processor

Best Desktop CPUs

may 31 2012 - There are a large number of desktop processors available and this list was generated to point out the three major categories of processors for both the Intel and AMD product lines. The three categories listed are the top performance processors, best value processors (<$250) and best budget processors (<$100). This allows users to select the CPUs best suited to their budgets. If you are looking at purchasing a fully built desktop computer or building one yourself, check out which processors you should be looking to fit your price range.

AMD Performance - FX-8150

After what seemed like an eternity, AMD has finally released the first of its new Bulldozer processors. As with their past models, AMD has really stuck with the more processors is better approach. The new FX-8150 features eight processor cores which is two more than their previous desktop Phenom II X6 models. It also features a faster 3.6GHz processing speed which should help it out. Unfortunately, the performance gains are actually quite minimal and only best suited for the extreme applications that can take advantage of so many cores. In fact, most gamers would probably benefit more from the value series model. Still, if you are heavily into crunching numbers or serious video work, then this processor might help you for a price under $300. The best part, it uses the same Socket AM3+ motherboards as the past Phenom models.

Intel Performance - Core i7-3930K

Technically, the new Intel Core i7-3960X is the fastest processor from Intel for a desktop PC, but the $1100 price tag compared to the i7-3930K at $600 for just 100MHz speed difference just doesn't make sense. Both of these chips use the new Socket X79 platform that is Intel's latest performance chipset. This gives some tangible benefits to the new Sandy Bridge-E processor with the inclusion of quad channel memory for some incredible memory bandwidth. The i7-3930K also features a hexa or six core design unlike the more common quad core designs of the traditional Sandy Bridge and new Ivy Bridge. This helps it achieve better performance for those with extremely demanding computing needs. Unlike the other Sandy Bridge and Ivy Bridge models, there is no integrated graphics built into the chip requiring a dedicated graphics card. It should also be noted that this processor runs quite hot and does not come with a supplied cooling solution. It is advised to use a high performance option to ensure a properly running system.

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AMD Value - A8-3870K

AMD seems to be backing away from the Phenom architecture in favor of the newer APU designs that integrated the CPU and the GPU. While past models have had limited performance gains from being clock locked particularly in the GPU segment, the new K series of APUs opens a greatly level of flexibility for those willing to overclock for some extra performance. The highest of the models is the new A8-3870K that is a quad core processor design with a 3.0 GHz clock speed. The graphics component is a fairly robust Radeon HD 6550G that provides sufficient performance for some PC gaming at lower resolution and detail levels which Intel certainly can't provide. The processor does require an FM1 chipset and isn't compatible with the venerable AM socket. Pricing is very reasonable though around $120.

Intel Value - Core i5-3570K

The much anticipated Ivy Bridge has finally been released and the pricing on them makes them very attractive compared to the past Sandy Bridge models. The i5-3570K is clocked just slightly faster at 3.4 GHz than the past 2500K and the same as the 2550K but does this while consuming less power. It still uses four cores and the same LGA 1155 packaging meaning that it can work in most older boards if the BIOS has been updated. Hyper threading is still missing from the Core i5 parts but in many cases, consumers won't notice much difference. The big change here is the new Intel HD Graphics 4000 engine that adds improved 3D performance but still not quite to the level of dedicated graphics or AMDs integrated graphics. What it does offer is a huge boost to media encoding with QuickSync enabled applications. Since this is a K version, it can be used for overclocking as well although it doesn't appear that Ivy Bridge has as much head room as the past Sandy Bridge models it replaced.

AMD Budget - A6-3650

Just a couple of months ago, buyers of the AMD chips were restricted to only finding a triple core version of the A6 in this price segment. Now the A6-3650 is available for under $100 and adds considerable performance with the extra core and an extra 500MHz over the past A6-3500 model. This is a great benefit for those that will be doing lots of multimedia work where the extra cores can be a benefit. It uses the same Radeon HD 6530D graphics core on the processor which does offer better non-media encoding acceleration for applications and Direct X 11 graphics for casual PC gaming at lower resolutions. The one downside is that it uses the newer FM1 socket design so it doesn't work well as an upgrade from the previous Phenom/Athlon motherboards.

Intel Budget - Pentium G860

Intel's primary socket design right now is the LGA 1155 used with the Sandy Bridge based Core i processors. The only problem here is that even the most affordable Core i3 processor is over $100. To resolve this problem, Intel has introduced a new series of Pentium G processors to offer the most affordable processors. These processors are based on the Sandy Bridge with its Intel HD Graphics 2000. It is a dual core design with a 3.0 GHz clock speed. It does not feature Hyper-Threading and has a limited 3MB of cache but the efficiency of the new core gives it a good boost over the past Pentium G6950/G6951 for best Intel budget processor.