• Kernels: 4;
• Consumption: 95 W;
• Integrated graphics: Radeon R7;
• Core frequency: 3.6GHz;
• Used socket type: FM2 +;
• Second level cache: 4 MB.

The main advantage of AMD processors is their more affordable price than their counterparts from Intel. Today the situation has become even more interesting, in the near future it is planned to launch processors on the modern Zen architecture. With the release of a newer version, predecessors will drop in price. Despite some obsolescence of the device, it is the most successful of the line.

It is based on a 28 nm process technology, which accordingly draws in a large power of 95 watts. The processor frequency is impressive - 3.6 GHz, and 3.9 GHz when overclocked. At the same time, the use of the device as the main video adapter is extremely convenient, since the graphics chip Radeon R7 240 GPU at 757 MHz is integrated with the expansion of capabilities thanks to additional cores.

2.Intel Core i7-6800K

This device rightfully bears the title of the best processor for games of 2017, since the power is simply prohibitive, no game can resist it.

• Kernels: 6;
• Consumption: 140 W;
• Adapter:
• Frequency: 3.4 GHz;
• Socket: LGA2011-3;
• Second level cache: 15 MB.

It is considered one of the best options for both home and work PCs. Of course, for such a miracle of technological thought, you will have to part with considerable funds, but the result is worth it. The processor has many advantages, one of them is the unlocked multiplier, that is, it is possible to independently set the required PC performance.

It is based on multi-threaded cores (6 pcs.) That support automatic overclocking. If necessary, Intel Turbo Boost is launched, which increases performance up to 3.6 GHz, additionally there is an overclocking for faster cores up to 3.8 GHz. The device is based on a 14 nm process technology, contains a 15 MB cache, and is also capable of handling up to 128 GB of DDR4 RAM.

3.Intel Core i3-6100

If the question of which processor to choose in 2017 takes into account financial costs and there is no need for excessive loads on the PC, then the i3-6100 is an excellent choice:

• Kernels: 2;
• Consumption: 65 W;
• Adapter: Intel HD Graphics 530;
• Frequency: 3.7 GHz;
• Socket: LGA 1151;
• Cache: 256x2 KB.

An inexpensive and powerful processor is a reality. So Intel i3-6100 boasts impressive performance and at the same time an affordable price. The processor already belongs to the 7th generation of Intel processors and includes its advantages, such as the 14 nm process technology and is considered the cheapest representative of the category. At the same time, it contains 3.7 GHz cores, with a reasonable consumption of 65 watts. There are 2 cores providing 4 threads that can handle almost any demanding application.

4.Intel Xeon E5-2670

High power for a low price - that's about the Xeon. Which processor to choose for a gaming computer when considering a limited amount of funds - Intel Xeon E5-2670. If you are not limited financially, then it is better to take a closer look at the i7 generation.

• Kernels: 8;
• Consumption: 115 W;
• Adapter: absent;
• Frequency: 2.6 GHz;
• Socket: FCLGA1011;
• Second level cache: 20 MB.

Despite the obsolescence of the processor (released back in 2010), it is able to process even new games with high quality, and the price has slightly decreased during this time. The device can be called quite high quality, affordable and powerful even by the standards of 2017.

5.AMD Sempron 3850

The Sempron 3850 is the best budget processor of 2017. It is the cheapest device with 4 cores, although one cannot count on high quality indicators, this is understandable:

• Kernels: 4;
• Consumption: 25 W;
• Adapter: Radeon HD 8280;
• Frequency: 1.3 GHz;
• Socket: AM1;
• Second level cache: 2 MB.

The production technology includes 28 nm, while operating at a low frequency, which is reflected in low power consumption. Its advantage is, in addition to the price, an integrated adapter, which makes it more efficient than the rest of the options built on the Baytrail. The main disadvantage is that only one RAM channel is supported.

Processors from different price niches were gradually touched in the article, so the comparison was made not based on maximum performance, but on the best power-to-price ratio.

If you still have questions on the topic "TOP-5 best processors of 2017", you can ask them in the comments

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 a 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 (9000 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-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. Premium, of course, very productive, but 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. 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 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 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. However, the latest generation of AMD Ryzen, thanks to the introduction of 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 latter has not offered anything fundamentally new for the last few years.

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 preferably premium ones. Expensive, yes, but you get a completely different ultra-high resolution gaming experience.

Which processor is right for VR games?

To comfortably use a VR headset, any chip from the section good processors is enough. Even expensive headsets deliver no more than Full HD resolution, which any mid-range gaming video card can handle, providing good performance and high frame rates (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 games that require high power.

We've covered the "top" worst gaming graphics cards. Now, after the release of Coffee Lake, we can make a list of the worst processors, since nothing very important is observed on the CPU market until the end of the year. Of course, I will only consider the relevance of buying such processors now: if you already own one of the "stones" below, then it means that you obviously had your own reasons for taking it.

Intel Core i7-7740X and Core-i5 7640X (Kaby Lake-X) - welcome to 2010

It's mid-2017. AMD unveils the first honest eight-core desktop processor - Ryzen 7. Intel is introducing new processors for its high-performance platform, now called Skylake-X and Kaby Lake-X. It can include solutions with 16 and even 18 cores, and the simplest representatives have ... stop, 4 cores ?! Hmm, how do they differ from simple i5-7600K and i7-7700K? The frequencies are the same, the number of memory channels and PCIe lanes is the same as the instruction sets. Unless the X-line has a built-in video core, but this is more a minus than a plus. Considering the fact that these processors are more expensive than their non-xed counterparts, and motherboards based on the X299 chipset are expensive, there is absolutely no point in buying these "stones", and it is difficult to explain the meaning of their release - well, except that Intel has a lot of unnecessary 4-core crystals.

AMD FX - Goodbye Gaming Bulldozer


The FX line, which was top-of-the-line before Ryzen for almost seven years, can now safely retire. To tell the truth, even at the time of its release it was not top-end: and although the programs showed that the FX-8000 line has as many as 8 cores, in fact it was 4 APUs, and according to tests, the top FX turned out to be at the level of the best i5s, the i7 was not achievable - that is why Intel then did not "get it out", continuing to release new processors with an increase of 5% in performance per generation. Prior to the release of 4-thread Pentiums earlier this year, it made sense to buy the FX-4000 line - they were extremely cheap, but at the same time they made it possible to create a basic gaming system with video cards of the level of GTX 750 Ti and even GTX 950. But, alas, the new Pentiums turned out to be so are good at leaving junior FX out of work. Well, the senior representatives, FX-8000, AMD “finished off” themselves, releasing the younger Ryzen 3 at the same price and with higher performance and lower heat dissipation. So the FX line, which was once a good choice for mid-budget gaming builds, is now finally down.

But still, these processors can be taken in one case - for the sake of an upgrade: for example, if you have an FX-4000 series, now is the time to upgrade to the FX-8000 - you will get a doubling of performance for a fairly small amount of money. Considering that the 8000 line pulls out video cards of the level of GTX 1060 or RX 580, you can easily play comfortably for another couple of years.

Most of the representatives of the Skylake and Kaby Lake lines - Intel smothers "old"

Rumors that Intel should release desktop processors with a large number of cores have been floating around for a long time, and this happened, and since October 5, their tests have flooded the Internet. And, alas, they clearly show that the previous lines no longer have a place under the Sun: why take an 8-thread processor for 19 thousand rubles, if the younger 12-thread processor costs only 20.5 thousand, and even in overclocking the previous generation is worse by at least 20%? Similarly, with the i5, and even more so with the i3 of the 6th and 7th generations - the latter were already meaningless processors on the market after the appearance of the new Pentiums, but now, after the release of the 4-core i3 of the 8th generation, i3 Skylake and Kaby Lake can definitely be written off for scrap.

By the way, now the line of processors from Intel looks quite logical: the lowest-level are 2-core Celerons: they are quite enough for comfortable surfing the Internet and watching movies, and even simple games like Dota, WoT and CS: GO. The next step is Pentium, which has all the same 2 cores, but already 4 threads, and somewhat higher frequencies - on their basis, you can already assemble a low-middle-level gaming system. Core i3, which are now 4-cores, take it one step further, allowing you to build a middle-level build. Well, for the top, there are 6-core i5 and i7 - for those who want the best gaming solution on the market.

But, however, there is one reason why "old" processors should be taken, and it is still the same - an upgrade. For example, a couple of years ago you took a younger i5-6400. And now there is a good opportunity to upgrade it to i7-7700K, and get a twofold increase in performance, and even not very expensive (especially if you sell an i5).

Haswell-E and Broadwell-E line - oldies at top prices


Let's see how much the new 8-core Skylake-X processor - Intel Core i7-7820X - costs. In Moscow retail, the price tag for it is about 40 thousand rubles. Expensive, you say? Well, here for this price we get 8 cores on a new architecture with a frequency of 4 GHz - quite good for a high-performance PC. Is it expensive anyway? Hmm, okay, let's take a look at the previous generation processors - they should be cheaper, right? So, the analog from Broadwell-E is i7-6900X: also 8 cores, but on the previous architecture, and the frequencies are about 3.5 GHz. And the price ... 70 thousand rubles ?! Where from? Why? Let's look for the pluses of the old processor. And yet, yes, we find one - this is the solder under the lid, which allows it to overclock better than the representatives of Skylake-X with "mayonnaise" instead of solder. But even if you are very lucky and you overclock the i7-6900X so that it is on the same level as the i7-7820X, this will not remove the almost twofold difference in price.

As a result, Intel this year killed two old lines at once - Broadwell-E and Kaby Lake, and the last one is not even a year old. This is how it is, monopoly ...

AMD Ryzen with X - the company steps on the same rake

Those who remember AMD FX processors know that there was no point in overpaying for older processors in the line - all processors could be overclocked, so the younger "stone" turned into an older one with one light wave of the hand. And for some reason AMD continued this in Ryzen, and here it comes to the point of absurdity: for example, the younger Ryzen 7 1700 costs about 20 thousand rubles. The older 7 1800X already costs 30 thousand - one and a half times more expensive. And they have the same overclocking potential - about 4 GHz. Should you overpay for 1800X? I think the answer is obvious. And so in all Ryzen lines - 3, 5 and 7 - it makes sense to take a younger processor, without the X index, and overclock it to the level of the older one.

AMD Bristol Ridge - For Those Who Don't Have Ryzen Money


AMD continues to develop its APUs with the same persistence - two-in-one systems, where the average CPU level includes full-fledged graphics from AMD, only with a smaller number of processing units and frequency than in full-fledged video cards. In principle, it is quite a good solution for those who need a simple home PC - the processor's performance is enough for the OS, browser and movies to work quickly, and the GPU will allow you to play even new games, albeit in HD resolution and with low graphics settings. Well, and most importantly, the new APUs are compatible with AM4, that is, in the future, no one bothers to replace such a processor with some Ryzen 7, which is well suited for those who assemble a PC in stages.

But, on the other hand, yes, this is a budget solution, but why is it based on the Excavator architecture, which is 7 years old at lunchtime, and even 28 nm ?! Was it really so difficult to make these "stones" on Zen, which would also allow reducing the heat dissipation from 65 to 30 watts acceptable for such a system? In general, APUs are strange - on the one hand, new, on the other - ancient. But, in principle, they can find their buyers.

But something we started talking about desktops, it would be time to switch to mobile processors, because there are also many strange "features" here.

Intel Celeron N3050 and N3350 - worse than Atom for the same money

For some reason, branded laptop manufacturers have one trick - we put Celeron and Pentium in netbooks / laptops, and Atom in tablets. It would seem that everything is correct, Celeron should be better than Atom, but no - Intel thinks differently: the architecture of these processors is similar, but Atom 4 has computing cores, when Celeron has only 2. Considering that we are considering the lowest -level (10-15 thousand rubles), a couple of cores will not be superfluous here, and if notebooks on Celeron may well start to freeze with 3-4 tabs in Chrome, Atom will quite pull out simultaneous surfing and watching a PiP movie. And given the fact that for $ 150 you can simply remain silent about the quality of branded netbooks - it makes sense to take a solution from any Digma or iRu, but with Atom, and get seriously better performance for the same money.

Intel Core i3-6006U and Pentium 4405U - i3 worse than Pentium


After Atom, which is better than Celeron, it would seem much worse. However, they knocked on the bottom - the i3-6006U, which is quite massive in the segment of 18-25 thousand rubles ... is worse than its counterpart in the same segment, but from the Pentium mill! Let's take a closer look at these processors: both have 2 cores and 4 threads, the same instruction set, but the Pentium has a 100 MHz higher frequency, but the integrated graphics are twice as bad: HD 510 versus HD 520 in i3. It would seem that 100 MHz of frequency (+ 5%) will definitely not outweigh twice the worst graphics, but there are two nuances:

1. If a laptop has discrete graphics (and often it is - this is Nvidia GT 920M), then it makes no difference to integrated graphics - it will be discrete graphics that will work in games, so a slightly higher-frequency Pentium is better here.
2. If a person chose a laptop without discrete graphics, then he does not need games, and both integrated video cards cope with GUI rendering and playback, including 1080p60, that is, again, there is no point in taking i3.

As a result, the Pentium turns out to be a little better and often even a little cheaper. But, alas, the i3 sounds more proud than the Pentium, that's why the laptop manufacturers are sculpting the first processor, but if you have the opportunity to get a Pentium for the same amount, you better take it. The cheaper - the more take it.

AMD mobile processors - Intel won the war

The fact that AMD did not really update its mobile processors for a couple of years, and Intel, even in low-voltage solutions, increased the number of cores to 4, led to the fact that it simply does not make sense to buy laptops with AMD processors - analogs on Intel processors will be more productive. and more autonomous. Yes, the "reds" do not want to lose the mobile market, and are actively making mobile Ryzen, but so far the only thing on the Internet is a couple of tests, where AMD processors are again not performing in the best light. Of course, when they come out, everything may change, but so far Intel reigns in the mobile segment. You can read more about this.

What's the bottom line? And in the end, the same confusion and hesitation, as with video cards - there are excellent solutions, there are good ones, and there are those at the sight of which you think - and what was the manufacturer guided by when releasing of this?! But, what pleases me is that the processor market has seriously moved lately, and mainly thanks to AMD: Intel rolled out 6-core desktop processors in response to the 8-core Ryzen, in the mobile segment the number of cores in the same lines also increased. So those who wanted to upgrade or build a new PC - IMHO, it's time to get started.