Hierarchy of Intel and AMD processors | Introduction
What about those processors that are not in the list of our recommendations in the review ""? Are they worth buying or not?
Questions like these are appropriate, as the availability of different models and their prices change daily. How do you know if the processor you have your eye on will be the best buy in that price range?
We decided to help you in this difficult task by presenting a CPU hierarchy table, where processors of the same gaming performance level are on the same line. The top lines show the most productive gaming CPUs, and as you move down the lines, performance decreases.
The proposed hierarchical table of various Intel and AMD processor models was originally based on the average performance of each in our benchmark suite. Later, we added new game data as one of the evaluation criteria, but keep in mind that different games behave differently due to the unique features of their code. For example, some of them are extremely dependent on the power of the graphics subsystem, but others respond positively to more cores, cache memory, or even a specific architecture.
We do not have the opportunity to test every CPU on the market, so in some cases the distribution of places depends on the results of similar models. In fact, this hierarchical table is useful as a general selection guide, but it is not a universal means of comparing different processors. For more information, please refer to the regularly updated section " Best Processor for Gaming: Current Market Analysis ".
You may have noticed that we have split the flagship processor section into two levels and placed several 4-core AMD models on one of them. Considering that many older platforms can be used with several different generations of graphics subsystems, we wanted to highlight the highest performing models in order to maintain a balance between the system and the video accelerator. For example, at the moment, any owner of the Sandy Bridge generation Core i7 will see a significant increase when switching to Kaby Lake or Coffee Lake. And putting AMD's flagship FX-series processors on the same footing as several Core i7s and older Core i5s means a boost in status.
Our table currently consists of 13 levels. The bottom half of the list is mostly irrelevant: these chips will show insufficient performance in modern games, regardless of the installed video card. If your processor is in this half of the list, then an upgrade will really enhance your gaming experience.
In fact, only the chips in the top five levels can be considered suitable for gaming today. And in this upper part of the table, it only makes sense to upgrade if you choose a processor at least two levels higher. Otherwise, the improvements will be clearly not enough to justify the cost of a new CPU, motherboard and memory, not to mention the video card and drives, which you also have to consider replacing.
Hierarchy of Intel and AMD processors | Table
| Intel | AMD |
| Intel Core i9-9900K Intel Core i9-9980XE Intel Core i7-8086K Intel Core i7-8700K ($379.99 at Newegg) Intel Core i9-9900X Intel Core i9-7900X ($969.99 at Newegg) Intel Core i9-7960X ($1,699 MSRP) Intel Core i9-7980XE ($1,999 at Amazon) Intel Core i5-8600K ($299.99 at Newegg) Intel Core i7-7740X ($319.89 at Amazon) Intel Core i7-7700K ($297.69 at Amazon) Intel Core i7-7820X ($558 at Amazon) Intel Core i7-7700 ($282.70 on Amazon Marketplace) Intel Core i5-8400 ($199.99 at Newegg) Intel Core i7-7800X ($379.99 at Newegg) Intel Core i7-7700T ($309.43 at Amazon) Intel Core i7-6950X ($1,499.89 at Amazon) Intel Core i7-6900K ($1,347.99 at Amazon) Intel Core i7-6850K ($345.80 at Amazon) Intel Core i7-6800K ($928.99 at Amazon) Intel Core i7-6700K ($342.47 at Amazon) Intel Core i7-6700 ($269.99 at Amazon) Intel Core i7-5960X ($1,198.37 at Amazon) Intel Core i7-5930K ($589 on Amazon Marketplace) Intel Core i7-5820K ($429.98 at Amazon) Intel Core i7-5775C ($401.70 at Amazon) Intel Core i7-4960X ($899 at Amazon) Intel Core i7-4930K Intel Core i7-4820K Intel Core i7-4790K Intel Core i7-4770K Intel Core i7-4790 Intel Core i7-4771 Intel Core i7-4770 Intel Core i7-3970X Intel Core i7-3960X Intel Core i7-3930K Intel Core i7-3820 Intel Core i7-3770K Intel Core i7-3770 Intel Core i5-7640X ($243.00 at Amazon) Intel Core i5-7600K ($199.89 at Amazon) Intel Core i5-7600 ($218.88 at Amazon) Intel Core i5-7500 ($289.88 at Amazon) Intel Core i5-7400 ($181 at Amazon) Intel Core i5-6600K ($339.98 at Amazon) Intel Core i5-6600 ($324.90 at Amazon) Intel Core i5-6500 ($304.84 at Amazon) Intel Core i5-6402P ($217.32 at Amazon) Intel Core i5-6400 ($291.98 at Amazon) Intel Core i5-5675C Intel Core i5-4690K ($264.99 at Wal-Mart) Intel Core i5-4670K Intel Core i5-4590 Intel Core i5-4670 Intel Core i5-4570 Intel Core i5-4460 ($189.97 at Amazon) Intel Core i5-4440 Intel Core i5-4430 Intel Core i5-3570K Intel Core i5-3570 Intel Core i5-3550 |
AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X ($799 at Amazon) AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1920X ($649 at Amazon) AMD Ryzen 7 1800X ($319.99 at Amazon) AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1900X ($449.99 Newegg) AMD Ryzen 7 1700X ($298.99 at Amazon) AMD Ryzen 7 1700 ($269.99 at Amazon) AMD Ryzen 5 1600X ($164.99 at Amazon) AMD Ryzen 5 1600 ($309.98 at Amazon) AMD Ryzen 5 1500X ($164.99 at Amazon) AMD Ryzen 5 1400 ($244.04 at Amazon) AMD Ryzen 3 1300X ($129.99 at Amazon) AMD Ryzen 3 1200 ($99.99 at Amazon) |
| Intel Core i7-990X Extreme Intel Core i7-980X Extreme Intel Core i7-975 Extreme Intel Core i7-2600K Intel Core i7-2600 Intel Core i7-965 Intel Core i5-3470 Intel Core i5-3450P Intel Core i5-3450 Intel Core i5-3350P Intel Core i5-3330 Intel Core i5-2550K Intel Core i5-2500K Intel Core i5-2500 Intel Core i5-2450P Intel Core i5-2400 Intel Core i5-2380P Intel Core i5-2320 Intel Core i5-2310 Intel Core i5-2300 Intel Core i3-7350K ($149.99 at Amazon) Intel Core i3-7320 ($166.48 at Amazon) Intel Core i3-7300 ($150.15 at Amazon) Intel Core i3-7100 ($126.64 at Amazon) |
AMD FX-9590 ($239.23 at Amazon) AMD FX-9370 ($199.43 at Amazon) AMD FX-8370 with Wraith Cooler ($144.99 at Amazon) AMD FX-8350 with Wraith Cooler ($168.94 at Amazon) AMD FX-8320 ($139.74 at Amazon) AMD FX-8300 ($99.90 at Amazon) AMD FX-8150 |
| Intel Core i7-980 Intel Core i7-970 Intel Core i7-960 Intel Core i7-875K Intel Core i7-870 Intel Core i3-6320($159.99 at Amazon) Intel Core i3-6300 ($137.57 at Amazon) Intel Core i3-6100 ($119.89 at Amazon) Intel Core i3-6100T ($126.92 at Amazon) Intel Core i3-6098P ($129.54 at Amazon) Intel Core i3-4360 Intel Core i3-4350 Intel Core i3-4340 Intel Core i3-4170 Intel Core i3-4160 Intel Core i3-4150 Intel Core i3-4130 Intel Core i3-3250 Intel Core i3-3245 Intel Core i3-3240 Intel Core i3-3225 Intel Core i3-3220 Intel Core i3-3210 Intel Core i3-2130 Intel Core i3-2025 Intel Core i3-2120 Intel Core i3-2105 Intel Core i3-2100 Intel Pentium G4620 ($91.99 at Amazon) Intel Pentium G4600 ($86.99 at Amazon) Intel Pentium G4560 ($84.98 at Amazon) Intel Pentium G4500 ($77.43 at Amazon) Intel Pentium G4400 ($53.60 at Amazon) |
AMD FX-6350 with Wraith cooler ($109 at Amazon) AMD FX-4350 ($112.26 at Amazon Marketplace) AMD Phenom II X6 1100T Black Edition AMD Phenom II X6 1090T Black Edition AMD Phenom II X4 Black Edition 980 AMD Phenom II X4 Black Edition 975 |
| Intel Core i7-950 Intel Core i7-940 Intel Core i7-930 Intel Core i7-920 Intel Core i7-860 Intel Core i5-3220T Intel Core i5-2405S Intel Core i5-2400S Intel Core i5-760 Intel Core i5-750 Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9775 Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9770 Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9650 Intel Core 2 Quad Q9650 |
AMD FX-8370E ($197.99 at Amazon) AMD FX-8320E ($96.44 at Amazon) AMD FX-8120 AMD FX-6300 ($77.98 on Amazon Marketplace) AMD FX-6200 AMD FX-4300 ($64.95 at Amazon) AMD FX-4170 AMD Phenom II X6 1075T AMD Phenom II X4 970 Black Edition AMD Phenom II X4 965 AMD Phenom II X4 955 AMD A10-7890K w/Wraith ($143.13 at Amazon) AMD A10-7870K Black Edition ($339 on Amazon Marketplace) AMD A10-7860K ($98.25 at Amazon) AMD A10-7850K AMD A10-7800 AMD A10-7700K AMD A10-6800K AMD A10-6790K AMD A10-6700 AMD A10-5800K AMD A10-5700 AMD A8-7650K ($97.31 at Amazon) AMD A8-7600 ($72.44 at Amazon) AMD A8-6600K AMD A8-5600K AMD A8-3870K AMD A8-3870 AMD A8-3850 AMD Athlon X4 880K ($134.86 on Amazon Marketplace) AMD Athlon X4 870K ($83.21 at Amazon) AMD Athlon X4 860K ($90 on Amazon Marketplace) AMD Athlon X4 750K AMD Athlon X4 740 AMD Athlon X4 651K AMD Athlon X4 645 AMD Athlon X4 641 AMD Athlon X4 640 |
| Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6850 Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6800 Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 Intel Core 2 Quad Q9400 Intel Core i5-680 Intel Core i5-670 Intel Core i5-661 Intel Core i5-660 Intel Core i5-655K Intel Core i5-650 Intel Core i3-2120T Intel Core i3-2100T |
AMD FX-6100 AMD FX-4130 AMD FX-4100 AMD Phenom II X6 1055T AMD Phenom II X6 1045T AMD Phenom II X4 945 AMD Phenom II X4 940 AMD Phenom II X4 920 AMD Phenom II X3 740 AMD Phenom II X3 720 Black Edition AMD A8-6500 AMD A8-5500 AMD A6-7400K ($52.95 at Amazon) AMD A6-6400K ($50.46 at Amazon) AMD A6-3670K AMD A6-3650 AMD Athlon II X4 635 AMD Athlon II X4 630 |
| Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6700 Intel Core 2 Quad Q9300 Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400 Intel Core 2 Quad Q8300 Intel Core 2 Quad Q6700 Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 Intel Core 2 Duo E8600 Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 Intel Core 2 Duo E7600 Intel Core i3-550 Intel Core i3-540 Intel Core i3-530 Intel Pentium G3470 Intel Pentium G3460 Intel Pentium G3450 Intel Pentium G3440 Intel Pentium G3430 Intel Pentium G3420 Intel Pentium G3260 ($92.97 at Amazon) Intel Pentium G3258 ($86.95 at Amazon) Intel Pentium G3250 Intel Pentium G3220 Intel Pentium G2130 Intel Pentium G2120 Intel Pentium G2020 Intel Pentium G2010 Intel Pentium G870 Intel Pentium G860 Intel Pentium G850 Intel Pentium G840 Intel Pentium G645 Intel Pentium G640 Intel Pentium G630 |
AMD Phenom II X4 910 AMD Phenom II X4 910e AMD Phenom II X4 810 AMD Athlon II X4 631 AMD Athlon II X4 620 AMD Athlon II X3 460 |
| Intel Core 2 Extreme X6800 Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 Intel Core 2 Duo E8300 Intel Core 2 Duo E8200 Intel Core 2 Duo E8190 Intel Core 2 Duo E7500 Intel Core 2 Duo E7400 Intel Core 2 Duo E6850 Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 Intel Pentium G620 Intel Celeron G1630 Intel Celeron G1620 Intel Celeron G1610 Intel Celeron G555 Intel Celeron G550 Intel Celeron G540 Intel Celeron G530 Intel Celeron G3950 ($59.98 on Amazon Marketplace) Intel Celeron G3930 ($44.95 at Amazon) Intel Celeron G3920 ($47.23 at Amazon) Intel Celeron G3900 ($41.83 at Amazon) |
AMD Phenom II X4 905e AMD Phenom II X4 805 AMD Phenom II X3 710 AMD Phenom II X3 705e AMD Phenom II X2 565 Black Edition AMD Phenom II X2 560 Black Edition AMD Phenom II X2 555 Black Edition AMD Phenom II X2 550 Black Edition AMD Phenom II X2 545 AMD Phenom X4 9950 AMD Athlon II X3 455 AMD Athlon II X3 450 AMD Athlon II X3 445 AMD Athlon II X3 440 AMD Athlon II X3 435 AMD Athlon II X3 425 |
| Intel Core 2 Duo E7300 Intel Core 2 Duo E7200 Intel Core 2 Duo E6700 Intel Core 2 Duo E6550 Intel Core 2 Duo E6540 Intel Pentium Dual Core E6700 Intel Pentium Dual-Core E6600 Intel Pentium Dual Core E650 Intel Pentium Dual Core E6300 Intel Pentium Dual Core E5800 Intel Pentium Dual Core E5700 Intel Pentium G9650 |
AMD Phenom X4 9850 AMD Phenom X4 9750 AMD Phenom X4 9650 AMD Phenom X4 9600 AMD Phenom X3 8850 AMD Phenom X3 8750 AMD Athlon II X2 370K AMD Athlon II X2 265 AMD Athlon II X2 260 AMD Athlon II X2 255 AMD A6-5500K AMD A6-5400K ($69.63 at Amazon) AMD A4-7300 ($42.30 at Amazon) AMD A4-6400K AMD A4-6300 ($39.18 at Amazon) AMD A4-5400K AMD A4-5300 AMD A4-4400 AMD A4-4000 AMD A4-3400 AMD A4-3300 AMD Sempron 2650 ($31 at Amazon) AMD Athlon 64X2 6400+ |
| Intel Core 2 Duo E6600 Intel Core 2 Duo E6420 Intel Core 2 Duo E4700 Intel Core 2 Duo E4600 Intel Core 2 Duo E4500 Intel Pentium Dual Core E5400 Intel Pentium Dual Core E5300 Intel Pentium Dual Core E5200 Intel Pentium Dual Core G620T |
AMD Phenom X4 9550 AMD Phenom X4 9500 AMD Phenom X4 9450e AMD Phenom X4 9350e AMD Phenom X3 8650 AMD Phenom X3 8600 AMD Phenom X3 8550 AMD Phenom X3 8450e AMD Phenom X3 8450 AMD Phenom X3 8400 AMD Phenom X3 8250e AMD Athlon II X2 250 AMD Athlon II X2 245 AMD Athlon II X2 240 AMD Athlon X2 7850 AMD Athlon X2 7750 AMD Athlon 64X2 6000+ AMD Athlon 64X2 5600+ |
| Intel Core 2 Duo E6400 Intel Core 2 Duo E6320 Intel Core 2 Duo E4400 Intel Core 2 Duo E4300 Intel Celeron E3300 |
AMD Phenom X4 9150e AMD Phenom X4 9100e AMD Athlon X2 7550 AMD Athlon X2 7450 AMD Athlon X2 5050e AMD Athlon X2 4850e/b AMD Athlon 64X2 5400+ AMD Athlon 64X2 5200+ AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ AMD Athlon 64X2 4800+ |
| Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 Intel Core 2 Duo E5500 Intel Pentium Dual Core E2220 Intel Pentium Dual Core E2200 Intel Pentium Dual Core E2210 Intel Celeron E3200 |
AMD Athlon X2 6550 AMD Athlon X2 6500 AMD Athlon X2 4450e/b AMD Athlon X2 4600+ AMD Athlon X2 4400+ AMD Athlon X2 4200+ AMD Athlon X2 BE-2400 |
| Intel Pentium Dual Core E2180 Intel Celeron 1600 Intel Celeron G440 |
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4000+ AMD Athlon 64X2 3800+ AMD Athlon X2 4050e AMD Athlon X2 2300 Black Edition |
| Intel Pentium Dual Core E2160 Intel Pentium Dual Core E2140 Intel Celeron E1500 Intel Celeron E1400 Intel Celeron E1200 |
Updated 07/09/2018
The main thing in any laptop is the processor. The entire operation of the device as a whole depends on it. Putting the processor in a thin case, implementing a good cooling system and supplying it with additional hardware to unlock its potential is already the task of the laptop manufacturer itself, but in any case, the main thing is the processor.
Generations
Considering that 90% of laptops on the market are based on Intel processors, it is logical to consider the chipsets of this particular brand. Let's start with generations - as of mid-2018, there are 8 generations of processors:
- Nehalem
- sandy bridge
- ivy bridge
- Haswell
- Broadwell
- skylake
- Kaby Lake
- coffee lake
Now the most powerful solutions are based on the Coffee Lake architecture, but this does not mean that tomorrow Intel will not release a more powerful and extreme processor based on the 6th generation Skylake architecture. For example, the 4th generation Intel Core i7-4940MX CPU is still confidently holding the leading position in the performance ratings of processors, overtaking 5th, 6th, and 7th generation chipsets.
Types and markings
- K - with overclocking potential.
- X is extreme and high performance.
- M - mobile.
- U - ultra-mobile.
- Y - with very low power consumption (11.5 W), used in ultrabooks.
- Q - with 4 cores.
- T - with a focus on low consumption.
- H - for BGA1364 socket.
Mobile processors are divided into 3 large groups: mobile (M), ultra-mobile (U) and radically mobile (Y). The latter are installed in very thin ultrabooks. 5 lines are also available (until 2018 there were 3 lines available): i3, i5, i7, i9, Xeon E. One processor from the i7 line, for example, can be made based on the new Coffee architecture or old Haswell, Skylake, etc. . It can be mobile or ultra-mobile, and all this affects the performance and intended purpose.
For example, an ultra-mobile (Y) Intel Core i7 processor will be less powerful than an Intel Core i3 with an M (mobile) prefix. True, the latter can only be used in laptops with a standard (thick) case - it requires a cooling system with a radiator and a fan. Ultra-Ultra-Mobile (Y) chips are used in tablets and ultrabooks, they are passively cooled and have low power consumption, so they don't make any noise at all and allow for a very autonomous tablet/ultrabook.
If you need a productive laptop that can be used for games, then you definitely need to choose a laptop based on a mobile chip (M). The most powerful in the middle of 2018 are the 8th generation chips - on the Coffee Lake architecture. Only the Intel Core i7-4940MX processor (4th generation Haswell) can “compete” with them. The letters MX in its name say:
- M - mobile.
- X - super productive.
However, this solution is generally unsuitable for ultrabooks, which are sharpened for maximum battery life. They require chips with the prefix Y or at least U. The preferred generation is the eighth (Coffee Lake), but Kabe Lake and even Skylake will do.
For simple inexpensive and office laptops, the best processors are the Intel Core i3 Kaby Lake or Skylake series. Most budget office laptops are equipped with energy-efficient Intel Core i3 6006U chips based on the Kaby Lake architecture. They have an integrated graphics core Intel HD Graphics 520, the performance of which is enough to run games like Civilization V and play Full HD videos from YouTube. This solution is cheap, simple and energy efficient.
The best chips are not necessarily expensive and powerful. It all depends on the purpose of the laptops in which they will be used.
The most powerful mobile processors - rating
Below is the TOP of the most productive mobile chips for the middle of 2018:
- Core i9-8950HK is an 8th generation processor based on the Coffee Lake architecture, clocked at 2.9-4.8 GHz, capable of processing 12 threads (6 cores, 2 threads per core). It received Thermal Velocity Boost technology, which raises the core frequency to 4.8 GHz during overclocking, but only if the chip temperature does not exceed 50 C. The level 3 cache memory is 12.28 MB.
- Xeon E-2186M (Coffee Lake) - also an 8th generation chipset with 6 cores processing 12 threads simultaneously, received a 12.28 MB level 3 cache. It can be found in the MSI WS60 7RJ laptop worth 200,000 rubles.
- The Core i7-8850H is a high performance processor introduced in early 2018. Like the previous ones, the chip processes 12 threads simultaneously (2 per core), is made using 14nm technology, has integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630 graphics (the previous chips in the rating also), however, its L3 cache size is lower - 9.2 MB .
- XEON E-2176M (Coffee Lake) - 6-core (12-thread) processor with 12.28 MB L3 cache.
- Core i7-8750H (Coffee Lake) - 6-core (12-thread) chip with 9.2 MB L3 cache.
- Core i7-4940MX - it was discussed above. This is one of the few mobile processors with an X (super-performance) index in the name. This is a 4th generation chip (Haswell, 22nm process technology) with 4 cores at 3.1 GHz (when overclocked, the frequency rises to 4 GHz).
- Xeon E3-1535M v6 (Kaby Lake) - 7th generation processor with 4 cores. This TOP solution for high-performance platforms, made on a 14nm process technology, has a L3 cache of 8 MB.
- Core i7-7920HQ (Kaby Lake) - 4-core (8 threads) 7th generation chip, made at 14nm. Equipped with 8 MB level 3 cache.
- Core i7-4930MX (Haswell) - 4th generation processor with high performance (prefix X in the name). Introduced back in 2013, made according to the 22-nm process technology, received 4 cores operating at a frequency of 3-3.9 GHz, L3 cache memory with a volume of 8 MB.
- Core i7-4910MQ (Haswell) - 22nm processor with 4 cores with a frequency of 2.9-3.9 GHz. Differs in high power consumption (47 W), cache memory 3 levels 8 MB. And although it ranks 10th in the ranking of all productive chipsets, it is very powerful and is used in the top Aleinware series laptops worth 140-150 thousand rubles.
Above are the first 10 chipsets in descending order of performance. The rating is current as of mid-2018, but Intel is constantly releasing new models.
The best laptops with 8th generation processors
Laptops with processors based on the Coffee Lake architecture are just beginning to appear on the market. Top Models:
1st place - MSI GE73 8RE (115,000 rubles)
The laptop received an Intel Core i7 8750H chip - a 6-core processor, made using a 14-nm process technology, received an integrated Graphics 630 graphics chip and a 9 MB level 3 cache memory. The laptop also has 16 GB of RAM and a powerful GeForce GTX 1060M graphics card, which allows you to run new games like Far Cry 5 on ultra-graphics settings at 60-80 FPS.
2nd place - ASUS ROG GL503GE (100,000 rubles)
Another laptop with the same i7 8750H processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050Ti graphics card, 16 GB of RAM. Gaming performance is lower compared to the previous laptop due to a less powerful graphics card, but the gaming novelties of 2018 release will run at maximum graphics settings with high FPS.
There are modifications of this laptop with GTX 1070, 1080 video cards - they are significantly more expensive, and their performance is much higher. The 8th Gen i7 8750H processor unleashes the power of the powerful GTX 1080 graphics card.
3rd place - NEW ALIENWARE 15 (87-205 thousand rubles)
The new Alienware 15 gaming platforms are powered by 8th generation Intel processors. Depending on the modification, prices vary greatly. The following options are possible:
- A laptop with an i5-8300H chip, 8 GB of RAM and a GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card is the cheapest laptop in the series.
- With i7-8750H processor, 16 GB RAM and GeForce GTX 1060 graphics card.
- Based on i7-8750H, 16 GB RAM and GeForce GTX 1070.
- The most expensive and powerful solution for mid-2018 is the i9-8950HK, 16 GB of RAM (expandable to 32 GB) and a GeForce GTX 1080 graphics card. The price on the official website is $3,300.
There are other less interesting proposals. As for processors from AMD, this manufacturer is far behind Intel in the development of mobile chipsets for laptops. There are good offers in the middle or low price segment, but among the productive processors, the choice is possible only among models from Intel.
This article will compare laptop processors from two leading semiconductor manufacturers - Intel and AMD. The products of the first of them are equipped with an improved processor part and have a higher level of performance in this regard. In turn, AMD solutions boast a more productive graphics subsystem.
Division into niches
Comparison and Intel for laptops will be most optimally performed in three niches:
- Budget-class processors (they are also the most affordable).
- Mid-range CPUs that combine both a high level of performance and acceptable energy efficiency.
- Chips with the highest level of performance. In this case, speed, autonomy and energy efficiency fade into the background.
If in the first two cases AMD can provide a worthy alternative to Intel, then the premium segment has been dominated by the latter company for quite a long time. The only hope in this regard is new processor solutions based on the Zen architecture, which AMD should introduce next year.
Entry level Intel products
Until recently, this niche from Intel was occupied by products of the Atom line. But now the situation has changed and entry-level laptops are now based on processors. The most modest products of this class include only 2 cores, and the most advanced ones - 4. The following models are relevant for the 3rd quarter of 2016, which are shown in Table 1.
Table 1 - Current CPU models from Intel for entry-level mobile PCs.
Model name | Number of cores, pcs | Process technology, nm | Level 3 cache, Mb | Frequencies, GHz | Thermal package, W | CPU cost, $ | Video card model HD Graphics |
|
There are essentially no cardinal differences between these CPU models. They are aimed at solving the most simple tasks and have a minimum level of performance. Also, this manufacturer of semiconductor solutions has a strong point in the processor part, but the integrated graphics subsystem is very weak. Another strength of these products is the high degree of energy efficiency and thus improved autonomy.
Mid-range solutions from Intel
"Kor i3" and "Kor i5" are mid-range Intel processors for laptops. Comparison of their characteristics indicates that the first family is closer to entry-level solutions, and the second - under certain circumstances, can compete with the most productive chips from this company. Detailed specifications of the specified family of products are given in Table 2.
Table 2 - Intel processor parameters for mid-range laptops.
Model name | Number of Cores/ logical flows, pcs | Production technology, nm | Level 3 cache, Mb | Frequencies, GHz | Power, W | Video card HD Graphics |
|
The characteristics of the CPU of this class are almost identical. The key difference is the improved energy saving of the 7U54. As a result, autonomy in this case will also be better. Otherwise, there are no significant differences between these processors. The price of all chips of this family is the same - $281.
Premium laptop processors from Intel
For latest generation laptops, indicates that the highest performing solutions are i7 family CPUs. Moreover, in architectural terms, they practically do not differ from middle-class products. Even the models of video cards in this case are the same. But a higher level of performance compared to mid-range processors is provided by higher clock frequencies and an increased size of volatile memory of the 3rd level. The main parameters of the chips of this family are shown in Table 3.
Table 3 - Main characteristics of i7 family CPUs.
The difference between the two products is that the latter has improved energy efficiency, but the performance will eventually be lower.
AMD entry-level mobile processors
For laptops of the two leading manufacturers of this product, it indicates that Intel, as noted earlier, has a better processor part, and AMD has an integrated graphics subsystem. If an improved video system is a priority in a new laptop, then it is better to pay attention to laptops from a second manufacturer. Specific chip models technical specifications are shown in Table 4.
Table 4 - The latest AMD processors for entry-level laptops.
Model name | Frequency range, GHz | Level 2 cache, Mb | Thermal package, W | Number of cores, pcs | Integrated graphics |
|
For the most part, these chips have almost identical technical parameters. The key difference here is only in the frequency range and the model of the integrated built-in accelerator. It is based on these parameters that you need to make a choice. If you need maximum autonomy, then choose products with lower performance. If autonomy comes to the fore, then you will have to sacrifice dynamism for this.
AMD chips for organizing mid-range laptops
FX-9XXXP and A1X-9XXXP are for laptops. Comparison of their characteristics with entry-level products indicates that they already have 4 computing units versus 2 that are available in entry-level products. Also in this case, it can compete with entry-level discrete accelerators. But the weak processor part is the factor today, which significantly reduces the performance of laptops based on these chips. Therefore, you can look in their direction only when, at the minimum cost of a mobile computer, you need the fastest graphics subsystem. The main specifications of this CPU family are shown in Table 5.
Table 5 - CPU settings from AMD for mid-range laptops.
CPU marking | Clock frequencies, GHz | graphics accelerator | Thermal package, W |
|
It is most difficult to compare laptop processors in the entry-level segment. On the one hand, Intel solutions in this case have a lower cost and an improved processor part. In turn, AMD offers mobile PCs with an improved graphics subsystem. It is based on the last parameter that it is recommended to buy when choosing an entry-level laptop Pavilion 15-AW006UR from HP. Other things being equal, with competing solutions, the video card in this case will have a certain performance margin, and the processor does not lose much to the CPU from Intel. As a mid-level mobile PC, it is recommended to choose the Aspire E5 - 774 - 50SY from Acer. It has an i5 - 7200U chip installed, which is only slightly inferior to the flagship products. Yes, and other technical specifications are at an acceptable level, as for a middle-class laptop. Comparison of laptop processors in the niche of the highest performance solutions indicated that it is best to purchase mobile computers based on 7th generation i7 chips. The most affordable, but at the same time very equipped version of the laptop, is the IdeaPad 510-15 IKB from Lenovo. It is he who is recommended to buy when choosing the most productive mobile PC. At the same time, the price is quite democratic for such a class of devices, and the equipment is excellent.
Results
Comparison of processors for laptops of the two leading chip manufacturers today clearly and clearly indicates that the leading positions in most cases are occupied by products from Intel. AMD, in turn, is significantly behind its direct competitor. The only market segment where parity is still maintained is entry-level mobile products, where AMD has a worthy alternative. In all other cases, it would be more correct to purchase laptops based on the CPU from Intel. The current situation can be drastically changed by the release of processors based on the Zen architecture in 2017. But whether AMD can do it, time will tell. Now, in the niche of mid-range and premium mobile PCs, it is most correct to rely on solutions from Intel. Although they are somewhat overpriced, the level of performance more than compensates for this shortcoming.
Intel is one of the two most popular companies developing processors for laptops and computers. Many gamers and other users consider this company to be the best and prefer its products. But Intel has a fairly wide range. So, sometimes it’s not so easy to figure out which processor for which computer is more suitable. Especially in order to make it easier for buyers to navigate a wide range of offers from the manufacturer, we have created a rating of Intel processors. With it, you can easily choose the processor to your liking.
#10 - Intel Pentium G4400
Price: 5745 rubles
And our top chipset called Intel Pentium G4400 starts - a great option for budget personal computers.
This processor is based on the Skylake architecture and consists of two cores clocked at 3.3 GHz. Additional performance device provides cache memory, the volume of which here is 3072 KB.
The Pentium G4400 is also capable of image processing. There is an integrated graphics processor SkylakeIntel HD Graphics 510. Of course, it cannot completely replace a full-fledged video card, but it is enough to perform simple tasks.
This model has a special controller that supports two-way data transfer between the processor and RAM.
This controller is capable of working with memory modules up to 64 GB. So problems with installing the required amount of RAM should not arise.
Intel Pentium G4400
#9 - Intel Pentium G4620
Price: 7085 rubles
The Intel Pentium G4620 is a dual core processor clocked at 3700 MHz. It is developed using a 14nm process technology. The basis of this device is the Kaby Lake architecture.
This model has the same amount of cache memory - 3 MB, but the graphics processor here is slightly more powerful than the HD Graphics 630. Of course, if the Pentium G4400 and G4620 are compared, then the latter option is better, but not by much. It is unlikely that you will feel a significant difference in performance.
However, the G4620 is an excellent processor, which is certainly not suitable for professional gamers, but may well satisfy the needs of the average user or old game enthusiast.
In general, it will cope with new games, but I will slow down, and it will not work to set the settings to the maximum. If this is not a problem for you, then the G4620 is worth taking. Otherwise, it is better to look at more expensive models.
Intel Pentium G4620
#8 - Intel Core i3-8300
Price: 12955 rubles
Having finished with the budget segment, let's move on to entry-level processors. The Intel Core i3-8300 is already a 3.7 GHz quad-core processor. Cache memory here is also twice as much - as much as 8 MB.
The Core i3-8300 comes with an excellent cooler, which is actually a rarity for powerful processors. Usually, when you buy a really good processor, you definitely need to buy a cooling system for it, because the base one, as a rule, is terribly insufficient to maintain a normal working condition. But in this case, the boxed cooler copes well with its task.
The Core i3-8300 is a good processor that, in conjunction with an equally good graphics card, can handle most modern games.
In addition, it is sold for a meager price, given all its advantages. So, if you need not the most powerful, but high-quality chipset, we recommend choosing the i3-8300.
Intel Core i3-8300
#7 - Intel Core i3-8350K
Price: 13100 rubles
Intel Core i3-8350K is an improved version of the previous model. It, like the basic version, has four cores and 8 MB of cache, but it has a clock speed of 4 GHz.
This is a fairly high figure, which is guaranteed to provide you with high performance. The main advantage of the Core i3-8350K over the Core i3-8300 is the unlocked multiplier.
That is, the processor can also be overclocked. Thus, the already high clock frequency of 4 GHz can be raised to 4.6 GHz. This is a pretty good overclocking for Intel processors.
The Intel Core i3-8350K maintains adequate temperatures well. When actively working with a computer, you are unlikely to heat it over 50 degrees, which is just an excellent indicator.
Without a doubt, in the table of Intel models, this is one of the best processors in terms of price and quality.
Intel Core i3-8350K
#6 - Intel Core i5-8400
Price: 16575 rubles
The golden mean in the company's lineup is occupied by Core i5 chipsets. It includes quite relevant, but still affordable processors. Let's start with the Intel Core i5-8400.
It's a six-core processor clocked at just 2.8 GHz, but that's only in standard mode. In turbo boost, when maximum performance is required, it accelerates to 4 GHz. The amount of cache memory here is 9 MB.
The i5-8400 processor is quite popular, because it has six ultra-fast cores and is sold for quite a decent price compared to older models.
In general, this is more than a decent processor. The only downside is that it has sudden temperature fluctuations, but usually it does not heat up above 61 degrees. For any modern games, this model is more than enough.
Intel Core i5-8400
#5 - Intel Core i5-8600
Price: 18990 rubles
The improved six-core processor of the fifth generation Intel Core i5-8600 has a significantly higher clock speed. The base frequency is 3.1 GHz, but in turbo mode this figure increases to 4.3 GHz. Otherwise, the technical specifications are the same.
The undoubted advantage of the Core i5-8600 is that in some cases it can match even the newest processor models from Intel in terms of performance.
There is also very little heat dissipation, which is quite good for such a powerful chip. In short, the i5-8600 is a great mid-ranger that will give you the best performance even in new games.
Intel Core i5-8600
#4 - Intel Core i5-9600K
Price: 21750 rubles
The Intel Core i5-9600K, being the most advanced model in the lineup, has once again taken off with an increase in clock speed. Here, this figure is 3.7 GHz. And when you turn on the turbo mode, the processor accelerates to an incredible 4.6 GHz.
The Core i5-9600K is the best Intel processor available today. Next up are models for those who are greedily trying to accumulate as much power as possible for years to come.
With the i5-9600K and a good graphics card, enough RAM and other adequate specs, you shouldn't have any performance issues in modern games.
Intel Core i5-9600K
#3 - Intel Core i7-8700K
Price: 23615 rubles
So we moved on to the most powerful line of Intel - Core i7. We will begin its consideration with such a model as the Core i7-8700K. There are as many cores here as in previous models - 6, and the maximum clock frequency is the same.
But the i7-8700K has a significantly increased amount of cache memory - 12288 KB. Also, a more powerful graphics core HD Graphics 630 at 1200 MHz was installed here.
12 threads provide a significant amount of headroom, thanks to which the Intel Core i7-8700K will be relevant for many years to come. The fact that with the appropriate video card all modern games will run even on ultra-settings is probably not worth mentioning, this is already clear.
Intel Core i7-8700K
#2 - Intel Core i7-9700K
Price: 34299 rubles
The Intel Core i7-9700K processor is based on an architecture codenamed Coffee Lake-R. It has 8 cores and is based on the 14nm process technology. The clock frequency of the processor cores is 3.6 GHz, and the amount of cache memory here is 12 MB.
In fact, the Core i7-9700K repeats the previous model, but already contains 8 cores and 16 threads, which further increases the power reserve of the processor.
With such a processor, you can not only play, but stream modern games in good quality. There is also an unlocked multiplier and, as a result, the ability to overclock the cores.
The only problem is the very high price, but you have to pay a lot for the power.
Intel Core i7-9700K
#1 - Intel Core i9-7960X
Price: 113,030 rubles
So we come to the first place, where the Core i9-7960X is located - this is the best processor of the latest generation from Intel to date.
It costs three times more than the previous model, but this is more than justified, because there are as many as 16 cores running at a clock speed of 2.2 GHz. In turbo mode, it is possible to overclock the frequency up to 4.2 GHz. Supports 22MB cache.
If you have a lot of money, you can buy this processor and not worry about your computer not pulling something for many years to come. But if you only need modern games, you can pick up something cheaper.
Intel Core i9-7960X
Above are the best processor models from Intel. Among them, you can easily choose the option that will suit your needs and financial capabilities, because all the chips presented here are the best solutions for their price.
