Processors

The processor determines how quickly the entire computer responds – from opening programs to frames in games and video export time. Here you will find models from AMD and Intel – from economical processors for office use to multi-core models for workstations and servers.

How to choose

• Number of cores. For office and browsing, 4–6 cores are sufficient. For gaming, the most reasonable choice is 6–8 fast cores. Video editing, 3D, and compiling use 12, 16, or more cores.
• Series. Ryzen 3 and Core i3 are for everyday work, Ryzen 5 and Core i5 – for most gamers, Ryzen 7/9 and Core i7/i9 – for heavy tasks and high frames. Threadripper and Epyc are for workstations and servers.
• The socket. It determines which motherboard you need. New platforms like AM5 and LGA 1851 work with DDR5 and allow for future upgrades.
• Frequency and cache. Higher frequency speeds up programs that use few cores, while a large cache is particularly helpful in games. Therefore, a processor with fewer cores but more cache can be faster in games than a more expensive multi-core model.
• Future-proofing. If you plan to install a more powerful processor in a few years, choose a socket that the manufacturer still supports with new generations. This way, you will only need to change the processor without changing the motherboard and memory.
• Integrated graphics. Many models do not have this. Without it, you will definitely need a separate graphics card; otherwise, there will be no display.

What to watch out for

• Many processors are sold without a cooler in the box – check this and add a cooler if necessary.
• Powerful models heat up a lot and require good air or water cooling; otherwise, they will throttle their frequency.
• An older motherboard with a compatible socket may require a BIOS update for the new processor.
• Power consumption (TDP) indicates how much heat the processor will generate and what cooler to choose.

Compatibility

The processor must match the socket with the motherboard, and the motherboard determines the type of memory – DDR4 or DDR5. The cooler must also support the socket. Check the power supply capacity for high-end models. If you are building a new computer, the configurator shows only compatible parts.