Processor for a gaming computer 2021: rating of the best, which one to buy
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The content of the article
1) Intel Core i9 10900K
- Price - 50,000 rubles
Who could doubt that the ninth generation Intel Core would not be at the top of the list of the best gaming processors of 2021? This is the most powerful and most expensive PC processor. The device can consume huge amounts of electricity and heat up to extremely high temperatures. But in return you will get a “gaming monster” - its performance is an order of magnitude greater than that of other models.
The designers took care of the power reserve - 10 cores/20 threads. This is more than enough for new generations of games. As already mentioned, the device gets very hot, so you should think in advance about a good cooling system - it works well with air, but you won’t be able to achieve the same overclocking as with liquid.
Characteristics: socket LGA1200, 10 cores, 20 threads, frequency 3.7-5.3 GHz, second level cache - 2.5 MB, third level - 20 MB, memory type and number of channels DDR4 2933 MHz 2 pcs.
Apart from high energy consumption and high price, it has no disadvantages.
2) AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
- Price - 40,000 rubles
AMD's best gaming processor, the Ryzen 9 3900X, is inferior to the Core i9 in games, but slightly superior in other tasks. The main advantage of this model is its multitasking. The device processes several applications at once.
In terms of price/performance ratio, the Ryzen 9 3900X is the best option available. It provides high performance and speed, which is best seen in video processing. Additional advantages of the model include a good cooler, which is included in the kit and reduces costs when assembling a PC.
Characteristics: socket AM4, 12 cores, 24 threads, frequency 3.8-4.6 GHz, second level cache - 6 MB, third level cache - 64 MB, memory type and number of channels DDR4 3200 MHz 2 pcs.
Among the disadvantages, we can highlight the small overclocking potential.
3) Intel Core i7-10700K
- Price - 32,000 rubles
Fast, powerful, productive - all this is about the Core i7-10700K. The gaming performance of this eight-core, 16-thread processor is equal to its big brother, the Core i9 10900K, and almost equal to AMD's Ryzen 5000 line.
Fans of high power will be pleased with the large overclocking headroom of this model. It operates stably at 5 GHz with a slight increase in performance. However, for this you will need a good cooling system along with high quality thermal paste.
This gaming processor has low performance. If you are assembling a purely gaming setup, then this model will be an excellent solution. Well, if you plan to use the computer for other purposes, then you should think about the more powerful Ryzen 3700X and Ryzen 5000.
Characteristics: Socket 1200, 8 cores, 16 threads, frequency 3.8-5.1 GHz, second level cache - 2 MB, third level - 16 MB, memory type and number of channels DDR4 2933 MHz 2 pcs.
Among the disadvantages are problems with cooling, not energy efficient.
4) AMD Ryzen 7 3700X
- Price - 30,000 rubles
The best model in terms of power/price ratio - the Ryzen 7 3700X takes fourth place in the top best gaming processors of 2021.
AMD is essentially Intel's only competitor in the high-performance processor market. To combat Intel's hegemony, AMD is reducing the markup on its products without reducing their quality. Because of this, their products are in great demand.
Unlike the previous Ryzen in the top, this one has a smaller number of cores and threads - 8/16 versus 12/24. Frequency 3.6-4.4 GHz. Thanks to multi-threading, it is considered the best mid-range processor for virtual reality. The overclocking margin is small, so you have to rely on the base. At the same time, the device shows excellent FPS even at high resolution.
It's not the most powerful device on the market, but it's fast, productive, and cheap. Therefore, it is the best budget option for building a PC.
Characteristics: AM4 socket, 8 cores, 16 threads, frequency 3.6-4.4 GHz, second level cache - 4 MB, third level cache - 32 MB, memory type and number of channels DDR4 3200 MHz 2 pcs.
Among the shortcomings of the model, we can highlight the small potential for overclocking.
5) Intel Core i5-10600K
- Price - 20,000 rubles
The rating is closed by another model from Intel. The Core i5-10600K is primarily a gaming device. It has quite a large overclocking potential, after which the i5 will not be inferior to the i9-10900K in terms of gaming power. At the same time, it will not be so energy-consuming and demanding on the cooling system. Intel Core i5-10600K is an excellent option for gamers who don’t want to overpay an extra 20-30 thousand.
The model has 6 cores and 12 threads. Because of this, some PC builders will immediately rule it out. Although, as already mentioned, the i5-10600K will not be inferior to the i9-10900K in terms of gaming power after overclocking.However, regular performance leaves much to be desired.
The 10600K is predicted to perform well in next-gen games. Therefore, you can take this model with a reserve for the next couple of years.
Characteristics: Socket 1200, 6 cores, 12 threads, frequency 4.1-4.8 GHz, second level cache - 1536 KB, third level - 12 MB, memory type and number of channels DDR4 2666 MHz 2 pcs. Disadvantages - cost, which is greater than that of analogues from AMD.
