The integrated graphics processor plays an important role for both gamers and undemanding users.
The quality of games, movies, watching videos on the Internet and images depends on it.
Principle of operation
The graphics processor is integrated into the computer's motherboard - this is what integrated graphics looks like.
As a rule, they use it to remove the need to install a graphics adapter -.
This technology helps reduce the cost of the finished product. In addition, due to the compactness and low power consumption of such processors, they are often installed in laptops and low-power desktop computers.
Thus, integrated graphics processors have filled this niche so much that 90% of laptops on US store shelves have such a processor.
Instead of a regular video card, integrated graphics often use the video card itself as an auxiliary tool. RAM computer.
True, this solution somewhat limits the performance of the device. Still, the computer itself and the graphics processor use the same memory bus.
So this “neighborhood” affects the performance of tasks, especially when working with complex graphics and during gameplay.
Kinds
Integrated graphics have three groups:
- Shared memory graphics is a device based on shared memory management with the main processor. This significantly reduces cost, improves energy saving system, but degrades performance. Accordingly, for those who work with complex programs, integrated graphics processors of this type are most likely not suitable.
- Discrete graphics - a video chip and one or two video memory modules are soldered onto the motherboard. Thanks to this technology, image quality is significantly improved, and it also becomes possible to work with 3D graphics With best results. True, you will have to pay a lot for this, and if you are looking for a high-power processor in all respects, the cost can be incredibly high. In addition, your electricity bill will increase slightly - the power consumption of discrete GPUs is higher than usual.
- Hybrid discrete graphics - a combination of the two previous types, which ensured the creation of the bus PCI Express. Thus, access to memory is carried out both through the soldered video memory and through the RAM. With this solution, manufacturers wanted to create a compromise solution, but it still does not eliminate the shortcomings.
Manufacturers
As a rule, large companies - , and - are engaged in the manufacture and development of integrated graphics processors, but many small enterprises are also involved in this area.
This is not difficult to do. Look for Primary Display or Init Display First. If you don’t see something like that, look for Onboard, PCI, AGP or PCI-E (it all depends on the buses installed on the motherboard).
By choosing PCI-E, for example, you enable the PCI-Express video card and disable the built-in integrated one.
Thus, to enable the integrated video card, you need to find the appropriate parameters in the BIOS. Often the activation process is automatic.
Disable
It is better to disable it in the BIOS. This is the simplest and most unpretentious option, suitable for almost all PCs. The only exceptions are some laptops.
Again, search for Peripherals or Integrated Peripherals in the BIOS if you are working on a desktop.
For laptops, the name of the function is different, and not the same everywhere. So just find something related to graphics. For example, the necessary options can be placed in Advanced sections and Config.
Disabling is also carried out in different ways. Sometimes it’s enough to just click “Disabled” and put the PCI-E video card first in the list.
If you are a laptop user, do not be alarmed if you cannot find a suitable option; a priori, you may not have such a function. For all other devices, the rules are simple - no matter how the BIOS itself looks, the filling is the same.
If you have two video cards and they are both shown in the device manager, then the matter is quite simple: click on one of them right side mouse and select “disable”. However, keep in mind that the display may go dark. This will most likely happen.
However, this is also a solvable problem. It is enough to restart the computer or software.
Make all subsequent settings on it. If it doesn't work this method, roll back your actions using safe mode. You can also resort to the previous method - through the BIOS.
Two programs - NVIDIA Control Center and Catalyst Control Center - configure the use of a specific video adapter.
They are the most unpretentious compared to the other two methods - the screen is unlikely to turn off, and you won’t accidentally mess up the settings through the BIOS either.
For NVIDIA all settings are in the 3D section.
You can select your preferred video adapter for the entire operating system and for specific programs and games.
In Catalyst software, an identical function is located in the “Power” option in the “Switchable Graphics” sub-item.
So switching between GPUs is a breeze.
There are different methods, in particular, through programs and through BIOS. Turning on or off one or another integrated graphics may be accompanied by some failures, mainly related to the image.
It may go out or simply become distorted. Nothing should affect the files on the computer themselves, unless you clicked something in the BIOS.
Conclusion
As a result, integrated graphics processors are in demand due to their low cost and compactness.
You will have to pay for this with the level of performance of the computer itself.
In some cases, integrated graphics are simply necessary - discrete processors are ideal for working with three-dimensional images.
In addition, the industry leaders are Intel, AMD and Nvidia. Each of them offers its own graphics accelerators, processors and other components.
The latest popular models are Intel HD Graphics 530 and AMD A10-7850K. They are quite functional, but have some flaws. In particular, this applies to power, performance and cost of the finished product.
You can enable or disable a graphics processor with a built-in core either yourself through BIOS, utilities and various programs, but the computer itself can easily do this for you. It all depends on which video card is connected to the monitor itself.
Intel processors, like their competitors, have integrated (built-in) graphics. It allows you to avoid buying an expensive video card if you don’t need it. Also, integrated graphics in the processor is useful in laptops, as it allows you to save battery power by using these graphics only in powerful applications. The rest of the time the graphics core of the processor is blown away.
Introduction
The choice of integrated graphics is given special attention in 2 cases:
- you are not going to buy a separate adapter since you do not need high performance for your desktop PC
Basically, it is these two situations that make people pay special attention to integrated graphics.
Here, as in the rest of our articles, chips produced before 2010 will not be considered. This means we will only touch on Intel HD Graphics, Iris Graphics and Iris Pro Graphics
The question of installing integrated graphics in powerful gaming processors remains unclear, because they are used only in conjunction with a powerful video card, which even the most powerful integrated graphics cannot hold a candle to. Most likely this is due to the high cost of rebuilding the processor assembly line, because the cores of many chips are identical and they are assembled almost identically, and no one is going to change the assembly for the sake of a couple of models. But in this case we would get greater productivity due to the fact that larger number transistors will work for the processor, but the price in this case will rise.
Everyone knows that AMD's integrated graphics are more powerful than Intel's. Most likely this is due to the fact that they previously thought about creating hybrid “stones” (with a video core). If you want to know about the markings and lines of all AMD graphics (including built-in ones), then you, and a similar article about, is also available at the link.
Interesting fact: the PS4 has processor-integrated graphics, rather than a separate graphics chip.
Classification
A mistake that many people make is that integrated graphics does not necessarily mean the graphics core built into the processor. Integrated graphics are graphics that are built into the motherboard or processor.
Thus, integrated graphics are divided into:
- Shared Memory Graphics – These graphics are built into the processor and use RAM instead of separate video memory. These chips feature low power consumption, heat dissipation and cost, but 3D performance cannot be matched by other solutions.
- Discrete graphics - the hardware is a separate chip on the motherboard. Has separate memory and is generally faster than the previous type.
- Hybrid graphics are a combination of the two previous types.
Now it is clear that Intel chips use shared memory graphics.
Generations
Intel HD Graphics first appeared in Westmere processors (but there were integrated graphics before that).
To determine the performance of a video processor, each generation must be considered separately. The best way Determining performance will look at the number of execution units and their frequency.
This is how things stand with graphics generations:
| № | Microarchitectures | Regular models | Powerful models |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Westmere | HD* | |
| 6 | Sandy Bridge | HD* /2000/3000 | |
| 7 | Ivy Bridge | HD*/2500/4000 | |
| 7 | Haswell/Bay Trail | HD* /4200-5000 | Iris* 5100/Iris Pro* 5200 |
| 8 | Broadwell/Braswell/Cherry Trail | HD* /5300-6000 | Iris* 6100/Iris Pro* 6200 |
| 9 | Skylake/Braswell/Cherry Trail | HD* 510-530/40x | Iris* 540/50/Iris Pro* 580 |
Where Graphics is replaced with *.
If you are interested in learning about the microarchitectures themselves, then you can look at this.
The letter P means that we are talking about a Xeon processor (server chips).
Every generation before Skylake has an HD Graphics model, but these models are different from each other. After Westmere, HD Graphics is installed only in Pentium and Celeron. And it is worth distinguishing separately HD Graphics in mobile processors Atom, Celeron, Pentium, which are built on mobile microarchitecture.
Until recently, only identical HD Graphics models corresponding to different microarchitectures were used in mobile architectures. Graphics of different generations differ in performance, and this generation is usually indicated in brackets, for example Intel HD Graphics (Bay Trail). Now, with the release of the new 8th generation of integrated graphics, they will also differ. This is how HD Graphics 400 and 405 differ in performance.
Within one generation, productivity increases with increasing numbers, which is logical.
With the Haswell generation, slightly different chip markings began to apply.
New marking with Haswell
First digit:
- 4 – Haswell
- 5 – Broadwell
But there are exceptions to this rule, and in a few lines below we will explain everything.
The remaining numbers have the following meaning:
* - means that the thousands place is increased by one
The GT3e features additional eDRAM cache, which increases memory speed.
But with the Skylake generation, the classification has changed again. The distribution of models by performance can be seen in one of the previous tables.
Relationship between processor markings and integrated graphics
These are the letters that mark processors with built-in graphics features:
- P – means disabled video core
- C – enhanced integrated graphics for LGA
- R – enhanced integrated graphics for BGA (nettops)
- H – enhanced integrated graphics in mobile processors (Iris Pro)
How to compare video chips
Comparing them by eye is quite difficult, so we recommend that you take a look at this, where you can see information about all integrated Intel solutions, and where you can see the performance rating of video adapters and their results in benchmarks. To find out what graphics are available on the processor you need, go to the Intel website, search for your processor using the filters, and then look in the “Graphics built into the processor” column.
Conclusion
We hope that this material helped you understand integrated graphics, especially from Intel, and will also help you in choosing a processor for your computer. If you have any questions, first look at the instructions in the “Introduction” section, and if you still have questions, then you are welcome to comment!
An integrated video card (often called an integrated or “onboard” video card) is part of the computer's system logic chipset (part of the chipset). The built-in video card is usually located inside the “north bridge” chip.
Don’t worry if you don’t quite understand what we are talking about (some “bridges”, etc.) We will talk about the structure of the motherboard in more detail in the following sections. For now, we are only interested in the built-in video card. Shown in the photo typical example integrated video on the motherboard.
The number “1” here denotes this mysterious " north bridge". As you can see, there is nothing special about it: a large chip, under the cover of which there is (among other things) a built-in video card. The marking of the chipset (the inscriptions on it) can be completely different, depending on the manufacturer. In this case, we see that this microcircuit was released by the company "SIS" the numbers below are its serial number and model.
Note: V modern computers Chipset chips are often covered with heat sinks to dissipate heat. So it’s not so easy to look at the markings.
Under the number “2” in the photo above we have a processor socket (all in holes for processor “legs”). The number “3” indicates two slots for modules.
Now let's see what features the built-in video card has. Let's look at this point in more detail. What the two have and don't have various types video cards: integrated and external (discrete)?
These differences are: The external card can be replaced with a newer one. All modern external video cards have a powerful and productive graphics core, covered with a high-performance cooling system. They have their own memory (soldered on the video card itself), and the memory is faster than RAM. Also - a high-speed data transfer bus, the characteristics of which depend on the type of connector for connecting the video card to the motherboard (PCI, AGP, PCI-Express, etc.). Discrete solutions are also equipped with various outputs for connecting monitors and TVs.
The built-in video card is an integral part of the system logic set of the motherboard chipset and cannot be replaced (except by replacing the chip itself). Embedded video, by definition, is much less productive than its discrete counterpart. The destiny of such video cards is inexpensive office computers that do not require a powerful graphics processor.
The built-in video card does not have its own RAM, but uses the memory installed on the motherboard. Hence, there is an additional reduction in performance (data from the video card is first transferred to the RAM controller, then to the computer memory itself, and then goes to the central processor for processing). In short, it's a long story! :) Yes, and they are transmitted not via a specialized data bus, but via a common system bus on the motherboard, which further reduces the performance of such systems.
The integrated solution has on the rear wall system unit one standard VGA connector for connecting a monitor or TV (in modern models There are instances that also have a digital DVI/HDMI connector).
In the photo above, numbered “1,” we see the video output that the built-in video card is equipped with. Number “2” is one of the video outputs of a discrete video card (designed as a separate expansion card).
As we have already mentioned, a built-in video card is for medium-power office computers. You will not be able to run on such a card computer game with realistic 3D graphics and complex effects. More precisely: under certain circumstances, you can start it, but it will “slow down” - ungodly! Do you need it? It’s better, if you can’t live without games, buy yourself a good graphics accelerator for 150-200 dollars and forget about this problem for several years :)
For example, on good motherboards, which, according to the manufacturer, will be used in multimedia gaming configurations, built-in video cards are not even installed (and rightly so, why are they needed there if they won’t be used anyway?).
How to determine whether your video is embedded or not? A - by eye :) Once again, carefully look at the back wall of the system unit (photo above), notice how the connector is located under the number “1”, and how - under the number “ 2 "? Now mentally imagine that the case is transparent and you will “see” how the motherboard is located in it (parallel to the side cover), respectively, and the VGA output of the integrated video is the same.
Now we look at the number “2” - the connector is oriented perpendicular to the motherboard, exactly as an external (discrete) video card is installed in the graphics accelerator slot.
On the motherboard, in fact, only various auxiliary elements remain: voltage conditioners, voltage smoothing and filtering systems (capacitors, chokes), elements responsible for starting the board and controlling its temperature (multicontroller). All main controllers and microcircuits are collected in one APU chip.
Here is the same magic chip with the cooling system removed:
Obviously, this design provides minimal time delays in the transmission of data streams between all of the nodes listed above. And this, in turn, provides very good performance for these integrated video cards. We can say this: the built-in graphics core in Sandy Bridge has the same performance as the entry-level one, or even more. And, of course, hardware support for video streaming in HD quality! :)
I would like to add a small remark: with the traditional approach, it is believed that the built-in video card can in no way work together with an external one, nor expand or complement its functionality. Either one or the other. If you have an external one, the built-in video card is simply turned off.
But, as they say, there are exceptions to any rule. In our case, these are laptops with two video cards. The first and main one, as a rule, is some modification of "Intel HD". The second video card is a more powerful video card from AMD or NVidia. It comes into operation when the first (integrated) video card does not work. In 3D games, for example.
You may ask, why not install one powerful video card that can handle all tasks? What about energy consumption? This is a laptop, it is important for it to run on battery power for as long as possible, and a powerful video card consumes a lot of energy. So the manufacturers made this compromise. While you are working in , the image is displayed on the screen by an economical Intel video card. We launched the toy, and a powerful 3D GPU from AMD or NVidia started working, temporarily removing the main one.
But here, again, the video cards work in turns, although they have learned to switch between each other automatically and without rebooting. The real collaboration between integrated and discrete video cards began with the advent of NVidia Optimus technology. In it, the built-in Intel video card does not turn off, but provides its own frame buffer for its discrete neighbor. This is cooperation. A powerful card from NVidia generates an image and “puts” it into the frame buffer of the built-in card, and it takes on the responsibility of displaying the image on the screen.
So if you have a powerful discrete video card on your laptop, and games with 3D graphics are very slow, first of all check whether the laptop switches to it. Maybe Intel's weak one is trying to calculate 3D, but it doesn't work out very well.
Computers have entered our lives so tightly that we already consider them something elementary. But their structure cannot be called simple. Motherboard, processor, RAM, hard drives: all these are integral parts of the computer. You can’t throw away this or that detail, because they are all important. But the most important role is played by the processor. It’s not for nothing that they call it “central”.
The role of the CPU is simply enormous. It is responsible for all calculations, which means it depends on it how quickly you will complete your tasks. This could be surfing the web, drafting a document in text editor, photo editing, moving files and much, much more. Even in games and 3D modeling, where the main load falls on the shoulders of the graphics accelerator, the central processor plays a huge role, and with the wrong “stone” the performance of even the most powerful video card will not be fully realized.
On this moment There are only two major processor manufacturers in the consumer market: AMD and Intel. We will talk about them in the traditional ranking.
The best inexpensive processors: budget up to 5000 rubles.
4 Intel Celeron G3900 Skylake
The most affordable Intel processor
Country: USA
Average price: 4,381 ₽
Rating (2019): 4.5
The rating opens with an extremely weak processor from the Celeron line. The G3900 model has two cores of the previous generation - Skylake, which, coupled with a frequency of 2.8 GHz, gives the lowest performance result. In synthetic tests, the processor shows a result that is approximately half that of the Core i3. But the price here is quite affordable - 4-4.5 thousand rubles. This means that this processor is perfect for assembling, for example, a simple office computer or a multimedia system for the living room. Overall, this model cannot be called bad. Still, the 14 nm process technology provides good energy efficiency, and the HD Graphics 510 graphics core is suitable for casual games.
Advantages:
- The most low price in class
- Perfect for office PC or HTPC
Flaws:
- Does not support Hyper-Threading technology
3 AMD FX-6300 Vishera
The only 6-core processor in its class
Country: USA
Average price: 3,050 ₽
Rating (2019): 4.6
AMD's FX-6300 is the only processor in the category with six cores. Unfortunately, you can’t hope for high power in the budget class - the model is based on the 2012 Vishera core. In normal mode, the cores operate at a frequency of 3.5 GHz, but, like many AMD CPUs, it overclocks well. Yes, judging by user reviews, the performance is sufficient even for games, but there are still a lot of disadvantages.
One of the main ones is high energy consumption. Due to the use of inexpensive 32 nm process technology, AMD gets very hot and consumes a lot of electricity. We also note the lack of support for modern DDR4 RAM. Because of this, the processor can be recommended not for building a new PC, but for updating an old one without replacing the motherboard and other components.
Advantages:
- 6 cores. Perfect for performing several simple tasks at the same time.
- Good overclocking potential.
- Low cost.
Flaws:
- Poor energy efficiency.
- Outdated platform.
2 Intel Pentium G4600 Kaby Lake
Excellent performance
Country: USA
Average price: 5,006 ₽
Rating (2019): 4.7
We can also recommend the good old Pentium for purchase. This processor is made using a 14 nm process technology, socket LGA1151. Belongs to one of the latest generations - Kaby Lake. There are, of course, only 2 cores. They operate at a frequency of 3.6 GHz, which causes the lag behind the Core i3 by about 18-20%. But this is not much, because the price difference is twofold! In addition to the core frequency, the relatively low power is due to the small size of the L3 cache - 3071 KB.
In addition to the excellent price-performance ratio, the advantages of this CPU include the presence of built-in graphics Intel cores HD Graphics 630, which is more than enough for comfortable use of a PC without a discrete graphics card.
Advantages:
- Great price for this performance
- Generation Kaby Lake
- Good integrated graphics core
At the moment there are only two players in the processor market - Intel and AMD. But this doesn’t make the choice any easier. To make the decision to purchase a CPU from one manufacturer or another easier, we have highlighted for you several main pros and cons of the products of these companies.
| Company |
pros |
Minuses |
|
Programs and games are better optimized for Intel Lower power consumption Performance tends to be slightly better Higher cache frequencies |
Work effectively with no more than two resource-intensive tasks Higher cost When the line of processors changes, the socket also changes, which means the upgrade is more complicated |
|
|
Lower cost Better price/performance ratio Work better with 3-4 resource-intensive tasks (better multitasking) Most processors overclock well |
Higher power consumption and temperatures (not entirely true of recent Ryzen processors) Worse program optimization |
1 AMD Athlon 200GE Raven Ridge
Best price/performance ratio
Country: USA
Average price: 3,090 ₽
Rating (2019): 4.7
AMD processors have always been well-priced, but often could not catch up with more powerful Intel chips. The Athlon 200GE was no exception - the model is inferior to the silver medalist in the rating, but only by 3-5% depending on the situation, and costs almost 2,000 rubles less! At the same time, the leader of the rating does not have the typical “sore” of AMD processors - it has a built-in video chip that allows you to use the CPU in an office PC or home computer undemanding users without a discrete graphics card.
Cores 2, threads – 4. Base frequency 3.2 GHz, but in reviews users report reaching the 3.8 GHz mark. Temperatures in any mode are low - under moderate load, even with a boxed cooler, they do not exceed 45-47 degrees. The chip is capable of working with DDR4 RAM (max. frequency – 2667 MHz). The built-in video core - Radeon Vega 3 - plays 4K streaming video without any problems. The 200GE is also suitable for entry-level gaming systems - paired with a decent video card, you can achieve high frame rates at low or even medium graphics settings.
The best mid-class processors: budget up to 20,000 rubles.
5 AMD Ryzen 3 1200 Summit Ridge
Best price
Country: USA
Average price: 5,417 ₽
Rating (2019): 4.6
Ryzen 3 – the youngest, inexpensive new line AMD processors, designed to once again impose a fight on Intel. And the 1200 does the job perfectly. For 5.5 thousand rubles, the buyer receives a 4-core processor. Factory frequencies are low - only 3.1 GHz (in high performance mode 3.4 GHz), but the multiplier is unlocked, which means enthusiasts can easily make the “stone” a little faster.
The transition to new chips not only improved performance, but also reduced power consumption, and also reduced temperatures to acceptable values. Due to the lack of a built-in graphics chip, we can only recommend this processor for budget gaming builds.
Advantages:
- Unlocked multiplier
Flaws:
- No built-in graphics chip
4 Intel Core i3-9100F Coffee Lake
Budget and performance option for gaming builds
Country: USA
Average price: 6,480 RUR
Rating (2019): 4.7
As a rule, gaming systems based on Intel processors are expensive, but with the i3-9100F the situation changes somewhat. For 6.5 thousand rubles, the company offers a chip with 4 physical cores operating at a base clock frequency of 3600 MHz (in TurboBoost mode up to 4.2 GHz). In synthetic tests, the CPU comes very close to the much more expensive i5-7600K. It was not possible to achieve such a price-performance ratio without losses. We had to sacrifice the ability to overclock and the built-in graphics core.
However, the latter allows you to create excellent gaming systems based on the i3-9100F. Paired with a GeForce RTX 2060-level video card and 16 GB of RAM (supports up to 64 GB of DDR4 memory clocked at 2400 MHz), the processor produces a stable 60 FPS in all modern games at high graphics settings. Temperatures are moderate - under normal load with a standard cooler they stay at 40 degrees. It is unlikely that the chip will overheat. Note that the processor uses the LGA1151v2 socket and is only compatible with 3xx series chipsets.
3 Intel Core i5-7600K Kaby Lake
Great processor for gaming
Country: USA
Average price: 19,084 ₽
Rating (2019): 4.7
Let's start with the fact that the i5-7600K is by no means an outsider. Yes, in terms of performance it is somewhat worse than the mastodons that you will see below, but for most gamers it will be enough. The processor has four Kaby Lake cores operating at 3.8 GHz (in reality up to 4.0 GHz with TurboBoost). There is also a built-in graphics core - HD Graphics 630, which means you can play even demanding games at minimum settings. With a normal video card (for example, GTX 1060), the processor reveals itself completely. In most games with FullHD resolution (the majority of gamers have these monitors) and high graphics settings, the frame rate rarely drops below 60 fps. Is anything else needed?
Advantages:
- Best price
- Enough power for most gamers
- Excellent graphics core
2 AMD Ryzen 5 1600 Summit Ridge
Best price/performance ratio
A country: USA (Produced in Malaysia, China)
Average price: 11,970 ₽
Rating (2019): 4.8
The second line of the TOP 5 mid-level processors is occupied by one of the best processors in terms of price/performance ratio. With an average cost of only 12,000 rubles, in synthetic tests Ryzen 5 is able to compete with the famous Intel Core i7-7700K at standard settings (PassMark 12270 and 12050 points, respectively). This power is due to the presence of six Summit Ridge physical cores, made using a 12 nm process technology. The clock frequency is not a record - 3.6 GHz. Overclocking is possible, but in reviews users claim that at frequencies above 4.0-4.1 GHz the processor behaves unstable and gets very hot. With factory settings, idle temperatures remain at 42-46 degrees, in games 53-57 when using a standard cooler.
Also, high performance is due to large cache volumes at all levels. The CPU supports the modern DDR4-2667 standard, which allows you to create excellent computers based on this processor for gaming at medium-high settings in FullHD.
Advantages:
- Excellent price/performance ratio
- Heats up a little
Flaws:
- Low overclocking potential
1 AMD Ryzen 7 2700X Pinnacle Ridge
The most powerful processor in its class
A country: USA (Manufactured in Malaysia, China, China)
Average price: 18,390 RUR
Rating (2019): 4.8
With the advent of the Ryzen line, AMD's superiority in price-performance ratio became obvious. At a cost of 18 thousand rubles, the Ryzen 7 2700X is able to compete with the i7-8700K, the average price tag of which exceeds 28 thousand rubles. We can only find fault with the performance in single-threaded tasks - a discipline in which AMD has always lost. In multi-threaded tasks, the advantage is noticeable, but in games the situation often strongly depends on optimization for a particular manufacturer.
Speaking in numbers, we have an 8-core processor with a base clock speed of 3.7 GHz. Without any problems, you can reach the 4.0 GHz mark, and with some luck - 4.2-4.3 GHz. Supports DDR4 RAM with frequencies up to 2933 MHz. Cache sizes are 96, 4096 and 16384 KB (L1, L2 and L3, respectively). Temperatures are slightly higher than those of competitors from Intel - under load they can reach 75 degrees. We advise you to think about purchasing a high-quality cooling system.
The best top processors
3 Intel Core i7-9700F
Optimal processor for FullHD gaming
Country: USA
Average price: 23,310 RUR
Rating (2019): 4.7
For a long time, the Core i7 line was the crown of Intel's creation, but by 2019 we can give the representative of the family only third place in the TOP-3 the most powerful processors On the market. However, the model labeled 9700F can be safely recommended to gamers who love high-quality pictures, but are not chasing the latest trends. Paired with a decent video card, in any modern game at maximum graphics settings at FullHD resolution you will get at least 60 fps, and in most cases the counter will remain at 90-110 frames. You can safely switch to 2K resolution.
Basic specifications do not boggle the mind. The Core i7-9700F includes 8 cores clocked at just 3 GHz. But in TurboBoost mode the figure rises to a respectable 4.7 GHz. The L3 cache size is 12 MB, and the maximum supported amount of RAM is 128 GB (DDR4-2666). Unfortunately, there is not enough information about the temperature regime, but judging by other processors from the company, we should expect about 32-35 degrees at idle and 55-60 degrees under load.
2 Intel Core i9-7900X Skylake
The most powerful processor in the Intel line
Country: USA
Average price: 77,370 RUR
Rating (2019): 4.7
Until recently, Intel's top line was the Core i7 series. But modern realities require more and more power. If you are not familiar with solutions, pay attention to the Core i9-7900X. The processor, already at a standard clock frequency, is capable of entering the TOP 10 most powerful CPUs. For example, in PassMark the model scores almost 22 thousand points - this is twice as many as the bronze medalist of the rating. At the same time, in reviews, users talk about trouble-free overclocking to 4.2-4.5 GHz with high-quality air cooling. Temperatures do not exceed 70 degrees under load.
Such high performance is due to the use of 10 cores made using a 14 nm process technology. The model supports all the necessary modern standards and commands, which allows it to be used for any task.
Advantages:
- Highest performance
- Excellent overclocking potential
- Acceptable temperatures
Flaws:
- Very high cost
- No solder under the cap.
1 AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
The most powerful processor in the world
Country: USA
Average price: 48,990 RUR
Rating (2019): 4.8
The leading position should be given not to the most popular, but to the most powerful and relatively affordable processor from AMD. Of course, there is something to complain about. The Ryzen 9 3900X has higher power consumption than its competitors - when idle it consumes an average of 20 W more. Operating temperatures also cause complaints - with the supplied cooler, the chip heats up to 80 degrees under load - we recommend that you immediately think about purchasing a high-quality air, or better yet water, cooling system.
But let's look at the numbers and tests. The CPU includes 12 cores (24 threads), made using a 7 nm process technology. Base clock speed 3.6 GHz. Stable job can be achieved by overclocking to 4.1 GHz. Higher numbers require good cooling and luck. L3 cache volume – 64 MB! DDR4 type RAM supported maximum frequency 3200 MHz. In multi-threaded operations, Ryzen 9, as expected, is an order of magnitude ahead of its rivals. The situation with games is more complicated - it all depends on the optimization of a particular title. In general, the results are comparable to “blue” competitors.
Perhaps the key advantage personal computer as a platform is its impressive flexibility and customization possibilities, which today, thanks to the emergence of new standards and types of components, seem almost limitless. If ten years ago, when pronouncing the abbreviation “PC”, one could confidently imagine a white iron box, entangled in wires and buzzing somewhere under the table, then today there are no such unambiguous associations and cannot be.
Today's PC can be a powerful workstation focused on computing performance or a designer's work machine, "tailored" for the quality of two-dimensional graphics and fast work with data. It could be a top-end gaming machine or a modest multimedia system that lives under the TV...
In other words, each PC today has its own tasks, which correspond to one or another set of hardware. But how to choose the right one?
You should start with central processor. The video card will determine the system performance in games (and a number of work applications that use GPU computing). Motherboard - system format, its functionality “out of the box” and the ability to connect components and peripheral devices. However, it is the processor that will determine the system's capabilities in everyday household tasks and work.
Let's look at what is important when choosing a processor and what is not.
What you should NEVER pay attention to
CPU Manufacturer
As in the case of video cards (and, indeed, with many other devices), our compatriots are always happy to turn an ordinary consumer product into something that can be raised to standards and go to war with supporters of the opposite camp. Can you imagine a situation in which lovers of pickled cucumbers and canned tomatoes divided the store with a barricade, covering each other last words and often resort to assault? Agree, it sounds like complete nonsense... but in the field of computer components this happens all the time!
If you choose a processor for absolutely new system, you should pay attention to the current sockets:
AM1- AMD platform designed for nettops, embedded systems and entry-level multimedia PCs. Like all APUs, it is distinguished by the presence of relatively powerful integrated graphics, which is the main advantage.
AM4- AMD universal platform for the mainstream segment. It combines desktop APUs and powerful CPUs of the Ryzen family, making it possible to assemble a PC for literally any budget and user needs.
TR4- AMD's flagship platform designed for Threadripper processors. This is a product for professionals and enthusiasts: 16 physical cores, 32 computation threads, a four-channel memory controller and other impressive figures that provide a significant increase in performance in work tasks, but are practically not in demand in the home segment.
LGA 1151_v2- a socket that in no case should be confused with the usual LGA 1151 (!!!). Represents the current generation of mainstream Intel platforms, and finally brings processors with six physical cores to the consumer segment - this is what makes it valuable. However, you should definitely remember that Coffee Lake processors cannot be installed in boards with 200 and 100 series chipsets, and older Skylake and Kaby Lake processors cannot be installed in boards with 300 series chipsets.
LGA 2066- current generation of the Intel platform intended for professionals. It may also be interesting as a platform for gradual upgrades. Low-end processors Core i3 and Core i5 are practically no different from their LGA 1151 counterparts of the first version and are relatively affordable, but later they can be replaced by Core i7 and Core i9.
Number of Cores
This parameter requires many reservations and should be used with caution, but it is precisely this parameter that allows you to more or less logically arrange and differentiate central processors.
Models with two computing cores, and also with two physical cores and four virtual threads regardless clock frequency, degrees of dynamic overclocking, architectural advantages and fan mantras today are firmly established in the office PC segment, and even there - not in the most critical places. Today there is no need to talk seriously about the use of such CPUs in gaming machines, much less in workstations.
Processors with four computing cores look a little more modern, and can satisfy the needs of both office workers and not the most demanding home users. It is quite possible to build a budget gaming PC on them, although in modern titles the performance will be limited, and simultaneous execution of several operations - for example, recording a game video - will be impossible or will lead to a noticeable drop in FPS.
The best option for home - six core processors. They are able to provide high performance in games, do not faint when performing several resource-intensive tasks at the same time, and allow you to use your PC as a home workstation, and with all this - they maintain a very affordable price.
Octa-core processors- the choice of those who are busy with more serious tasks than games. Although they can handle entertainment without any problems, their advantages are most noticeable in work applications. If you are engaged in video processing and editing, draw complex layouts for printing, design houses or other complex structures, then these CPUs are worth choosing. You won't notice any excess performance, but the fast processing and lack of freezes at the most crucial moment will definitely please you.
Processors with 10 and 16 cores- this is already a server segment and very specific workstations, which differ from the previous version approximately as the work of a special effects designer for a big movie differs from the work of an editor of videos on YouTube (in fact, that’s where they are used). It is difficult to definitely recommend or, on the contrary, to dissuade them from buying them. If you really need this kind of performance, you already know how and where you will use it.
Recommendation #8: The number of cores is not the clearest parameter, and it does not always allow processors with similar characteristics to be classified into the same group. However, when choosing a processor, you should focus on this parameter.
Performance
The final and most important parameter, which, alas, cannot be found in any store catalogue. However, in the end, it is he who determines whether a particular processor is suitable for you, and how much the operation of a PC based on it will meet your initial expectations.
Before you go to the store to buy a processor that seems to suit you, take the time to study its detailed tests. Moreover, “detailed” are not videos on YouTube that show you what you should see according to their author’s intention. Detailed tests are a large-scale comparison of the processor in synthetic benchmarks, professional software and games, carried out according to a clear methodology with the participation of all or most competing solutions.
As with video cards, reading and analyzing such materials will help you determine whether a particular processor is worth the money, and what, if possible, it can be replaced with.
Recommendation #9: By spending a couple of evenings reading and comparing information from different sources (it is important that they are authoritative, and preferably foreign), you will make a reasoned choice and save yourself a lot of problems in the future. Believe me, it's more than worth it.
Criteria and selection options:
Based on the criteria outlined above, CPUs from the DNS directory can be distributed as follows:
Processors AMD Sempron And Athlon under socket AM1 suitable for assembling budget multimedia PCs, embedded systems and similar tasks. For example, if you want to install a full-fledged PC with a desktop operating system or build a small nettop that will live secretly in the bowels of a country house or garage - it’s worth paying attention to this platform.
For office PCs Dual core processors are suitable Intel Celeron, Pentium And Core i3. Their advantage in this case is the presence of a built-in graphics core. The performance of the latter is sufficient to display the necessary information and speed up the work of browsers, but it is completely insufficient for games, which should not be present in the workplace anyway.
For home multimedia PC best choice There will be APUs from AMD designed for the current AM4 socket. Representatives of the A8, A10 and A12 lines combine a quad-core processor and very good graphics under one lid, which can confidently compete with budget video cards. A PC on this platform can be made very compact, but its performance is enough to play any content, as well as a number of work tasks and a considerable list of games.
For budget gaming PC Quad-core processors are suitable AMD Ryzen 3 and quad core Core i3 for socket LGA 1151_v2 ( don't be confused with dual-core Core i3 for socket LGA 1151!!!). The performance of these processors is sufficient for any home tasks and most games, but it is still not worth loading them with serious work or trying to perform several resource-intensive tasks at the same time.
For budget workstation a compromise could be quad core AMD processors Ryzen 5. In addition to physical cores, they also offer virtual computing threads, which ultimately allows operations to be performed in eight threads. Of course, this is not as efficient as physical cores, but the likelihood of seeing 100% CPU load and FPS dropping below playable levels when recording or live streaming gameplay is much lower here than with the previous two options. And the subsequent editing of this video will go faster.
The best choice for home gaming pc- six-core processors AMD Ryzen 5 And Intel Core i5 for the LGA 1151_v2 socket (not to be confused with their quad-core predecessors!!!). The cost of these CPUs is quite reasonable; they can even be called relatively affordable, unlike the top-end Ryzen 7 and Core i7 lines. But the performance is quite enough to play any games that interest the user and work from home. And even at the same time, if there is such a desire.
For top gaming PCs or workstations processors are suitable without pretense of selectivity and elitism AMD Ryzen 7 And Intel Core i7, having, respectively, 8 cores/16 threads and 6 cores/12 threads. Relating to mainstream platforms, these processors are still relatively affordable and do not require expensive motherboards, power supplies and coolers. However, their performance is sufficient for almost all tasks that an ordinary user can set for a PC.
If it is still not enough - for high performance workstations processors are intended AMD Ryzen Threadripper, designed for installation in the TR4 socket, and top models of Intel processors for the LGA 2066 socket - Core i7 and Core i9, having 8, 10, 12 or more physical cores. In addition, the processors offer a four-channel memory controller, which is important for a number of professional tasks, and up to 44 PCI-express lanes, allowing you to connect many peripherals without losing data exchange speed. Recommend these CPUs for home use It doesn’t work because of their price, and because they are “tailored” for multi-threading and professional tasks. But in operation, processors for top platforms can literally be several times faster than their desktop counterparts.
Choice
