Ranking of the best Intel processors for 2024

Processor, or CPU (CPU) - central processing unit is the main hardware part of a computer, phone, tablet or any programmable device, represented by an integrated circuit. And, besides, it is a headache for anyone who plans to assemble a personal computer, because it is really difficult to choose a chip that is suitable in all respects.

Today, the most famous processor manufacturers are companies Intel and AMD... Some users believe that Intel only for graphic tasks, and AMD - for gaming. But such a division cannot be considered correct: the architecture and general parameters have a lot of differences that cannot be distinguished only by the indicator of application in graphic tasks or for game actions.

It also cannot be said that Intel definitely more popular AMD: each manufacturer has its own share of consumers. But in this article we will look at the ranking of the best processors Intel for 2024.

Intel has been making processors since 1971. For several decades, they have become one of the best (and for some users even the best) in the market of components for computers and other equipment.

Today Intel provides a huge selection of processors of various generations, each of which is suitable for specific tasks. And before proceeding to find out which one is better this year, it is worth figuring out what criteria should be used to choose a microprocessor, how they differ and what mistakes can lead to when choosing.

Dictionary with explanations

Architecture is compatibility with different sets of instructions, their structure and way of execution (interpretation from the point of view of programmers).

Socket - a connector on the motherboard into which certain devices are installed. In our case, this is the connector for installing the processor into the motherboard.

Frequency is the number of operations performed by the processor in one second. This indicator directly affects performance.

Processor selection criteria

Computer speed, quality, functionality and performance are parameters that are largely dependent on the processor. An incorrectly selected microprocessor can turn into a headache for the user: from lags and freezes to a complete failure of the system.

Therefore, an upgrade or assembly of a new PC should begin with familiarization with the information about the components. Often, users, wanting to save money while assembling a gaming computer, purchase a cheap processor suitable for standard everyday tasks, complain about “work brakes”, “freezes”, “crashes” and other problems.

The processor, like any other component, must be chosen for specific tasks with which it has to cope. Otherwise, the purchase will turn out to be irrational and will only bring negative emotions.

What should you pay attention to when choosing a processor and how to avoid mistakes?

Microprocessors have several basic characteristics that should be given special consideration when choosing.

Number of Cores

The core is the heart of the processor. Today processors with one core are no longer used, the manufacturer produces controllers with two, four and even ten cores. But in order to make the right choice, you need to figure out how many cores will be needed for a particular task:

• Dual-core is a good option for computers that perform common simple tasks: watching movies, surfing the Internet, basic Office tasks;
• The quad-core processor can be used for both standard tasks and "medium-heavy" games. In this case, one should already take into account the frequency and architecture of the component - two quad-core controllers from different lines or from different manufacturers will not have identical performance and performance indicators;
• Six-, eight- and ten-cores perfectly cope with all the tasks assigned to them from simple use to complex graphics and software and modern video games.

Do not forget that some programs cannot distribute the load across several different cores, and as a result, they run faster on dual-core processors with a high frequency than on six. But there are not many such programs and all of them, for the most part, are narrowly focused (for specific professions, for example).

Not so long ago a new concept appeared - virtual cores. Intel calls them Hyper Threading. Virtual cores clone the number of physical ones by increasing the number of microprocessor threads. Therefore, an eight-thread processor does not always have eight cores - more often than not, there are actually only four.

Clock frequency

It is believed that the higher the processor frequency, the faster the PC system will run. This statement is true only if we compare processors of the same line, in which the same cores will be installed in the same number, the architecture of which is identical, and also if they have the same amount of cache memory.

That is why you should not buy a processor focusing only on this indicator or taking it as a basis. The argument to this is also the ability to overclock the processor. And if earlier this was done using third-party programs and many manipulations, now manufacturers are releasing microcontrollers with built-in overclocking of the system. Intel processors with this feature are marked Turbo Core.

Cache memory

Built-in ultra-fast type of memory designed to store and process data, as well as exchange it between cores, RAM and other buses. It provides quick access to data.

Thus, the more memory a processor has, the faster it will run. But here it should be remembered: this statement applies only to processors of the same line.

Standard controllers support three levels of cache memory - L1, L2, L3. At the same time, users recommend paying attention to the third level and its volume: it is believed that the overall speed of performing memory tasks depends on it.

Motherboard socket

It is more rational to start assembling a computer with the selection and purchase of a motherboard - the basis of the entire device. The processor should be selected according to which socket the selected motherboard has. For reference - today there are more than 30 types of sockets that are not compatible with each other.

If the motherboard has an LGA 1156 socket, a processor with a 1366 socket will not work with it. You can find out which socket your motherboard has by the inscription on the box from it or on the manufacturer's official website.

Technical process

The size of the transistors and the distance between them is the technical process. The process technology is measured in nanometers. The smaller the technical process, the more elements can be placed on the selected area. To date, the smallest technical process is 14 nm.

However, at the end of this year Intel is planning to announce a new processor with a 10 nm technical process! This event promises to propel the entire component industry several steps forward.

Many people mistakenly believe that it is the process technology that affects performance. Yes, but too indirectly for such a statement. In fact, the process technology affects the heating level of the processor stone: the smaller the process technology, the less the stone heats up.

However, given that modern processors have greater performance, which means more elements in the same area, the heating of the old and new generation processors will be the same.

As a result, reducing the technical process allows you to create more efficient controllers without increasing their heating.

Graphics core

Modern production methods allow placing various microcircuits inside the microprocessor, for example, a graphics core. The main advantage of this feature is the absence of the need to purchase and install a separate video card.

However, if you are building a PC for modern games by playing, the built-in video card will not be enough, since they are usually quite weak in terms of capabilities - in this case, you should opt for controllers without a graphics core. Integrated graphics chips are only suitable for computers used for common tasks.

As for the manufacturer - when choosing a processor, this item can be decisive only for a customer who is an adherent of a particular company. As mentioned earlier, both Intel and AMD have a number of decent microprocessors, so you can't call one of them the best - in this case, the opinion can only be subjective.

Thus, by considering at least six of these parameters when choosing a processor, you can avoid the wrong decision when purchasing a processor. And the rating of the best processors will help with this.

Best Intel processors of 2024

The rating is based on feedback and reviews from users.

Intel Core i3 7100

The rating opens with one of the simplest but most successful processors of the company - the seventh generation i3, has socket 1151. This controller has two cores and two virtual cores, which in total gives four processing threads.

Graphics provided by Intel HD Graphics 630. This processor supports DDR3L / DDR4 memory sticks. The clock frequency is 3900 MHz, with the possibility of overclocking (Hyper-Threading). The i3 7100 compatible chipset allows for hassle-free upgrades.

• Low price - within 11,000 rubles;
• Hyper-Threading support;
• DDR3L / DDR4 support;
• Good performance level.

• Not found.

Intel Core i5 8400

LGA 1151-v2. Number of cores - 6, number of threads - 6. Integrated graphics core Intel UHD Graphics 630 (maximum frequency 1050 MHz). The clock frequency is 4000 MHz in turbo mode, it has the ability to overclock. Supports DDR4 memory sticks up to 2666 MHz.

This chip has proven itself well in standard tasks and mid-level games. An integrated graphics core will not be enough for modern games.

According to all the reviews, no one had any difficulties when working with him. They say about him: "The best value for money."

• Automatic overclocking (Turbo Boost);
• Good power gain (worth checking out the tests on the net);
• Does not overheat;
• Powerful enough graphics core;
• Acceptable price - up to 16,000 rubles.

• Not found.

Intel Core i5 8600K

LGA 1151-v2. The number of cores is 6, the maximum number of processing threads is 6. The integrated graphics core Intel UHD Graphics 630, the frequency of which is 1150 MHz (maximum). The clock speed is 4300 MHz in turbo mode.Supported memory strips - DDR4 with a dual-channel controller providing excellent video quality up to 4K.

The first processor in our list with an unlocked (or free) multiplier, as indicated by the “K” index in its name. An unlocked multiplier means that we can customize the chip for ourselves - change the power, voltage parameters, cores, memory, etc. In general, this opportunity is necessary to optimize the device for our own needs, especially when it comes to gaming PCs.

In addition, the manufacturer has installed security technologies such as Advanced Encryption Standard Instructions and Intel Secure Key.

• Advanced Encryption Standard Instructions and Intel Secure Key;
• RAM controller with two channels;
• Unlocked (free) multiplier.

• Users note that the cost of the component is overstated - from 22,000 rubles.

Intel Core i7 6900K

LGA2011-3 socket. The number of cores is 8, the number of threads is 16. The clock speed is 3.7 GHz in Turbo Boost mode. Supported memory strips - DDR4, 4-channel memory controller (it's worth imagining: if a two-channel controller provides one of the best video quality today, what can a four-channel one do!).

"One of the most powerful microcontrollers available today!" - reviews of this model as a blueprint say the same thing. They also write about it that there are no games at the moment that this module would not be able to pull, and are unlikely to appear in the near future - the complete absence of lags, "subsidence" and even more freezes.

Ultra HD 4K, OpenCL, built-in DirectX 12 API - all this undoubtedly makes the 6th generation i7 one of the best for 2024.

• Ultra HD 4K;
• OpenCL;
• Built-in DirectX 12 API;
• Four-channel memory controller;
• Will remain relevant for a long time;
• 8 cores.

• There is no potential for a lot of overclocking (however, users note that it is not required);
• Not a small price - about 60,000 rubles.

Intel Core i7 8700X

LGA2066 socket. The number of cores is 6 (plus 6 virtual ones), the number of threads is 12. The maximum clock frequency is 4700 MHz after overclocking. Supported memory sticks type - DDR4.

The X-series models (suffix at the end of the name) are the most powerful controllers in the range. They are able to cope with the most resource-intensive workloads: from complex graphics tasks to modern games at maximum resolutions and their broadcast.

• Will remain relevant for a long time;
• Supports 4K (both viewing and creating);
• Has OpenCL technology;
• Able to perform two tasks simultaneously;
• A decent amount of cache memory - 12 MB;
• Low price with such characteristics - 30,000 rubles.

• Not found.

Intel Core i9 9900K

Socket LGA1151v2. The number of cores is 8 (plus 8 virtual ones), the number of threads is 16. The base frequency is 3600 MHz, the maximum is 5000 MHz. Dual channel DDR4 support.

Intel processors of the ninth series were a real shock for the market, and it's not just the price, which exceeds the previous series by at least a third. Today, it is the Intel Core i9 9900K that is the most powerful and best processor for a personal computer, designed for a variety of tasks.

This model is equipped with the currently unique Turbo Boost 2.0 feature, which helps to automatically overclock the clock speed from the standard 3.6 GHz to a maximum of 5 GHz.

Users recommend taking care of installing a high-quality cooling system in the system unit, since the heat dissipation of this controller reaches 95 W.

• Turbo Boost 2.0;
• Overclocking up to 5 GHz;
• 16 threads, 8 cores;
• Unlocked (free) multiplier;
• Supports up to 64GB of RAM;
• L3 cache size 16 MB;
• Quite an acceptable price / performance ratio - the model will cost about 42,000 rubles.

• Not identified.

Speaking of the i9 series, one cannot fail to mention the Intel Core i9 9900X processor. This model has 10 cores (plus 10 virtual) and 20 processing threads. The cache memory of the third level is 19 MB. This model is the most powerful of the entire series, it incorporates the most modern technologies that provide excellent performance and wide functionality for completing tasks.

Why is the i9 9900X not included in the list of best Intel processors? The reason for this is its cost - this model has a price tag of 85,000 rubles, which is officially recognized as overpriced, despite its characteristics. However, it was impossible not to say about this controller - it is really good in all respects: from speed to a list of applications.

Which processor should you choose?

For simple tasks - Intel Core i3 7100.

For the top-end games, Intel Core i9 9900K.

For complex work, high loads and graphics - Intel Core i7 8700X.

For perfect performance over the years and support for everything that exists - Intel Core i9 9900X.

All processors presented in the rating will last a long time, fulfilling the tasks assigned to them without any complaints. However, in order to fully enjoy quality, speed and functionality, choose controllers based on specific tasks and taking into account the recommendations described in the article.