Which is better Pentium or i3. Intel Celeron and Pentium processors: full Ivy Bridge

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Intel has earned fundamental trust among active users desktop gaming PCs, work And computers for home. Reliable and high-performance - this, of course, is about its modern multi-core central processors. But choosing between AMD And Intel, many of us are faced with very confusing series and names of crystals from the “blue” chipmaker.

This is an instruction on how to understand processors Intel V 2017 what is better in the series Core what characteristics do the model series mean? i3, i5 And i7, and where did they go? Intel Pentium And Celeron?

What kind of processors does Intel have in 2017?

Modern Intel processors are divided into three types of the Core family.

Intel "Core i" processors differ from each other:

Level cache(own super memory is a very important characteristic that helps the CPU perform tasks more efficiently);

The presence and absence of certain technologies;

architectural decisions;

Goals and your marketing purpose.

Intel Core i3

These are dual-core processors equipped with technology Hyper-Threading. It helps improve performance under high load. It is enough for simple games and most applications under Windows.

Family Intel Core i3 it is not equipped with a large cache, does not support Turbo Boost technology and is most suitable for work and home computers, where the main tasks are related to the Internet, web browsing, light games and office programs.

Intel Core i5

Quad-core processors without Hyper-Threading, but with faster processing of workload-intensive tasks at the physical level. The optimal choice for lovers of games and resource-intensive applications. In terms of performance, they often exceed the capabilities Core i3.

Intel Core i7

Quad-core processors with Hyper-Threading for computer enthusiasts, gamers (for gaming PCs) and professionals. High level of cache memory, advanced integrated graphics technologies and the latest achievements of the company at the core architecture level.

Where did the Intel Pentium and Celeron processors go?

There are practically no old processors left on sale Intel. Series Pentium(for home computers and gaming) and Celeron(working systems) by 2017 were officially transferred from the architectural range to the brand category.

Intel Pentium processors not issued since 2009. Since then, the name has been used as a brand for some entry-level products based on the Intel Core architecture.

Intel Celeron processors finally phased out of commercial production in 2011, giving way to the Atom, Core and in some cases Pentium series.

Everyone thinks that Core i3 is simply cheaper, and Core i7 is more expensive - that’s not true

The well-established opinion that Intel thus segmented its desktop processors into inexpensive ones Core i3, mass medium-budget Core i5 and high performance Core i7 for enthusiasts - not entirely true. The model numbers in each family will completely confuse you.

Can you tell what the difference is between the Intel Core i5-6400 and the Core i5-7600K?

Central processors within the same series may differ in performance levels, different modifications, and even generations. Now we will figure out in a few steps what all these numbers and letters mean. You can immediately determine which processor, for example, Intel Core i5, is better.

What does the number mean in Intel Core processors after i3/i5/i7?

Number 6 in Intel Core i5- 6 400 means the generation number ("sixth generation Intel Core"), as 7 in Core i5- 7 600K means 7 generation of Intel processors for Windows 10. This way you can determine which of them is newer and arrange the models in order.

The last three digits determine SKU. They actually show how powerful the processor is within the product line. Core i5-7 600 K will be faster compared to Core i5-7 500 K.

Letters in the name indicate various additional qualities of the Intel Core processor. Here are the differences:

H- high-performance graphics.

K- ability to unlock overclocking of Intel processor.

Q- four physical cores.

QM- the same, but for mobile PCs.

T- Optimized for efficient desktop PCs.

U- optimized with low power consumption for mobile computing.

How to compare Intel, AMD, laptop, PC processors?

There is a universal online service where you can enter the processor model identifier and get a table with a complete comparison of characteristics and features: cpuboss.com.

Until recently, some 20 years ago, computer performance was completely determined by the central processor. Actually, the computers themselves were named after the generation of processors - “three”, “four”, “Pentium”. And it was immediately clear to everyone what the system was capable of. But since 1997, 3D accelerators began to play an important role, radically increasing performance in games. At first they were an addition to the main video card, but very soon they moved into it itself. Moreover, video cards have learned to take on part of the load that previously lay on the central processor.

Therefore, today PC performance is determined by the combination of processor, video card, memory and storage. None of the components is capable of “pulling out” speed alone. And yet the processor still sets the level of the machine, and it is from there that the configuration selection begins.

I remember a time when choosing a processor was easy. They differed only in generation, frequency and, of course, price. The newer the generation and the higher the frequency, the faster. You evaluate your financial capabilities and buy. Those were good times. It’s a pity that there wasn’t enough money for normal processors back then.

It’s interesting that the “wafer” that comes out of the oven can have very different processors. I mean, the crystals are the same, but how they are labeled is a big question.

Now everything is, to put it mildly, more complicated. Let's start with Intel products. Three generations of processors (and in some cases four) for desktop systems are on sale simultaneously. Each generation is divided into three families. Each family, in turn, is divided into groups, from 3 to 10 (!). And in each group there are from several to one and a half dozen processors. Normal, right? Even for a person who understands a little about this, it can be difficult to decide. But for normal people who need to quickly buy a computer without bothering, it’s really hard.

After reading this text to the end, you will be able to choose a processor for your needs without spending extra money on it. Which, in fact, are very useful.

Let's start with the basics

Processors for personal computers today are made by two companies - Inteland AMD. A couple of years ago, I would have said that you should only choose from Intel products, because AMD was catastrophically behind in performance. But, fortunately, the company managed to bridge the gap, and today processors compete on almost equal terms. In this article we will talk about what Intel produces, and I will write about AMD later.

Desktop and laptop processors differ significantly in features and performance. Simply put, they have little in common other than their names. Mobile versions are significantly slower: the Core i7 in an ultrabook loses to the Core i3 in a home system. In this material we are talking specifically about stationary, desktop versions. We can choose them according to our own taste, whereas in a laptop the chip is tightly soldered and cannot be replaced. You can only change the entire laptop.

The number of cores alone does not determine performance. Salespeople in stores like to say the opposite: they say, four cores are better than two, take more! In fact, a lot depends on the tasks. If the computer is used for typing text, amateur photo processing, and even 3D games such as World of Tanks, you will not feel the difference between 2 and 4 cores. Simply because most programs still only know how to use two cores, and the rest will be idle. Of course, if you don’t want money, you have to take everything that is MOST EXPENSIVE. But in a situation with a limited budget, a dual-core processor with a high frequency seems to be a more preferable purchase. It also makes sense to save on a processor if you don’t have enough for a fast video card: it’s definitely more useful in games. Four cores will come in handy when rendering video, mass converting photos from RAW to JPEG, working with 3D graphics, archiving large amounts of data, etc. and so on. That is, when solving professional rather than domestic problems.

Cache matters. Cache is ultra-fast memory built into the processor itself. In the old days, when RAM and storage were slow, cache size was a critical parameter for performance. Seriously, when the cache size in the processor increased from 512 kilobytes to 1 megabyte, at the same frequency the speed jump was noticeable to the naked eye. Nowadays the cache is no longer so important, but it is still useful when the most frequently used data is located inside the processor. This does not affect performance tests, but the responsiveness of the computer is higher, the larger the volume. In modern Intel processors, the cache size ranges from 2 to 12 megabytes.

Processors differ by generation. Now there are three generations of Intel Core on the shelves side by side - the sixth, seventh and eighth. The first two are purely cosmetically different, use the same socket on the motherboard, and are generally interchangeable. Whichever is cheaper, we take it. The eighth generation has undergone significant changes, which I will write about separately. And, alas, it requires a new motherboard, which does not support processors of the sixth and seventh generations. So the buyer is faced with a peculiar dilemma: buy a slightly cheaper non-scalable system on old-generation processors, where when upgrading you will have to change both the processor and the motherboard at once, or buy a new one right away, where - perhaps - if necessary, you can change only the processor. This is such an illusory hope, because the “old” processor will have enough performance reserves for a long time, for sure two years. And by then Intel will come up with some other incompatible socket. But, of course, we must hope.

What's the difference?

Intel today has three families of processors - Celeron, Pentium and Core.

Celeronhistorically the cheapest and slowest variety, designed for basic-level computers. When they first appeared, using them without overclocking was not very comfortable. However, the first Celerons overclocked remarkably well; I was able to boost the Celeron 300A from 300 MHz to 450, which gave performance at the level of the top Pentium II of that time.

But times have changed. For example, the Celeron G3950 operates at 3 GHz, has two cores and is made using a modern 14-nanometer process technology. And it costs a little more than 3 thousand rubles. Not a record holder, of course, but it’s just perfect for most office machines.

Pentium– cheerful middle peasants. The Pentium G line has a frequency of 3.5 to 3.7 GHz, which, combined with 3 megabytes of cache and two cores, provides decent performance, to put it mildly. Paired with a top-end video card, such a processor will not put even a top-end game to shame. The only disadvantage is the lack of support for Turbo Boost technology, which additionally overclocks the processor cores under high load, but given the base frequencies of modern Pentiums, this is hardly that important. Moreover, the new Pentium models, unlike the sixth and seventh generation Core i3, support Hyper-Threading technology, which helps execute two threads of commands on one core. Price from 3300 to 5000 rubles.

Core- top family. But inside it, not everything is so simple, because very, very different processors live inside it.

Corei3 until recently they were very similar to Pentium. Differences were found only in frequencies (even slightly higher) and cache size (4 megabytes instead of 3). There was no point in overpaying, to be honest. But recently the 8th generation Core i3 went on sale, where at the old price of a dual-core model they give a quad-core one, and the cache size is 8 megabytes. In Russia, however, there is still a difference in price with older models, but not serious, a few hundred rubles. For example, an Intel Core i3-8100 costs about 9 thousand, and if not all users will benefit from the “free” cores, then an 8-MB cache is very much in the picture. The price of Core i3, depending on the generation and frequency, ranges from 7 to 14 thousand rubles.

Corei5 - the golden mean. In the vast majority of cases, this is a top-end processor for home needs. Everything is there in the best possible way - 4 cores for serious tasks, high frequencies, Turbo Boost for acceleration under load, and enough cache. And in the eighth generation, the number of cores in the top Core i5 was increased to 6. To be honest, it’s hard for me to imagine a task where so much would be useful. Few applications can load four cores properly, but when will they learn to work with six? It's a big question. On the other hand, here, as with the Core i3, the principle of “more cores at the same price” is used. And if six are worth as much as four - well, why not take it? For the sake of the same cache. Fair warning: you won't feel the difference. But moral satisfaction is quite possible. The price range is again large - from 11 to 24 thousand rubles.

Corei7 – the top of the tops. The difference from Core i5 is a higher frequency and increased cache size. Plus, such a beast appears as the already mentioned Hyper-Threading. This is a fairly old technology that appeared in the Pentium 4, thanks to which each core pretends to be two at once for applications. That is, from the point of view of programs, the system has not 4 cores, but eight. Well, or not 6, but 12, if we talk about the eighth generation. There is no serious point in buying a Core i7 for home. That's just no, that's all. Recommended only to those who can’t eat until they buy the coolest thing. The eighth generation Core i7 also received 6 cores and as much as 12 megabytes of cache. The issue price is from 20 to 34 thousand rubles. Yes, by the way, I have a Core i7.

Useful tips

– Don't skimp on your motherboard. Don't regret it, that's all. So that it’s a good breed, and there’s plenty of all sorts of connectors, and even some frills wouldn’t hurt, like improved built-in sound and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth modules. The mother is the head of everything, and how stable the system will work depends on her. I like products from ASUS, ASRock and Gigabyte.

– In the name of the processor familyCorethere is a letter K at the end. For example, Intel Core i7-8700K. This means that the processor has an unlocked multiplier, and you can try to overclock it to a higher frequency using standard motherboard tools, without additional wizardry. There is no economic sense in this, because the multiplier is unlocked only for the most expensive and productive models, which already operate at high frequencies. But you can have fun. The main thing is not to forget to buy a good cooler with a large radiator.

– Dual coreCeleron, Pentiumand Corei3 can work well with passive cooling, if there is at least one fan in the computer case. It is enough to place an effective radiator on them and moderately generously lubricate them with thermal paste.

– In all modern processorsIntelhas a built-in graphics core. It's not great for gaming, but it handles everything else. Moreover, all current models have hardware video encoding and decoding, which was previously an attribute of older processors.

– I deliberately left the ruler behind the scenesCoreX, where there are very expensive models for wealthy maniacs. If you already have a lot of money, you will find one for yourself without my prompting.

A continuation about AMD is in the works. Questions can (and should) be directed to:

Previously, computer performance was determined only by the processor. The selection of the required model was based on the generation of the processor - the newer, the higher the frequency, and accordingly, the more expensive. Currently, Intel products produce three generations of Celeron, Pentium and Core, each of them is divided into families, and they are divided into groups.

Performance

Celeron or Pentium chips have unique characteristics that cope with certain tasks. But the speed of a computer depends not only on the characteristics of the processor, but on many factors.

Machine performance is determined by:

processor - cache, clock speed, number of cores;
video card and graphics system;
cooling system.

Cache is an area of ultra-fast memory for storing the most frequent processor requests. The search for any information begins with analysis. If the necessary data is not found, the sample is taken from RAM. Access time to cache memory is significantly less than to RAM, which contributes to a significant increase in overall system performance.

RAM stores all information streams processed by the processor and is installed in slots. The processor model determines the characteristics of the embedded modules and, accordingly, the limits of expandability.

The clock frequency is responsible for the number of calculations performed. A frequency of 3.4 GHz means that the processor processes 3 billion 400 million clock cycles per second. It affects the performance of the computer as a whole, but is not a decisive factor.

Due to the multi-core system, the work of special software - games, programs for working with media - is facilitated. Software processes are divided into components that are executed by each core. However, the opinion that 2 cores at 2 GHz is equivalent to one at 4 GHz is considered erroneous.

The video card is responsible for video output. If installed, it frees you from executing the corresponding calculations to the central processor. Otherwise, its function is performed by the built-in graphics system. Several parameters affect the card's performance. The memory bus width is responsible for processing a certain number of bits of information per clock cycle. Core and memory frequencies affect the speed of information processing. Texture and pixel fill rates are measured in millions of pixels per second and indicate the amount of information output. To speed up the formation of three-dimensional graphics, various 3D accelerators are used.

Thus, it is quite difficult to answer which is better - Intel Pentium or Celeron. This will require a detailed comparison of models.

Types of computers

Comparing Pentium 4 or Celeron 4 processors will help you understand which of them are more powerful and for which computer models they are designed. All computers can be divided into three categories:

Last line of the list. Such laptops are characterized by a fairly limited amount of RAM and hard drive, and a minimum number of components. Models are equipped with a free Linux or DOS operating system. Such a processor has a low clock speed and cache size, and the number of cores rarely exceeds 2. Suitable for performing simple tasks - working in text editors, a browser, launching players and light games.
The next model range is distinguished by an increased hard drive capacity and RAM size. However, other characteristics remain the same - free OS, weak processor.
At the top are heavier models with the maximum amount of hard drive memory. A powerful graphics card and processor handle any game in the best quality. The package includes a gaming mouse and keyboard, a licensed operating system.

Pentium or Celeron?

All modern processors are produced by two companies - Intel and AMD. The Celeron or Pentium family belongs to Intel.

The full name of Celeron is Pentium Celeron. Indicates that this is a stripped-down model and is intended for weak computers. This hierarchy was preserved before, but now the difference between them is minimal. The families are practically at the same level, but still Celeron is inferior to Pentium in some parameters.

The first Celeron processor was built on the basis of the Pentium 2, but the Celeron M and Pentium M models are based on the same cores. The lineup was intended for mobile PCs.

Silvermont Bay Trail-D

Quad-core Silvermont Bay Trail processors with 22 nm architecture are designed for mobile devices and tablets. The clock frequency varies in the range from 2 GHz to 2.41 GHz, there are 2 caches of 1 MB each, their cost is from 70 to 80 $ (4500 rubles). Release year - 2013. The built-in video card accelerates to 800 GHz.

Manufacturers have significantly improved productivity and energy efficiency. Single-chip Silvermont Intel Pentium or Intel Celerone chips can also be used for netbooks and nettops.

J1750 core;
J1800 core;
J1850;
J1900.

J2850
J2900.

Intel Pentium J2850 - chip for nettops and PCs. The main parameters are on the same level as the Celeron.

Haswell

The release of Haswell with 22 nm technology took place in early June 2013. "Hasswell" is intended for ultrabooks with low power consumption. The suffix U denotes moderate power consumption, and Y denotes the lowest possible power consumption.

All models are dual-core, the processor clock speed cannot be overclocked.

2955U;
2957U
2961Y;
2980U;
2981U;
2970M.

The cheapest model costs $75 (4650 rubles) and is a 2970M with a frequency of 2.2 GHz. She appeared in 2014. The next most expensive is the 2970M. It came out six months earlier, costs 9 dollars more - 86 $ (5330 rubles). The most expensive variety costs $137 (8500 rubles), it was released in the fall of 2013 - 2980U with a frequency of 1.6 GHz.

3556U;
3558U;
3560M;
3560Y;
3550M;
3561Y.

The 3560M is one of the latest models. It was released in 2014, its cost is $134 (8300 rubles) - the same as the 3550M. The difference between them is in the clock frequency: the 3550M is one tenth less - 2.3 GHz. The cost of other models is $171 (10,600 rubles), although they lag behind in all respects. The 3561Y and 3560Y have a frequency of 1.2 GHz, 3558U and 3556U - 1.7 GHz.

Haswell for PC

Pentium or Celeron Haswell processors are designed for installation in desktop computers. Therefore, their characteristics are much more powerful than those installed in laptops.

G1820
G1820T;
G1820TE;
G1830;
G1840;
G1840T;
G1850.

G3220;
G3220T;
G3240T;
G3250;
G3258;
G3260;
G3260T;
G3420T;
G3430;
G3440T;
G3450;
G3460;
G3470;

Processors with the T suffix are highly energy efficient. They have noticeably low frequencies compared to well-known models.

Airmont Braswell

Braswell appeared after Haswell. Reducing the technology to 14 nanometers made it possible to place more elements and increase the number of cores. The first laptops hit the market in 2014. This architecture is intended for installation in laptops.

Celeron processor line:

N3000;
N3050;
N3150;

The first two models each have 2 cores, and the N3150 has 4. The base processor frequency varies from 1.04 GHz to 1.6 GHz. The most powerful ones accelerate to 2.16 GHz.

The Pentium has only one quad-core N3700 processor clocked at 1.6 GHz with the ability to overclock to 2.24 GHz. Both families are 4-thread with Intel HD Graphics.

The Pentium has two 1024 KB caches, while the Celeron has only one. But Celeron is cheaper - its price is $107 (6,600 rubles), and to buy a Pentium you need to add $60 (3,700 rubles). All models have 5 USB ports and support 2 memory channels of 8 GB each.

Celeron N3000 installed in Gigabyte Brix GB-BACE-3000 mini-PC and ASRock Beebox.

Broadwell Cherry Trail

Celeron or Pentium Broadwell processors have 2-processor cores. Designed for installation in compact desktop NUC computers (next generation laptops).

They are nettops (mini PCs) for performing simple tasks - work and study. Release year - 2015.

Laptops of this architecture have 256 KB of L2 cache per core and 2 MB of L3 cache. Graphics subsystem -

Celeron models:

3205U;
3215U;
3755U;
3765U.

The 3215U and 3755U have a base frequency of 1.7GHz, and the 3205U has a base frequency of 1.5GHz. The highest value for the 3765U is 1.9 GHz.

3805U;
3825U.

Pentium, like Celeron, has two cores and 2 threads, except for the 3825U model - it has 4 cores and 4 threads. All Pentiums have a frequency of 1.9 GHz.

Broadwell processors do not have the ability to overclock. The suffix U indicates that they belong to the line of economical models. Designed for entry-level laptops and ultra-thin ultrabooks.

Pentium Gold and Celeron G series

This line for Pentium or Celeron laptops was released in 2018. They meet the latest requirements and are therefore quite powerful and productive. For example, Gold G5600 Processor has 2 cores at 3.90 GHz with 4 MB cache. Installed graphics - Intel® UHD 630.

Celeron G series chips of the same year have less cache - only 2 MB. But everything else corresponds to the Pentium - Intel® UHD 630, 2 cores. Slightly inferior in clock frequency - 2x3.20 GHz.

Hello everyone. In fact, the difference between Celeron and Pentium is minimal. But many users may disagree with me, saying that Celeron is much weaker and, in principle, there is some truth here... And all because it was like that before. When there was a 775 socket or an even more ancient 478 socket, then in those days there were basically two families, these were Pentium and Celeron. I don't mean quad-core processors on socket 775, they appeared later.

So. That's when Celeron was much weaker. But starting with socket 1156, everything began to change, now Celeron is close to Pentium in performance and some users on the forum even advise buying it, since the power is almost the same. But I don’t think so, after all, Penek will be faster... it has 3 MB of cache, and Celeron has 2 MB..

And the whole point is that powerful processors ABOVE Penk appeared in socket 775 (but not immediately, but with the release of new chipsets), even then there were so-called quads, but there was still a difference between Penk and Celeron. But now it is already minimal. The technical process, modern technologies, in general, today's Celeron (1150 socket) is a couple of times more powerful than the old top-end Pentium 4 EE (775 socket), who would have thought...

Therefore, the difference between Penk and Celeron fluctuates around 10-15%, that’s approximately, but not more than 20%, that’s for sure. Basically the same as the price

But it’s true that Celeron has one big plus - it’s actually even cooler, that is, it heats up even less than Penek, and in principle it can be used with passive cooling. But at the same time, you need to think about ventilation in the case, because after all, the Celeron kit comes with a radiator with a fan for a reason.. *cute*

All I’m writing here is that the difference is small, I mean modern processors starting with socket 1156. I’ll tell you a secret, Celeron G3900, which is 1151 socket, frequency 2.8, 2 MB cache, sixth generation Skylake, well, so Well, it will be more powerful than even the quad-core Q9650 on socket 775, although it is the latest Yorkfield core...!

In general, I don’t know what to say. Because my opinion is that the difference in price between a modern Penk and a modern Celeron is exactly equal to their difference in performance. But there are Penka models that can be overclocked, for example the Pentium G3258 model. An overclocked Penek will already be head and shoulders above Celeron, keep this in mind. The price of a model that supports overclocking (that is, having an unlocked multiplier) is 10-15 bucks higher. But it's worth it, believe me...

For example, in this test, Celeron falls just short of Penk’s level:

And believe me, you may not even notice this difference, especially if the computer is intended for the office..

Here is another test and here the same situation will be repeated, the difference is very small:

Another test:

The tests themselves are not particularly important here, the main thing is that the processors here are modern, that is, this is real information in order to understand the difference.

And look here, Celeron 1037U, Celeron J1900, these are processors that are already included in motherboards, that is, soldered, they are not for ordinary computers at all, but for media centers. This is actually why they lose to desktop Celerons:

Here's another WinRAR test (the archiver has a built-in performance test):

Well, I hope that now you already understand that the difference in price is almost the same as the difference in performance. For an office PC or just a home PC, I would take Celeron. If you need a gaming PC, but don’t have a lot of money, then take only a Pentium that can be overclocked, for example, these are the G3260, G3258, G3420 models, these are all 1150 socket. Here's what CPU-Z shows about the G3420:

As you can see here, it’s 4.5 GHz and believe me, this is no longer a joke. And for this you can do without water cooling, it is enough to have a decent radiator with a decent cooler