AMD Ryzen 5 2600
- Number of cores: 6
- Number of threads: 12
- Base frequency: 3400 MHz
- Maximum frequency: 3900 MHz
- L3 cache size: 16 MB
- Process technology: 12 nm
- Standard TDP: 65 W
Among budget models there are not only entry-level stones, but also intermediate ones. In the case of AMD, this has been the Ryzen 5 line for several years now. With each new generation, the relevance of past models may subside, but very slowly, which cannot be said about prices. Usually you can see how before the sale of new processors, almost two old ones become cheaper. This arrangement is obviously extremely profitable; many users even specifically expect such moments in order to save money.
A good example of this is the Ryzen 5 2600, which is almost half the price of its newer version. Although there are not so many differences between them.
According to the characteristics, we have 6 full cores and 12 threads at a maximum frequency of 3.9 GHz. The technical process corresponds to 2021 - 12 nm. The volume of the third level cache is 16 MB. This was a lot two years ago and is still a good value, even though in the new generation of AMD stones they doubled the L3 cache. You can also play both standard and current games, as well as more demanding projects.
If we take the nominal hardware parameters as an example, then in ultra games we can get the following results for average FPS: in Deus Ex: Mankind Divided 80 frames, in Watch Dogs 2 - 65 frames, and this also applies to a processor overclocked from the factory, in Battlefield 1 around 100 FPS and finally Assassin's Creed Origins 76 FPS. Generally speaking, these are quite solid indicators for a stone that can be snatched for up to 10 thousand rubles in a store.
AMD Ryzen 3 Summit Ridge
The processor is based on the 14-nm Zen architecture, which allowed the manufacturer, provided that the same 65 W thermal package is used, to accommodate 1.5 times more computing power. The chip frequency for this price is also quite good - 3.1 - 3.4 GHz with the possibility of overclocking to 3.9-4 GHz. But for this you will need an expensive motherboard with a B350 or X370 chip. The budget A320 does not have such an option. There is no integrated graphics, so in addition to the processor you will definitely need a video card.
Intel Core i5-9400F
- Number of cores: 6
- Number of threads: 6
- Base frequency: 2900 MHz
- Maximum frequency: 4100 MHz
- L3 cache size: 9 MB
- Process technology: 14 nm
- Standard TDP: 65 W
I would call the Core i5-9400F a direct competitor to the previous processor. At first glance, one might immediately doubt it, because there is no multi-threading as such in this case, which means that in certain games the Ryzen 5 2600 will definitely be ahead, but not everything is so clear. It is worth understanding that currently existing games, as well as those that are coming out, are not as CPU-dependent as they seem. Long ago, there was a shift in the industry towards video cards, especially for single-user projects. This is why you can see significant growth in the graphics industry and slight stagnation in the case of processors.
Nowadays, in games there are much fewer objects that have their own physics, and the level of realism and colorfulness of the final image is much higher, which can also be achieved more likely with hardware tools, take as an example the same RTX line from NVIDIA with ray tracing.
Moreover, the specifics of Intel stones also play a role here. Everyone who is familiar with this topic understands well that Intel and AMD processors are different; their differences lie in architecture and optimization. It just so happened that Intel for a long time was the company that was preferred by more people, due to which they had enough time and money to improve their product not in the form of big numbers in characteristics, but in optimization. It is for this reason that you can observe the superiority of the Core i5-9400F in games: in Assassin's Creed Odyssey more than 72 FPS, in Battlefield V 138 FPS, in Call of Cthulhu 101 FPS and almost 130 frames in Conan Exiles.
For this reason, it is important to clearly understand what tasks you are going to use your computer for. If it's gaming, then Intel is your choice; for work, AMD is irreplaceable.
Manufacturers
They specialize in models for different types of equipment (PCs, smartphones, laptops).
Companies Samsung, HiSilicon (Huawei), Apple, MediaTek, Qualcomm produce models for mobile phones and tablets.
New developments:
- Samsung – Exynos 990;
- HiSilicon (Huawei) – HiSilicon Kirin 990 (5G);
- Apple - Apple A12Z Bionic;
- MediaTek – Dimensity 1000 Plus;
- Qualcomm – Snapdragon 865 Plus.
The two main manufacturers of PC chips are Intel and AMD. They differ in the internal structure of the processors and the method of attachment to the motherboard (socket type).
They produce lines that differ in power and price:
- Intel: Celeron, Pentium (budget option), Core i3, i5, i7, i9 (expensive).
- AMD: A-series and Athlon (entry level), Ryzen (gamers, programmers), Ryzen Threadripper (professionals).
Intel
Advantages of the models:
- high performance gaming types;
- communication with RAM;
- low power consumption;
- popularity among developers and manufacturers.
Minuses:
- high price;
- built-in graphics are of lower quality;
- Speed decreases when running 2 or 3 large programs.
AMD
Pros:
- high quality graphics cores;
- good start, processor overclocking;
- average, low price category.
Minuses:
- high energy consumption;
- reduced speed (strong video card, “heavy” games).
Intel Core i3-9350KF
- Number of cores: 4
- Number of threads: 4
- Base frequency: 4000 MHz
- Maximum frequency: 4600 MHz
- L3 cache size: 8 MB
- Process technology: 14 nm
- Standard TDP: 91 W
In general, Intel has always been a company that was not afraid to experiment both in the server computer market and with products that are available to all users. However, most often this is expressed in the form of lucrative offers tailored to a narrower audience.
By default, Intel prefers to release processors with standard integrated graphics, which are not capable of much in terms of games. This also affects sales; it is more profitable for the user to buy such a stone and insert it into his computer, which, for example, is designed simply for viewing media content and checking mail, thereby saving on a video card. However, Intel goes even further and sells exactly the same stones, but with non-working graphics, but at a reduced price, which creates a huge rush around people who want to save as much as possible. An ideal example of this is the Core i3-9350KF, which, in addition, is marked K, which also attracts the attention of users. To be clearer, the K marking on Intel processors indicates a free multiplier, and this completely frees up the hands of all those who like to overclock their system.
And even though this is a junior stone with 4 cores and without multithreading, Intel took care of a high maximum frequency and a good amount of L3 cache memory of 8 MB. Although it is worth recognizing that this was reflected in the TDP, which is 91 W.
To be fair, we should take as an example tests in games where this processor is overclocked, but we will consider the results in stock, since this is more honest and objective: in Assassin's Creed Odyssey the average FPS will be around 69 frames, in Battlefield V - 124 frames, and in Conan Exiles - 140, and even in Far Cry 5 the average FPS is almost 130 frames.
Processor Intel Core i3-10100F
New 10th generation Intel Core i3-10100F processor, codenamed Comet Lake microarchitecture. Designed for the Intel LGA 1200 desktop platform. Belongs to the high-performance Core i3 processor family.
Intel Core i3-10100F is manufactured according to the 14-nm process technology, has 4 cores that operate in 8 threads with a standard clock frequency of 3.6 GHz, 4.3 GHz in Turbo Boost mode. Level 3 cache capacity is 6 MB. Has a 2-channel DDR4 memory controller.
The letter “F” in the name of the new chip, as is customary with Intel, means the absence of a built-in video core. This is the main and only difference between the Core i3-10100F and the original Core i3-10100 in terms of technical characteristics - even the heat dissipation level (TDP) remains the same.
The processor is an ideal option for gaming and office computers, but you must keep in mind that it does not have built-in graphics.
AMD Ryzen 5 3500X
- Number of cores: 6
- Number of threads: 6
- Base frequency: 3600 MHz
- Maximum frequency: 4100 MHz
- L3 cache size: 32 MB
- Process technology: 7 nm
- Standard TDP: 65 W
And the last stone for today from AMD, the specification of which could also be called gaming. A bit like Intel, but with higher performance figures. As you can understand from the official website, this stone was originally intended only for China, so it should not have ended up on the Russian market. But as we see, things are different.
Essentially, this is a factory-overclocked CPU with six cores without multi-threading, but with a respectable maximum frequency of 4.1 GHz and using the latest 7 nm process technology. The nominal TDP, even taking into account the existing overclocking, is only 65 W, which indicates good optimization. But what’s more pleasing is the solid volume of third-level cache memory of 32 MB, which allows you to enter the world of processor-dependent games and settle down there thoroughly.
It is not so surprising that there are few tests with this stone; nevertheless, it can be called specific in some way. However, according to the data available on the Internet, we can say that the Ryzen 5 3500X is capable of the following results: 108 FPS in Metro Exodus, 150 FPS in Battlefield V, 148 FPS in The Division 2 and almost 110 FPS in The Shadow of the Tomb Raider. Very solid and worthy if you want to get maximum profit in games for minimal money expenses.
Gaming processor up to 15,000 rubles: AMD Ryzen 5 2600 or Intel Core i5-9400F - the golden mean
From the point of view of the average computer user who wants to spend money wisely, the AMD Ryzen 5 2600 and Intel Core i5-9400F are the ideal processors with the so-called golden mean - they have an excellent price-performance ratio, they can handle new games without any problems, and thanks to Six cores will age much slower than cheaper quad-core processors. In other words, buying one of these over a cheaper quad-core processor offers very tangible and easily noticeable benefits - especially in newer, more demanding games. However, buying something more expensive than the right one will increase performance, but it's not entirely proportionate to the price increase - especially if someone is content to play at 60fps. and there's no need to reach 120 or 144 fps.
Why do we recommend two different processors in this price range? Because we can’t say for sure which one is better. It all depends on the price and needs. The Ryzen 5 2600 (even after overclocking) is a little slower in games from the Core i5-9400F, but thanks to HT support, this six-core system is a 12-thread system, giving it a huge advantage over the Core i5-9400F where very high compute power is required . With its large number of logical processors, it even dominates Intel's cross-platform capabilities in such applications. The Ryzen 5 2600 delivers smooth, frame-less images with much better quality images. If game streaming is your hobby or you use the computer for work (exporting video files, rendering 3D graphics), then the Ryzen 5 2600 is the best choice. However, if only game performance is important (especially in popular esports games) and you are not interested in a career on YouTube, then the Intel Core i5-9400F is the best choice (as long as it doesn't cost more than $200), especially if you don't know anything (and don't want to know) about overclocking, because Ryzen's success is largely due to the fact that it's easy and efficient to use.
It is worth mentioning here that the Intel Core i5-9400F is interchangeable with the Intel Core i5-8400. The Core i5-9400F is 100 MHz faster and typically a little cheaper, but it doesn't have an integrated graphics chip (which doesn't have much value in a gaming PC). So it all depends on the price. If you can find a Core i5-8400 at the same or lower price than the Core i5-9400F, then this older model is worth buying. However, the 9400F is generally a bit cheaper, which is why we recommend this processor.
AMD Ryzen 3 3100 Processor
The AMD Ryzen 3 3100 OEM processor is suitable for use as part of universal home or office computers. The device has 4 cores and is characterized by a base frequency of 3600 MHz. The maximum frequency in turbo mode is slightly higher – 3900 MHz. The required level of processor performance is largely ensured by the significant (16 MB) volume of second-level cache memory.
The AMD Ryzen 3 3100 OEM processor does not have an integrated graphics core. Compatible memory – DDR4. When designing a PC, you must remember that the available memory is limited to 64 GB. Possible memory frequencies are from 1600 to 3200 MHz. The OEM configuration of the model means that there is no cooler included. When choosing this device, you need to start from the TDP of the processor, which is 65 W.
Processor Intel Core i3-9100F
The quad-core processor representing the Coffee Lake Refresh series is an entry-level solution created using a 14 nm process technology. It is designed to assemble multifunctional systems used for both work and entertainment, including games. The Intel i3-9100F BOX processor is equipped with an LGA 1151 v2 socket, which ensures compatibility with numerous modern motherboards. Performance is ensured by four single-threaded cores with a clock frequency of 3.6 GHz each and the ability to automatically increase computing potential by 600 MHz as loads increase (Turbo Boost technology). The CPU is characterized by low power consumption and heat dissipation of up to 65 W, and remains operational when temperatures rise up to 100 ° C. Performance is determined by the presence of 6 MB of third-level cache, and the maximum amount of supported RAM is 64 GB (DDR4 2400 MHz format).
Intel Core i3 Skylake processor
The Intel Core i3 6100 processor is a model in stable demand, built on the Skylake architecture. Equipped with two cores and three levels of cache, this device runs at a clock speed of 3.7 GHz. The model is 64-bit. The size of supported DDR4/DDR3L RAM can reach 64 GB. Two channels of RAM support with a bandwidth of 34.1 GB/second. Using the integrated PCI Express 3.0 controller, the Intel Core i3 6100 processor interacts with other PC devices. Support for high quality reproduced visual information is carried out using the Intel HD Graphics 530 graphics core, whose operating clock frequency ranges from 350 to 1050 MHz. The video processor is equipped with 1.7 GB of memory.
Differences are blurred
The new Celeron 6305 and Pentium Gold 7505 are dual-core processors (the latter supports Hyper-Threading) with base frequencies of 1.8 GHz and 2 GHz, respectively, 4 MB of cache, as well as a dual-channel memory controller with support for DDR4-3200 and LPDDR4X-3733.
Unlike previous generations of Celeron and Pentium Gold processors, the new models support AVX2, Deep Learning Boost technology (uses the VNNI instruction from the AVX-512 set), and also contain the Intel Gaussian and Neural Accelerator 2.0 hardware AI acceleration unit.
In addition, the Intel Celeron 6305 and Pentium Gold 7505 also feature integrated graphics based on the Intel Xe-LP architecture with 48 execution units. Thus, notes Tom's Hardware, they handle graphics better than previous years' Intel Core i7 chips with Iris Pro graphics, and they also support up to four displays. In addition, the new Celerons and Pentiums of the Tiger Lake family provide support for the Thunderbolt 4 interface. Finally, for the first time in the history of the line, the Pentium Gold 7505 supports Turbo Boost 2.0 technology, thanks to which it can automatically overclock to 3.5 GHz.
However, if we compare the youngest Core model of the Tiger Lake family - Core i3-1110G4 - with new entry-level products, the first still wins in a number of parameters. The clock frequency of the “troika” is significantly higher (2.5 GHz and 3.9 GHz in “turbo mode”), has a more capacious cache (6 MB), supports faster LPDDR4X-4267 RAM, as well as a PCIe 4.0 interface. Additionally, the Core i3-1110G4 comes with support for more AVX-512 instructions and therefore performs better in applications that use them.
AMD Ryzen 5 2600X Processor
The new AMD Zen architecture uses a powerful execution engine and also supports simultaneous multi-threading. New three-level low latency cache and new prefetch algorithms significantly reduce cache misses and increase throughput compared to the previous microarchitecture.
Zen combines the latest data processing techniques with high performance and low-power design. This enables a balanced and versatile device architecture for home desktops, laptops, data centers and supercomputers.
Features of Zen microarchitecture. Zen cores are designed to efficiently utilize available microarchitecture resources and provide optimal computing performance. Compared to our previous architecture, the three-level caching system and new prefetch algorithms significantly improve the performance of the cache and execution engines.
