A Processor is also known as CPU, or Central Processing Unit. It is the most important part of the computer. It works as the computer’s brain. Every computer in the market usually displays what kind of Processor does it bears like for example: “Intel Inside”. It boast what the computer has and capable of, so you’ll notice how important the Processor plays in our computer.
However, while it is the most important part of the computer in general, it comes only second in GPU or Graphics Processing Unit in computer gaming. The GPU is like the CPU but works on a graphics part of our computer.
Right now, I’ll provide some highlights and reviews about CPU and CPU brands.
Processors have two important aspects: the clock speed and the number of cores. Clock speed is read through Gigahertz (GHz). The higher number of cores is more important than higher numbers of clock speed. For example, a four-core 3GHZ CPU will beat the dual-core 3.3GHZ in performance.
Now, here is the list of the best gaming processors in the market today.
Intel Core i7-2600k
This “Sandy Bridge” processor is one of the best in its price bracket in the market today. Although gaming enthusiasts may not be greatly impress with this processor, but it still do the job above the expectation.
Fast and Unlocked
The i7-2600k is a quad-core processor with the clock speed of 3.4 GHz but can run at the maximum speed of 3.8, thanks to its Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0. The “k” in the model’s name means it has unlocked multiplier to allow overclocking without the hassle.
Multitasking
With the Intel Hyper-Threading Technology, i7’s all four core can perform two tasks at the same time. It speeds up your work and saves you time.
Smooth Graphics
No need for discrete graphics card. Built-in visuals provide great and steady graphics and cut the power consumption. It has graphic clock speed from 850 MHz up to 1350 MHz. Its InTru3D provides stereoscopic 3D Blu-ray playback in 1080p resolution and premium audio through HDMI 1.4.
Pros
- Above average media-processing performance.
- Unlocked for hassle-free overclocking
Cons
- Requires new motherboard
Conclusion
Intel Core i7-2600k is an impressive release from Intel. It may not be an over-all outstanding, but still beats competitors on its level. It can perform your daily computer task and average computer games excellently. It’s a value processor on a lesser price.
Intel Core i5-2500k
Another “Sandy Bridge” processor but an inferior model compare to the i7-2600k. It is cheaper and less-powerful. But nonetheless, it’s still worthy of room in your motherboard.
Aside from its unique Intel HD Graphics 3000, the highest-performing Intel integrated graphics at this time, the i5-2500 contains resemblance from i7-2600k such as the Unlocking, the Built-In Visuals for smooth graphic experience and power-saving enhancement. It also has Intel InTru3D for 3D Blu-ray playback and premium audio.
What’s less with the i5-2500k from the i7-600k is it’s slower with 3.3 GHz compared to 3.4 GHz of i7 and runs the maximum of 3.7 against i7’s 3.8 GHz. It also lacks the i7’s Intel Hyper-Threading technology for multitasking performance.
Pros
- High-performance
- Intel HD Graphics 3000, the highest-performing Intel integrated graphics.
- Unlocked for hassle-free overclocking
Cons
- Doesn’t have Hyper-Threading
- Requires new motherboard
Conclusion
It’s still a high-performing processor. It is the best on its price level and remains competitive against other brands in the market.
Intel Core i3-2100
The Intel Core i3-2100 is maybe the cheapest Sandy Bridge available. It also has the least feature compare to its more powerful big brothers i5-2500k and i7-2600k.
The Core i3-2100 is a dual-core chip based on Intel’s 32nm production process. It’s 3.1GHz fast but can’t provide extra speed because of the lack of Turbo Boost. It can function up to four processing thread at the same time through Hyper-Threading.
The Core i3-2100 contains 3MB of cache with Intel HD Graphics 2000 for integrated video which is the least of the two Sandy Bridge integrated video options. However, it will be significantly useful for DirectX10.1.
Pros
- Uses two processing cores and up to four threads.
- Contains second-generation Core features.
Cons
- Requires new motherboard
- Least current Intel CPU
- Slower Intel HD Graphics 2000
Conclusion
Being the least Sandy Bridge, it still surprisingly met my expectations. It may fall short on techies’ standard, but it is more than enough for everyday computing. If you understand its limitations, then you’ll feel satisfied with the Core i3-2100 like me.
Intel Core i7-990X
Intel Core i7-990X is the fastest Core today with the speeding 3.45 GHz, with maximum of 3.73 GHz with Turbo Boost. Though it is an update of the recent i7 chips, it is still somehow the same with 12MB cache, 12 threads, 130 watts TDP, unlocked multiplier for overclocking, and the AES-NI instructions.
Perfect Game
The i7-990X is a six-core, 12-thread processor that is perfect for gaming. It will bring your 3D gaming in to life without any interruptions or hiccups. This technology is also ready for the future’s advance gaming.
High-Performance for Digital Media
The i7-990X will be useful not only on gaming but other tasks as well including digital editing software. It is perfect for HD video editing and photo editing. Other tasks perfect for 990X are DVD encoding, compression, HD movie sharing, video transcoding and compression.
Speed
The 990X contains a new technology called the QuickPath Interconnect or QPI. This technology allows the 990X to increase bandwidth and lessens latency and achieve data transfer speeds of up to 25.6GB/s.
Pros
- Superb speed.
- Six cores and 12 threads
Cons
- Pricey
Conclusion
You get what you pay for. But the price you’ll shell out will do so much for you whatever tasks you need such as gaming, business or personal use. And the good thing about the 990X is that you don’t have to worry of upgrading processor for the next generation of gaming.
Intel Core i7-980X
The Intel Core i7-980X is the lesser processor compares to 990X. It has same features only lesser value such as the clock speed which the 980X runs at 3.33 GHz compares to 990X’s 3.45 GHz.
It contains features the same as 990X such as:
- four core and 12 threads for excellent gaming experience and digital media performance
- QuickPath Interconnect (QPI) for achieving data transfer speed.
- Turbo Boost Technology allows 980X to boost its clock speed to a maximum of 3.60 GHz.
- Hyper-Threading Technology for enhanced multitasking
- Unlocked for easy overclocking.
Pros
- Superb speed
- Six cores and 12 threads
Cons
- Pricey
Conclusion
Though it’s a lot like the Core i7-990X, its difference is its lesser speed and lower cost. Second to the 990X, it is a speeding and multitasking processor that will satisfy any gaming enthusiast and techies out there.
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