The whole truth about multi-core processors. Multi-core processors: principles of operation What is a 4-core processor
In reality, nothing like that happens. To understand why an eight-core processor does not double the performance of a smartphone, some explanation is required. The future of smartphone processors is now. Eight-core processors, which only recently could only be dreamed of, are becoming increasingly widespread. But it turns out that their task is not to increase the performance of the device.
These explanations were published in the article “Octa-core vs Quad-core: Does it make a difference?” on resource pages Trusted Reviews.
The terms “octa-core” and “quad-core” themselves reflect the number of CPU cores.
But the key difference between these two types of processors is the way the processor cores are installed.
With a quad-core processor, all cores can work simultaneously to enable fast and flexible multitasking, smoother 3D gaming, faster camera performance, and more.
Modern eight-core chips, in turn, simply consist of two quad-core processors that distribute different tasks among themselves depending on their type. Most often, an eight-core chip contains a set of four cores with a lower clock speed than the second set. When a complex task needs to be completed, the faster processor naturally takes on it.
A more accurate term than "octa-core" would be "dual quad-core." But it doesn't sound so nice and isn't suitable for marketing purposes. That's why these processors are called eight-core.
Why do we need two sets of processor cores?
What is the reason for combining two sets of processor cores, passing tasks to one another, in one device? To ensure energy efficiency! This solution is necessary for a battery-powered smartphone, but not for a head unit that is constantly powered by the car’s on-board power supply.
A more powerful CPU consumes more power and the battery needs to be charged more often. And batteries are a much weaker link in a smartphone than processors. As a result, the more powerful the smartphone processor, the more capacious battery it needs.
However, for most smartphone tasks you will not need such high computing performance as a modern processor can provide. Navigating between home screens, checking messages, and even web navigation are less processor-intensive tasks.
But HD video, games and working with photos are such tasks. Therefore, eight-core processors are quite practical, although this solution can hardly be called elegant. A weaker processor handles less resource-intensive tasks. More powerful - more resource-intensive. As a result, overall power consumption is reduced compared to the situation when only a processor with a high clock frequency would handle all tasks. Thus, a dual processor primarily solves the problem of increasing energy efficiency, not performance.
Technological features
All modern eight-core processors are based on the ARM architecture, the so-called big.LITTLE.
This eight-core big.LITTLE architecture was announced in October 2011 and allowed four low-performance Cortex-A7 cores to work in conjunction with four high-performance Cortex-A15 cores. ARM has repeated this approach every year since, offering more capable chips for both sets of processor cores on the eight-core chip.
Some of the major mobile device chip makers are focusing their efforts on this big.LITTLE "octa-core" example. One of the first and most notable was Samsung's own chip, the famous Exynos. Its eight-core model has been used since the Samsung Galaxy S4, at least in some versions of the company's devices.
More recently, Qualcomm also began using big.LITTLE in its eight-core Snapdragon 810 CPU chips. It is on this processor that such well-known new products in the smartphone market as the HTC One M9 and G Flex 2, which has become a great achievement for LG, are based.
At the beginning of 2015, NVIDIA introduced the Tegra X1, a new super-powerful mobile processor that the company intends for automotive computers. The X1's main feature is its console-challenging GPU, which is also based on the big.LITTLE architecture. That is, it will also become eight-core.
Is there a big difference for the average user?
Is there a big difference between a quad-core and an eight-core smartphone processor for the average user? No, in fact it is very small, says Trusted Reviews.
The term "octa-core" is somewhat confusing, but it actually means duplication of quad-core processors. The result is two independently operating quad-core sets, combined into one chip to improve energy efficiency.
Do every modern device need an eight-core processor? There is no such need; for example, Apple ensures decent energy efficiency of its iPhones with only a dual-core processor.
Thus, the eight-core ARM big.LITTLE architecture is one of the possible solutions to one of the most important issues regarding smartphones - battery life. As soon as another solution to this problem is found, the trend of installing two quad-core sets in one chip will stop, and such solutions will go out of fashion.
When buying a processor, many people try to choose something cooler, with several cores and a high clock speed. But few people know what the number of processor cores actually affects. Why, for example, can a regular and simple dual-core processor be faster than a quad-core processor, or the same “percent” with 4 cores be faster than a “percent” with 8 cores. This is a rather interesting topic that is definitely worth understanding in more detail.
Introduction
Before we begin to understand what the number of processor cores affects, I would like to make a small digression. Just a few years ago, CPU developers were confident that manufacturing technologies, which are developing so rapidly, would allow them to produce “stones” with clock speeds of up to 10 GHz, which would allow users to forget about problems with poor performance. However, success was not achieved.
No matter how the technological process developed, both Intel and AMD ran into purely physical limitations that simply did not allow them to produce processors with a clock frequency of up to 10 GHz. Then it was decided to focus not on frequencies, but on the number of cores. Thus, a new race began to produce more powerful and productive processor “crystals”, which continues to this day, but not as actively as it was at first.
Intel and AMD processors
Today, Intel and AMD are direct competitors in the processor market. When looking at revenue and sales, the Blues have a clear advantage, although the Reds have been struggling to keep up lately. Both companies have a good range of ready-made solutions for all occasions - from a simple processor with 1-2 cores to real monsters with more than 8 cores. Typically, such “stones” are used on special work “computers” that have a narrow focus .
Intel
So, today Intel has successful 5 types of processors: Celeron, Pentium, and i7. Each of these "stones" has a different number of cores and is designed for different tasks. For example, Celeron has only 2 cores and is used mainly on office and home computers. Pentium, or, as it is also called, “stump”, is also used at home, but already has much better performance, primarily due to Hyper-Threading technology, which “adds” two more virtual cores to the physical two cores, which are called threads . Thus, a dual-core “percent” works like the most budget quad-core processor, although this is not entirely correct, but this is the main point.
As for the Core line, the situation is approximately the same. The younger model with the number 3 has 2 cores and 2 threads. The older line - Core i5 - already has full-fledged 4 or 6 cores, but lacks the Hyper-Threading function and does not have additional threads, except for 4-6 standard ones. Well, the last thing - core i7 - these are top-end processors, which, as a rule, have from 4 to 6 cores and twice as many threads, i.e., for example, 4 cores and 8 threads or 6 cores and 12 threads.
AMD
Now it’s worth talking about AMD. The list of “pebbles” from this company is huge, there is no point in listing everything, since most of the models are simply outdated. It is perhaps worth noting the new generation, which in a sense “copies” Intel - Ryzen. This line also contains models with numbers 3, 5 and 7. The main difference from Ryzen’s “blue” ones is that the youngest model immediately provides full 4 cores, while the older one has not 6, but eight. In addition, the number of threads changes. Ryzen 3 - 4 threads, Ryzen 5 - 8-12 (depending on the number of cores - 4 or 6) and Ryzen 7 - 16 threads.
It is worth mentioning another “red” line - FX, which appeared in 2012, and, in fact, this platform is already considered obsolete, but thanks to the fact that now more and more programs and games are starting to support multi-threading, the Vishera line is again has gained popularity, which, along with low prices, is only growing.
Well, as for the disputes regarding the processor frequency and the number of cores, then, in fact, it is more correct to look towards the second, since everyone has long ago decided on clock frequencies, and even top models from Intel operate at nominal 2.7, 2.8 , 3 GHz. In addition, the frequency can always be increased using overclocking, but in the case of a dual-core processor this will not give much effect.
How to find out how many cores
If someone does not know how to determine the number of processor cores, then this can be done easily and simply, even without downloading and installing separate special programs. Just go to the "Device Manager" and click on the small arrow next to the "Processors" item.
You can get more detailed information about what technologies your “stone” supports, what its clock frequency is, its revision number and much more using a special and small program called CPU-Z. You can download it for free on the official website. There is a version that does not require installation.
The advantage of two cores
What could be the advantage of a dual-core processor? There are many things, for example, in games or applications, in the development of which single-threaded work was the main priority. Take the game Wold of Tanks as an example. The most common dual-core processors such as Pentium or Celeron will produce quite decent performance results, while some FX from AMD or INTEL Core will use much more of their capabilities, and the result will be approximately the same.
The better 4 cores
How can 4 cores be better than two? Better performance. Quad-core “stones” are designed for more serious work, where simple “stumps” or “celerons” simply cannot cope. An excellent example here would be any 3D graphics program, such as 3Ds Max or Cinema4D.
During the rendering process, these programs use maximum computer resources, including RAM and processor. Dual-core CPUs will be very slow in render processing time, and the more complex the scene, the longer they will take. But processors with four cores will cope with this task much faster, since additional threads will come to their aid.
Of course, you can take some budget “protsik” from the Core i3 family, for example, the 6100 model, but 2 cores and 2 additional threads will still be inferior to a full-fledged quad-core one.
6 and 8 cores
Well, the last segment of multi-cores is processors with six and eight cores. Their main purpose, in principle, is exactly the same as that of the CPU above, only they are needed where ordinary “fours” cannot cope. In addition, full-fledged specialized computers are built on the basis of “stones” with 6 and 8 cores, which will be “tailored” for certain activities, for example, video editing, 3D modeling programs, rendering ready-made heavy scenes with a large number of polygons and objects, etc. d.
In addition, such multi-core processors perform very well when working with archivers or in applications that require good computing capabilities. In games that are optimized for multi-threading, such processors have no equal.
What is affected by the number of processor cores?
So, what else can the number of cores affect? First of all, to increase energy consumption. Yes, as surprising as this may sound, it is true. There is no need to worry too much, because in everyday life this problem, so to speak, will not be noticeable.
The second is heating. The more cores, the better the cooling system is needed. A program called AIDA64 will help you measure the processor temperature. When starting, you need to click on “Computer” and then select “Sensors”. You need to monitor the temperature of the processor, because if it constantly overheats or operates at too high temperatures, then after some time it will simply burn out.
Dual-core processors are unfamiliar with this problem, because they do not have very high performance and heat dissipation, respectively, but multi-core processors do. The hottest stones are those from AMD, especially the FX series. For example, take the FX-6300 model. The processor temperature in the AIDA64 program is around 40 degrees and this is in idle mode. Under load, the number will increase and if overheating occurs, the computer will turn off. So, when buying a multi-core processor, you should not forget about the cooler.
What else does the number of processor cores affect? For multitasking. Dual-core processors will not be able to provide stable performance when running two, three or more programs simultaneously. The simplest example is streamers on the Internet. In addition to the fact that they are playing some game at high settings, they simultaneously run a program that allows them to broadcast gameplay to the Internet online; they also have an Internet browser with several open pages, where the player, as a rule, reads comments people watching it and monitors other information. Not even every multi-core processor can provide proper stability, not to mention dual- and single-core processors.
It’s also worth saying a few words that multi-core processors have a very useful thing called “L3 cache”. This cache has a certain amount of memory into which various information about running programs, performed actions, etc. is constantly recorded. All this is needed in order to increase the speed of the computer and its performance. For example, if a person often uses Photoshop, then this information will be stored in memory, and the time to launch and open the program will be significantly reduced.
Summarizing
Summarizing the conversation about what the number of processor cores affects, we can come to one simple conclusion: if you need good performance, speed, multitasking, work in heavy applications, the ability to comfortably play modern games, etc., then your choice is processor with four cores or more. If you need a simple “computer” for office or home use, which will be used to a minimum, then 2 cores are what you need. In any case, when choosing a processor, first of all you need to analyze all your needs and tasks, and only then consider any options.
Hello!. I want to ask you for advice.
So here's my problem. I just can’t choose a processor, but this is the most important component among or. After all, just by one processor you can determine whether your computer is modern and productive or whether it is an old one, suitable only for working in office applications.
When buying a computer, the first thing the seller always asks is: “What tasks do you need a computer for?”
Second: “How much do you expect?”
Third: "Which processor should you choose?"
Then, depending on the specified purposes for using the computer and the indicated amount, as well as the selected processor, the seller will select the motherboard and all other components.
I just can’t decide on the choice of processor? Why? I'll answer you. Despite the large amount of RAM (8GB) and a good video card, on the previous computer I bought, all the games that were current at that time ran without problems, but the FPS was always low and video processing in Adobe Premiere Pro took much longer than with my friend who has a similar computer, but only with a processor from a different manufacturer.
In the end, I concluded that it was all because of the processor!
I’m ready to allocate the necessary amount to purchase a processor, but I don’t want to overpay. I have a great desire to choose exactly the processor that I need. I use the computer to the fullest, I can play games, and also digitize videos, burn discs, communicate on the Internet, and so on.
I hope on your website I will learn not only how to choose a processor, but also how to choose a motherboard, RAM, video card, hard drive, power supply, case and monitor!
In the meantime, your answers to the questions listed below would help me a lot!
- Which processor manufacturer came before Intel or AMD?
- Why are Intel processors always more expensive, is it just because of the Intel brand? Could it be that Intel processors are exactly the same in quality and performance as AMD and we are simply overpaying for the Intel name?
- When should you buy only an Intel processor? And when can you afford to save money and buy an AMD processor?
- If I ultimately choose Intel, is it worth spending money on a branded 4-core Intel Core i7 processor, maybe limiting myself to an Intel Core i5 or a completely 2-core Intel Core 2 Duo processor?
- And if I choose an AMD processor, then which model should I pay attention to: the very expensive AMD FX-9590 or just the highly productive 8-core AMD FX-8350 processor?
- Why do I have low FPS (the number of frames changed per unit of time) in computer games? What does it even depend on?
- Which is better AMD FX-8350 or Intel Core i7-3770K?
- How do processors with a "K" at the end differ from processors without this letter, such as the Intel Core i7-3770K and Intel Core i7-3770?
- Which processor would you choose yourself and please indicate approximate prices for current processor models?
How to choose a processor
Hello friends, Alexey is with you again! There are a lot of questions, but I can handle it, although the article will be long, but also interesting. After reading it, you will know everything about processors!
In fact, when assembling a computer, usually, first of all, the processor is selected and then everything else is made for it.
Choosing a processor is one of the easiest tasks when determining the future configuration of a computer. Here, the decisive factor is often the amount we are willing to spend on it, or high technical characteristics if the processor is planned to be used for professional or highly specialized activities.
This article can be used as a guide to choosing a processor for a new computer, or for upgrading an old one.
general information
I don't want to go into history and talk about how processors have evolved, suffice it to say that processors are the highest modern achievement. They are produced in only a few factories in the world that have truly space technology. Therefore, the processor is one of the most reliable system components today.
Historically, the entire market of central processing units (CPUs) for personal computers was divided between two large corporations, well-known to everyone: Intel and AMD.
Who is the leader, Intel or AMD?
Two-way licensing
In 1968, three outstanding physicists Gordon Moore, Andrew Grove, and Robert Noyce founded the world-famous INTegrated ELectronics Corporation, which we all know as INTEL.
It is INTEL that is a recognized pioneer in the field of technologies included today in modern lines of all processors. This is often the subject of debate among supporters of a particular company. They say Intel is better, but AMD is cheaper, with sometimes a slight difference in performance.
Perhaps not everyone knows, but Intel and AMD have had an official agreement on free two-way licensing since 1976. This means that each company can use any technology developed by a competitor without obtaining any additional license. And AMD has always used this, which cannot be said about such a proud bird as Intel.
As a result, almost all technologies developed by Intel also exist on AMD processors, otherwise they simply would not be able to support modern applications, the developers of which are focused primarily on the architecture of Intel processors.
Note: Many users will find this strange. Why on earth would Intel share development secrets with AMD. Friends, do not forget, both companies are located in the USA, and there is antitrust legislation there, in addition, both companies Intel and AMD are official suppliers of their products to the US Army.
What types of processors are there?
Appearance
Externally, the central processor looks like a monolithic metal case covering a board with a so-called crystal (a piece of silicon with microscopic electronic elements) and a large number of contact legs (or pads) on the other side.
Intel processor (has modern pads)
AMD processor (with classic legs)
We will not delve into the jungle of processor microarchitecture, such as exclusive and inclusive cache, branch prediction unit, data prefetch unit, etc. I will tell you only about the most important characteristics of processors, which distinguish them and are of greatest importance to us.
How do Intel and AMD processors differ from each other, or how to choose a processor and not regret it later!
First of all, Intel and AMD processors differ in the length of the so-called computing pipeline, which determines the main differences in the areas of their use.
Note: A pipeline is a method of organizing calculations that is used in modern processors to increase their performance. http://ru.wikipedia.org
Intel processors have historically been aimed at the industrial sector, which is often dominated by stream processing operations, i.e. when data flows in a large continuous stream. Classic examples of streaming information processing include video encoding and archiving of large volumes of data. Therefore, Intel processors have a fairly long pipeline, which allows them to process more information in one pass and, accordingly, do it faster.
AMD processors have seriously asserted themselves on the market when computer systems went to the masses and were initially positioned as multimedia (gaming) processors, which emphasizes the name of the company's own technologies 3DNow!
AMD processors, compared to Intel processors, have a shorter computing pipeline, as a result of which these processors are slightly worse at processing streaming data, since less information is processed in one pass, but this does not prevent them from doing an excellent job, for example, with computer games, in which data cannot be predicted in advance, since it depends on user actions and is therefore transmitted in small portions, which are quickly processed on a short pipeline of the AMD processor.
This suggests a simple conclusion.
If you plan to constantly process video or create archives and information processing time is critical for you, then there is only one way out - an Intel processor. If you are a simple home user or you need a computer for the office, then you can significantly save your budget by purchasing an AMD processor, which will also cope with its tasks perfectly, but will cost $100 less...
Many fans of AMD processors may notice:“Well, it’s just like that, all AMD processors are only suitable for the office!”
Of course not, friends! If you take the most current modern 4- and 8-core processors from AMD, for example CPU AMD FX-8350 4.0 GHz /8 cores/ 8+8Mb/125W/5200 MHz Socket AM3 (price 6,500 rubles), then you can do absolutely everything, play all modern games, process videos and so on, but according to all kinds of tests, this processor will be inferior in performance by about 10-15% to a similar 4-core processor from Intel, for example this Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5 GHz (price 11,000 rubles).
I want to say that if you are a gamer, then Intel processors are what you need. In almost all modern games, computers with Intel processors will produce 30% more FPS (frames per second) compared to their AMD counterparts. If you are engaged in video processing, then again you will have to look towards Intel for the same reason.
I'll even say this the only advantage of AMD processors over Intel processors this is a lower cost. A modern processor from AMD will cost less than a processor from Intel by about $100. Agree, that kind of money is not lying around on the road either.
We must give AMD credit for its fighting spirit; having such a serious opponent as Intel, the company never gives up! Realizing that it is losing in technology, AMD is trying to win with its pricing policy.
The most modern processor from AMD - FX-9590
This processor is not any special achievement, this processor is the same FX-8350 processor, but only overclocked by the manufacturer itself to a frequency of 4.7 GHz and in turbo mode 5.0 GHz, which also has excessive power consumption and heat dissipation . Again, if we present the results of various tests, then this processor has no advantage over the Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5 GHz and Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5 GHz, and the AMD FX-9590 (price 12,000 rubles) is slightly more expensive than the ones mentioned I use Intel processors. In addition, I forgot to tell you that with modern games, the AMD FX-9590 processor gets seriously hot, and this is not surprising with such an increase in supply voltage and frequency, and you will have to buy a serious cooling system, and that’s still money.
How do you still choose a processor? In my opinion, the most reasonable choice for a computer enthusiast who can play games, digitize videos, archive various data, communicate on the Internet, and so on, is currently an Intel Core i7-3770 3.4 GHz processor. The absence of the letter “K” at the end indicates that this processor has a locked multiplier, that is, you will not be able to overclock it, but I want to say that even without overclocking this processor works like an airplane, I don’t know where to overclock it, and you will save money 1,000 rubles. It already has a fairly reasonable price of 10,000 rubles. This processor is the “Editor's Choice” of many computer publications, and in general has long proven itself to be a good product.
Do you want an Intel processor, but Core i7 is a bit expensive for you?
20% percent, that is, the Intel Core i7-3770 processor is not at all inferior in power to its younger brother Intel Core i5-3570K 3.4 GHz (price 8,000 rubles). It turns out that this is a direct competitor to the AMD FX-8350 4.0 GHz processor we have already reviewed (price 6,500 rubles). The Intel Core i5-3570K processor is in no way inferior to it, but the price, as we see, is again slightly more expensive than that of an AMD processor.
If you are an enthusiast and a fan of overclocking the processor Having squeezed out of it exorbitant frequencies, pay attention to the Intel Core i7-3770K 3.5 GHz and Intel Core i7-4770K 3.5 GHz processors (price 12,000 rubles) with an unlocked multiplier. For example, the Intel Core i7-4770K processor can be overclocked to 4.5 GHz.
What else are good about Intel processors? They have a built-in graphics core, that is, a built-in video card. If you bought a computer with an Intel processor, then you may not have to buy an expensive video card for a while. Of course, you won’t be able to play the latest games with it, but you can play games that are two or three years old, but for office tasks such a video card will be a good choice.
If you want to find out the prices for modern processors, go to the end of the article, there is a price list for an average computer store. After familiarizing yourself with it, you will go to the computer store already prepared and will know the approximate layout.
How else do processors differ from each other?
Friends, what we have just discussed with you is a little superficial. After all, in addition to the manufacturer (Intel and AMD), processors differ from each other in the number of cores, frequency, cache, socket, presence or absence of a video core, energy consumption and heat generation, and much more. Let's look at this issue in more detail, I'm sure this secret knowledge will be useful to you.
Main characteristics of processors
All processors, regardless of manufacturer, differ in such basic indicators as the number of cores, core frequency, cache memory size, and support for different RAM frequencies. So, first things first.
Increasing the number of computing cores has the greatest impact on processor performance and, accordingly, on price too. A modern computer must have at least a 2-core processor, and preferably a 4-core one. Options with 6, 8 or more cores can be considered as a purchase for the future.
Also, processor performance directly depends on the core frequency. Today, the normal frequency of a modern processor is considered to be between 3 and 4 GHz. The higher the core frequency, the higher the performance, but also the higher the power consumption, temperature, requirements for the motherboard, power supply, and the actual price.
Processor cache
Cache size also affects processor performance, but not to the same extent as multi-core or core frequency. Additionally, this impact will vary from application to application. In some programs the increase can be 15%, in some 5... But this has a significant effect on the price, because cache memory, being incredibly fast (an order of magnitude faster than RAM), is also very expensive...
There are 3 levels of processor cache.
L1 cache. Level 1 cache has the highest operating speed, but also the smallest size at 64 KB per core. It contains the basic instructions (algorithms) necessary for the operation of the processor and is usually not emphasized.
L2 cache. Level 3 cache is slower than level 2 and is not available on all processors. Processors positioned as powerful multimedia processors have about 3-6 MB of total level 3 cache (for all cores). Top expensive processors may have 8 MB or more of total Level 3 cache.
And finally, the memory controllers built into the processor determine how fast the RAM it can support (1333, 1600, 2000 MHz). In this regard, Intel processors often outperformed the clumsy AMD. But the gain in real applications, as with cache memory, may not always be noticeable. The amount of RAM has always played a big role here. If there is enough RAM, the computer works normally, if not, it slows down. That's all science) Information about what memory the processor supports can be found on the manufacturer's website. It is also necessary that the motherboard supports the same frequency.
Additional processor characteristics
Other, but also important differences between processors are process technology, power consumption, and operating temperature.
Characteristics such as power consumption and operating temperature greatly depend on the manufacturing process technology of the processor. As it improved, processors became faster, cooler, and at the same time more economical. This miracle of technological progress has no negative sides - the finer the technical process, the better. What does this even mean? In the process of improving production technologies, it is possible to make microscopic transistors that make up the computing cores, capacitors that make up the cache and the conductors between them of smaller and smaller sizes. As a result, it is possible to fit many more of these elements onto a piece of silicon of the same size, which allows for increased performance, while at the same time the conductors heat less and consume less energy, since they have also become thinner and their resistance has become lower. That's all physics, friends)
Today, the most modern processors are manufactured using a 22 nm (nanomicron) process technology, which is what we should strive to acquire.
CPU power consumption depends on the number of cores, their frequency and technological process. Here you need to take into account that a powerful processor cannot be installed on the cheapest motherboard and powered by the same power supply. Since they were not originally designed for such a load and can quickly fail. The energy consumption of modern processors ranges from 65-125 Watts, as indicated on their packaging and on the manufacturer’s website. Similar data is indicated in the documentation and on motherboard websites. Read about how to choose the right power supply in the previous article.
Temperature is equated to the maximum power consumption of the processor and is characterized by such an indicator as the maximum temperature package “Thermal Design Power” or “TDP”. For modern processors it is also 65-125 Watts. Here you need to take into account that for a processor with a TDP of 65 Watt the simplest and cheapest cooler is enough, with a TDP of 100 Watt a more powerful cooler is needed, preferably with 2-4 heat pipes, with a TDP of 125 Watt a cooler with 4 heat pipes or more is needed. Cooler literally translated from English is a cooler, which is usually an aluminum, sometimes with a copper base, radiator with a fan attached to it to remove heat from the processor. The most advanced models have a design with so-called heat pipes, which on one side are in close contact with the processor, and on the other with the fins of the radiator, blown by a fan. Usually, the processor comes with a cooler specifically designed for it, but there are processors on sale without a cooler, so it is advisable to have this information.
The photo shows a cooler with heat pipes.
Please note that when installing or replacing a processor, you will need thermal paste, which is applied in a thin layer to the processor before installing the cooler. It is necessary for better heat transfer, otherwise the processor will overheat. If the processor is new and comes with a cooler, then thermal paste will already be applied to it.
Processor sockets
The processor socket, or as it is also called Socket, is the connection point between the processor and the motherboard. Processor sockets for each manufacturer and line of processors are different and they are marked either by the number of pins in the socket or by the marking of the line of processors.
The technological process is currently moving very quickly, processors are changing, processor sockets are changing. Well, what can we say... If you are assembling a new computer, do not use motherboards and processors with outdated connectors, because if problems arise or you want to improve these components in a year or two, it will be difficult for you to find a replacement for them.
Intel Pentium - an old line of 1- and 2-core processors, with average performance, suitable for an office computer
Intel Core 2 Duo - an old line of 2 and 4 core processors, with high performance, suitable for replacement on older computers
Modern Intel processors
Intel Core i3 - the youngest, most affordable line of 2-core Intel processors
Intel Core i5 is an average, fairly productive line of processors, has both 4-core and some 2-core models
Intel Core i7 - senior, high-performance line of 4 and 6 core processors
More detailed labeling of these processors primarily depends on their frequency and cache size.
All Core series processors have a built-in video core, i.e. do not require additional installation of a video card in the computer. This can be a beneficial solution if the PC will be used primarily for non-gaming purposes. But we must pay tribute to Intel engineers, who made it an order of magnitude more powerful than previous solutions that were integrated onto motherboards. Such a built-in video core can easily handle games from bygone years like Half Life 2 or Underground.
3. If the processor is not listed in the compatibility list, you can still try it by first updating the BIOS and agreeing with the seller about a return if it doesn’t work. Or give the system unit to the seller, let him try to install it himself. The only requirement here is that the processor fits into the permissible thermal package (TDP) of the motherboard, otherwise it may not withstand it (burn out).
I once watched how one of my clients, due to installing an overly powerful processor on a weak motherboard, burned through it!
4. If the processor is quite power hungry, you may need a more powerful and reliable power supply. Also, don’t forget about a sufficient cooler and thermal paste for cooling.
I wish you a successful choice and a good mood! And if something doesn’t work out the first time, don’t forget that there are things in life that are more important than a processor, for example a video card)
Approximate prices in central Russia
The central processing unit is the “alpha” and “omega” of any computer. It is this that determines the overall performance of the entire machine. And it depends on him whether the PC can handle the new toy. Because if the processor is not suitable, then a cool video card will not save you. Dual-core “stones” have not been quoted for a long time. They are used only for work in office machines. Now the trend is a 4-core processor with a decent amount of third-level cache. Many manufacturers have such models in their arsenal. They differ in performance, energy efficiency and heat generation during operation under load. We will analyze the most interesting models from the masters of the genre: Intel and AMD. But first, a few words about how to choose the right processor.
How to choose a processor?
How to choose a good 4-core processor? The answer to this question is based on your preferences and requirements. First you need to decide what kind of computer you need to build. If you have a simple home PC with wide multimedia capabilities, then a budget “stone” without any bells and whistles will be enough. To play high-definition videos, play music and surf the Internet, you don't need much power. You can sacrifice the cache and some other options. If your interests are broader and you plan to actively use Photoshop, Vegas, Pinnacle or other professional applications, then you will have to spend money on a mid-priced processor. But if you are an avid gamer, then you can’t do without a top-end “stone”. And modern chips with 4 cores of the latest generation cost a lot. In general, it all depends on your needs and financial capabilities.
The second aspect that requires special attention is the motherboard socket. A socket is a connector for installing a processor. There are various types of connectors available. And if your motherboard is designed for a socket for AMD processors, then you won’t fit an Intel chip into it, no matter how hard you try. However, this statement is true for computers five years old. Modern manufacturers are trying to produce boards with universal sockets. This allows you to install any 4-core processor into the motherboard. Such unification is only beneficial for users. You don't have to choose too much. So, let's look at the most interesting models of “stones” from the best manufacturers.
Kaby Lake
Let's start with the top "stone" from Intel. Intel 4-core processors have always been distinguished by high performance and energy efficiency. What can the “Seven” have to offer? It has 4 cores and 8 threads. The nominal operating frequency is 2900 megahertz. However, in turbo mode, this processor can accelerate to 4300 megahertz. Not a bad performance boost. The third level cache (L3) is 8 megabytes. This is an excellent result. "Intels" of the previous generation had only 6. The heat dissipation of this "stone" is kept at the level of 35-112 W. This means that even under maximum load, the standard cooling system is sufficient for the processor.
A graphics accelerator with good performance is integrated into the core of the “stone”. This means that you don't even have to use a discrete graphics card (in some cases). And this has a positive effect on All experts agree that this processor will remain relevant for another 3-4 years. True, this copy is worth a lot. But this is Intel. This company has never been known for its affordable prices.
AMD Ryzen 5 2400G
A fresh processor from AMD - Intel's sworn enemy. Nevertheless, this is an excellent 4-core processor: 2 megabytes of L2 cache, 4 megabytes of L3 cache, operating frequency of 3600 megahertz. In turbo mode, the processor accelerates to 3900 MHz. Built-in Radeon Vega graphics accelerator with 11 chip cores and a clock frequency of 1250 megahertz. This adapter is quite enough even for games. Although not with maximum graphics settings. As you can see, the characteristics of the Ryzen are slightly inferior to the Seven from Intel.
However, this is not the worst thing. The worst thing is that the Ryzen gets very hot. If you plan to load this processor “to its fullest,” then you can’t do without an upgraded cooling system. However, I'm pleased with the price. The new product from AMD is several times cheaper than the sixth generation Intel processor (not even the eighth). So for those who intend to save money, the choice is obvious. We have just reviewed the top models of 4-core processors from both manufacturers. Now let's turn our attention to simpler models.
Intel Core i3-8100 Coffee Lake
The 4-core one belongs to the eighth generation of the line of the same name and has several interesting options. So, its maximum frequency is 3600 megahertz. The third level cache is 6 megabytes. The processor does not overheat (probably the coolest in the line), has low power consumption, and its mobile version performs well in laptops. This is a “stone” of the mid-price segment. It is perfect for a home computer with advanced multimedia capabilities. And if your PC has a powerful graphics adapter, you can even count on playing games. Processor manufactured in 2017. This is the latest of all Intel processors available (at a price).
X4 955
4-core AMD processor, which at one time was especially popular among gamers. This “stone” was released in 2009 and immediately became interesting to the general public, as it had an unlocked multiplier and was easy to overclock. For 2009 it had excellent characteristics. Yes, they are nothing in 2018 either. For a multimedia computer with some pretense of being a gaming computer, it’s not bad at all. Judge for yourself: clock frequency - 3200 megahertz (in normal mode), third level cache - 6 megabytes, power consumption - 125 W. As can be seen from the specifications, a computer based on this “stone” can even handle modern games. Albeit without all the “beauties” and effects. The best thing about this processor is the price. This is the cheapest chip of all those reviewed. It is perfect as a budget solution.
Intel Core i5-6600K SkyLake
We continue to look at processors. The 4-core one, the characteristics of which we are now analyzing, was produced by Intel in 2015. It was designed as a replacement for the outdated Core i5 model and had excellent characteristics that make it relevant today. The clock frequency in normal mode is 3500 megahertz. At maximum load, the frequency increases to 3900 megahertz. "Stone" has a third level cache of 6 megabytes. Intel HD Graphics 500 is used as an integrated graphics accelerator. This “stone” is much more productive than the Core i3 discussed above. But the best thing is the price. No other chip from Intel with such performance could boast of such availability.
AMD FX-4300
Probably the cheapest 4-core processor from AMD. It has good characteristics even for 2018. The maximum frequency is 4000 megahertz. Third level cache - 4 megabytes. There is no built-in graphics accelerator, but there is an unlocked core multiplier, which allows you to overclock the processor. By the way, this is the only “stone” from AMD that practically does not heat up. This interesting chip was released in mid-2012. But even for this time he is quite weak. This, however, is not surprising. Even then, AMD positioned it as a budget solution for home computers. However, for a budget device it is very powerful. Such inconstancy is AMD's signature style. Sometimes they offer a worthwhile item for next to nothing. And sometimes they raise the price of a frankly worthless product. This is what happened with this processor. But they didn’t raise the price for it. For which honor and praise go to AMD marketers. The best part is the cost of the chip. Its price rarely exceeds $100.
Conclusion
So, we looked at the best processors from the masters of the genre. The 4-core processor is very productive in itself. But the “stones” from Intel are actually works of art. Those who value performance and reliability choose the “blue” brand. Even though his products are very expensive. If you need a budget processor, then it is better to pay attention to AMD products. There is nothing cheaper than these chips. And in performance they are not much inferior to Intel. But the choice is a personal matter for everyone. We talked about the best 4-core processors. Then it's up to you.
Multi-core processors are central processing units that contain more than two processing cores. Such cores can be located either in one case or on one processor chip.
What is a multi-core processor?
Most often, multi-core processors mean central processors in which several computing cores are integrated into one chip (that is, they are located on a single silicon chip).
Typically, the clock speed in multi-core processors is deliberately lower. This is done in order to reduce power consumption while maintaining the required processor performance. Each core is a full-fledged microprocessor, which is characterized by the features of all modern processors - it uses a multi-level cache, supports out-of-order code execution and vector instructions.
Hyper-threading
The cores in multi-core processors can support SMT technology, which allows you to execute multiple computation threads and create several logical processors based on each core. On processors produced by Intel, this technology is called “Hyper-threading”. Thanks to it, you can double the number of logical processors compared to the number of physical chips. In microprocessors that support this technology, each physical processor is capable of maintaining the state of two threads simultaneously. For the operating system, this will look like having two logical processors. If there is a pause in the work of one of them (for example, it is waiting for data to be received from memory), the other logical processor begins executing its own thread.
Types of multi-core processors
Multi-core processors are divided into several types. They may or may not support the use of a shared cache. Communication between cores is implemented on the principles of using a shared bus, a network on point-to-point links, a network with a switch, or using a shared cache.
Principle of operation
Most modern multi-core processors work according to the following scheme. If a running application supports multithreading, it can force the processor to perform multiple tasks at the same time. For example, if the computer uses a 4-core processor with a clock frequency of 1.8 GHz, the program can “load” all four cores with work at once, while the total processor frequency will be 7.2 GHz. If several programs are running at once, each of them can use part of the processor cores, which also leads to an increase in computer performance.
Many operating systems support multithreading, so using multi-core processors can speed up your computer even in applications that do not support multithreading. If we consider the operation of only one application, then the use of multi-core processors will be justified only if this application is optimized for multithreading. Otherwise, the speed of a multi-core processor will not be different from the speed of a regular processor, and sometimes it will even work slower.