13 best Intel processors

The American company Intel exists since 1968. Now she is the most famous manufacturer of processors designed for laptops, desktops and servers. Many people in assembling their own computer prefer to look for the Intel processor, not even paying attention to AMD products, which we will discuss in the next article. At a higher cost, Intel chipsets are more reliable, offering a very long time between failures. Below will be considered the best Intel processors - buying any of the thirteen chipsets will not definitely disappoint.

How to choose a processor for the computer?

Not all readers of expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/ thoroughly versed in computers. Therefore, it will not be superfluous to talk about what components are inside the system unit (computer case):

1. Power Supply - supplies all components with electricity;
2. Motherboard - all other components are connected to it, it is a link;
3. CPU - in fact, it is he who processes all incoming commands from the user;
4. RAM - it is necessary for keeping data about open programs in it;
5. Drives - SSD and hard drives can be used in their quality, all files are stored on them, including the operating system itself;
6. Optical drive - Recently it has become less and less significant, because nowadays, not everyone needs to work with DVDs;
7. Cooling system - it is necessary so that the processor does not warm up to an extreme temperature at which the system automatically turns it off.

Computer assembly should start with the motherboard. There will be a socket for the processor, called a socket. Unfortunately, no motherboard is universal. This means that further it will be necessary to select the chipset for the socket used. Otherwise, you run the risk of facing the fact that the purchased processor will either not be inserted into the appropriate slot, or not determined by the bios.

When choosing a processor, you need to focus on the amount that you are willing to become generous. Chipsets used to be relatively inexpensive. However, now the situation has changed. Even if you collect an office computer, Intel products will cost a fairly large amount - no less than 5,000 rubles. And if you are building a computer that serves to play multimedia, then you need to look towards the chipsets from the Intel Core series, preferably with at least four cores. Such chips cost from 10 to 15 thousand rubles. Well, the greatest expenses are waiting for you when assembling a gaming computer. Or, if necessary, edit the video on a regular basis. Top processors can easily cost more than 70 thousand rubles! However, even their cost seems low on the background of the price tag the server models can boast of. However, server chips in any case will pay for themselves, especially if the server will exist for many years.

The ranking of the best Intel processors

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Best Intel Desktop Processors	1	Intel Core i9-7980XE	156 420 ₽
	2	Intel Core i9-7900X	55 100 ₽
	3	Intel Core i7-6950X	64 792 ₽
	4	Intel Core i7-7820X	48 625 ₽
	5	Intel Core i7-5960X	36 188 ₽
	6	Intel Core i7-9700K	31 990 ₽
	7	Intel Core i7-5930K	21 800 ₽
	8	Intel Core i5-8400	13 450 ₽
	9	Intel Core i5-7600K	18 590 ₽
	10	Intel Core i3-8100	8 590 ₽
The best Intel processors for the server	1	Intel Xeon Gold 6154	280 900 ₽
	2	Intel Xeon W-2195	205 920 ₽
	3	Intel Xeon E5-2680 v4	109 667 ₽

Best Intel Desktop Processors

Intel Core i9-7980XE

Rating: 4.9

Just a few years ago, the maximum Intel company offered processors from the Core i7 series. However, now avid gamers and some professionals can purchase chips belonging to the Core i9 line - they are distinguished by a large number of cores and the highest computing power. Such processors are supported exclusively by top motherboards capable of providing the chip with a large amount of energy. But is it worth buying, say, an Intel Core i9-7980XE? Is it reasonable to give him more than 140 thousand rubles?

To install this processor, you will need a LGA2066 socket. This chipset consists of, scary to imagine, 18 cores! On the one hand, this is good. On the other hand, not every computer program is optimized for dividing tasks into so many threads. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the processor shows good performance in video editing in a professional application, as well as in solving other similar problems. Gamers better look at cheaper processors - they are unlikely to feel any increase in FPS after buying such a monster.

This model is made by 14-nanometer process technology. This allows us to hope for low power consumption even under maximum load. If you do not mean overclocking the processor, then you can get by with a simple air cooler. Included such, by the way, no. But many people buy chips from the Xtreme Edition series just for the sake of overclocking, they should think about creating a water cooling system.

Such a processor could not help but boast of a record cache size - here it is 25 MB. By default, the chipset cores operate at a clock frequency of 2.6 GHz. If you use Turbo Boost, then the frequency rises to an impressive 4.2 GHz.

Intel Core i9-7900X

Rating: 4.8

Another processor belonging to the Core i9 series. However, this representative of our rating has a smaller number of cores, due to which the price tag turned out to be more modest. This chip consists of "only" of ten cores! But even by default, they operate at an impressive 3.3 GHz clock frequency. If you use the Turbo Boost mode, it is possible to increase the frequency by 1 GHz.

Inside this chip, there are traditional three levels of cache. L3 cache size is 14 MB, which is still almost a transcendent parameter. This processor is mounted to any motherboard, which includes the LGA2066 socket. Also, the chip supports almost any amount of DDR4 RAM - the maximum manufacturer says 128 GB. Some limitation is only the number of memory channels, which can only be as high as four.

The Intel Core i9-7900X processor was created using the 14 nm process technology, like other top-end chipsets from this company released in 2017-2018. Heat dissipation under normal operating conditions will not exceed 140 watts. It seems that for such a powerful chipset, this is quite an adequate parameter. If you do not engage in overclocking, then you will be satisfied with the usual air cooler, which has a relatively low "turret". Cooling on a water basis will be needed only in case of serious overclocking.

Intel Core i7-6950X

Rating: 4.8

This is a more familiar processor, which, however, is also based on a 14-nanometer process technology. It also has a built-in memory controller. Moreover, the chip also received 10 cores. The difference lies in the fact that the chipset is designed to be installed in the LGA2011-3 socket. Do I have to say that it exists for a longer time? Therefore, it is much easier to find a motherboard equipped with it, and it is unlikely that it will cost a lot of money. At the same time, the chip supports all the same 128 GB of DDR4 RAM. However, this is not true for gamers (they have enough of a smaller volume), but for those who are going to use this processor in the server.

The cores built in here operate at a clock frequency of 3000 MHz. Awesome. They show themselves well in a video editor or some "photoshop". In games such power is felt less. Nothing can be done, a rare game sharpened by 10 computing threads. As expected, the chip has a three-level cache. At the same time, L3 cache reaches 25 MB.

This representative of our rating is considered game. Moreover, its heat generation most often does not exceed 140 W. However, even this figure is quite impressive. Not without reason, the chip comes in proud solitude - the cooling system will have to be bought separately. By the way, if you decide to disperse this miracle, then you will need a "dropsy."

This processor is still quite expensive. But it is his purchase that looks most adequate if you assemble a computer for solving heavy problems. Be sure, the chipset will work a very long time - it is unlikely that it will cease to be relevant even after seven to eight years.

Intel Core i7-7820X

Rating: 4.8

With the laws of physics can not argue. If the processor consists of a large number of cores, then they are unlikely to be able to work at high clock frequency. That is why many consumers prefer to look for a chipset with four or eight cores. Buying such a processor, you can count on very high performance even in those applications that are not designed for loading a large number of cores. In particular, the Intel Core i7-7820X defaults to 3,600 MHz. But it can also be overclocked!

The chip is installed in the LGA2066 socket. It seems that now you can even find a reasonably inexpensive motherboard with such a connector, not to mention gaming options, without any problems. If you use a good cooling system and Turbo Boost function, the frequency rises to 4.3 GHz. It should be noted that the processor is delivered to the buyer in the bare. This means that in any case the cooler will have to be purchased additionally. A simple turret with a copper base is quite satisfactory, since the typical heat dissipation of this processor does not exceed 140 watts. Problems can arise only during extreme overclocking - in this case, water cooling is required.

The chip does not have a very large cache. Although the minimum 11-megabyte third-level cache can not be called. As for the RAM, the maximum processor recognizes 128 GB. In short, in this regard, the product does not differ from the above examples, while the Intel Core i7-7820X is sold at a significantly lower price. In conclusion, we note that the chip was created using a 14-nanometer process technology - so far this is the maximum that Intel's plants are capable of.

Now it is one of the most popular Intel processors. We recommend his purchase to every person who needs to solve complex problems. This chip helps in writing programs and video editing, it feels great in gaming machines.

Intel Core i7-5960X

Rating: 4.7

Another processor in our ranking, on the box with which there is an inscription Extreme Edition. This means that the chip may be subject to overclocking. This process does not promise any particular problems, especially if you are stocked up with water cooling. The difference from the models discussed above is in the old design of the cores - they were created using the 22 nm process technology. Therefore, the nuclei turned out to be quite large. This has a negative effect on power consumption under load. Although it must be admitted that the manufacturer managed to keep the heat dissipation at 140 W. But even with this parameter stated the need to use a good cooling system. If the above considered instances are able to function even if their temperature reaches 90 ° C, then you can’t say so about the Intel Core i7-5960X - failures can begin at 70 ° C.

To install the processor requires a socket LGA2011-3. Inside this chip are eight cores. Their clock frequency reaches 3000 MHz. Another product can boast a multiplication factor of 30. Note that there is no integrated graphics core. This does not seem to be a problem, since the buyers of such a processor also have a powerful video card.

Like other modern chipsets, Intel Core i7-5960X has a three-level cache. At the same time, L3 cache reaches an impressive 20 MB. Another part of the processor includes a memory controller with a bandwidth of 68 GB / s.

The chip exists in several delivery options. We recommend buying the so-called "carcass." A complete cooler is useless. The fact is that Intel puts a simple cooler in the box, which smells disgusting at first, and the speed of rotation of its fan may not be enough under certain conditions.

Still, it must be admitted that this processor has an excessively high price tag. For 75 thousand rubles you can buy a new generation chip. It is recommended to acquire this processor only if your motherboard does not support new models made according to the 14-nanometer process technology, and you do not intend to change it.

Intel Core i7-9700K

Rating: 4.7

Of course, our rating cannot consist only of expensive processors. Agree, for 70 thousand rubles I want to buy a full-fledged computer, and not just a chipset. That is why one of the most popular processors is now the Intel Core i7-9700K. For only 31-35 thousand rubles, he offers quite a decent computing power. Such a chipset is often bought by those people who prefer to use their computer for games. Be sure, a more expensive processor will not provide a particularly large FPS increase. We can safely say that the models discussed above are more likely for professionals, while the Intel Core i7-9700K is an instance for the average consumer.

This processor is eight-core. To install it, a socket LGA1151 v2 is required. It's nice that for the manufacture of cores used 12 nm process technology. This means that the product has a very low power consumption. At the same time, the manufacturer tried to squeeze the maximum possible from the available technology. As a result, even in the default operating mode, the core clock frequency can reach 3,600 MHz. But the maximum potential is revealed in Turbo Boost mode. Eight threads allow you to achieve a clock frequency of 4,900 MHz. Another product can boast a third-level cache, the volume of which is 12 MB.

As it should be, the chip has an integrated memory controller. It is precisely in its structure that we can say that Intel saved all the same.The fact is that the bandwidth is only 41.6 GB / s. The maximum chip supported is 64 GB DDR4 RAM. The limitation lies in the fact that, as much as possible, the processor supports two memory channels.

Unlike the models reviewed above, the Intel Core i7-9700K has an integrated graphics core. In its quality here is used UHD 630, operating at a clock frequency of 1200 MHz. Another product has a low heat - only 95 watts. Taking into account the possibility of working at a temperature of 100 ° C, we can safely say that a particularly powerful cooler chip is not required. However, if you are going to overclock such a processor, the water cooling still does not hurt. But why do we need overclocking, if by default the chip is able to boast high frequencies?

Intel Core i7-5930K

Rating: 4.7

Even cheaper processor. But, of course, this is not the most accessible representative of our rating. In Russian stores, this chip is sold for 18-20 thousand rubles. From the conveyor, he began to go in 2014. Therefore, it is not surprising that a 22 nm process technology was used for manufacturing. In total, the chip consists of six cores. This is not the maximum number, but a few years ago, four cores were the standard for Intel, so a certain step forward is observed in Core i7-5930K.

This chip operates at a clock frequency of 3.5 GHz. This is a very big number. It is quite enough for many modern games and professional programs. It should be noted that the processor requires a socket LGA2011-3, and motherboards equipped with it have recently become more and more. It should be noted that the good bandwidth of the built-in memory controller is 68 GB / s. As for the cache of the third level, it can be called very good - it reaches 15 MB.

Unfortunately, this processor has drawbacks. Well, how could you manage without them in such an inexpensive chipset? Heat generation is saddened most of all, which in most modes of operation reaches 140 W. At the same time, the maximum chip is capable of operating at a temperature of 67 ° C. Therefore, the user will need a good cooler. Do I need to say that not everyone wants to pay about 1/5 of the cost of this processor for the cooling system? However, experts will say that people who collect a gaming computer should get used to it. In order not to risk its processor, the cooler is always selected with a certain margin. Consequently, cheap cooling systems are bought only for the assembly of an office PC. A Core i7-5930K is not exactly for such a computer.

Intel Core i5-8400

Rating: 4.6

Initially, it seemed that only 14 chips belonging to the Core i7 and Core i9 lines would be manufactured using the 14 nm process technology. However, Intel decided to please those people who are not ready to give their monthly salary (or even two) for the processor. In this regard, Intel Core i5-8400 was born. For a box with this chip, they ask for 13 thousand rubles. By modern standards, this is the amount to which the word “total” can be attributed. Video cards are several times more expensive. What can I say, now even data drives can have a higher price tag!

Well, what exactly do we get for that kind of money? Typically, the Core i5 series includes quad-core chips.But this processor is the most powerful representative of the family, it can boast six processing cores! On the membership in the mid-budget line says the clock frequency not exceeding 2800 MHz. Fortunately, if you have a good cooling system, then you can use the Turbo Boost function - in this case, the frequency will increase to 4000 MHz.

For installation of the processor will require the popular socket LGA1151 v2. Interestingly, the chip manufactured using the 14-nanometer process technology received an integrated graphics core HD Graphics 630, operating at a frequency of 1050 MHz. Of course, gamers will not be interested - they have a video card. But when building an office PC, the integrated graphics will be very useful. The chipset also includes three cache levels. The third level cache is 9 MB.

The processor has an integrated memory controller, the bandwidth of which is 41.6 GB / s. The maximum supported product memory standard DDR4-2666, and its volume should not exceed 64 GB. The fact that the chip supports only two memory channels testifies to the mid-budget segment.

The processor is distinguished from more expensive analogs by lower heat dissipation. When using base frequencies, it does not exceed 65 W, while the chip can work stably even when heated to a temperature of 100 ° C. It turns out that the product does not require some kind of advanced cooling system. The exceptions are the above-mentioned cases of an increase in the clock frequency - then the heat release increases significantly.

Intel Core i5-7600K

Rating: 4.5

Slightly more expensive representative of our rating. At the same time, it consists of only four cores created using the same 14-nanometer process technology. Why is the price tag raised? First, the product requires the LGA1151 socket of the first version, and the motherboards equipped with it have a reasonable value. Secondly, the cores of this chip operate at a clock frequency of 3800 MHz. Default! This means that even at such a frequency, the heat emission will not exceed the figure stated by the manufacturer - 91 watts. Unfortunately, the Turbo Boost function has almost no effect on the performance of the chipset. When activated, the frequency rises only to 4.2 GHz - the difference, as you noticed, is not great.

As expected, the processor has a multi-level cache. But chip records are far enough away. To be as accurate as possible, the L3 cache size is only 6144 KB. Of course, a few years ago, and this figure seemed outrageous. But now we understand that more expensive chips have at least twice as large cache.

The rest is a typical mid-range processor. Traditionally, for such products released by Intel, the Core i5-7600K received an integrated graphics core. It uses HD Graphics 630 as its core, which operates at a frequency of 1150 MHz. Of course, the processor has a built-in memory controller. The maximum chip recognizes 64 GB of RAM memory standard DDR4-2400. The chip works stably even if its temperature approaches 100 ° C. However, this does not mean that its cooling should be saved. The complete cooler should be thrown away altogether - it has a very poor quality of workmanship, and it practically does not cope with its task.

Intel Core i3-8100

Rating: 4.3

We had to get into our rating and at least one processor belonging to a series of Intel Core i3.As you know, this is a budget line, which includes chips designed mainly for use in office computers. However, Intel Core i3-8100 can be placed in the home PC, which is intended to use the student of junior classes. The problem is that the processor requires a socket LGA1151 v2. Do I need to say that the motherboards equipped with them are very expensive?

You can buy the chip itself for only 10 thousand rubles. Of course, for this money you will receive only the processor. But we do not advise you to look for a kit with a cooler. It is better to select the cooling system separately. It should be noted that you will not need some kind of giant “tower”. The fact is that the product is made according to a 14-nanometer process technology. This means that the chip will not get very hot. However, the manufacturer claims that his creation will work stably even at a temperature of 100 ° C. In general, the heat release is only 65 W - this is a much more modest figure than the one that can boast six- and eight-core solutions.

Collectors of office computers should be glad that this chip has an integrated graphics core. It operates at a frequency of 1200 MHz, which can be considered an adequate parameter. As for the four cores, they operate at a clock frequency of 3,600 MHz. It seems that this is enough even for professional applications. However, there are certain limitations. First, the processor uses only four threads. Secondly, the product supports only two memory channels. But the bandwidth is also small (by modern standards) - it is 37.5 GB / s. In short, after reading the specifications, you immediately realize that this is a very inexpensive processor. By the way, the third-level cache does not exceed 6 MB - this is also not at all surprising.

The best Intel processors for the server

Intel Xeon Gold 6154

Rating: 4.9

The most advanced chip created by Intel. This is ideal for creating a server. However, it is also the most expensive - more than 300 thousand rubles are asked for processor in Russian stores!

The chip belongs to the last generation, so it was created using a 14 nm process technology. He also received a huge number of cores, namely - 18 pieces. They can operate at a clock frequency of 3 GHz. It seems that this is quite enough even for the server not only to contain many sites, but also to solve very complex tasks.

As befits a modern processor, the Intel Xeon Gold 6154 has an integrated memory controller. A maximum of the server with such a chipset can be put "RAM" standard DDR4-2666. It's nice that the processor has received a three-level cache, the amount of which in total reaches 43 MB. If we talk specifically about the L3 cache, then its volume is 25 MB.

As you know, server processors are very “hot”. At the same time, this model is able to function at a temperature of 82 ° C. To achieve it is quite difficult, because the heat dissipation of the chip can easily reach 200 watts. So, over the cooling system you need to think very seriously, otherwise you risk if you don’t burn the server, then face its regular shutdowns. It remains to add that to install the chip you need a LGA3647 socket.

Intel Xeon W-2195

Rating: 4.8

This processor has a more familiar appearance. This is due to the fact that for its installation using an ordinary socket LGA2066. So, the chipset has a standard square shape. At the same time inside it fit 18 cores! This was achieved, including through the use of 14-nanometer process technology.

About 220 thousand rubles are being asked for this model. According to the reduced price tag, you can guess that the user is waiting for certain restrictions. This is most noticeable in the clock frequency, which here is only 2300 MHz. There is also a very low multiplication factor - it is equal to the 23rd.

It remains to be glad that the manufacturer did not save on the memory controller and cache. If we talk about the first, it supports DDR4-2666 standard memory, while four channels are supported. The maximum allowable amount of memory that can be installed in the server is 512 GB. It’s even hard to imagine how many sites can be contained on such a server! As for the bandwidth, its width reaches 85.3 GB / s.

This 18-core processor has a familiar multi-level cache. At the same time, the third level cache is 25 MB. Well, the reduced clock frequency has a positive effect on heat dissipation. It is reduced to 140 watts here. However, the maximum chip is capable of operating at a temperature of 66 ° C. So, the buyer of such a processor still needs a good cooling system. I am glad that its noise does not play a special role, because we are talking about the server.

Intel Xeon E5-2680 v4

Rating: 4.5

It must be one of the most affordable processors for server creators. And it should be noted that its installation requires the very popular LGA2011-3 socket. Do I have to say that they even have ordinary motherboards designed for installation in an ordinary desktop PC?

This chip performs calculations using 14 cores. All of them are created by 14-nanometer process technology. The clock frequency can reach 2400 MHz, which is acceptable for most servers. But the heat generation is generally good - in many operating scenarios it does not exceed 120 watts. At the same time, the product remains operable up to the moment when it is heated to 86 ° C. In short, it is unlikely that the choice and purchase of the cooling system will cause a headache for the server owner.

This processor has a cache of the third level of 35840 KB. It is possible that this is a record figure! Also, it should be noted support for RAM standard DDR4-2400. The system bus bandwidth reaches 76.8 GB / s - this figure indicates that this chip is primarily intended for installation in the server.

Perhaps, the processor is exactly worth the 125 thousand rubles that they ask for it. Not easy now is the most popular chip among those that are sharpened for work in the server. Moreover, some people buy it for their desktop! The fact is that this chip is a bit cheaper than many solutions from the Core i7 series with similar characteristics. But we must not forget that there is no sensible overclocking support, and the clock frequency is not particularly high.

Conclusion

This is the list of the best computer chipsets created by the American company Intel. Above, we looked at processors in different price segments. This allows you to choose a chip, focusing on the amount you are willing to spend. We considered and processors designed for use in servers. Such chips are characterized by a long service life, almost complete absence of errors and support for a huge amount of RAM.

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Attention! This rating is subjective, is not advertising and does not serve as a guide to the purchase. Before buying, you should consult with a specialist.