How to choose the right processor for your computer, notebook, tablet?

The processor is the heart of any computer, both mobile and stationary. It is responsible for the provision of computing power. Когда он не справляется с учетом потребностей и поставленных перед ним задач то работа получается мало эффективна, which leads to a waste of time.

Therefore, it is important to define your requirements, and think, to which the computer will be used. И самое главное – если вы хотите сделать платформу предназначенную для игр следует выбрать мощный процессор, since in many cases it will limit even the most powerful graphics card.

AMD or Intel?

Solutions on the market for desktops and laptops is dominated by two manufacturers of processors: AMD and Intel. Each of these solutions offers, with his supporters and opponents. In normal applications can not see, often the difference between competing units, Intel, however, has become increasingly popular, despite, AMD's products are cheaper. Чем отличаются и что предлагают процессоры конкретных фирм?

Cm. and articles:

• Which motherboard to choose?
• Intel Socket – 1150 and 1155
• What socket AMD choose?

Architecture processors in desktops

В настоящее время доступны процессоры выполнены на архитектуре x86, 32 или 64-разрядные. CISC also use the command.

The current architecture

Every year, as AMD, and Intel, try to introduce new line of processors, based on the new architecture.

AMD

The company has prepared a new series processors G-based x86 "Jaguar" architecture, produced by technology 28 nanometers. It should be added, that AMD has long been promoting the type of system the APU, t. it is. integrated system, consisting of CPU and GPU. Due to the smaller size of hybrid processors have proven themselves very well in computers all-in-one or nettopach, while at the same time a great opportunity in the games (although, of course, this type of unit does not replace the external video card), than solutions, offered by Intel.

Intel

The company has prepared Intel Haswell platform (the fourth generation of processors), made in the process 22 nm. This is an improved version of the previous architecture of Ivy Bridge processors in terms of performance, integrated graphics and power efficiency.

Future

The two companies will work primarily on solutions for mobile devices, because these devices are developing rapidly. They will also focus on creating energy-efficient processors, which will provide low power consumption, while maintaining satisfactory performance. Besides, you should always take into account the lowering process (Intel has announced the production of processors, performed on 14-nanometer technology).

What to choose: Core i3, Core i5 или Core i7?

Intel, except the weakest units Celeron and Pentium, also produces powerful processors, designed for more demanding users. They are divided into three main groups, where each of them offers a different power, as well as support for additional functions (prepared on the basis of Intel Haswell platform):

Feature	Core i3	Core i5	Core i7
Number of Cores	2	2 or 4	2,4 or 6
Number of threads	4	4	4, 8 or 12
Turbo Boost (increasing processor frequency)	Not	Yes	Yes
HyperThreading	Yes	Not, if four cores So, if two cores	Yes
AES (encryption)	Yes	Yes	Yes
L3 cache	3-4 MB	6 or 4 MB	8-15 MB
IGP	HD Graphics 4400/4600	HD Graphics 4600	HD Graphics 4600
application	For those, processors who are looking for standard office tasks / Multimedia. These processors are the cheapest, but at the same time the weakest of all the family	For those, who are looking for more efficient processors, are suitable for use in gaming machines, and at the same time they are affordable	For people with special needs, who are looking for a very efficient equipment not only for the latest games, but also for the experienced and professional programs. It is also the most expensive unit of the whole family.

What to look for when choosing a processor?

The number of cores and threads

In theory, The more the number of cores, the faster and more efficient to work processor. but, in practice, it is not always possible to observe such a relation. Why? Most of the applications (especially for home use), which are available on the market, It does not use the potential of multi-threading / multi-core systems, выполняются на один или два ядра.

Marked increase in productivity will be noticeable when working with multiple applications simultaneously, Games or in an advanced software. Therefore, for regular use at home or office environment does not require the purchase of processor, fitted with more than two cores, Although the market can get four units -, шести – и даже восьмиядерные (AMD).

In the case of Intel and Core i3 platform, i5 and i7 uses HyperThreading technology, which doubles the number of supported flows. true, the performance of such a decision is not so great, as in the case of physical cores, but is a cheaper alternative.

Highway (tire) system

It is responsible for the communication processor with other components. Currently, it is less significant element, although, of course, It continues to affect the data transfer speed. Так у улучшенного процессора шина должна иметь большую пропускную способность. Bus bandwidth depends on stand, located on the motherboard. bus, are used, this:

• Qpi increases the efficacy of the compound - used Intel
• HT (Hyper Transport) - used by AMD.

Cache

A cache is a fast memory, located in the processor, and it stores the most frequently used data. AMD, like Intel often boast higher and higher cache values, but, not always bigger it is much faster (Sometimes the difference is hardly noticeable, and the cost of production, Unfortunately, above). There are three levels of cache:

• L1 – здесь находятся данные, which are necessary at the moment. It is also characterized by minimal access time.
• L2 - another level, wherein the collected data, that may be available for the second. Or L3 is taken from RAM.
• L3 - appears in the latest and more efficient processors. Frequently used to synchronize operation of multiple nuclei.

Clock frequency

Simply put, clock rate has a direct impact on the performance of the processor itself, but, Consequently, speed of operations per second, eg, 2 GHz 2 billions of switches per second. However, it should be understood, the effectiveness is calculated by the formula (clock * cores * number of operations in one clock-wise), It should be compared only between the models of the manufacturer, since otherwise the results may be incorrect).

A clock frequency-one of the most important characteristics of processors.

CPU socket

The processor is not an independent. To work needs motherboard, fitted into special slots, wherein the processor is placed. However, in order, that installation was possible, the plate must be compatible with the selected processor. So that, if the dial set at the outset, you need to select the processor model, and only then the motherboard. In the case of replacement of old components, need to make, what type of connector is equipped with a stove and a mother to her to pick up the processor.

AMD processors use the slots: FM1, AM3, AM3 +. In turn, Intel processors to be installed on the motherboard with sockets: Larga 1150, Larga 1151 и Larga 2011.

overclocking

If you have a limited budget to build a set of computer, should choose middle-class processor, which can then be pumped. AMD and Intel are in its range of special series of processors with unlocked multiplier (uprated clock frequency) and have their own symbols. Intel adds to the name of the letter K or X, and AMD letters BE (Black Edition) or K (APU with an unlocked multiplier). This does not apply to the Series FX-, as all models in this series have an unlocked multiplier

The processor and graphics card

If the computer is designed for game enthusiasts, must not only pay attention to the choice of a good gpu, but the cpu. true, it does not have to be a block with a top shelf, but it is necessary to choose a processor, which the, at least, It has an average productivity. If the processor is too slow it will not have time data delivery for video. Weak unit may be a bottleneck, which can significantly reduce the comfort of the game.

Cooling

CPU, especially during the intensive work, generates heat. If the block temperature will be too high, this can lead to an unstable operating system operation. Therefore it is necessary to stock up:

• radiators (passive cooling)
• fans (active cooling)

For more information about the cooling is in a separate class.

Which processor for notebook?

Laptops use a special version of the mobile processor. established manufacturers, so that the user need not worry about the self-assembly. If you select the CPU in a laptop you should pay attention to:

• Number of Cores
• clock frequency
• cache
• model (family) processors and their features

Which processor for gaming?

Processor for gaming should not be a speed demon, but, It should have an adequate supply of power. In an ideal situation, you can choose a processor, which has four cores, no less 3.2 GHz clock (although you can also choose to lower the processor clock, but with an unlocked multiplier) and a third level cache. Despite the possibility of the phenomenon of the narrow passage, It is still the most important element is the graphics card.

Which processor to choose for your tablet?

Processors in tablets and smartphones based on other architectures. At the moment, it is ARM, but Intel has already prepared its own platform for mobile devices, which is introduced to the market. processors, used in tablet and use less powerful other (abbreviated) instruction set.

Which processor is better company? Which models are the most efficient and reliable? Which lines are most popular? See our processor rating, to see the most popular processors.

Top 3 popular processor for home use

Процессор Intel Pentium G3260 Dual Core, 3.30 GHz, 3MB, LGA1150, 22-nm, 54W, VGA, BOX (BX80646G3260)