15 best computer processors

The performance of a personal computer in varying degrees affects each of its functional components - RAM, chipset, video card, hard disk, network connection, and so on. But there is a main detail on which absolutely everything depends - the central processor. Even the fastest and most volatile RAM or video card will not be able to show their potential if their characteristics do not match the capabilities of the processor. However, when choosing a computer bundle, it is not always worth striving to choose the newest and most powerful processor.

The editors of expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/ prepared for you an extensive review of the most successful processor models as of spring 2019, on the basis of which personal computers of different capacities and price categories are completed. According to the conclusions of our experts, we divided the rating in the nomination for an indicative purpose.

Rating of the best processors for the computer

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The best super powerful computer processors	1	AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX	123 208 ₽
	2	Intel Core i9 9900K	36 920 ₽
	3	Intel Core i7 6950X Extreme Edition Broadwell E	47 599 ₽
The best processors for gaming computers	1	Intel Core i7-7820X	25 000 ₽
	2	AMD Ryzen7 1800X	13 065 ₽
	3	Intel Core i7-8700K	26 050 ₽
	4	AMD Ryzen 7 2700X	21 895 ₽
The best processors for work computers	1	AMD Ryzen 5 1600X	10 743 ₽
	2	AMD Ryzen 5 2600	9 535 ₽
	3	Intel Core i5-8400	12 790 ₽
The best processors for mid-range computers	1	Intel Core i3 8100	7 495 ₽
	2	AMD Ryzen 3 2200G	5 435 ₽
	3	AMD FX8320	3 615 ₽
Best low-cost computer processors	1	Intel Celeron G3930	2 490 ₽
	2	AMD Athlon 200GE	2 520 ₽

The best super powerful computer processors

First of all, we will consider the most advanced achievements of manufacturers of processors for computers and laptops - two irreconcilable competitors Intel and AMD. The review includes exactly the mass models that have received wide distribution and recognition. Some HEDT-models for high-performance systems were excluded due to the exorbitant cost and too narrow specialization, far from the needs of the mass consumer.

AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX

Rating: 4.9

"Number one" in our review is AMD's outstanding achievement, perhaps the most vivid example of a product that has left behind Intel's top processors. This is the world's first 32-core processor with 64 threads. Its microelectronic filling is made according to the thinnest 12nm process possible today. The processor is designed for sTR4 socket.

Various modifications of this model can contain from 12 to 32 Colfax cores operating at a clock frequency of 3 to 3.5 GHz (overclocking is supported). The cache of the first level is 96 KB, the second - from 6144 to 16384Kb, the third - from 32768 to 65536Kb. A split level 2 cache is supported. There is a built-in RAM controller.

The processor supports AMD64 / EM64T and SSE2 / 3/4 instruction sets; NX Bit technology; hardware virtualization. There is virtually no support for Hyper-threading and 3DNow, as well as the integrated graphics core.

The maximum operating temperature of the processor is 68 degrees. Nominal heat dissipation in case of not too intensive computer operation varies from 180 to 250 watts. Independent testing has shown that under severe load, heat can rise to 600W, and overclocking to 800W.For cooling the processor under medium loads, the Wraith Ripper cooler or similar analogues specially developed for this series will suit. At high loads and acceleration, experts recommend water cooling.

The entire Threadripper line, and this model especially, received extremely positive feedback from real users. The processor is able to easily manipulate stunning amounts of data, effortlessly satisfy the demands of the most voracious video card, and support the fastest and most efficient RAM.

Intel Core i9 9900K

Rating: 4.8

The second super powerful processor for desktop computers in our ranking is the Core i9 9900K made by Intel. This is a flagship, but it essentially loses the model described above in almost all the articles. Probably, we will see a qualitative breakthrough of Intel in the very near future, but for now this is all that the “blue” (Intel) can counterpose with the “red” (AMD).

Manufactured processor for 14nm process technology. It is based on 8 cores operating in 16 streams at 3.6 GHz with overclocking capability up to 5 GHz. The total amount of SmartCache cache is 16MB. Supports up to 128GB of dual channel DDR4-2666 RAM. Error Correction Memory (ECC) is not supported.

If the computer is not intended to be used for processing heavy graphics or demanding video games, you can save on a discrete video card - the Intel UHD 630 graphics subsystem with a base operating frequency of 350 MHz is built into the processor. The maximum dynamic frequency is 1.2 GHz. The maximum amount of available RAM is 64GB. Supports 4K resolution at 60Hz update rate. The total number of PCI Express channels supported is 16.

In this model, the manufacturer has implemented a number of advanced technologies. It supports Intel Optane memory; Hyper threading; SpeedStep; thermal control; privacy protection and others.

In general, today it is the most efficient Intel processor for desktop computers. It should be understood that some other models of neighboring generations produced by Intel may contain significantly more cores and even surpass 9900K in some parameters. But according to other characteristics, this model will be far ahead in any case, and there is no equal to the overall balance of parameters.

Intel Core i7 6950X Extreme Edition Broadwell E

Rating: 4.7

Completing the selection of the rating of the most productive processors for desktop computers is another bright model from Intel - it's 6950X of the Core i7 family with a promising prefix in the Extreme Edition product range. The two previous decisions on the combination of benefits are undoubtedly better, but the 6950X still remains in demand for those users who need maximum computer performance in its pure form.

At the time of the 6950X release, it made a real furore - 10 Broadwell E cores operating at 3 GHz in 20 streams, the updated Turbo Boost Max 3.0 technology with unprecedented overclocking capabilities and a whole list of advantages could not leave anyone indifferent. Only the cost was disappointing, but against the background of the general price volatility of new processors, enthusiasts mostly resigned to this fact.

The processor is manufactured using a 14nm process technology. Overclocking from the nominal 3 GHz frequency is possible up to 3.5 GHz using Turbo Boost 2.0 technology, and up to 4 GHz using Turbo Boost 3.0. Cache volumes: first level - 64Kb, second - 2560Kb, third - 25Mb.There is a built-in memory controller. Supports up to 128GB of four-channel DDR4 2400/2133 RAM without ECC memory support. The maximum possible number of PCI Express channels is 40.

Supported technologies and instructions: Hyper-threading; AMD64 / EM64T; SSE2 / 3/4; NX Bit; hardware virtualization. There is no integrated graphics module.

Estimated heat output of this model is 140 W.

The best processors for gaming computers

The second nomination of the rating of the best processors for desktop computers is a selection of four processors, which manufacturers equip the best gaming stations to date. Some computers for gamers in the collection of well-known manufacturers may contain even more powerful processors, commensurate with the flagships described above, but in most cases this is nothing more than a marketing ploy. Top HEDT-models are simply redundant even for the most voracious video games, and it makes no sense to overpay for them. Also in gaming computers, the processor's clock speed and fast memory (which is, of course, not counting the productive graphics) are more important than the number of cores / threads.

Intel Core i7-7820X

Rating: 4.9

The first in this nomination is the processor Core i7 7820X series. This is a high-performance processor that complements not only gaming computers, but also computers that are supposed to handle high-definition video. Designed for socket AM4.

The processor is based on 14nm technology and contains 8 cores operating in 16 streams at the nominal frequency of 3,600 MHz. Turbo Boost overclocked to 4,300 MHz is supported. There is an integrated memory controller, 128GB DDR4-2666 is supported up to four channels. The system bus is 1600 MHz, DMI. The configuration of the cache: the first level - 64Kb, the second - 8192Kb, the third - 11264Kb. The maximum number of PCI Express channels is 28. ECC is not supported.

The following technologies are supported in this model: hardware virtualization; NX Bit; AMD64 / EM64T; Hyper threading; Intel Optane; Turbo Boost 2.0 / Max 3.0; MMX, SSE / 2/3/4, AVX / 2/512 command set (two AVX-512 FMA modules); Intel SpeedStep.

Security extensions include the hardware cancellation bits feature to protect against viruses and other malware, as well as new Intel AES commands to encrypt and decrypt data.

The calculated thermal power of the processor in the normal mode is 140W and corresponds to the maximum operating temperature of 99 degrees. Some experts criticize the presence of a thermal interface under the lid of the heat spreader, preferring solder, but in the context of this model with its moderate heating this is not a very pronounced drawback.

AMD Ryzen7 1800X

Rating: 4.8

Continues the ranking of the best processors for gaming computers direct competitor to the above model - Ryzen7 1800X manufactured by AMD. Experts highly appreciate this model not only as the basis of a gaming computer, but also as the optimal processor for interacting with full-fledged VR devices like the Oculus Rift. Due to the high multi-core performance, the most reliable and smooth playback of the VR experience is achieved.

The Ryzen7 1800X is an 8-core 16-line processor manufactured using a 14nm process technology. The core clock frequency is 3,600 MHz, the potential for safe acceleration is up to 4 GHz. Dual-channel DDR4-2667 memory is supported, including ECC. Cache volumes: first level - 96Kb, second - 4096Kb, third - 16Mb. Supports instructions MMX, SSE / 2/3/4, AVX / 2, technology NX Bit and AMD64 / EM64T, hardware virtualization. The number of channels PCIe 3.0 - 16.f

In addition to the above, this model implements the following AMD proprietary technologies: XFR (extended frequency range), SenseMI (set of training functions for self-tuning performance), Enmotus FuzeDrive (combining SSD, HDD and RAM into one virtual drive) and several others.

Nominal heat output with a moderate load is 95W with a maximum operating temperature of 95 ° C.

Intel Core i7-8700K

Rating: 4.7

Let us return again to the products of the “blue” - the rating of the best processors for gaming computers is continued by the 8th generation high-performance CPU, created according to the most perfect 14nm ++ technical process at the time of release. It came out almost lightning-fast after relatively inexpensive multi-core AMD processors for powerful computers made a splash on the market.

The processor contains six computing cores Coffee Lake, operating in 12 streams at a nominal frequency of 3700 MHz. Acceleration by Turbo Boost technology up to 4700 MHz is allowed. Supports DDR4-2666 RAM for two channels up to 128GB. Cache amounts: the first level - 64Kb, the second - 1536Kb, the third - 12Mb. Hyper threading is supported; MMX, SSE / 2/3/4, AVX / 2 instructions; AMD64 / EM64T; NX Bit; hardware virtualization, Intel vPro. The number of PCI Express channels - up to 16.

The processor has an integrated graphics subsystem Intel UHD 630 with a base operating frequency of 350 MHz and maximum dynamic - 1.20 GHz. The maximum available RAM is 64GB. Able to play the video stream in 4K resolution with a 60Hz HR update rate.

The design nominal heat emission is 95W, the operating temperature in the normal mode of the computer operation is no more than 100 ° C. Under loads at the level of the limit of the allowed acceleration, TDP and voltage increase sharply.

AMD Ryzen 7 2700X

Rating: 4.6

And completes the selection of the ranking of the best processors for gaming computers, another model made by AMD, which easily defeats its direct competitor - the above-described Core i7-8700K. Up to Intel's top-end processors, the Ryzen 7 2700X doesn’t seem to be enough in terms of single-threaded performance. For the rest, he has no competitors in this segment yet.

In addition to the optimal performance for a gaming computer, this processor is also not lagging behind in rendering, archiving, streaming. Such outstanding characteristics were achieved by the developers, not least due to the use of semiconductor technology of a new generation with a 12nm process technology.

The basis of this CPU is eight Pinnacle Ridge processing cores, which operate in 16 streams at a frequency of 3700 MHz. In addition to the nominal frequency, this model has serious overclocking capabilities - up to 4,300 MHz. Implemented support for high-speed dual-channel RAM DDR4-2933. Cache volumes: first level - 96Kb, second - 4Mb, third - 16Mb. MMX, SSE / 2/3/4, AVX / 2 instructions are supported.

In this model, proprietary technologies AMD - StoreMI, SenseMI, VR-Ready Premium, program Ryzen Master. Support for hardware virtualization, AMD64 / EM64T and NX Bit has also been introduced.

According to the manufacturer, the nominal heat emission corresponds to 105 W. The maximum permissible operating temperature is 85 ° C.

The package includes a full-fledged cooler that provides sufficient protection against overheating. A colorful RGB backlight is built into the cooler.

The best processors for work computers

The third nomination in the ranking of the best processors for personal computers according to expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/ includes a selection of models, the power and technical characteristics of which are sufficient for working tasks “above average”, but without exorbitant requests. They are able to provide comfortable work with vector and raster graphics, video editing, three-dimensional modeling, processing of large amounts of data.

Remarkably, these processors are quite suitable for equipping gaming computers and show excellent results. The question is, what is better than the above four solutions? The fact is that in the nomination of game processors, our experts have identified models that have a certain performance margin. At the time of release, their capabilities for video games were redundant, but the gaming industry is developing so rapidly that the redundant characteristics quickly become minimal.

AMD Ryzen 5 1600X

Rating: 4.9

First consider the processor for a Ryzen 5 personal computer from AMD. This is a solid “workhorse” with perfectly balanced characteristics. The model has repeatedly confirmed the full compliance with the characteristics declared by the manufacturer and is still in great demand to this day. Manufactured by technical process 14 and 12 nm.

The processor is based on six Summit Ridge cores operating in 12 threads at 3,600 MHz. Suppose acceleration to 4000 MHz. It supports dual-channel RAM DDR4-2667. Cache volumes: first level - 96Kb (512Kb in other modifications), second - 3072Kb, third - 16384Kb. MMX SSE / 2/3/4 and AVX / 2 instructions, AMD64 / EM64T technology, NX Bit, hardware virtualization are supported. The number of supported channels PCIe 3.0 - up to 16.

From proprietary technologies AMD processor supports SenseMI, Enmotus FuzeDrive, FMA3, AVX2, AES, XFR (extended frequency range).

Nominal heat emission corresponds to 95 watts. The maximum permissible operating temperature is 95 ° C. In the boxed version in the package comes Wraith Spire cooler, the cooling capacity of which is completely sufficient for the computer to work without extreme loads.

AMD Ryzen 5 2600

Rating: 4.8

The second number in this selection of rating consider the neighboring model of the same manufacturer - Ryzen 5 2600. This processor is very similar to the previous one, and in a number of characteristics, and generally one-to-one. The difference is only in one important point - the support of faster memory. This moment in some cases can be of great importance, therefore this model was included in the review. Made by 12nm process technology.

The “nuclear nature” of this model is similar to the previous one - 6 cores and 12 threads, only the cores of the updated Pinnacle Ridge family. Clock frequency - 3400 MHz in nominal mode and up to 3900 MHz in overclocking. The system bus frequency is 400 MHz. Dual channel DDR4-2933 memory is supported. Cache settings: first level - 96 KB, second - 3Mb, third - 16Mb.

Support for teams, instructions and proprietary innovations in this model is partially different from the previous one. So, there is support for VR-Ready Premium, which 1600X doesn’t, but there is no support for XFR, AVX2 and FMA3.

Estimated heat dissipation corresponds to 65 watts. Maximum operating temperature - 95 ° C.

Intel Core i5-8400

Rating: 4.7

Completes the selection of the rating of the best processors for mid-power computers popular model of production Intel. This is the most affordable Intel's sixth core, which for a number of points bypasses the Ryzen 5 1600X and 2600, but with some reservations. In terms of average performance, this model falls short of Core i7-7700. Made by 14nm process technology.

The processor is based on the six cores of Coffee Lake. Unlike all the above models, in this case the number of threads coincides with the number of cores themselves. The nominal clock frequency is 2800 MHz, it is allowed to accelerate using proprietary technology Intel Turbo Boost up to 4 GHz (the very first modifications did not provide for overclocking). The system bus frequency is 800 MHz. Supports DDR4-2666 RAM (dual channel). Cache memory configuration: first level - 64Kb, second - 1536Kb, third - 9216Kb. The maximum number of PCI Express channels is 16.

The processor has an integrated graphics module HD Graphics 630 (or UHD 630, depending on the version), operating at a maximum dynamic frequency of 1050 MHz. Nominal frequency - 350 MHz. The maximum available RAM is 64GB. Supports video playback in 4K resolution at 60Hz. It can broadcast the image on three displays.

Nominal heat emission in this case corresponds to 65 watts. The maximum working temperature is 100 ° C.

In conclusion, we make an important remark in order to avoid mistakes when bundling a new computer. This processor is compatible only with motherboards on Intel Z370 chipset, equipped with a modified socket LGA1151. On chipsets with two hundred and, moreover, one hundredth series, this model will not work.

The best processors for mid-range computers

The next nomination in our rating represents the average price category of processors for desktop computers, closer to the budget. These models are optimal for equipping office computers on which it is supposed to perform not the most resource-intensive tasks - working with documentation and accounting, creating and demonstrating presentations, multimedia, video games with significant limitations.

Intel Core i3 8100

Rating: 4.9

It opens the selection of the most worthy, according to experts of expert.bigbadmole.com/en/, processor for equipping computers of the middle segment. It is characterized by well-balanced key features and support for a wide range of advanced technologies. Produced by technical process 14nm.

This model is based on four Coffee Lake cores operating in four streams at a nominal clock frequency of 3,600 MHz. The multiplier is blocked, but for enthusiasts who practice overclocking, a modification of the same model is available with the prefix “K” in the nomenclature. Supports up to 64GB of DDR4-2400 RAM, including dual-channel and error correction (ECC). Cache configuration: first level - 64Kb, second - 1024Kb, third - 6144Kb. Supported PCI Express Channel Configurations: up to 16 channels - 2x8, 1x8 + 2x4.

This model has a wide range of technologies and enhancements: Intel Optane memory compatibility, VT-x and VT-d virtualization for directional I / O, Intel 64 architecture, SSE4.1 / 4.2 and AVX2 command sets, idle state, SpeedStep, thermal control, privacy protection. Also, developers have implemented a whole set of security and reliability enhancements: Secure Key, AES, Memory Protection Extensions, Software Guard Extensions, cancel bit, Boot Guard.

The processor is integrated graphics module HD Graphics 630 at a frequency of 1100 (or UHD 630 with a frequency of 1200 MHz, depending on the version). The amount of available RAM - up to 64GB. Able to play video in 4K resolution with a frequency of 60Hz.

The calculated heat emission corresponds to 65W, the maximum operating temperature is 100 ° C.

AMD Ryzen 3 2200G

Rating: 4.8

The second position in the selection of the rating of the best processors for computers in the middle segment is a remarkable product made by AMD. According to the characteristics, it is commensurate with the previous solution from Intel, but it is significantly cheaper. Made by 14nm process technology.

Like the above-described i3 8100, this CPU is built on four processing cores (here it is Raven Ridge) operating in four streams at a frequency of 3500 MHz. Acceleration to 3700 MHz is allowed. Enthusiasts disperse it and to higher rates, but we must understand that such actions are fraught with failure.

The processor supports high-speed RAM - DDR4-2993, dual-channel. Cache configuration: the first level - 96Kb (or 384Kb in other modifications), the second - 2048Kb, the third - 4096 KB. The following enhancement technologies are supported: AMD64 / EM64T, NX Bit, hardware virtualization, MMX, SSE / 2/3/4 and AVX / 2 instruction sets, SenseMI, Enmotus FuzeDrive, VR Ready, AMD Ryzen Master, Radeon FreeSync.

The processor has an eight-core graphics module Vega 8 with a frequency of 1100 MHz. Its power is enough for normal video playback in 4K resolution and for a number of video games with restrictions.

Nominal heat emission corresponds to 65W, the maximum permissible operating temperature is 105 ° C.

AMD FX8320

Rating: 4.7

Completing the selection of the rating of medium-power processors for personal computers is another brainchild of AMD. In terms of novelty, this CPU fits almost all of the above. But it remains relevant as long as an impressive segment of consumers with computers purchased five or more years ago is preserved. If replacement is necessary, the FX8320 will delight with decent performance and a ridiculous price.

The processor is manufactured by 32nm process technology. The basis of this model is eight Vishera computing cores at a frequency of 3500 MHz. Immediately clarification - eight cores, but the distribution of tasks is such that not all calculations occur using all eight cores. Supports DDR3 memory with a frequency of 1866 MHz. Cache configuration: first level - 384Kb, second - 8Mb, third - 8Mb.

The calculated value of heat output is 125W. Maximum operating temperature - 61.1 ° C.

Best low-cost computer processors

Finally, the final nomination in the ranking of the best processors for a computer according to expert.bigbadmole.com/en/en/. This includes two processors of the most modest segment, which will suit buyers who plan to assemble a computer for simple everyday tasks. Experts selected one model from the “blue” and “red” guided by considerations so that the computer assembly was capable of at least something more than a game of the “kerchief”. On such a computer, you can comfortably work in office programs, surf the Internet, watch movies, even play games with some limitations.

Intel Celeron G3930

Rating: 4.6

Intel's low-end Celeron G3930 processor at the time of release turned out to be so successful that even crypto-currency miners took it for the combination of performance and price. As a result, he even doubled the market price, but quickly returned to his previous position when mining on processors became meaningless.

The individual components of the processor are made by technical processes 22, 65 and 14 nm. The CPU is built on two Kaby Lake cores operating in two streams with a frequency of 2900 MHz. It supports DDR4 2133, DDR3L 1333/1600 RAM up to 64GB, including dual-channel and error correction (ECC). Cache configuration: first level - 64Kb, second - 512Kb, third - 2048Kb.The number of supported PCI Express channels - up to 16.

The following technologies have been implemented: AMD64 / EM64T, NX Bit, hardware virtualization, Extended Page Tables, Intel 64 architecture, SpeedStep, idle technology, thermal control, privacy protection. Also in this model is implemented an advanced set of security tools and improve reliability.

The processor is integrated graphics module HD Graphics 510 (or 610, depending on version) at a frequency of 1050 MHz (maximum), the base - 350 MHz. The power of the video card is enough to play 4K video at 60Hz.

Nominal heat emission corresponds to 51 watts. Maximum operating temperature - up to 100 ° C.

AMD Athlon 200GE

Rating: 4.3

And the latest model in today's rankings is a decent AMD budget for building a good home or office computer for simple tasks. Against the background of the previous model, this CPU looks even more advantageous due to some indicators, so the computer based on it will be very bright. For the price, these two solutions are almost identical to the state in the spring of 2019.

Manufactured processor for process technology 32, 14, 12 nm. It is based on two Raven Ridge computational cores operating in four streams at 3200 MHz. It supports dual-channel DDR4-2667 RAM. Cache configuration: first level - 96Kb, second - 1024Kb, third - 4096Kb. Supported technologies: NX Bit, hardware virtualization, AMD64 / EM64T.

Integrated graphics core Vega 3 is built on three cores with a frequency of 1000 MHz.

The calculated nominal heat emission corresponds to 35W. The working temperature limit is 95 ° C.

By a combination of factors, this model is one of the best in this segment and is the undisputed bestseller.

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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.