BLUE FOUNTAIN TECH

Last Updated on January 31, 2022 by King Iphy

Before you buy a new laptop or upgrade an existing one, it is very paramount that you consider the best processors to meet your specific needs. A processor can be likened to the brain of the PC. It determines how the computer thinks and acts. A very efficient processor would allow you to edit videos, photos, browse the internet, play games, and do a whole lot effortlessly.

Unfortunately, so many buyers just go out there and make purchases without considering factors that affect the efficiency of a processor. You must take into account the kind of application you want to run on your PC before making a purchase.

Intel and AMD are the two leading companies that manufacture the highest quality processors in the market.

Read further to discover these awesome processors with varying prices. The most expensive doesn’t guarantee the best, just find one that matches your needs.

Buying Guides: 4 factors to consider before purchase

1. Core Count
2. Multithreading
3. Base Clock and Boost Clock
4. Locked versus Unlocked

Core Count

Each processor is made up of one or more “cores” or independent processing units. Each core processes instructions for a single computing activity at a specific frequency, measured in gigahertz, known as “clock speed” (GHz). Modern computers today have multiple cores because it has proven technically impossible to increase the clock frequency beyond a certain point (dual-core, quad-core, etc.). They work together to process orders and multitask.

Though not really, imagine core count like engine cylinders of a vehicle; the more the cores the more the power, all things being equal.

You should only compare core count when comparing processors within the same generation. For better performance of the processor, you need more cores.

Multithreading

Certain Intel and AMD CPUs support multithreading. In a nutshell, multithreading allows your PC to run two separate processing assignments on each CPU core.

Intel calls this technology ‘’Hyper-Threading’’ (HT), while AMD calls it ‘’Symmetric multithreading” (SMT). They are both the same thing.

Base Clock and Boost Clock

It’s measured in gigahertz (GHz), these are two of the primary specs for any given CPU

The base clock is a multiple of the system’s low-position clock and the CPU multiplier and is the normal speed at which the chip cores run. The boost clock is a higher level at which one or more cores can run when the task demands it, and when the system’s thermal conditions allow.

Locked VS Unlocked

When your CPU is unlocked, you can overclock it, which means you can increase your CPU frequency beyond its usual settings. If you buy a locked processor, you will not be able to increase the speed of the processor. Intel Core X-Series, AMD Ryzen, and AMD Ryzen Threadripper chips are unlocked, while Intel’s mainstream Cores are a mix, but mostly locked.

Table of Comparison

PRODUCT	FEATURES	WHERE TO BUY
Intel Core i9-9980XE Extreme Edition	18 cores, 36 threads 3.0GHz base clock 4.6GHz boost clock 14nm manufacturing process Wi-Fi 6 support	Get It Now
Intel Core i9-7920X X-Series	CPU speed 12 x 2.9GHz RAM speed 2666MHz CPU threads 24 L2 cache 12MB , L3 cache 16.5MB Semiconductor size 14nm	Get It Now
Intel Core i9-9900X X-Series	10 Cores/20 Threads 3.50 GHz base frequency and up to 4.40 GHz Max Turbo frequency Quad DDR4 2666 Memory channels Compatible only with Intel x299 chipsets motherboards Intel Optane Memory supported	Get It Now
Intel Core i9-10920X	Four-Channel DDR4-2933 Up to 44 PCI Express 3.0 Lanes Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0 Intel Deep Learning Boost	Get It Now
Intel Core i7-3770K	Four cores Intel turbo boost technology Hyper-threading 22nm 3-D transistor Improved graphics	Get It Now
AMD Ryzen 7 2700X	Octacore processor with 16 threads 12nm Zen+ architecture 105W TDP Wraith Prism cooler	Get It Now
AMD Ryzen 5 2600	AMD StoreMI Technology AMD SenseMI Technology Max Boost Frequency of 3.9 GHz Socket AM4 AMD Wraith Stealth Cooler Included	Get It Now
AMD YD297XAZAFWOF	AMD SenseMI Technology AMD Ryzen Master Utility 24 Cores / 48 Threads 4.2 GHz Max Boost Clocks, 3.0 GHz Base 12nm manufacturing process	Get It Now

1. Intel Core i9-9980XE Extreme Edition

PROS	CONS
Construction that is thermally efficient Excellent performance Very good overclocking Turbo Boost	Compared to AMD rival, performance is lower per dollar.

 

2. Intel Core i9-7920X X-Series

The X series processor has been designed to adjust to your needs. It does this by utilizing the fastest cores at better speeds. It will then use the other cores if there is a need for intensive multitasking. It is suited for videos, as its high-speed memory, storage functions, and great 4K visuals are designed to optimize your content creation. It is also unlocked for additional flexibility.

 

Read full review of Intel Core i9-7920X.

PROS	CONS
Suitable for gaming Powerful Quick (like supersonic fast lol, fastest PC CPU I think) Lightweight Support for Optane memory	Extremely hot (may be cooled, but at a higher cost) Usage is restricted to particular types of people; not everyone will require this, as it is essentially overkill for ordinary use.

3. Intel Core i9-9900X X-Series

PROS	CONS
Superior multitasking performance Superior all-core boot speed Good for gaming	Does not include a cooler.

4. Intel Core i9-10920X

PROS	CONS
Supports Thunderbolt 3 technology Marker-less motion tracking Smooth operation and better performance Has overclocking properties	CPU cooler not included

5.  Intel Core i7-3770K

PROS	CONS
High turbo boost clock rates Improved thermal transfer Good for gaming Great 3D graphics display	A BIOS upgrade is needed for efficiency

 

6. AMD Ryzen 7 2700X

PROS	CONS
More cores for less money Higher clocks Better memory compatibility Backward-compatible with X370 motherboards Improved performance Useful cooler	Highest-energy draw on load Expect only average gains from overclocking

7. AMD Ryzen 5 2600

PROS	CONS
Excellent performance value Compatible with almost all motherboards Strong overclocking capabilities	Needs water-cooling for serious over-clocking Due to restricted all-core overclocking headroom, gaming performance is lower than competing Intel Core i5 CPUs.

 

8. AMD YD297XAZAFWOF Ryzen Threadripper

 

PROS	CONS
Sufficient cores and threads Excellent multi-threaded performance Compatible with X399 motherboards	Single-threaded performance can be disappointing

FAQs

Ques. What processor should I buy for my new laptop?

This basically depends on you; your budget and what you intend to use the laptop for. If you need it to do basic computer operations like browsing the internet, basic office tasks, then you can buy any of the recent Intel or AMD processors. However, if you’ll be using very demanding software or you’re an avid gamer, then you’re better off buying a Core i7 or i9 processor or an AMD Ryzen Processor.

Ques. What processor speed is the best?

If you’d be using your laptop for basic operations like internet usage, office tools, playing media files then a 1.3GHz processor will be just OK for you. However, if you’d be using your laptop for games, video editing, 3D animation, then go for processors with high speeds between 3.5GHz to 4.2GHz.

Ques. How can I increase my laptop speed?

One way of doing it is by overclocking your CPU. This is quite risky if you’re not a technician. It is best done by a technician.

Ques. Which is faster: AMD or Intel processors?

The top-end AMD Ryzen processors are generally faster than their Intel counterparts. However, AMD mid-range processors with similar or higher clock rates with Intel processors have been found to operate at 40 percent slower than their Intel counterparts.

Ques. Does the base clock matter when buying a processor?

Previously, the base clock showed the total speed or frequency at which a processor performed, entailing that a 2.4GHz processor was better than a 2.0GHz processor. Nonetheless, in the latest processor models, there is turbo  boost that ensures processors adjust their frequency based on your activity. This gave rise to the turbo boost clock which shows the frequency at which the processor can run when you’re performing demanding operations. However, what this means is that, if you’re running such operations, then the processor would only run at the base clock.

Happy shopping.