When assembling a personal computer, the most important key task is the choice of processor . Of course, other technical characteristics are also important. But still, it is the acquisition of the central processor that must be approached with all responsibility.

How to do this - we will consider in detail in this article. https://www.apcsilmic.com/

Goals of the PC
Before purchasing a processor, decide for what purposes you will use the new computer. If it is necessary to work in Word, Excel, as well as in Google, Yandex, etc., a standard PC that does not require any special processor capabilities will suit you.

If the device is needed for resource-intensive tasks (games, streaming, processing video and audio files, etc.), then the processor performance requires a sufficiently high level.

Socket - what is it?
The processor is connected to the motherboard using a special connector. It's called Socket. Their marking occurs (at the discretion of the manufacturer) usually according to two parameters:

number of processor legs;
digital + alphabetic designations.
Accordingly, the socket of the motherboard and the processor should not differ. If this happens, the processor will not be installed.

Socket can be of different types and some of them are not always compatible with each other. This situation is due to their constant modification. Therefore, we recommend choosing such a processor with the most modern socket. This is not only practical, but also in the future provides an opportunity to replace the motherboard or processor of your PC with updated models. Note that when you change the Socket, the motherboard will also have to be changed. When updating a part of the components, be sure to check the compatibility table - do the new components support each other and under what conditions.

In general, all sockets can be divided into three groups:

obsolete;
obsolete;
modern.
Therefore, it is advisable to choose it according to the brand of your processor. Study in advance which Sockets are already outdated for it, are at this stage, or are modern.

Separately, it is worth mentioning, although removed, but still relevant 1151, because. 1151-2 does not actually exist, the stores introduced it only for the convenience of customers, according to the Intel classification, the connector does not have versions. In this case, there were 4 generations of boards and processors on the market, where the first pair is officially incompatible with the second, which caused confusion among consumers.

Number of cores
The main component of the processor is the core. In order to increase the performance of the processor, several cores are built into it. Their number determines not only the degree of performance of the device, but also its purpose.

When working with textual information, or searching for it on the Internet, a dual-core processor will do just fine. It is also suitable for playing audio, watching movies, chatting in the office and other simple tasks.

Mid-range gaming PCs, as well as computers for more complex work (graphics, photo processing, etc.) need a processor with at least 4 cores.

A processor with eight or more built-in cores is required to assemble a powerful personal computer. This is mainly necessary when working with professional programs (video editing, design, etc.). Also, PC data is chosen by gamers. Naturally, their cost is not small, but they are already intended for a higher level.

CPU frequency
When choosing a processor, we also recommend that you pay attention to such a parameter as clock frequency. That is, the number of operations it performs per second. Note that the frequency level is directly proportional to the performance of the processor within the same family. But here you should consider the number of cores, as well as the amount of cache.

The simplest dual-core processors have a frequency of ~ 3.5 GHz - this is the average class of PCs. If its level is higher, then the processor is already running much faster. For example, for a gaming PC, a frequency indicator of at least 4 GHz is desirable.

Technical process
The technological process is a set of norms according to which the processor is created. They set the size of the transistors, the built-in circuits, and how far apart they will be. It should be noted that on modern equipment the level of production technology is higher. Accordingly, much more elements are placed per unit area.

The process technology by which processors are manufactured directly affects their characteristics. The main ones are heat dissipation and energy intensity. Therefore, the more painstaking the technical process, the higher the efficiency, but also the higher the heat flux density per unit area of ​​the processor itself.

The process index is characterized in nanometers. Today it is equal to 7-14 nm. Accordingly, the lower this value, the better.

Internal memory
With the help of internal (cache) memory, the processor performs calculations. Its volume directly affects the performance of the processor. Of course, less than the number of cores and the frequency indicator, but still. Therefore, you should not neglect this parameter when choosing a processor.

The impact of cache memory in various programs ranges from 5 to 15 percent. The cost of processors with more internal memory is much higher.

Cache memory is indicated by the symbol “L”. It is divided into four levels. But for most modern processors, this indicator does not exceed the third level. Since the fourth is practically not required for ordinary user PCs. It is usually required for server devices.

video card
In a number of processors, next to the main chip, and sometimes as part of a single chip, there is also a graphics chip - the GPU. This happens only in some cases, since such “video cards” are generally treated with distrust. It should be said that this opinion is no longer entirely relevant, since modern integrated video cards have already reached a new level. It is quite enough to perform simple gaming tasks.

But, if you have a graphics card , then the processor can be purchased at a lower cost, which does not include graphics.

But in cases where you do not need a powerful professional PC, we recommend taking a processor with integrated graphics. The cost of such a processor will be slightly higher, but then you will not have to buy a video card and, in general, the assembly will be cheaper.

What is the performance level of current integrated graphics models? Let's just say that in desktop processors that are not positioned as a “processor with a powerful graphics core” in 3D, they are somewhere at the GT730-740 level, but they allow you to connect up to 3 monitors with a resolution of 4k.

Thus, we have considered the main parameters that we advise you to pay attention to when choosing a processor for your PC.