The Core issue
Much of the current discussion around CPUs concerns core count, which is no surprise: cores are effectively smaller processors within the chip, and having more of these enables a CPU to handle more tasks concurrently. Most mainstream and high-end processors also employ multithreading, which allows each core to address two threads rather than one.
However, just because you can buy a processor with 16 cores doesn’t mean you should. It’s only when you’re using the computer for tasks that are well suited to multiple threads – key examples include video editing, rendering, encoding, CAD design, 3D modelling, financial software and scientific analysis – that they will make a difference.
Clock watching
Clock speed represents how quickly each core can handle computational tasks. The higher the number, the more tasks it can tackle. But life isn’t really that simple.
Processors don’t just run at a locked speed: when handling less intensive tasks, they dynamically clock downwards to save power and produce less heat. If they’re tackling trickier workloads, they can c temporarily boost to a higher hig speed as long as the chip has the requisite thermal headroom. headroo In other words, once a core becomes too hot, it needs to drop back down in speed.
Turbo speeds are a nuanced subject themselves. For example, if you want to increase speeds across all of a CPU’s cores then you won’t get as high a clock speed as you will wi with an individual core.
Higher clock speeds have more of an impact on certain single and lowcore workloads: image-editing and design software, Office applications and web browsers all respond better to higher clock speed rather than increased core counts. Games are also more reliant on clock speed.
Other specifications
Processors aren’t just governed by clock speeds and core counts, but by other features such as cache.
The cache is installed in three levels – L1, L2 and L3 – and it helps the CPU handle tasks without relying on your PC’s slower RAM chips. Cache isn’t crucial for peak performance, but b t it’s it’ always l worth having more. Also examine amine the thermal design power (TDP). This is a measurement urement of the maximum ximum amount of heat and nd electricity a CPU can handle before its speed becomes affected. If your chip of choice has a relatively low TDP – such as 65W, which is common on both AMD and Intel CPUs – it will be e happy beneath a small, mall, stock cooler.
If f you buy a chip with a higher r TDP, such as 95W or 125W, cooling becomes more of an issue. AMD includes coolers with most of its processors, and they’re fine for day-to-day workloads. Nevertheless, if you’re going to overclock or push a high-end chip in tough workloads, you’ll benefit from a better cooler. You’ll also need to buy a cooler if you pick an Intel CPU because the firm doesn’t include one in the box.
Also check if you need a CPU with integrated graphics. These low-end graphics cores aren’t found on most AMD chips, but they’re still included on plenty of Intel CPUs. Integrated graphics won’t run many modern games, but they’re fine for day-to-day desktop operations, and can save the hassle and expense of buying a separate graphics card.
The generation game
AMD and Intel use different underlying architectures in their processors, but the situation isn’t as clear as just picking a side and buying a chip. Both AMD and Intel sell CPUs that rely on different generations of architecture, meaning it’s worth making sure that you’re buying the latest one.
AMD’s chips are underpinned by hardware called Zen, but two different versions are in circulation. Cheaper Ryzen Accelerated Processing Units