We study the architecture of the latest generations of Intel Core processors. Intel processor markings. How to decrypt

On June 2, Intel announced ten new 14-nanometer processors for desktop and mobile PCs from the fifth-generation Intel Core family (codenamed Broadwell-C) and five new 14-nanometer processors from the Intel Xeon E3-1200 v4 family.

Of the ten new fifth-generation Intel Core processors (Broadwell-C) for desktop and mobile PCs, only two processors are desktop-oriented and have an LGA 1150 socket: these are the quad-core Intel Core i7-5775C and Core i5-5675C models. All other fifth-generation Intel Core processors are BGA-designed and are aimed at laptops. Brief characteristics of the new Broadwell-C processors are presented in the table.

Of the five new processors of the Intel Xeon E3-1200 v4 family, only three models (Xeon E3-1285 v4, Xeon E3-1285L v4, Xeon E3-1265L v4) have an LGA 1150 socket, and two more models are made in a BGA package and are not intended for self-installation on the motherboard. Brief characteristics of the new processors of the Intel Xeon E3-1200 v4 family are presented in the table.

Thus, out of 15 new Intel processors, only five models have an LGA 1150 socket and are aimed at desktop systems. For users, of course, the choice is small, especially considering that the Intel Xeon E3-1200 v4 family of processors is aimed at servers, and not at consumer PCs.

Moving forward, we'll focus on reviewing the new 14nm LGA 1150 processors.

So, the main features of the new fifth-generation Intel Core processors and the Intel Xeon E3-1200 v4 family of processors are the new 14-nanometer core microarchitecture, codenamed Broadwell. In principle, there is no fundamental difference between the processors of the Intel Xeon E3-1200 v4 family and the fifth generation Intel Core processors for desktop systems, so in the future we will refer to all these processors as Broadwell.

In general, it should be noted that the Broadwell microarchitecture is not just Haswell in 14-nanometer design. Rather, it is a slightly improved Haswell microarchitecture. However, Intel always does this: when switching to a new production process, changes are made to the microarchitecture itself. In the case of Broadwell, we are talking about cosmetic improvements. In particular, the volumes of internal buffers have been increased, there are changes in the execution units of the processor core (the scheme for performing multiplication and division operations on floating point numbers has been changed).

We will not consider in detail all the features of the Broadwell microarchitecture (this is a topic for a separate article), but we will once again emphasize that we are only talking about cosmetic changes to the Haswell microarchitecture, and therefore you should not expect that Broadwell processors will be more productive than Haswell processors. Of course, the transition to a new technological process has made it possible to reduce the power consumption of processors (at the same clock frequency), but no significant performance gains should be expected.

Perhaps the most significant difference between the new Broadwell and Haswell processors is the Crystalwell fourth-level cache (L4 cache). Let us clarify that such an L4 cache was present in Haswell processors, but only in top models of mobile processors, and in Haswell desktop processors with an LGA 1150 socket it was not present.

Let us recall that some top models of Haswell mobile processors implemented the Iris Pro graphics core with additional eDRAM memory (embedded DRAM), which solved the problem of insufficient memory bandwidth used for the GPU. eDRAM memory was a separate crystal, which was located on the same substrate with the processor crystal. This crystal was codenamed Crystalwell.

The eDRAM memory had a size of 128 MB and was manufactured using a 22-nanometer process technology. But the most important thing is that this eDRAM memory was used not only for the needs of the GPU, but also for the computing cores of the processor itself. That is, in fact, Crystalwell was an L4 cache shared between the GPU and the processor cores.

All new Broadwell processors also include a separate 128 MB eDRAM memory die, which acts as an L4 cache and can be used by the graphics core and the processor's compute cores. Moreover, we note that the eDRAM memory in 14-nanometer Broadwell processors is exactly the same as in top-end Haswell mobile processors, that is, it is manufactured using a 22-nanometer technical process.

The next feature of the new Broadwell processors is the new graphics core, codenamed Broadwell GT3e. In the version of processors for desktop and mobile PCs (Intel Core i5/i7) it is Iris Pro Graphics 6200, and in processors of the Intel Xeon E3-1200 v4 family it is Iris Pro Graphics P6300 (with the exception of the Xeon E3-1258L v4 model). We will not delve into the specifics of the Broadwell GT3e graphics core architecture (this is a topic for a separate article) and will only briefly consider its main features.

Let us recall that the Iris Pro graphics core was previously present only in Haswell mobile processors (Iris Pro Graphics 5100 and 5200). Moreover, the Iris Pro Graphics 5100 and 5200 graphics cores have 40 execution units (EU). The new graphics cores Iris Pro Graphics 6200 and Iris Pro Graphics P6300 are already equipped with 48 EUs, and the EU organization system has also changed. Each individual GPU unit contains 8 EUs, and the graphics module combines three graphics units. That is, one graphics module contains 24 EU, and the Iris Pro Graphics 6200 or Iris Pro Graphics P6300 graphics processor itself combines two modules, that is, a total of 48 EU.

As for the difference between the graphics cores of Iris Pro Graphics 6200 and Iris Pro Graphics P6300, at the hardware level they are the same (Broadwell GT3e), but their drivers are different. In the Iris Pro Graphics P6300 version, the drivers are optimized for tasks specific to servers and graphics stations.

Before moving on to a detailed examination of the Broadwell testing results, we’ll tell you about a few more features of the new processors.

First of all, the new Broadwell processors (including the Xeon E3-1200 v4) are compatible with motherboards based on Intel 9-series chipsets. We can't say that every board based on the Intel 9-series chipset will support these new Broadwell processors, but most boards do support them. True, for this you will have to update the BIOS on the board, and the BIOS must support new processors. For example, for testing we used the ASRock Z97 OC Formula board and without updating the BIOS, the system only worked with a discrete video card, and image output through the graphics core of Broadwell processors was impossible.

The next feature of the new Broadwell processors is that the Core i7-5775C and Core i5-5675C models have an unlocked multiplier, that is, they are focused on overclocking. In the Haswell family of processors, such processors with unlocked multipliers made up the K-series, and in the Broadwell family, the letter “C” is used instead of the letter “K”. But the Xeon E3-1200 v4 processors do not support overclocking (it is impossible to increase the multiplication factor for them).

Now let's take a closer look at the processors that came to us for testing. These are models , and . In fact, of the five new models with the LGA 1150 socket, the only thing missing is the Xeon E3-1285L v4 processor, which differs from the Xeon E3-1285 v4 only in lower power consumption (65 W instead of 95 W) and the fact that its nominal core clock speed slightly lower (3.4 GHz instead of 3.5 GHz). Additionally, for comparison, we also added the Intel Core i7-4790K, which is the top processor in the Haswell family.

The characteristics of all tested processors are presented in the table:

And now, after our express review of the new Broadwell processors, let's move on directly to testing the new products.

Test stand

To test processors, we used a bench with the following configuration:

Testing methodology

Processor testing was carried out using our scripted benchmarks, and. More precisely, we took the methodology for testing workstations as a basis, but expanded it by adding tests from the iXBT Application Benchmark 2015 package and iXBT Game Benchmark 2015 game tests.

Thus, the following applications and benchmarks were used to test processors:

• MediaCoder x64 0.8.33.5680
• SVPmark 3.0
• Adobe Premiere Pro CC 2014.1 (Build 8.1.0)
• Adobe After Effects CC 2014.1.1 (Version 13.1.1.3)
• Photodex ProShow Producer 6.0.3410
• Adobe Photoshop CC 2014.2.1
• ACDSee Pro 8
• Adobe Illustrator CC 2014.1.1
• Adobe Audition CC 2014.2
• Abbyy FineReader 12
• WinRAR 5.11
• Dassault SolidWorks 2014 SP3 (Flow Simulation package)
• SPECapc for 3ds max 2015
• SPECapc for Maya 2012
• POV-Ray 3.7
• Maxon Cinebench R15
• SPECviewperf v.12.0.2
• SPECwpc 1.2

In addition, games and gaming benchmarks from the iXBT Game Benchmark 2015 package were used for testing. Testing in games was carried out at a resolution of 1920x1080.

Additionally, we measured the power consumption of processors in idle mode and under stress. For this purpose, a specialized software and hardware complex was used, which was connected to the gap in the power supply circuits of the system board, that is, between the power supply and the system board.

To create CPU stress, we used the AIDA64 utility (Stress FPU and Stress GPU tests).

Test results

Processor power consumption

So, let's start with the results of testing processors for energy consumption. The test results are presented in the diagram.

The most voracious in terms of energy consumption, as one might expect, turned out to be the Intel Core i7-4790K processor with a declared TDP of 88 W. Its real power consumption in stress load mode was 119 W. At the same time, the temperature of the processor cores was 95°C and throttling was observed.

The next most power-consuming processor was the Intel Core i7-5775C processor with a stated TDP of 65 W. For this processor, power consumption in stress mode was 72.5 W. The temperature of the processor cores reached 90 °C, but throttling was not observed.

The third place in terms of energy consumption was taken by the Intel Xeon E3-1285 v4 processor with a TDP of 95 W. Its power consumption in stress mode was 71 W, and the temperature of the processor cores was 78 °C

And the most economical in terms of energy consumption was the Intel Xeon E3-1265L v4 processor with a TDP of 35 W. In stress load mode, the power consumption of this processor did not exceed 39 W, and the temperature of the processor cores was only 56 °C.

Well, if we focus on the power consumption of processors, we must state that Broadwell has significantly lower power consumption compared to Haswell.

Tests from the iXBT Application Benchmark 2015 package

Let's start with the tests included in the iXBT Application Benchmark 2015. Note that we calculated the integral performance result as the geometric mean of the results in logical groups of tests (video conversion and video processing, video content creation, etc.). To calculate results in logical groups of tests, the same reference system was used as in the iXBT Application Benchmark 2015.

Full test results are shown in the table. In addition, we present the test results for logical groups of tests on diagrams in a normalized form. The result of the Core i7-4790K processor is taken as the reference.

So, as can be seen from the testing results, in terms of integrated performance, the Intel Xeon E3-1285 v4 processor is practically no different from the Intel Core i7-4790K processor. However, this is an integral result based on the totality of all applications used in the benchmark.

However, there are a number of applications that benefit from the Intel Xeon E3-1285 v4 processor. These are applications such as MediaCoder x64 0.8.33.5680 and SVPmark 3.0 (video conversion and video processing), Adobe Premiere Pro CC 2014.1 and Adobe After Effects CC 2014.1.1 (video content creation), Adobe Photoshop CC 2014.2.1 and ACDSee Pro 8 (digital processing photographs). In these applications, the higher clock speed of the Intel Core i7-4790K processor does not give it an advantage over the Intel Xeon E3-1285 v4 processor.

But in applications such as Adobe Illustrator CC 2014.1.1 (vector graphics), Adobe Audition CC 2014.2 (audio processing), Abbyy FineReader 12 (text recognition), the advantage is on the side of the higher-frequency Intel Xeon E3-1285 v4 processor. It is interesting to note that tests based on the Adobe Illustrator CC 2014.1.1 and Adobe Audition CC 2014.2 applications load the processor cores to a lesser extent (compared to other applications).

And of course, there are tests in which the Intel Xeon E3-1285 v4 and Intel Core i7-4790K processors demonstrate the same performance. For example, this is a test based on the WinRAR 5.11 application.

In general, it should be noted that the Intel Core i7-4790K processor demonstrates higher performance (compared to the Intel Xeon E3-1285 v4 processor) precisely in those applications in which not all processor cores are used or the cores are not fully loaded. At the same time, in tests where all processor cores are loaded at 100%, the leadership is on the side of the Intel Xeon E3-1285 v4 processor.

Calculations using Dassault SolidWorks 2014 SP3 (Flow Simulation)

We presented the test based on the Dassault SolidWorks 2014 SP3 application with the additional Flow Simulation package separately, since this test does not use a reference system, as in the tests of the iXBT Application Benchmark 2015.

Let us remind you that in this test we are talking about hydro/aerodynamic and thermal calculations. A total of six different models are calculated, and the results of each subtest are the calculation time in seconds.

Detailed test results are presented in the table.

In addition, we also present the normalized result of the calculation speed (the reciprocal of the total calculation time). The result of the Core i7-4790K processor is taken as the reference.

As can be seen from the testing results, in these specific calculations the leadership is on the side of Broadwell processors. All four Broadwell processors demonstrate faster calculation speeds compared to the Core i7-4790K processor. Apparently, these specific calculations are affected by the improvements in the execution units that were implemented in the Broadwell microarchitecture.

SPECapc for 3ds max 2015

Next, let's look at the results of the SPECapc for 3ds max 2015 test for the Autodesk 3ds max 2015 SP1 application. The detailed results of this test are presented in the table, and the normalized results for the CPU Composite Score and GPU Composite Score are presented in the charts. The result of the Core i7-4790K processor is taken as the reference.

Broadwell processors take the lead in the SPECapc 3ds for max 2015 test. Moreover, if in subtests depending on CPU performance (CPU Composite Score), Core i7-4790K and Xeon E3-1285 v4 processors demonstrate equal performance, then in subtests depending on graphics core performance (GPU Composite Score), all Broadwell processors significantly ahead of the Core i7-4790K processor.

SPECapc for Maya 2012

Now let's look at the result of another 3D modeling test - SPECapc for Maya 2012. Let us recall that this benchmark was run in conjunction with the Autodesk Maya 2015 package.

The results of this test are presented in a table, and the normalized results are presented in diagrams. The result of the Core i7-4790K processor is taken as the reference.

In this test, the Xeon E3-1285 v4 processor demonstrates slightly better performance compared to the Core i7-4790K processor, however, the difference is not as significant as in SPECapc 3ds for max 2015.

POV-Ray 3.7

In the POV-Ray 3.7 test (3D model rendering), the leader is the Core i7-4790K processor. In this case, a higher clock speed (with an equal number of cores) gives an advantage to the processor.

Cinebench R15

In the Cinebench R15 benchmark, the result was mixed. In the OpenGL test, all Broadwell processors significantly outperform the Core i7-4790K processor, which is natural since they integrate a more powerful graphics core. But in the processor test, on the contrary, the Core i7-4790K processor turns out to be more productive.

SPECviewperf v.12.0.2

In the tests of the SPECviewperf v.12.0.2 package, the results are determined primarily by the performance of the processor's graphics core and, in addition, by the optimization of the video driver for certain applications. Therefore, in these tests the Core i7-4790K processor lags significantly behind the Broadwell processors.

The test results are presented in the table, as well as in normalized form in diagrams. The result of the Core i7-4790K processor is taken as the reference.

This is not to say that everything in this test is clear. In some scenarios (Media and Entertainment, Product Development, Life Sciences), Broadwell processors demonstrate better results. There are scenarios (Financial Services, Energy, General Operation) where the advantage is on the side of the Core i7-4790K processor or the results are approximately the same.

Game tests

And finally, let's look at the results of testing processors in gaming tests. Let us remind you that for testing we used the following games and gaming benchmarks:

• Aliens vs Predator
• World of Tanks 0.9.5
• Grid 2
• Metro: LL Redux
• Metro: 2033 Redux
• Hitman: Absolution
• Thief
• Tomb Raider
• Sleeping Dogs
• Sniper Elite V2

Testing was carried out at a screen resolution of 1920x1080 and in two setting modes: maximum and minimum quality. Test results are presented in diagrams. In this case, the results are not standardized.

In gaming tests, the results are as follows: all Broadwell processors show very close results, which is natural since they use the same Broadwell GT3e graphics core. And most importantly, with minimum quality settings, Broadwell processors allow you to comfortably play (at FPS over 40) most games (at a resolution of 1920x1080).

On the other hand, if the system uses a discrete graphics card, then there is simply no point in the new Broadwell processors. That is, there is no point in changing Haswell to Broadwell. And the price of Broadwells is not so attractive. For example, Intel Core i7-5775C is more expensive than Intel Core i7-4790K.

However, Intel does not seem to be betting on Broadwell desktop processors. The range of models is extremely modest, and Skylake processors are on the way, so it’s unlikely that Intel Core i7-5775C and Core i5-5675C processors will be in particular demand.

Server processors of the Xeon E3-1200 v4 family are a separate market segment. For most ordinary home users, such processors are of no interest, but in the corporate sector of the market these processors may be in demand.

Choosing a processor is one of the most important decisions affecting the performance of a computer or laptop, so you should at least know what to expect from it

When choosing, everyone wants to get the best. There are not many tasks here. Usually they ask which is better: amd manufacturer or intel manufacturer, which generation, which line and which manufacturer.

Regarding which processor is better amd or intel, then everyone is leaning towards intel, and they are correspondingly more expensive.

Usually in searches they rush between intel core2 duo, pentium, celeron, atom, i3, i5, i7, but if you choose, for example, for games, then it is not a fact that intel core i5 will be better than i3, since there are many of both.

Choosing the wrong computing device can lead to deep feelings of dissatisfaction, for example, when you are a gamer and accidentally bought a model strictly for the office.

Unfortunately, this will not pass painlessly, since the insight into change comes too late.

There are significant differences among the systems installed in desktop PCs, making it difficult to make a quick decision.

The number of cores, confusing symbols, Turbo mode, multipliers - such a flow of information leaves most buyers in a stupor.

They cannot understand what is what and rely on the experience of retailers, who are not always competent in these matters, but are well versed in marketing.

How to choose the best Intel processor yourself

Many sites publish comparisons of processors, although such publications are usually aimed at advanced readers, showering them with confusing analyzes that mean nothing to ordinary users.

If you don't have the slightest idea about computer components, then you'd better sit in front of the monitor for a while now, rather than rely on someone else's opinions, to master the basics, so to speak.

Contrary to appearances, choosing the "best processor" for your computer is easier than you might think, just a little technical knowledge to navigate the categories.

Let's start with a simplified map - Intel processors have a very diverse offer, which is divided into several segments, starting from budget.

Of course, faster models are more expensive and offer higher performance and additional technology.

You will find detailed characteristics of each line on this page below, which will facilitate further understanding of the description.

Which is the best Intel Celeron processor?

Celeron is the cheapest dual-core processor for office applications and computers with basic functionality, that is: for text editors, simple browser games, surfing the Internet or watching movies.

The Pentium is dual-core and noticeably faster than the Celeron, but it's still not primarily designed for complex tasks. Often chosen by players with modest requirements.

The Core i3 is a very versatile device for work and play, has two cores and Hyper Threading.

Core i5 - has four cores and Turbo Boost technology, supports all typical applications, including semi-professional ones. Designed, one might say, for games.

Intel K-series / X - processors with an unlocked multiplier for overclockers and unlimited power, which, if necessary, can independently increase their clock frequency to higher than standard settings.

Intel T/S series - both types of processors are characterized by a lower TDP, which emit less heat. Their performance is lower than conventional models, but at the same time the demand for electricity is reduced.

To choose the best processor, determine your needs

First, you need to answer the basic question - what will be mainly used on the computer?

Only then can you look for a suitable solution. If you are in an area of ​​interest that does not require PC games and powerful software, a low- to mid-range processor is sufficient for you.

The situation is completely different for entertainment lovers who use a multi-threaded application.

Here you will definitely need a modern block of the best work. For processors that can handle Battlefield 4, Crysis 3 and Watch Dogs well, and you want the latest releases of Grand Theft Auto V, Far Cry 4 and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, the bar certainly needs to be raised.

The processor is the most important because it is responsible for part of the calculation, no other system does it.

A weak processor combined with a fast graphics card will limit the performance of the entire computer. Let's see what features the different series offer.

Hyper Threading is a technology for doubling the number of supported threads in order to increase the efficiency of parallel computing, that is: a dual-core processor can perform four operations simultaneously. It is available in Core i3 and Core i7 models.

Turbo Boost - Automatically increases the processor clock speed to the value specified by the manufacturer, providing a safe way to free up performance. You don't need to configure anything. It is available in Core i5 and Core i7.

Intel Quick Sync is a technology that uses special mechanisms to create and process multimedia, making it faster and easier to convert. Supported by all fourth generation Celeron, Pentium, Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7.

Layout - All Intel Core socket LGA 1150 based on the Haswell architecture have a built-in Intel HD graphics chip, so no external graphics card is required to run the computer. The performance of such chips varies greatly.

Instructions are a set of programmed commands to speed up the execution of certain operations that have a very significant impact on processor performance.

The fourth generation Core series supports a variety of instructions depending on the model, and their number increases with higher position in the product hierarchy.

Load “to the maximum” - insurance processor

An interesting service that probably few people have heard of is an extended warranty on Intel processors, which covers emergencies due to user faults.

The fact is that processors “die” extremely rarely, however, incorrect settings can cause overheating.

If the product performs normally, use the normal warranty. The problem may be in the cases mentioned above, which is not included in the standard contract.

In other words, Extended Service provides a brand new warranty for replacement if damaged.

The cost of such protection depends closely on the model, starting at $10 and rising to $35.

All action is aimed primarily at overclockers, various enthusiastic experimenters and covers only blocks with an unlocked multiplier (K ​​or X versions).

Which is the best Intel Celeron processor?

For desktop computers, the cheapest dual-core Celeron processors use the modern, energy-efficient Haswell architecture, thereby delivering good performance in mainstream applications.

Working with spreadsheets, documents, tests, surfing the web or watching movies will be no problem with the Celeron.

It's important to note that the integrated Intel HD graphics chip eliminates the need for an external graphics card, lowering the cost of your PC if you're interested in gaming.

• Celeron G1840T - 2500 MHz ->
• Celeron G1840 - 2800 MHz ->
• Celeron G1850 - 2900 MHz -> two cores / two threads / Intel HD.

For example, the Celeron G1840 build is suitable for creating a small media center connected to a TV or a home file server, drawing a minimal amount of power so they can be cooled passively.

Which is the best Intel Pentium processor?

Like Celeron processors, Pentium dual-core processors are aimed at users with modest requirements who need a PC mainly for simple tasks.

Their advantages over their weaker brothers are higher clock speeds, but the price is still low.

Although the manufacturer did not create them for entertainment, i.e. technically advanced games, in combination with an external video card, have proven themselves well in games that do not use more than two cores.

Unfortunately, people who are looking to the future should consider buying something sooner. The Pentium line includes the following models:

• Pentium G3240T - 2700 MHz -> 2 cores / 2 threads / Intel HD.
• Pentium G3440T - 2800 MHz -> 2 cores / 2 threads / Intel HD.
• Pentium G3240 - 3200 MHz -> 2 cores / 2 threads / Intel HD.
• Pentium G3258 - 3200 MHz -> 2 cores / 2 threads / Intel HD.
• Pentium G3440 - 3300 MHz -> 2 cores / 2 threads / Intel HD.
• Pentium G3450 - 3400 MHz -> 2 cores / 2 threads / Intel HD.

Pentiums are inexpensive - the price depends on the configuration. Since they have Intel HD integrated, they can work successfully without an external video card.

These solutions are admittedly weak, but make it easy to display your desktop, watch a movie, or play a simple game.

The newest Pentium celebrated its twentieth birthday, which the manufacturer celebrated with the release of a limited G3258 processor that allows overclocking. This is an interesting choice for budget-conscious enthusiasts.

Which is the best Intel Core i3 processor?

The Core i3 is definitely in a higher league than the Celeron and Pentium processors. It supports Hyper Threading technologies, doubling the number of supported threads and increasing parallel computing efficiency.

In this case, the dual-core processor can perform up to four operations simultaneously. But here you must clearly understand that such a function must be supported by the operating system and the application being launched.

Thus, the advantage of Hyper Threading may not always work, but in recent games it is immediately noticeable. The series includes the following models:

1. i3-4150T – 3000 MHz ->
2. i3-4350T – 3100 MHz ->
3. i3-4150 - 3500 MHz -> two cores / 4 threads / Intel 4400 HD.
4. i3-4350 - 3600 MHz -> two cores / 4 threads / Intel 4600 HD.
5. i3-4360 - 3700 MHz -> two cores / 4 threads / Intel 4600 HD.

Core i3 fourth generation which can be used for various tasks. While players recommend investing in a Core i5 Quad, Core i3s also provide decent liquidity, especially when paired with NVIDIA GeForce graphics, whose drivers enable Hyper Threading.

In addition, Core i3 processors have their own integrated Intel HD 4000 cards, which are much faster than those found in Celeron and Pentium, allowing you to run more modern games.

Which is the best Intel Core i5 processor?

Core i5 should meet the expectations of the vast majority of computer users who are looking for efficient and future-proof solutions.

First, they have four cores (without Hyper Threading), which has enough processing power for every type of application.

Secondly, they are equipped with Turbo Boost technology, automatically increasing their timing. Overall this makes for a very powerful combination, especially with the Intel Haswell architecture.

Quad cores are slowly becoming the standard these days, so you should consider buying one, especially if you want to play Battlefied 4, Grand Theft Auto V, or The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. The series includes the following models:

• i5-4460T - 1900 MHz -> 2700 MHz Turbo / 4 cores / 4 threads / Intel 4600 HD.
• i5-4590T - 2000 MHz -> 3000 MHz Turbo / 4 cores / 4 threads / Intel 4600 HD.
• i5-4690T - 2500 MHz -> 3500 MHz Turbo / 4 cores / 4 threads / Intel 4600 HD.
• i5-4460S – 2900 MHz ->
• i5-4590S – 3000 MHz ->
• i5-4690S – 3200 MHz ->
• i5-4460 - 3200 MHz -> 3400 MHz Turbo / 4 cores / 4 threads / Intel 4600 HD.
• i5-4590 - 3300 MHz -> 3700 MHz Turbo / 4 cores / 4 threads / Intel 4600 HD.
• i5-4690 - 3500 MHz -> 3900 MHz Turbo / 4 cores / 4 threads / Intel 4600 HD.

Core i5 can be equipped with a dedicated graphics card, which will allow you to play comfortably. But like the rest of Intel's fourth-generation processors, the Core i5 has an integrated graphics chip that allows it to handle images on its own.

Such devices do not require additional investment in other components. The original cooling system is quite enough for them, as well as mid-level power supply and the motherboard.

Although the price of the Core i5 is noticeably higher than the Core i3, in the long run such a purchase will be worth it. A good processor, after all, doesn't change too often.

Which is the best Intel Core i7 processor?

The Core i7 is absolutely the top shelf offering from Intel and is designed for demanding gamers and professionals, combining all the positive features of other models in one system.

The first is four cores and support for Hyper Threading, doubling the number of supported threads in parallel, that is: a quad-core processor can perform up to eight operations simultaneously.

Of course, this function must be supported by the operating system, as well as the application being launched. The second thing is the Turbo Boost mode, which automatically increases the clock speed to very high values, reaching up to 4400 MHz, providing owners with uncompromising performance. The series includes models:

1. i7-4785T -> 2200 MHz - 3200 MHz Turbo / 4 cores / 8 threads / Intel 4600 HD.
2. i7-4790T -> 2700 MHz - 3900 MHz Turbo / 4 cores / 8 threads / Intel 4600 HD.
3. i7-4790S -> 3200 MHz - 4000 MHz Turbo / 4 cores / 8 threads / Intel 4600 HD.
4. i7-4790 -> 3600 MHz - 4000 MHz Turbo / 4 cores / 8 threads / Intel 4600 HD.

Until recently, the Core i7 required specialized software to be able to take advantage of Hyper Threading.

Nowadays, more and more games are starting to use Hyper Threading, such as Crysis 3.

Core i7 processors have integrated graphics and are among the fastest among all models designed for the desktop market.

Which is the best processor from Intel?

A separate category of Core i5 and i7 LGA 1150 core socket models with the letter K in the name (with the exception of Core i7 Extreme series models, intended for absolute performance enthusiasts) will provide free overclocking using a multiplier.

Despite the fact that the Pentium G3258, released twenty years ago, offers identical functionality, it certainly belongs to the lower segment of the market.

So let's focus on these two. What benefits will K processors bring?

When you find that your computer is not powerful enough, you can manually increase or free up unused processing power.

Conventional models do not allow such operations to be performed in any respect, and the gains can reach several hundred megahertz, increasing overall productivity by tens of percent. The series includes:

• i5-4690K -> 3500 MHz - 3900 MHz Turbo / 4 cores - 4 threads / Intel 4600 HD.
• i7-4790K -> 4000 MHz - 4400 MHz Turbo / 4 cores / 8 threads / Intel 4600 HD.

You'll have to pay a little extra for the privilege of having an unlocked processor, but you'll be gaming at the highest settings, so consider buying at least a core i5-4690K.

Don't worry - I'll soon explain how to safely perform these activities. Only if you are very afraid of damage to the processor, you can take advantage of an extended warranty that covers accidents, for example, when it burns out due to too high supply voltages.

A good game is certainly worth it, and in the future gaming loads will only increase - don’t doubt it, but now you know which is the best processor and which generation is better to choose: intel i5 or i7, celeron or intel pentium, intel or mediatek, pentium or intel, mediatek or intel atom. Good luck.

When purchasing a flash drive, many people ask the question: “how to choose the right flash drive.” Of course, choosing a flash drive is not so difficult if you know exactly for what purpose it is being purchased. In this article I will try to give a complete answer to the question posed. I decided to write only about what to look for when buying.

A flash drive (USB drive) is a drive designed for storing and transferring information. The flash drive works very simply without batteries. You just need to connect it to the USB port of your PC.

1. Flash drive interface

3. Housing material

4. Data transfer rate

6. Password protection

Conclusion

Good afternoon, my dear friends. In today's article I want to talk about how to choose the right mouse pad. When buying a rug, many people do not attach any importance to this. But as it turned out, special attention needs to be paid to this point, because... The mat determines one of the indicators of comfort while working at a PC. For an avid gamer, choosing a mat is a completely different story. Let's look at what types of mouse pads have been invented today.

Mat options

And now I would like to talk about each type in more detail.

1. First I want to consider three options at once: plastic, aluminum and glass. These rugs are very popular among gamers. For example, plastic mats are easier to find on sale. The mouse glides quickly and accurately on these mats. And most importantly, these mouse pads are suitable for both laser and optical mice. Aluminum and glass mats will be a little harder to find. Yes, and they will cost a lot. True, there is a reason for this - they will serve for a very long time. These types of rugs have minor flaws. Many people say that they rustle when operating and are a little cool to the touch, which may cause discomfort for some users.

2. Rubberized (rag) mats have soft sliding, but the accuracy of their movements is worse. For ordinary users, such a mat will be just right. And they are much cheaper than the previous ones.

3. Double-sided mouse pads, in my opinion, are a very interesting type of mouse pad. As the name suggests, these rugs have two sides. Typically, one side is high-speed and the other is high-precision. It happens that each side is designed for a specific game.

4. Helium mats have a silicone cushion. She supposedly supports the hand and relieves tension from it. For me personally, they turned out to be the most inconvenient. According to their intended purpose, they are designed for office workers, since they sit at the computer all day long. These mats are not suitable for casual users and gamers. The mouse glides very poorly on the surface of such mouse pads, and their accuracy is not the best.

Mat sizes

Rugs design

This is where I want to end the article. On my own behalf, I wish you to make the right choice and be satisfied with it.
For anyone who doesn’t have a mouse or wants to replace it with another one, I advise you to look at the article:.

Microsoft's all-in-one PCs have been replenished with a new all-in-one model called Surface Studio. Microsoft recently presented its new product at an exhibition in New York.

Note! I wrote an article a couple of weeks ago where I reviewed the Surface all-in-one. This candy bar was presented earlier. To view the article, click on.

Design

Note! The display resolution of 4500x3000 pixels corresponds to 13.5 million pixels. This is 63% more than 4K resolution.

Note! For people in creative professions, I advise you to look at the article where I reviewed all-in-one computers with similar functionality. Click on the highlighted one: .

Note! By the way, Microsoft has another amazing candy bar. To find out about it, go to.

Specifications

From the periphery, I note the following: 4 USB ports, Mini-Display Port connector, Ethernet network port, card-reader, 3.5 mm audio jack, 1080p webcam, 2 microphones, 2.1 Dolby Audio Premium audio system, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0. The candy bar also supports Xbox wireless controllers.

Price

OCZ demonstrated the new VX 500 SSD drives. These drives will be equipped with a Serial ATA 3.0 interface and are made in a 2.5-inch form factor.

Note! Anyone interested in how SSD drives work and how long they last can read in an article I wrote earlier:.

The number of input/output operations per second (IOPS) with data blocks of 4 KB in size can reach 92,000 when reading, and 65,000 when writing (this is all at random).
The thickness of OCZ VX 500 drives will be 7 mm. This will allow them to be used in ultrabooks.

The prices of the new products will be as follows: 128 GB - $64, 256 GB - $93, 512 GB - $153, 1 TB - $337. I think in Russia they will cost more.

Lenovo presented its new gaming all-in-one IdeaCentre Y910 at Gamescom 2016.

Note! Previously, I wrote an article where I already reviewed gaming monoblocks from different manufacturers. This article can be viewed by clicking on this one.

The monoblock will have several configurations. The maximum configuration includes a 6th generation Intel Core i7 processor and a hard drive capacity of up to 2 TB or 256 GB. The amount of RAM is 32 GB DDR4. The graphics will be provided by an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 or GeForce GTX 1080 video card with Pascal architecture. Thanks to such a video card, it will be possible to connect a virtual reality helmet to the candy bar.
From the periphery of the candy bar, I would highlight the Harmon Kardon audio system with 5-watt speakers, the Killer DoubleShot Pro Wi-Fi module, a webcam, USB ports 2.0 and 3.0, and HDMI connectors.

In its basic version, the IdeaCentre Y910 monoblock will go on sale in September 2016 at a price of 1,800 euros. But the candy bar with the “VR-ready” version will appear in October at a price of 2,200 euros. It is known that this version will have a GeForce GTX 1070 video card.

MediaTek has decided to upgrade its Helio X30 mobile processor. So now the developers from MediaTek are designing a new mobile processor called Helio X35.

I would like to briefly talk about Helio X30. This processor has 10 cores, which are combined into 3 clusters. Helio X30 has 3 variations. The first - the most powerful - consists of Cortex-A73 cores with a frequency of up to 2.8 GHz. There are also blocks with Cortex-A53 cores with a frequency of up to 2.2 GHz and Cortex-A35 with a frequency of 2.0 GHz.

The new Helio X35 processor also has 10 cores and is created using 10-nanometer technology. The clock frequency in this processor will be much higher than that of its predecessor and ranges from 3.0 Hz. The new product will allow you to use up to 8 GB of LPDDR4 RAM. The graphics in the processor will most likely be handled by the Power VR 7XT controller.
The station itself can be seen in the photographs in the article. In them we can see storage compartments. One bay has a 3.5" jack and the other has a 2.5" jack. Thus, it will be possible to connect both a solid-state drive (SSD) and a hard drive (HDD) to the new station.

The dimensions of the Drive Dock station are 160x150x85mm, and the weight is no less than 970 grams.
Many people probably have a question about how the Drive Dock connects to a computer. I answer: this happens via a USB port 3.1 Gen 1. According to the manufacturer, the sequential read speed will be 434 MB/s, and in write mode (sequential) 406 MB/s. The new product will be compatible with Windows and Mac OS.

This device will be very useful for people who work with photo and video materials at a professional level. Drive Dock can also be used for file backups.
The price for the new device will be acceptable - it is $90.

Note! Previously, Renduchinthala worked for Qualcomm. And since November 2015, he moved to a competing company, Intel.

Intel will soon begin shipping a new family of processors for laptops. Processors codenamed Kaby Lake The 7th generation is of particular interest to those who are preparing to change the platform to a more productive one in the near future. Video encoding enthusiasts will notice a significant difference in gains from the new processor. Movie lovers will truly be satisfied when watching videos with high bitrates. Gamers will be able to enjoy video games directly on their laptops. All this is quite achievable with 7th generation Intel processors.

This month's conference Intel Developer Forum gave me a taste of all the delights of 7th generation processors. At the forum during the demo, the Dell XPS 13 laptop was able to handle super graphics in heavy video games using standard integrated Intel graphics on the new platform. This is simply an amazing achievement.

Thus, the announcement debut of Intel on August 30, 2016 clearly demonstrated to us how much more productive these processors will be than the entire processor market that exists today.

Here is what became known after the forum about 7th generation multi-core Intel processors:

100 projects by the end of the year

At its developer forum, Intel announced that the entire line of 7th generation processors is now available to leading computer manufacturers and Intel partners, which means the release of very promising laptops based on the new processors before the end of the year. Chris Walker, Intel's general manager for mobile client platforms, said that the new processors in the power consumption range from 4.5 Watt to 15 Watt will be the first to appear in laptops, namely in ultra-thin laptops. As previously reported when information about 7th generation processors first appeared, work is already underway on 100 projects involving 7th generation processors, which will be available in the fourth quarter of 2016.

The new family of processors will expand to other markets, but only next year. So, in particular, in January, the appearance of 7th generation Intel processors is expected in workstations, gaming systems and virtual reality.

The chips have a familiar architecture

Intel built its 7th generation processors on the same Skylake architecture as the 6th generation processors introduced last year. So Intel didn't create a revolution by inventing a new architecture. Skylake was just tweaked a bit to make it perfect.

In particular, Intel announced that it has improved the voltage of transistors on processors. The result is that the microarchitecture has become more energy efficient and therefore 7th generation processors can offer performance gains compared to previous generations of Intel processors.

m5 and m7 cores are leaving

Intel is making changes to the designations of low-power chips, eliminating the 4.5-watt Core m5 and m7 processors and turning them into Core i5 and Core i7. The company hopes this change will help consumers, many of whom are confused about the difference between Core i5 and Core m5. However, 4.5-watt processors, also known as series chips Kaby Lake, with a letter Y similar in power. If you see Y at the end of the SKU, then it is one of the chips previously known as m5 or m7 cores.

What's even more interesting is that Intel won't change the core brand for its entry-level Core m3 processors, which is the slowest and least expensive of the line. m. So, in order of performance, the 4.5-watt chips are called Core m3, Core i5 Y series, and Core i7 Y series.

Performance boost

You probably shouldn't throw away your 6th generation processor if you upgraded this year or last winter. Skylake is definitely not worth changing in favor of one of the 7th generation processors of a similar line. Replacement is justified only by increasing the processor index. But Intel says that if you decide to replace it, you'll get a noticeable performance boost. Using the SYSmark benchmark to measure performance, Intel released a computer with a 7th-generation Core i7-7500U processor that achieved a 12 percent performance gain over the 6th-generation Core i7-6500U processor. Testing of WebXPRT 2015 showed a 19 percent improvement in performance.

I don’t think that even a 19 percent advantage will encourage buyers to change their not-so-old and good Skylake to Kaby Lake. Obviously, the increase in performance looks more significant when comparing processors of the 5th and 4th generations, which Intel is relying on to replace processors. The new Core i5-7200U is 1.7 times more productive than its five-year-old brother Core i5-2467M in SYSmark. In the 3DMark test, the new processor turned out to be three times faster than a five-year-old processor.

Intel representatives said that the 7th generation of central processors will be able to play demanding games at medium settings at 720p with integrated graphics or at 4K with a compatible graphics amplifier.

These chips are designed for video

Intel has taken notice of all the 4K and 360 degree video we consume. In response, the chipmaker has introduced a new video engine for its 7-Gen Core processors that aims to handle any content demands you can throw at it.

The new chips support hardware decoding of HEVC 10-bit color profile, which will allow you to play 4K and UltraHD video without any stutters. Intel has also added VP9 decoding capability for the 7th generation cores to improve performance when you're watching 4K videos while doing other tasks.

The 7th generation cores will also be able to perform video conversion operations much faster than other processors. For example, according to Intel, you can transcode 1 hour of 4K video in just 12 minutes.

More energy efficiency

In terms of improving laptop battery energy efficiency, Intel said that a laptop with a 7th generation processor can last for 7 hours while streaming 4K or 4K 360 degree YouTube videos. Compared to the 6th generation cores, the operating advantage will be on average 4 hours in favor of the seventh generation. As for 4K video streaming, Intel promises all-day performance, which is 9 and a half hours.

The 7th generation offers a number of other features

7th generation processors offer several other features designed to help your laptops run more efficiently. For example, Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0. This is a feature that controls processor performance and power, like automatically overclocking the processor when the CPU clock speed exceeds its performance ratings.

Hyper-Threading technology helps the processor complete tasks faster by providing two processing threads for each core.

7th generation processors also include technology Speed ​​Shift, which should make running applications faster. This technology allows the processor to be more responsive to application requests to increase or decrease frequency to provide the best performance, thereby optimizing performance and efficiency. This is especially effective when applications require very short bursts of activity, such as browsing the web or retouching photos with numerous brush strokes in an image editor.

4th generation Intel Core processors (Haswell) are included in the Core i7 and Core i5 lines, manufactured according to the 22-nm process technology for the LGA 1150 socket and are intended primarily for 2-in-1 devices that support the functionality of mobile and tablet PCs, as well as portable monoblocks.

4th generation Intel Core Haswell processors were primarily developed for ultrabook devices.
They provide 50% longer operating time under active loads compared to previous generation processors.
High energy efficiency allows some ultrabook models to work for more than 9 hours without recharging.

Processors have built-in graphics systems, the performance of which is comparable to discrete graphics solutions.
The graphics performance of these processors is twice that of previous generation Intel processors.

The corporation is ready to present more than 50 different variants of 2-in-1 form factor devices in a variety of price categories.

The flagship of this family is the Core i7-4770K processor, consisting of 1.4 billion transistors and, in addition to a quartet of x86 cores with support for Hyper-Threading, includes HD Graphics 4600 graphics, a controller with support for up to 32 GB of dual-channel DDR3 1600 memory and 8 MB of cache third level.

The CPU clock speed is 3.5 GHz (up to 3.9 GHz with Turbo Boost), in addition, this model features a TDP of 84 watts and an unlocked multiplier, which allows for serious overclocking.

4th generation Intel Core i7 for desktops:

. Intel Core i7-4770T: unlocked multiplier, 45W TDP, 4 cores, 8 threads, 2.5 GHz base, 3.7 GHz Turbo, 1333/1600 MHz DDR3, 8 MB L3 cache, Intel HD Graphics 4600 up to 1200 MHz, LGA-1150

. Intel Core i7-4770S: unlocked multiplier, 65W TDP, 4 cores, 8 threads, 3.1 GHz base, 3.9 GHz Turbo, 1333/1600 MHz DDR3, 8 MB L3 cache, Intel HD Graphics 4600 up to 1200 MHz, LGA-1150

. Intel Core i7-4770: unlocked multiplier, TDP 84 W, 4 cores, 8 threads, 3.4 GHz base, 3.9 GHz Turbo, 1333/1600 MHz DDR3, 8 MB L3 cache, Intel HD Graphics 4600 up to 1200 MHz, LGA-1150

. Intel Core i7-4770K: unlocked multiplier, TDP 84 W, 4 cores, 8 threads, 3.5 GHz base, 3.9 GHz Turbo, 1333/1600 MHz DDR3, 8 MB L3 cache, Intel HD Graphics 4600 up to 1250 MHz, LGA-1150

. Intel Core i7-4770R: unlocked multiplier, 65W TDP, 4 cores, 8 threads, 3.2 GHz base, 3.9 GHz Turbo, 1333/1600 MHz DDR3, 8 MB L3 cache, Intel Iris Pro 5200 graphics up to 1300 MHz, BGA

. Intel Core i7-4765T: unlocked multiplier, 35W TDP, 4 cores, 8 threads, 2.0 GHz base, 3.0 GHz Turbo, 1333/1600 MHz DDR3, 8 MB L3 cache, Intel HD Graphics 4600 up to 1200 MHz, LGA-1150

4th generation Intel Core i5 for desktops:

. Intel Core i5-4670T: unlocked multiplier, 45W TDP, 4 cores, 4 threads, 2.3 GHz base, 3.3 GHz Turbo, 1333/1600 MHz DDR3, 6 MB L3 cache, Intel HD Graphics 4600 up to 1200 MHz, LGA-1150

. Intel Core i5-4670S: unlocked multiplier, 65W TDP, 4 cores, 4 threads, 3.1 GHz base, 3.8 GHz Turbo, 1333/1600 MHz DDR3, 6 MB L3 cache, Intel HD Graphics 4600 up to 1200 MHz, LGA-1150

. Intel Core i5-4670K

. Intel Core i5-4670: unlocked multiplier, TDP 84 W, 4 cores, 4 threads, 3.4 GHz base, 3.8 GHz Turbo, 1333/1600 MHz DDR3, 6 MB L3 cache, Intel HD Graphics 4600 up to 1200 MHz, LGA-1150

. Intel Core i5-4570: unlocked multiplier, TDP 84 W, 4 cores, 4 threads, 3.2 GHz base, 3.6 GHz Turbo, 1333/1600 MHz DDR3, 6 MB L3 cache, Intel HD Graphics 4600 up to 1200 MHz, LGA-1150

. Intel Core i5-4570S: unlocked multiplier, 65W TDP, 4 cores, 4 threads, 2.9 GHz base, 3.6 GHz Turbo, 1333/1600 MHz DDR3, 6 MB L3 cache, Intel HD Graphics 4600 up to 1200 MHz, LGA-1150

. Intel Core i5-4570T: unlocked multiplier, 35W TDP, 2 cores, 4 threads, 2.9 GHz base, 3.6 GHz Turbo, 1333/1600 MHz DDR3, 6 MB L3 cache, Intel HD Graphics 4600 up to 1200 MHz, LGA-1150