Intel has existed since 1968. It was with its foundation that the development of computers began to gain unprecedented momentum. The first chips of the California manufacturer had a very modest clock frequency, measured in a few kilohertz. But gradually microprocessors are developing. Now we are not surprised by models operating at a frequency of 3-4 GHz. Moreover, we are starting to get confused about the variety of processors Intel produces. After all, no one argues with the fact that there are unsuccessful chips that have too high power consumption or can not cope with any specific tasks. Below you can read about those processors that do not suffer from serious problems. Their purchase causes only joy.
Content:
Which Intel processor to choose
Before choosing a chip, you should be familiar with what kind of socket your motherboard has. Unfortunately, it is impossible not to take into account compatibility. The latest generation processor simply can not be installed in any old motherboard. As well as it will not turn out to use the old chip, if you purchased the recent “motherboard”. To please you, the fact that these computer components become obsolete rather slowly. Therefore, you can easily find a processor suitable for your motherboard. Even if it was released five or six years ago.
For convenience, we have divided our collection into three sections. The first includes chips that have a Broadwell-E architecture. This latest generation and its processors were introduced at the end of 2016. The second section consists of chips with the architecture of Kaby Lake, the third includes the Skylake processors. The newer the generation, the higher the power and lower power consumption.
The best Intel processors with Broadwell-E architecture
Intel Core i7-6950X Extreme Edition
This processor is recommended to buy to solve any particularly complex professional tasks. For example, he does an excellent job with video encoding and overlaying special effects in specialized programs. At the time of this writing, it was one of the most powerful processors among those designed for a home computer. He is also the most expensive.
The clock frequency of this chip is 3000 MHz. This may seem insufficient. But everything changes when you realize that the processor consists of ten cores capable of operating in 20-line mode! Also, the product can please a huge stock of cache memory. Among the supported standards for RAM is listed and modern DDR4.
But the most interesting thing is that the processor is able to recognize up to 128 GB of RAM! He also gives off very little heat, for which he should thank the 14-nanometer process technology used to create this chip. It remains to be regretted that for the money that is being asked for it, you can buy a powerful gaming laptop.
Advantages:
- Ten cores, twenty threads;
- Supported memory standard DDR4;
- A large amount of cache memory;
- Support for most modern technologies;
- There is a built-in memory controller;
- Recognized 128 GB of RAM;
- Typical heat dissipation is approximately 140 W;
- Low power consumption.
Disadvantages:
- The clock frequency may seem low;
- The price tag is far from humane.
Intel Core i7-6900K
This is another processor for the production of which was used 14-nanometer process technology. The number of cores in this model is reduced to eight, but their clock frequency is increased to 3200 MHz. Also, the composition of the chip includes a large amount of cache memory, which also never hurts. CPU heat dissipation often does not exceed 140 watts.
Along with this chip, you can insert DDR4 standard memory into the motherboard. The maximum amount of it can be 128 GB. The processor uses the DMI system bus. If you are on a professional basis doing photo or video editing, then the Intel Core i7-6900K should definitely interest you. Ordinary people will scare the cost of the product. For such money, it is quite possible to buy a very good laptop, even if it was not created by an “apple” company.
Advantages:
- Low power consumption;
- Low heat generation;
- Huge cache;
- Support for DDR4 RAM;
- High reliability;
- A decent enough clock frequency.
Disadvantages:
- Very high cost.
Intel Core i7-6850K
Intel products may seem too expensive. Some users do not understand why they need to pay such money for a chip that is almost impossible to overclock. So the Intel Core i7-6850K clock speed during acceleration almost does not increase. However, the default indicators should be enough even for the most resource-demanding programs. The frequency of each of the six cores here is 3.6 GHz. If the chip is used in conjunction with DDR4 RAM, the bundle will turn out perfect! The maximum processor will determine 128 GB of RAM.
The product is made by 14-nanometer process technology. This indicates its low power consumption compared with its predecessors. Also, the chip emits a relatively small amount of heat - absolutely any cooler-tower should cope with cooling. Everything is in order here with the amount of cache memory, which, if not a record one, is very close to this rank. But, of course, the cost of the chip in any case scares. In our world, where home computers are gradually losing their value, processors should not be so expensive.
Advantages:
- Minimum consumption of electricity;
- High clock frequency;
- Supports up to 128 GB of RAM;
- A large amount of cache memory;
- There is a built-in memory controller;
- Low heat generation;
- Supports DDR4 memory standard.
Disadvantages:
- Only 6 cores;
- Many can not afford.
Top Intel processors with Kaby Lake architecture
Intel Core i7-7700K
This chip is acquired by many gamers who can afford such an expensive purchase. California giant tried to squeeze the most out of the architecture of Kaby Lake. He brought the clock frequency of each core to 4200 MHz! It remains only to regret that there are only four cores here.
The chip has other limitations. For example, it supports standard DDR4 memory, but its size should not exceed 64 GB. However, even this amount of “RAM” is inserted into the motherboard by far not every home PC owner.
This product has no more negative sides. Yes, the amount of cache memory here is not too large, but 8 MB is enough. The chip's heat dissipation reaches only 91 W, so that the buyer does not need a serious cooler. Interestingly, the processor will retain its performance even if its temperature reaches 100 ° C.
Advantages:
- Typical heat dissipation is not very large;
- It can even work with bad cooler and thermal paste;
- The clock frequency is increased almost to the limit;
- Consumes a small amount of electricity;
- There is an integrated graphics core;
- Decent cache;
- Will work with DDR4 RAM.
Disadvantages:
- Only four cores;
- The price is still not low.
Intel Core i3-7300
This processor belongs to the middle or even budget price segment. It consists of only two cores. But the main thing is that the chip was manufactured using a 14-nanometer process technology, so you should not compare it with the old dual-core solutions. The new process technology allowed us to increase the clock frequency to 4 GHz, while lowering the typical heat emission to 51 watts.
In general, the product has no serious flaws, if you do not remember the number of cores. The chip has a decent cache. It supports standard DDR3L and DDR4 memory. Its volume can reach 64 GB, which is enough to solve the absolute majority of tasks.In short, this is a very good option for owners of motherboards with a LGA1151 socket.
Advantages:
- There is an integrated graphics core;
- There is a memory controller;
- The third level cache is 4 MB;
- Almost all modern technologies are supported, including virtualization;
- The frequency reaches an impressive 4 GHz;
- The minimum amount of heat generated;
- It consumes quite a bit of electricity;
- You can use with 64 GB of RAM standard DDR4.
Disadvantages:
- A small number of cores.
The best Intel processor with Skylake architecture
Intel Core i7-6700K
In no case should this chip be considered obsolete. It will be bought for a very long time by those who need a processor for the LGA1151 socket. Yes, and how can you call an old product, made according to the 14 nm process technology? The creators supplied their creation with four cores, not counting the graphic one. However, they did not reduce the clock frequency - it is here equal to the maximum for Intel 4000 MHz. The third level cache has been increased to 8 MB. On average, the heat here does not exceed 91 watts. If you suddenly do not want to try to overclock it, then the simplest turret cooler is enough for you.
Of course, the price of this processor is quite high. But it absolutely does not scare so many gamers. With a powerful video card, this chip will allow you to play hits with a high frame rate - up to 120 FPS. It is also suitable for connecting a VR helmet. In general, this is one of the most optimal solutions at the moment. If you do not want to overpay a lot of money, but at the same time you need a lot of power, then there is nothing better to find. Six-and eight-core chips are much more expensive.
Advantages:
- Consumes a small amount of electricity;
- There is, though not the best, graphics core;
- Decent cache size;
- Almost maximum clock frequency;
- Any modern cooler will cope with heat generation;
- Supported by DDR4 RAM.
Disadvantages:
- Someone may not have four cores;
- The price is still high.
Which Intel processor to buy
1. Intel Core i7-6950X Extreme Edition is the best that a US company can offer to a home PC owner. Ten cores, huge power, recognition of almost any amount of RAM. Only the cost which cannot be called high is capable of frightening - it is cosmic.
2. Intel Core i7-6900K costs a little less. But it is still impossible to call it cheap. The number of cores is reduced here, but this does not prevent it from ideally coping with video rendering, 3D modeling and other complex tasks.
3. The Intel Core i7-6850K shows itself very well in graphics and video editors. This is a chip from the same series - it was also created using a 14-nanometer process technology, which previously seemed unattainable. The only drawback of the processor is the number of cores, equal to only six. But with increased clock speed, it is not so important.
4. In favor of the Intel Core i7-7700K make your choice, many game lovers. This processor allows you to get the full benefit of all other components. With a good video card, it will even allow you to connect a VR helmet. And a small number of cores went to the chip even to the benefit - it is rather reluctantly warming up.
5. If you want to save, but still get their hands on the chip, created by 14-nanometer process technology, be sure to take a look at Intel Core i3-7300. Of course, with a dual-core processor, it is difficult to do video editing and other complex tasks. But on the other hand, it requires a minimum height cooler, and also it is not picky to the volume of electricity supplied.
6. If you buy an Intel Core i7-6700K, you will receive a 4 GHz quad-core chip. The processor supports the “RAM” of the DDR4 standard, but its frequency should not exceed 2133 MHz.
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