The central processor is the alpha and omega of any computer. It is he who determines the overall performance of the entire machine. And it depends on him whether the PC will pull a new toy. For if the processor does not fit, then a cool video card will not save. Dual-core "stones" are no longer quoted. They are used only for work in office machines. Now the trend is a 4-core processor with a decent amount of cache in the third level. Many manufacturers have such models in their arsenal. They differ in performance, energy efficiency and heat during work 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 which computer you need to assemble. If a simple home PC with wide multimedia capabilities, then the budget “stone” without any "bells and whistles" is quite enough. To play high-definition video, play music and surf the Internet, special power is not needed. You can sacrifice cache and some other options. If your interests are wider, and you plan to actively use Photoshop, Vegas, Pinnacle or other professional applications, then you will have to spend money on a mid-range processor. But if you are an avid gamer, then you can’t do without a top “stone”. And modern chips for 4 cores of the latest generation cost a lot. In general, it all depends on your needs and financial capabilities.
The second aspect that you need to pay special attention to is the motherboard socket. A socket is a socket for installing a processor. Various types of connectors are available. And if your motherboard is designed for a socket for AMD processors, then you won’t push the Intel chip into it, no matter how you try. However, this statement is true for computers five years ago. Modern manufacturers are trying to produce boards with universal sockets. This allows you to install in the "motherboard" any 4-core processor. Such uniformity is only at hand for users. No need to particularly choose. So, we will consider the most interesting models of “stones” from the best manufacturers.
Intel Core i7 Kaby Lake
Let's start with the top “stone” from Intel. 4-core Intel processors have always been distinguished by high performance and energy efficiency. What can this copy offer ? "Seven" has 4 cores and 8 threads. The rated operating frequency is 2900 megahertz. However, in turbo mode this processor can accelerate to 4300 megahertz. Good performance gain. Layer 3 cache (L3) is 8 megabytes. This is a great result. “Intel” of the previous generation had only 6. The heat dissipation of this “stone” is kept at 35-112 watts. This means that even under maximum load, a regular cooling system is quite enough for the processor.
A graphics accelerator with good performance is integrated into the core of the “stone”. This means that you can not even use a discrete graphics card (in some cases). And this has a positive effect on the power consumption of the computer. All experts agree that this processor will remain relevant for another 3-4 years. True, this instance is worth a lot. But this is Intel. This company has never been affordable prices.
AMD Ryzen 5 2400G
Fresh processor from AMD - Intel’s sworn enemy. Nevertheless, this is an excellent 4-core processor: 2 megabytes of second-level cache, L3 cache - 4 megabytes, operating frequency - 3600 megahertz. In turbo mode, the processor accelerates to 3900 MHz. Built-in graphics accelerator "Radeon Vega" with 11 chip cores and a clock frequency of 1250 megahertz. Such an adapter is quite enough even for games. Although not with the maximum graphics settings. As you can see, the characteristics of "Reisen" are slightly inferior to the "seven" from Intel.
However, this is not the worst. Worst of all, the Reisen is very hot. If you plan to load this processor "to the full", then you cannot do without an upgraded cooling system. However, the price is good. The novelty from AMD is several times cheaper than the processor from Intel of the sixth generation (not even the eighth). So for those who intend to save, the choice is obvious. The top models of 4 core processors from both manufacturers have just been reviewed. Now let's pay attention to simpler models.
Intel Core i3-8100 Coffee Lake
The quad-core Intel Core i3 processor belongs to the eighth generation of the same line and has several interesting options. So, its maximum frequency is 3600 megahertz. Layer 3 cache is 6 megabytes. The processor does not overheat (probably the “coldest” in the lineup), has low power consumption, and its mobile version shows itself perfectly in laptops. This is the "stone" of the middle price segment. It is perfect for a home computer with advanced multimedia capabilities. And if the PC has a powerful graphics adapter, then you can even count on games. Processor 2017 release. This is the latest Intel processor available (at a price).
AMD Phenom II X4 955
AMD 4-core 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 easily overclocked. For 2009, he had excellent characteristics. Yes, they are nothing in 2018. For a multimedia computer, with some claims to gaming, it’s very good. Judge for yourself: the clock frequency is 3200 megahertz (in normal mode), the third level cache is 6 megabytes, and the power consumption is 125 W. As can be seen from the specifications, a computer based on this “stone” will pull even modern games. Even without all sorts of "prettiness" and effects. The best part about this processor is the price. This is the cheapest chip of all considered. It is perfect as a budget solution.
Intel Core i5-6600K SkyLake
We continue to consider processors. The 4-core, whose characteristics we are now analyzing, was produced by Intel in 2015. It was developed as a replacement for the obsolete Core i5 model and had excellent features that make it relevant in our time. 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 part is the price. Not a single Intel chip with such a 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. Layer 3 cache - 4 megabytes. There is no built-in graphics accelerator, but there is an unlocked kernel multiplier, which allows you to overclock the processor. By the way, this is the only "stone" from AMD, which is practically not heated. This interesting chip was released in mid-2012. But for this time he is quite weak. This, however, is not surprising. Even then, AMD positioned it as a low-cost solution for home computers. However, for the budget it is very powerful. Such inconstancy is AMD's corporate identity. Sometimes they offer a worthwhile thing for nothing. And sometimes they pick up the price of frankly no product. It happened with this processor. But the price of it was not raised. What an honor and praise to AMD marketers. The best part is the cost of the chip. Its price rarely exceeds $ 100.
Conclusion
So, we examined the best processors from the masters of the genre. The 4-core processor is very productive in itself. But the “stones” from Intel are generally works of art. Those who value performance and reliability choose the blue brand. Let its products be very expensive. If a budget processor is required, 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 everyone’s personal affair. We talked about the best processors with 4 cores. The rest is up to you.