Putting the wrong brain in the right body can seriously goof the psychological balance, right? That’s exactly what happens when you pair the wrong CPU (brain) with the PC (body). Every computer has a purpose, and choosing the right CPU is absolutely necessary.
CPU-picking errors are more common than you think. Having built over 100 PCs over the past five years, I have come across many first-timers and even intermediates who stutter and go wrong while choosing a CPU.
That is why I have prepared this CPU buying guide with great depth. As I have seen firsthand how a processor can impact your entire build, I would be the right person to help you get the first step toward setting up any machine that you want.
So let’s begin without further ado!
Contents
What Makes a CPU Good? [CPU Specs Explained]
As mentioned, you need to get the right processor for the PC build to work well. And trust me when I say this: the processor is the first PC component you need to look at once you decide on the purpose and budget.
Today, I shall enlist some of the most important CPU specs that you need to look at before picking one. It is advisable to look at the following features and align your budget and requirements accordingly.
1. CPU Cores
Every processor has a certain number of smaller processing units called cores. For instance, the Intel Core i3-10100 has four cores, whereas something like the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X has 12 cores.
Also, something like the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X has 64 cores. The number of cores determines the quality of multitasking performances.
Applications related to 3D rendering and virtualization are better off with a higher number of cores as they need to run sub-tasks in parallel.
Also, if you are unsure about what to look for in a gaming processor, do note that Battlefield V, Total War: Three Kingdoms, and even Watch Dogs: Legion is great at taking advantage of multiple processor cores.
2. Clock Speed
While the number of cores signifies the number of sub-processors, the clock speed of a processor is a good measure of the number of instructions it can process. It is measured in GHz. A higher clock speed means the processor can do things faster.
While selecting a processor, you should not just look at the base clock speed but also the boosted clock speed. This metric tells you whether the processor is good enough to surpass the base limitations if and when needed.
If you are into music production, the processor you need to pick must focus more on exceptional single-core performances.
This is when a higher clock speed becomes a desirable trait. Processors like the Intel Core i9-12900K and AMD Ryzen 7 5800X are the ones with exceptional clock speeds, boasting 32GHz and 3.8GHz, respectively, as the base measures.
3. Cache Memory
Every processor has a small amount of quick-access memory, termed cache. If you plan on building a high-performance PC, it is preferable to have a processor with high cache memory.
A processor with high cache memory and exceptional clock speed makes a great gaming pick. If you plan on picking CPUs with high cache memory, the likes of AMD Ryzeb 7 5800X with 32MB if the same can be a good bet.
Also, video editing and scientific apps like MATLAB respond better to processors with high cache memory.
4. Socket Compatibility
This is where things can get tricky for first-timers. Do note that if you pick a processor first, based on the clock speed, number of cores, and even cache, it becomes easier to pick the right motherboard even.
Intel chipsets work well with motherboards with LGA sockets. For instance, 11th gen Intel chipsets need motherboards with LGA 1200 as the socket type.
AMD processors like Ryzen Pro would need motherboards featuring AM4 sockets. AMD Threadripper variants would require TR4 sockets.
Therefore, it is necessary to check the processor-motherboard compatibility via socket matching, before you plan on picking a processor.
If you wonder how these sockets differ, here’s a very good comparison between LGA and PGA sockets.
5. Integrated GPU
CPUs with integrated graphics processing units are good for playing basic-level games and handle several apps that require a bit more than just a standard processor.
The Intel Core i7-1165G7 is one processor that features the best-in-class integrated GPU — the Iris Xe. Powerful Ryzen processors feature Radeon Graphics, which are equally resourceful.
It is noteworthy that high-quality Integrated GPUs are good for managing tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and light gaming. Plus, they can also accelerate video encoding and decoding tasks if the PC already has a powerful GPU in play.
6. CPU Threads
While CPU cores act as standalone processing units, threads signify simultaneous processing units. Threads are important when it comes to buying a CPU, as multi-threaded variants can handle and process multiple lines of instructions with ease.
Tasks like web browning and productivity are better handled by processors with multiple threads.
Some processors, like the Intel Core i3-10100, come with four cores and eight corresponding threads. This functionality is termed hyperthreading and is a processor-specific feature that I shall discuss later.
As mentioned previously, some game engines, compression/decompression tasks, and virtualization tasks that can benefit from multiple cores can also benefit from multiple processing threads.
7. TDP (Thermal Design Power)
Every processor produces some amount of heat while working. Powerful processors like the Intel Core i9-11900K and even Ryzen 9 5900X have high TDP ratings of 125 Watts and 105 Watts, respectively.
And while higher TDP values show the power of a processor, they end up requiring additional cooling solutions.
However, if you are looking for a decent processor with low TDP dependencies, The Intel Core i9-11900T is a good option, courtesy of its 35-Watt TDP footprint. Regardless, powerful gaming processors will anyway have high TDP footprints.
8. Instructions Per Clock (IPC)
The IPC count refers to the number of instructions that a processor can handle or execute per clock cycle. Therefore, a higher IPC number means that the processor is a better bet for AI-specific tasks, video editing, and professional applications.
Simply put, IPC is the measure of processor efficiency. And you can measure it by dividing the number of instructions that a processor can execute in a given time period by the number of clock cycles needed to do that same.
Usually, top-of-the-line processors like Intel Core i9-11900K have the best IPC counts.
9. Overclocking
Overclocking isn’t always a relevant parameter in regard to traditional processor selection. Yet, in some cases, it might be useful to know that the processor can be overclocked — pushed beyond the default settings.
Most CPU-intensive tasks like 3D rendering and video editing can benefit from overclocking. So if you wonder how much processing power you need, ask if you’d ever consider overclocking. That way, you can get the likes of Intel Core i9-11900K.
However, overclocking comes with its share of pitfalls. It increases the TDP and even reduces the lifespan of the CPU.
10. Memory Channels
CPUs have independent data channels that help them access the memory. Processors with a higher number of memory channels perform better when it comes to memory-related tasks like gaming, data analysis, and more.
If you are looking for examples, the Intel Core i9-10980XE chipset is one of the top-notch variants with quad-channel support. Dual memory channels are most common, with Intel Core i7-11700K being one of the exponents of the same.
Apart from the mentioned features, consider looking at the processor manufacturing process and die size as considerations for picking one.
Coming to the processor types, you can choose between Intel and AMD, depending on your preferences. I shall discuss the same over the next few segments.
And finally, if you have plans to purchase a processor to prepare the right PC build, it is advisable to strike the perfect balance between cores, clock speed, and TDP over everything else.
How To Choose a Perfect CPU for Your PC Build?
Now that I have discussed all the features relevant to a processor, here is a detailed guide explaining things you must keep in mind while purchase:
1. Know Your Purpose
Before you pick the most important component for your PC, you need to decide what the purpose of the PC would be. For instance, you can consider building a basic home-use computer, in which case something like an Intel Core i3 or even an Intel Pentium Gold PC might suffice.
For gaming PCs, Intel Core or AMD Ryzen 5 processors could be the bare minimum starting point. Workstation PCs might need AMD Ryzen Threadripper or even the Intel Xeon variants. Then, there can be video editing PCs where Ryzen 7 and Ryzen 9 would fit in really well.
In case you simply have a home theater or a media center PC in mind, the Intel Core i3 can make sense. And these are simply the standard examples. There can be countless categories, which each requirement calling in a specific type of processor.
2. Set Your Budget
Processors can vary in terms of price points. Before you go about picking one, it is necessary to ascertain the overall budget. Ideally, you should not allocate more than 20% of the overall PC building budget to purchasing a processor. However, this figure is meant for standard home and even office PCs.
For powerful gaming stations, you might even want to spend 40% of the entire budget on the processor. Regardless, your aim should be to choose a processor that aligns with your needs relevant to the GPU, RAM modules, storage modules, and other important PC components.
3. Choose Between Intel and AMD
It is important to be ultra-sure when it comes to picking up the right brand for your processor. Even though you need to pick between Intel and AMD variants, there are some other factors in play. For instance, AMD variants are better when it comes to aligning the purchase with your budget.
For better single-core performances and improved clock speeds, I would always recommend Intel. AMD processors excel at multi-core and multi-thread support, making them better workstation bets.
4. Ensure Compatibility with your Motherboard
Even though the processor is the most important part of your build, it isn’t the only component in play. Therefore, before purchasing, you need to see if the same is compatible with the motherboard, provided you have got the chipset first. Compatibility with the cooler and the relevant socket is also a factor to consider.
5. Heat Generated
Your CPU isn’t the only component that would heat up when you use the PC. It is, therefore, advisable to look at the total TDP handling ability of the cooler, the power rating of the PSU, and even the quality of the case before you plan on getting a processor.
And all of that sums up all the considerations that must cross your mind while purchasing a CPU.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are more concerned about the brand, Intel and AMD are the broader computer processor types. Generally speaking, you can segregate CPU types as mobile, desktop, server, and laptop processors.
If you want to know what processor you need, you must first ascertain the intended usage, preferred performance level, budget, and even the compatibility quotient corresponding to the entire build. Regardless, if you have a budget in place, you should not end up spending more than 30% on the processor.
Well, the cost of a CPU can vary, depending on your preferences and features. However, if you are looking at the range here, the cheapest ones can set you back by $50, whereas some of the more premium variants can even cost $1000. It all depends on the performance level, type, and brand.
Suppose you are looking to purchase a CPU for gaming, you must pick one with high clock speed, decent integrated graphics support, multiple cores, hyperthreading support, and even a chance at overclocking.
When it comes to purchasing a CPU, your primary focus should be on the clock speeds, size of cache memory, TDP, IPC, socket compatibility, and even the number of cores in play.
Conclusion
Picking the right CPU is crucial. You would know it by now. What you might want to know is that processors are evolving at a clip, with new features, additional cores, and newer technologies like 3D stacking showing up every other day.
Plus, with the advent of 5G connectivity, AI-specific needs, and a focus on Neuromorphic and Quantum Computing, it is advisable to keep researching, reading, and learning about the newest breed of processors whenever possible.
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