How to choose an Intel processor

When choosing a processor, Intel is best guided by its model number, since this alphanumeric code provides comprehensive information about the device.

How to choose an Intel processor: what to look for

When choosing an Intel processor, it is advisable to pay attention to the following device parameters:

1. Family;

2. Generation;

3. Type of;

4. Power usage.

5. Scope of use

The remaining parameters (such as a socket) follow from the previous ones. And almost all the information about the characteristics of the processor can be found in the model name.

So, from the name of the processor Intel Core i7-7700K you can find out the following:

1. Family: i7, masthead, with support for all Intel technologies;

2. Generation: the seventh, Kabu Lake (the first digit in the four-digit code);

3. Type: processor that supports overclocking (the letter K at the end of the model).

Family

In 2017, nine Intel processor families can be found on the market:

1. Intel Atom - ultra mobile processors designed for use in smartphones, tablets, low-performance hybrid computers and laptops. Can work without cooling system. Sold in OEM only;

2. Intel Celeron M - mobile processors. Designed for low-performance laptops. They are found mainly in old configurations, as they are supplanted by other solutions;

3. Intel Celeron D - more powerful mobile processors, which are also used mainly in laptops;

4. Intel Pentium - low-power universal processors. It can be found in both laptops and low-end desktop computers;

5. Intel Core 2 Duo - low-power desktop processors;

6. Intel Core i3 is the youngest family of the company's new processor series. It has a fairly small L3-cache and is available only in the dual-core version;

7. Intel Core i5 is an average family of the company's new processor series. Universal processors that are suitable even for not very productive gaming configurations. Often, they lack Intel proprietary technologies;

8. Intel Core i7 - the once-top family of new series of processors of the company. The chips are equipped with a full set of proprietary and modern technologies, so they are great for powerful configurations;

9. Intel Core i9 - a special family of processors of the company, which includes the most powerful and productive chips. Since the games for such devices are not yet optimized, it is suitable only for enthusiasts.

The first five families most often include stock or outdated processors. When upgrading a computer, it is better to purchase something from the i3, i5 or i7 series.

Generation

Every year, Intel releases new versions of its processors. Each series is called “generation” and gets an additional code name.

So, current Intel processors belong to the following generations:

1. Haswell (2014, LGA1150 socket);

2. Broadwell (2015, LGA1150 socket);

3. Skylake (2016, socket LGA1151);

4. Kabu Lake (2017, LGA1151 socket).

The newer processor generation, the better. New chips are notable for higher performance, lower power consumption, and low heating.

Thus, when upgrading it is worth switching to the next generation of chips (or families within the same generation), and when building a computer - use the most recent processors.

As can be seen from the above list, processors of different generations differ not only in characteristics, but also in a socket — a connector that connects the motherboard and chip. Unfortunately, they are not cross-compatible with Intel. So with a motherboard equipped with a LGA1150 socket, only Haswell and Broadwell processors can be used.

Type of

Intel processors are available in various versions. They are marked with the appropriate symbol - the last letter in the model name:

1. K - chips that can be overclocked;

2. X - chips, characterized by maximum performance;

3. M - mobile chips, for use in laptops and laptop computers;

4. HQ - chips with an integrated powerful video card;

5. Q - quad chips;

6. P - special chips in which the graphic accelerator and the automatic overclocking mode are blocked;

7. S - high-performance, but economical chips;

8. T - chips with high energy efficiency;

9. U - chips intended for ultrabooks;

10. Y - energy efficient chips for ultrabooks;

11. R - soldered high-performance chips.

Thus, for use in the home, including gaming computers, suitable chips versions K, Q, HQ, X.

power usage

Two factors depend on this parameter. The first is whether the power supply will “pull” the processor. The second is which cooling system is required.

For top processors, you need a powerful power supply - at 600 watts minimum. If you plan to install two video cards, it is better to use even kilowatt. It is worth considering that budget power supplies from unknown manufacturers often have less power than indicated on the package.

The higher the processor power, the more efficient the cooling system is required. For chips less than 60 watts, a simple stock cooler is enough. For 95 W processors, more powerful is needed. For 125 W chips, you need a full-size tower with several thermal leads — thick copper tubes.

Scope of use

If a processor is chosen for specific needs, it is recommended to use the following families and generations:

1. For office. If the computer is planned to be used as a “typewriter” - work with documents, spreadsheets, graphs, etc., then the families of the Pentium and Celeron of the Haswell generation or Broadwell will be enough. They provide optimum productivity for office programs and at the same time are inexpensive;

2. For home. Here, the processor is worth taking "with a margin" - in case of games, viewing multimedia and other entertainment. The Pentium and Intel Core i3 chip family of Skylake or Kabu Lake;

3. For study. It depends on the form of training. If we are talking about writing essays, even the Atom will suffice - but it is more expedient to take a Pentium or Celeron 4-5 generations. If you need to draw something, draw, program, count - it is better to pay attention to the Intel Core i3;

4. Work with graphics and multimedia. It is clear that the computer's performance in this case is determined by the video card, but for compatibility with it, it is desirable to take a fairly powerful processor. That is the Intel Core i5 - and it is worth choosing its model and family based on the characteristics of the graphics accelerator itself;

5. Games. The more powerful the processor, the better. The highest performance for 2017 shows the Intel Core i7-7700K, but if you want to save money, you can buy the latest generation Intel Core i5.

A processor such as Intel Core i9 is more suitable for 3D modeling and multi-threaded computing, so it is impractical to purchase it for games.

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