How to choose a processor for a computer?
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How modern processors work
Structurally , processors for PCs are divided into three types: central, with a graphics accelerator and single-chip systems. Classical central processors, in addition to computing cores (from two to ten), have only built-in cache memory and a RAM controller.
Most modern processors have an integrated graphics accelerator, which is a replacement for an inexpensive discrete graphics card. Finally, single-chip systems are completely stand-alone solutions that do not even need a motherboard chipset to interact with memory, storage, network and sound devices.
The basis of the foundations of Intel and AMD processors for PCs is the x86_64 architecture, which implies compatibility with Windows, macOS, Linux and BSD operating systems. In comparison, Qualcomm and MediaTek mobile processors are based on the alternative ARM architecture, while IBM and Fujitsu server chips are based on the POWER and SPARC architectures, respectively. Each new implementation of the x86_64 architecture (Intel has Skylake, AMD has Excavator) is slightly more performant than the previous one.
Intel processor series
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Celeron J, Celeron N, Pentium J and Pentium N - the youngest line of processors from Intel, which are not even sold separately, but are bundled with low-cost motherboards. Models with the J index are built on a slightly older Bay Trail architecture, and those with the N index are based on the latest Braswell architecture. The performance of the computing cores of Bay Trail and Braswell is approximately the same, while the integrated graphics of the new chips are three to four times faster. The Celeron J/N models are dual-core and the Pentium J/N are quad-core. The main scope of application is super-cheap office computers for web surfing and working with electronic documents.
Celeron G and Pentium G(LGA1150 and LGA1151) are exclusively dual-core processors, but the performance of each core on the older Haswell architecture (for LGA1150 motherboards and DDR3 memory) and Skylake (LGA1151, DDR4) is several times higher than the aforementioned Bay Trail and Braswell. Celeron G and Pentium G differ in frequency and amount of cache memory - the characteristics for CPU, although important, are not critical. Given the low cost, Celeron G and Pentium G are best suited for home multimedia computers: the Internet, movies, simple games. But for the latest demanding games, two cores are absolutely not enough.
Core i3 and Core i5(LGA1150 and LGA1151) are pseudo-quad-core and true quad-core Intel processors. The Core i3 has only two physical cores, but thanks to Hyper-Threading technology, each core can process data in two threads. As a result, the operating system and applications perceive the Core i3 as a regular quad-core. Of course, the performance of the four virtual cores of the Core i3 is one and a half times less than the four physical cores of the Core i5 with support for automatic overclocking Turbo Boost. As a result, for games paired with a graphics card up to the GeForce GTX 980 (see the article “Comparison of GeForce GTX 950, 960, 970, 980 and 980 Ti video cards”), the Core i3 will be enough. Whereas in a pair of NVIDIA's new 1000-series video cards, as well as for professional software, such as video editors, the Core i5 is better suited.
Core i7 and Xeon(LGA1150 and LGA1151) are the older consumer and production lines of Intel processors, respectively. Core i7 chips for LGA1151 and LGA1150 motherboards have four physical but eight virtual cores. And models with the “K” index also support manual overclocking, but only if you use a motherboard based on the Intel Z87, Z97 or Z170 chipset. Only Core i7 processors allow you to unleash the potential of the flagship GeForce GTX 1080 graphics card or a bundle of two simpler video cards. The Xeon chips designed for workstations are a profitable alternative to the Core i7: they have a lower frequency, but also the price is lower. For games, this is perhaps not the best option, but for video editing it is quite the place to be. But if the Xeon LGA1150 processors work on ordinary consumer motherboards, then the Xeon LGA1151 requires a board with a special working Intel C232 or C236 chipset.
Core i7 Extreme Edition(LGA2011-v3) are the flagship processors from Intel, and indeed on the market, designed for avid gamers and computer enthusiasts. The family includes models with 6-10 physical cores and 12-20 virtual threads, respectively. The cost of older models exceeds $1,500, and this does not include the LGA2011-v3 motherboard, which will cost an additional $250. Well, what can you do if only Core i7 Extreme Edition processors are able to unlock the potential of a bundle of two flagship GeForce GTX 1080 video cards or three or four simpler video cards.
AMD processor series
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Sempron and Athlon (AM1) are low-power, but very cheap dual- and quad-core processors from AMD. Unlike the aforementioned Intel Bay Trail and Braswell, the AMD AM1 chips are not soldered onto the motherboard and are sold separately. As a result, a set of AM1 processor and motherboard will cost the same or even cheaper than Intel, but at the same time it will allow you to more accurately select the equipment for ports and connectors for your specific task. The main disadvantage of AM1 is the noisy fan of the boxed cooler, that is, it is suitable for an office PC, but not in the best way for a home theater.
A4, A6, A8, A10 and Athlon II X4 (FM2+) is AMD's mid-level platform, the main focus of which is on the balance between the performance of computing cores and integrated graphics. Particularly noteworthy are the A8 and Athlon II X4, which are the most affordable quad-core processors suitable for gaming. The A8 processors have powerful integrated graphics comparable to the GeForce GT 730 discrete graphics card. Whereas Athlon II X4, although they lack integrated graphics, they cost half as much as Intel Core i3 (at the same time, however, twice as slow). That is, the FM2+ platform is suitable for building an entry-level gaming PC (see the article "Starting gaming PC for $ 300 (Spring 2016)").
The FX-4000, 6000, 8000 and 9000 (AM3+) are no longer a young older AMD platform, which has fallen significantly in price over the five years of its existence on the market, and therefore has not lost its relevance. The main disadvantage of FX processors is the outdated 32nm process technology, which translates into high power and cooling requirements. Simply put, you will have to pay extra for a more reliable motherboard and a more massive processor cooler (see the article "Silence and overclocking: the top five processor coolers"). But all these expenses are more than offset by the cost of the AMD FX processors themselves: a six-core can be bought for $110, and an eight-core for $130. By comparison, quad-core Intel Core i5s start at $180. Of course, the per-core performance of Intel chips is higher, but in well-parallelized tasks, such as video editing, the advantage will be on AMD FX with numerous cores.
Should I change the old processor to a new one?
In addition to assembling a computer from scratch, the question of upgrading an existing system may arise. Intel Core i3, i5 and i7 processors of the 2000 series (Sandy Bridge architecture, LGA1156 connector) and newer, by and large, do not need to be upgraded at all. With each new iteration of the Core architecture, Intel adds an average of 5 percent performance, so the difference between five-year-old processors and the current ones does not exceed 25 percent. And this is clearly not worth it, in addition to the new processor, spending money on a motherboard with a new connector and DDR4 RAM.
But replacing the AMD FX-4000 bought many years ago with the FX-8000 is clearly worth it - the additional four cores will extend the life of the computer for a couple of years. And we advise you to hurry up: the release of new AMD Zen AM4 processors is just around the corner, which means that AM3 solutions will not remain on the market for long.
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