The central processing unit(CPU) has always been called the “brain” of the computer! Whether you want to build a new computer or upgrade an old computer, the CPU as a core component cannot be ignored. However, there are many types of CPUs. These CPUs have different prices and different parameters, such as the CPU model, the specifications of the CPU, Supporting motherboards, etc. So, it is important to learn to understand the CPU! In this post, we will discuss the pc CPU buying guide vis-a-vis choosing the right computer for you.
The pc CPU buying guide that Everyone Must Know
Since there are so many CPU-related knowledge points, there is no way to explain them one by one. So, the following mainly explains the CPU knowledge we often need to use. In order to understand the CPU more easily, the following will be divided into 5 points!
The 5 CPU Knowledge Points That Are Worth Your Understanding
In this section, I will be analyzing all the CPU-related knowledge-based points that we all need to get acquainted with before buying that next CPU.
1. The first point: Know the basics of the CPU model
Traditionally, at the moment, Intel and AMD processors can be divided into 4 levels:
- Getting started: Core i3 / Ryzen 3
- Normal: Core i5 / Ryzen 5
- Advanced: Core i7 / Ryzen 7
- super: Core i9 / Ryzen 9
Note: Below the entry level, there are common Intel Celeron, AMD Athlon processors, etc. At the extremes of their respective highest configurations, there are Intel’s X chipset processors and AMD’s thread tearers, etc.
Explaining the Numbering on Intel CPUs
Here is an example to explain other parts in detail, such as Intel Core i9-9900K!
Among them, the first number from the back of the ix usually indicates the generation of products. To put this in perspective, the first 9 after the core i9- indicates the generation. Since this is 9, it simply means the CPU is the 9th generation. The other numbers on the back indicate various models in the same generation.
In general, the higher the number, the better, as this usually means more core threads or higher frequencies.
Additionally, the “K” at the end of Intel CPU products indicates that it can be overclocked. In addition, Intel CPUs usually have a nuclear display. If it has an “F”, it means no nuclear display.
Analysing AMD CPU Naming
AMD Ryzen processors can be overclocked. The “X” at the end usually means higher processor frequency. However, AMD processors rarely have a nuclear display. If there is a letter “G” at the end, it means a nuclear display.
The Second point of the PC CPU buying guide is the CPU Specifications
The composition of the CPU is actually very complicated. There are many different specifications and parameters. Here are a few of the more important specifications!
- The number of cores: refers to the number of physical cores of the CPU. In general, the more cores, the better; it is recommended to start with four cores
- The number of threads: refers to the number of independent processes that the CPU can handle. Usually, the more threads the better, and theoretically, the number of threads is equal to the number of cores. However, with the addition of multi-threading capabilities (Intel’s Hyper-Threading, AMD’s SMT), one physical core can create two threads.
- CPU frequency: refers to the speed of the chip. The unit is in GHz; the higher the number, the faster.
- The CPU cache: At present, there are only three levels of caches: L1 has the smallest capacity but the fastest speed, L2 has the capacity and speed in the middle, and L3 has the largest capacity but low speed.
- Thermal design power(TDP): refers to the maximum heat value that the processor can generate at full speed when the processor is not performing tasks and maintaining the basic frequency. Generally speaking, the higher the TDP, the stronger the performance. And we understand this in order to better choose the right radiator!
- IPC(instruction per clock/cycle): refers to the same frequency performance, mainly for comparing CPUs of different architectures.
Third point: the choice of the CPU’s Corresponding Motherboard
Regarding selecting the CPU corresponding motherboard, there are many things to factor in, such as sockets, BIOS, chipset, etc. The actual situation is more complicated, so the best way is to go directly to the official website to check the CPU support list and consult the official Customer service to understand the situation better.
The fourth point: the choice of CPU model
We simply want to know the knowledge of the CPU in order to choose a suitable CPU. As a result, your computer is more cost-effective, so let’s talk about how to choose a CPU according to its actual usage and operating habits.
1. Daily use models
If you just simply go online to watch videos, listen to music, or work in the office, a dual-core or 4-core entry-level CPU is fine. However, considering the popularity of 4-core, it is still recommended to buy a 4-core CPU.
2. Game models
If you want to play games, then the Intel i5 or Ryzen 5 series processors are basically the starting points. With this GPU, the performance of the game is more dependent on the graphics card, so to sum it up, the graphics card costs more money, and the overall cost is higher.
Don’t Miss: Integrated vs Dedicated vs Switchable Graphics Processing Unit(GPU): Which is best for you?
3. Professional high-performance models
If you need a computer, you will occasionally need to perform tasks with high-performance requirements, such as video editing, etc., Intel’s i7, i9, or AMD Ryzen7, and Ryzen9 processors are all recommended. Just make sure you don’t use the pc for these all the time.
4. Professional Workstation
Furthermore, if you are dedicated to video editing or mass data processing, then the products of the HEDT platform are recommended. Mainly AMD’s thread tearer processor and Intel’s X chipset products because they have a large number of core threads suitable for Multi-threaded task processing.
5. Overclocking
This is simple. Now AMD’s processors are basically overclocked. On the contrary, Intel’s CPUs are only open for overclocking if the name suffix is followed by a “K”. In addition, pay attention to the supporting motherboard chipset and so on.
Fifth point: The Overall Computer Configuration
The importance of the CPU is self-evident, but for the computer as a whole, we also need to consider the performance of the graphics card, storage, and so on.
If the computer configuration is not balanced, the overall performance will be greatly reduced. As mentioned above, a computer playing a game needs to focus on the graphics card. For example, under the same conditions, the gaming performance of the i7 processor + GTX1050 graphics card is not comparable to that of the i5 processor + GTX1660 graphics card. The Core i5, with a higher clock GPU, will outperform the Core i7.
For computer storage(RAM) performance, the focus is on capacity. It is recommended to start with 8GB of memory, preferably 16GB.
Especially relevant: How to choose a solid-state hard disk interface in one minute
As for computer hard drives, everyone knows that the performance of SSD hard drives is higher than that of mechanical hard drives. Of course, there are other issues to consider, but it is essential not to forget that the overall configuration is balanced!
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