The best 10 CPUs in comparison

Whether it's a high-end gaming computer, an office workstation, or a PC for general use, each desktop build has its own set of requirements, which will determine what components you need. Before searching for a CPU for your PC, you should think about what type of software you are going to use frequently.

CPU workloads

There are two types of workloads in the technical sense: single-threaded and multi-threaded workloads.

Single-threaded workloads are simple tasks, like web browsing or text editing, which do not require a lot of processing power. Multi-threaded workloads involve heavier types of processing, for example, video editing and gaming. These types of workloads require a powerful processor, coupled with a significant amount of RAM.

The number of cores and the clock speed are the two primary indicators of a CPU's power. A CPU core receives instructions and performs calculations (operations) accordingly. Clock speed, also called clock rate, refers to the frequency at which one core is running, determining how fast the processing unit executes instructions.

Together, they give the total clock speed or CPU speed, about which you can read in detail here. With more cores, the CPU's performance increases, as each core is being utilized to process the workload.

CPU socket

You also have to think about the motherboard's socket whenever you're looking to buy a new chip, as CPUs have various sizes, and the CPU must fit on the motherboard. AMD and Intel have a lot of different sockets for almost every new generation of CPUs. Taking into account that Intel CPUs became more and more popular, chances are that you'll find more motherboards compatible with Intel CPUs.

AMD vs. Intel

Brand wars are frequent in the tech industry, and when it comes to CPUs, there are only two giants: AMD and Intel. AMD CPUs operate efficiently and usually have a lower price tag. For example, AMD Sempron and Athlon dual-core processors are affordable, starting at 30$, and perform very well on PCs running home applications.

However, AMD processors do get hotter than Intel chips, and additional cooling solutions may have to be implemented. Intel CPUs are a bit more expensive, but they tend to outperform the competition, especially when it comes to multi-threaded workloads. Intel CPUs are power efficient and generate less heat. For this reason, many portable computers employ Intel CPUs.

CPU performance

CPUs use multiple cores to increase the overall speed by running numerous instructions simultaneously. Knowing the type of workload will help you determine what kind of processor you'll need.

For a PC running general-purpose applications, a dual-core processor will be enough, while for more complex workloads, you'll probably need a quad-core. The more cores a CPU has, the pricier it is. More cores translate to faster and better processing for heavy computing tasks, such as 3D modeling, photo and video editing, big data processing.

Generally, a quad-core processor would be the right choice if you use your computer for various tasks. For example, the Intel Core i5 quad-core processors provide excellent performance for running common applications and for gaming. However, Intel i7 processors shine when complex computing is involved, such as running 3D modeling applications or playing games with 4K HDR graphics, and this is mainly because of Intel's hyperthreading technology.

Hyperthreading doubles the logical cores or thread count of a processor. By duplicating the threads of one core, execution resources are used efficiently, and the processing speed increases.

AMD chips, though cheaper, are perfectly acceptable for everyday usage, and high-end processors can deliver outstanding performance, but they do not have hyperthreading. AMD does compensate with high clock speeds and more cores packed into a single chip.

CPU benchmark

While CPU benchmark is a component of CPU performance, it's worth mentioning separately as it can help you determine which CPU is the best for your needs. What is a CPU benchmark? It's a score that uses baseline measurements to compare the performance of a CPU against others. In essence, they provide companies and users with a standardized way to engage in CPU comparison.

UserBenchmark, Geekbench, and Cinebench, and PassMark are all excellent CPU benchmarks to look at when comparing CPUs. While you'll encounter various measurements, it's especially helpful to look at the difference between the single-core score and the multi-core score.

Devices and actions that only require a single-core, including playing games and working with basic programs, will rely more on the single-core score. For heavily-threaded games, you'll need to look for a CPU that has a higher multi-core score to ensure that the processor can support the workload.

Integrated graphics

Sometimes, the graphics processing unit (GPU) is integrated into the processor. For most entry-level desktop PCs, CPUs that have integrated graphics are good enough. But for designers, content creators, and IT solutions, a graphics module embedded on the CPU does not rise to the challenge. Thus, a dedicated GPU is necessary for professionals. Our guide for graphics cards gives helpful tips for choosing a GPU.