How to choose a processor quickly and easily

In some cases, it is not always necessary to replace a processor completely, sometimes it is just enough to change the right part to gain more power in work or game. Therefore, manage your definitions in terms of components well, and you can save yourself a few easy euros.

Intel vs AMD

The eternal fight between these two main manufacturers of processors for desktop computers, which have given so much to talk about over the years. Intel processors often have superior gaming, design, or workstation performance, all of which require quite refined power .

On the other hand, the AMD until today… have A6, A8 or A10 processors and their FX version. The APUS offer graphics a little lower, for what would be office equipment, or for machines that do not necessarily require certain graphics utilities. Whereas FX is for high performance teams. With the impending departure of AMD Ryzen, the scales to choose from will be drawn. This is when the money factor, number of cores and frequency will have greater relevance. Promise this year!

More cores or higher frequency?

You have to be very careful when choosing a good processor, because you will find them on the market with 2, 4, 6 and up to 8 cores. As you know, each core is capable of handling data independently. This "quickly doubles" the work capacity of each PC.

Another important factor that you should take into account is the frequency which is expressed in Megahertz (MHz) with which a computer works. The more often, the higher its performance. In some of the processors, you can find chips that offer a '' turbo '' mode which increases the level of work of said processor when it suffers a work overload.

For example, a few years ago it was decided whether to choose an Intel E8200 (2 cores) against an Intel Q6600. To the surprise of many, the E8200 were better at play due to their speed, but the Q6600 have aged better and there are still some fighting in games without high graphic demand. That is, you have to know how to choose well. The same today a 4-core is enough, but in a couple of years the best choice would be to choose an 8-core and 16-wire processor (AMD Ryzen) over an Intel Core i7-7700k. Very easy to understand, right?

Cache memory: the great forgotten one

This is something that is always overlooked when choosing a good chip. The cache memory is responsible for storing data that would later be used, that is, the more cache memory a chip has, the more data capacity it will be willing to process to optimize its operation. It is of type SRAM (Static Read Aleatory Memory) integrated very close to the cores and inside the processor. The further away it is from its cores, the greater its size, but the slower its access. Something to take into account.

Processor power consumption

When a processor is very powerful, its level of energy demand will be, therefore not all processors are the same when consuming it. Consumption affects not only the economic cost it implies, but also the amount of heat it generates. Since the more work you do, the higher the temperature, thus needing more means to keep it refrigerated. If you are going to buy a computer soon, you can consult us in our PC Gaming configuration.

WE RECOMMEND AMD RX 5500 XT How does it benefit from the PCIe 4.0 interface?

Processors with overclocking capability and others do not

Intel Pentium Kaby Lake G4560 - Microprocessor (DDR4-2133 / 2400, DDR3L-1333/1600, 3.5 GHz) Color Silver

Cach: 3 MB Cache, bus speed: 8 GT / s DMI3 Support memory type DDR4-2133 / 2400, DDR3L-1333/1600 at 1.35 V Processor frequency: 3.5 GHz Attention! Before purchasing this product, check compatibility on the manufacturer's website

109.89 EUR Buy on Amazon

If you plan to increase the performance of a processor, that is, overclocking the processor, the first thing you would have to do would be to increase the frequency of your processor. To achieve this, you should already know the appropriate processor model for it to work since not all allow it.

In most Intel processors this option is unused, unless these chips contain a '' k '' in their name. Being able to find a Core i7 7700 model that will not help you and you can find an Intel Core i7 7700k that are indicated for the task to be performed. While the new AMD Ryzen all allow overclocking.

Remember, to be able to choose a good processor, keep these indications in mind and compare its components and functionalities. And so, you will have a machine at your fingertips. If in doubt, you can ask us and we will try to help you.

Did you find this guide on how to choose a processor interesting ? Do you think you have a processor and which one do you want to update? Do you play or do you only work with your PC? We await your responses. ?