Which processor is better i3 or pentium. Which is better Pentium or Celeron? (modern models)

Intel has earned fundamental trust among active users desktop gaming PCs, work And computers for home. Reliable and high-performance - this, of course, is about its modern multi-core central processors. But choosing between AMD And Intel, many of us are faced with very confusing series and names of crystals from the “blue” chipmaker.

This is an instruction on how to understand processors Intel V 2017 what is better in the series Core, what characteristics mean model series i3, i5 And i7, and where did they go? Intel Pentium And Celeron?

What kind of processors does Intel have in 2017?

Modern Intel processors are divided into three types of the Core family.

Intel "Core i" processors differ from each other:

Level cache(own super memory is a very important characteristic that helps the CPU perform tasks more efficiently);

The presence and absence of certain technologies;

architectural decisions;

Goals and your marketing purpose.

Intel Core i3

These are dual-core processors equipped with technology Hyper-Threading. It helps improve performance under high load. It is enough for simple games and most applications under Windows.

Family Intel Core i3 it is not equipped with a large cache, does not support Turbo Boost technology and is most suitable for work and home computers, where the main tasks are related to the Internet, web browsing, light games and office programs.

Intel Core i5

Quad-core processors without Hyper-Threading, but with faster processing of workload-intensive tasks at the physical level. The optimal choice for lovers of games and resource-intensive applications. In terms of performance, they often exceed the capabilities Core i3.

Intel Core i7

Quad-core processors with Hyper-Threading for computer enthusiasts, gamers (for gaming PCs) and professionals. High level of cache memory, advanced integrated graphics technologies and the latest achievements of the company at the core architecture level.

Where did the Intel Pentium and Celeron processors go?

There are practically no old processors left on sale Intel. Series Pentium(for home computers and gaming) and Celeron(working systems) by 2017 were officially transferred from the architectural range to the brand category.

Intel Pentium processors not issued since 2009. Since then, the name has been used as a brand for some entry-level products based on the Intel Core architecture.

Intel Celeron processors finally phased out of commercial production in 2011, giving way to the Atom, Core and in some cases Pentium series.

Everyone thinks that Core i3 is simply cheaper, and Core i7 is more expensive - that’s not true

The well-established opinion that Intel thus segmented its desktop processors into inexpensive ones Core i3, mass medium-budget Core i5 and high performance Core i7 for enthusiasts - not entirely true. The model numbers in each family will completely confuse you.

Can you tell what the difference is between the Intel Core i5-6400 and the Core i5-7600K?

Central processors within the same series may differ in performance levels, various modifications and even generations. Now we will figure out in a few steps what all these numbers and letters mean. You can immediately determine which processor, for example, Intel Core i5, is better.

What does the number mean in Intel Core processors after i3/i5/i7?

Number 6 in Intel Core i5- 6 400 means the generation number ("sixth generation Intel Core"), as 7 in Core i5- 7 600K means 7 generation of Intel processors for Windows 10. This way you can determine which of them is newer and arrange the models in order.

The last three digits determine SKU. They actually show how powerful the processor is within the product line. Core i5-7 600 K will be faster compared to Core i5-7 500 K.

Letters in the name indicate various additional qualities of the Intel Core processor. Here are the differences:

H- high-performance graphics.

K- ability to unlock overclocking of Intel processor.

Q- four physical cores.

QM- the same, but for mobile PCs.

T- Optimized for efficient desktop PCs.

U- optimized with low power consumption for mobile computing.

How to compare Intel, AMD, laptop, PC processors?

There is a universal online service where you can enter the processor model identifier and get a table with full comparison characteristics and features: cpuboss.com.

Which processor is better for Gta5? Intel Pentium or Intel Celeron?

Most likely Pentium will be preferable. This is a more modern line; the stated requirements of the game include Intel Pentium. In any case, more modern processor It’s better to take it, it’s easier to find in a store and at the same price the latter will be more powerful. I am always for moving forward in everything. I myself now have Intel Pentium Core 2 Quad Q6600, with it the game runs at minimum-medium graphics settings.

Sooner or later, each of us begins to realize that the power of his E2160 is no longer enough, and for some, the Athlon 64 x2 3800+ also seems very slow. And the owners of such processors, after some time, will go to the store and buy new processors. The owner of an E2160 will buy a brand new Intel, and the owner of an Athlon 64 x2 3800+ will buy an AMD that shines in the sun.

Why did they do this? Why Intel comparison and they didn’t need Amd? Probably because each of these processors for a long time served its owner faithfully and truly.

By and large, the differences are in the size of the memory cache and the number of cores. The higher these two indicators, the more productive the processor will be. It is clear that the Core iX line will be much cooler than the budget Celerons, on which GTA is unlikely to run at all.

In general, previously it was always believed that the Celeron was a cropped version of the Pentium. I don’t know how far processor production has advanced now, but I think that the Intel Pentium itself is much better than the Celeron if their declared characteristics are approximately equal.

There is an unspoken rule: with Intel, only top processors can be considered full-fledged devices, everything else is rejection and there is no guarantee that all this will work to the limit of its capabilities. That is normal processors Intel is i7, i5, and maybe i3 (but it seems to me that not all models, for example, I3-41xx have a rather low operating speed, which for some reason is not mentioned anywhere). Moreover, it is most comfortable to work with processors that have a turbo function, these are i5 and i7; they feel the load less than others. All other models, both Pentium G and Celeron, are defects of varying degrees, so they will never work better than top-end processors. If you choose between the Pentium G and Celeron, I would still go with the Pentium G; after all, the larger cache makes itself felt under load. Celeron is only suitable for printing documents and the Internet, and even then with brakes.

If the characteristics are the same, Pentium and Celeron have the same, or more precisely, approximately the same, clock speed, for example, cache memory size, etc. then this can apparently only happen in one case, when the Celeron is a more modern model, and the Pentium is outdated and therefore naturally better than the Celeron. Its technical process will be more modern, and it will work with more fast memory, and it may also cost less.

If Pentium or Intel Celeron are both from the same generation, then the maximum budget Celeron cannot have the same characteristics as Pentium. The latter is definitely faster.

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.

About which processor? 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.

Number of cores, confusing characters, Turbo mode, multipliers - such a flow of information leads most buyers into 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 more fast models more expensive ones offer higher performance and additional technologies.

Detailed characteristics of each line will be found on this page below, which will facilitate further understanding of the description.

Which is the best Intel Celeron processor?

Celeron - the cheapest dual-core processors 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.

Core i3 - very universal device for work and entertainment, has two cores and Hyper Threading.

Core i5 - has four cores and Turbo Boost technology, supports everything typical applications, including semi-professional. 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 a circle of interests where they do not require computer games and powerful software, enough for you with a low to mid range processor.

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 play Battlefield 4, Crysis 3 well Watch Dogs, and you want the latest releases of Grand Theft Auto V, Far Cry 4 and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, undoubtedly the bar 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 - technology for doubling the number of supported threads to improve efficiency parallel computing ie: 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 safe way Free up productivity. 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 their conversion faster and easier. Supported by all Celeron, Pentium, Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 fourth generation.

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 emergency situations due to user failure.

The fact is that processors “die” extremely rarely, however, incorrect settings may 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 varies greatly depending 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, which use the modern energy-efficient Haswell architecture, thereby providing good performance in main 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 assembly is suitable for creating a small media center connected to a TV or home file server, taking up minimal energy so they can cool 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 the efficiency of parallel computing.

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 Hyper Threading advantage may not always work, but latest games noticeable immediately. 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. Although players recommend investing in Core i5 Quad, Core i3 also provide decent liquidity, especially when combined with graphics NVIDIA GeForce, whose drivers allow the use of Hyper Threading.

Besides, Core processors i3 have their own integrated Intel cards HD 4000, 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.

Firstly, they have four cores (without Hyper Threading), which has sufficient computing power for every type of application.

Secondly, they are equipped with Turbo Boost technology, automatically increasing their synchronization. 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 Turbo Boost mode, in which the clock speed is automatically increased 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, Core i7 required specialized software, which was 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 use an extended warranty that covers accidents, for example, when it burns out after too much time. high voltage nutrition.

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.

After the announcement of the LGA1155 platform, Intel is methodically updating its processor lines. Starting with top-end CPUs, the manufacturer is moving to Sandy Bridge and more affordable solutions - Core i3 and Pentium. The latter are intended for entry-level and mid-level systems. Models costing “about $100” have always been objects of close attention from users who are accustomed to looking for the best options when completing a system. Often people who choose a processor from this price category, approach this issue even more responsibly than those who are willing to pay any price for maximum productivity. Let's see what the new Intel products are capable of in comparison with their predecessors and alternative solutions from their main competitor.

Core i3

From a technical point of view, the most important difference Core i3 from Core i5/i7 chips is that they are based on an initially dual-core crystal, and not a quad-core one with deactivated computing units. That is, no tricky tricks with unlocking will work here, however, Intel chips have not provided such an opportunity before. The area has decreased from 216 to 131 mm2, therefore, significantly more workpieces are obtained from one silicon wafer, and the cost of their production is lower. Accordingly, Intel has a chance to offer interesting retail prices, continuing to make money even on budget processors.

What changes have occurred in terms of functional equipment? The amount of L1 and L2 cache memory is identical for all models on Sandy Bridge (64 KB and 256 KB per core), but the third level buffer in the Core i3 has decreased in proportion to the number of cores - from 6 to 3 MB. The compact crystal, made using 32-nanometer technology, allows you to count on good power consumption indicators. TDP for the second generation Core i3 is 65 W, while its predecessors from the Clarkdale family this parameter was within 73 watts.

3DMark 06, CPU test, scores

System energy consumption, W

PCMark 7, Computation scenario, points

Fritz chess Benchmark 4.2, thousand nodes/c

x264 HD Benchmark 4.0, fps

WinRAR 4.0, KB/s

CineBench 11.5, points

Resident Evil 5, 1920×1080, DX9, average quality, fps

Colin McRae: DiRT 3, 1920×1080, medium quality, fps

Far Cry 2, 1920×1080, medium quality, fps

On-chip integrated Intel graphics HD Graphics 2000 with 6 computing units. The standard frequency of the video core is 850 MHz, while during operation it can dynamically increase to 1.1 GHz. Support for Quick Sync, a powerful tool for video transcoding, is retained. Another advantage of the Core i3 is Hyper Threading technology, which adds a couple more virtual cores to two physical cores. In multi-threaded applications, this function sometimes plays a very important role. important role, allowing you to use CPU resources more efficiently. We also note that the processor has the ability to execute instructions from the AVX (Advanced Vector Extensions) set, which, with the proper degree of optimization, will help speed up floating-point calculations, which are actively used in multimedia software.

Alas, Core i3 does not support Turbo Boost technology for dynamically increasing the frequency of processor cores, which is to some extent compensated for by high nominal values. Given the positioning of the CPUs of this family, there are also no AES encryption instructions.

The current line of processors consists of four models. Junior Core The i3-2100 with a clock speed of 3.1 GHz is offered for $117. The Core i3-2120 operates at 3.3 GHz and costs $20 more. Intel has also included a cost-effective version of the i3-2100T with a TDP of 35 W. As a rule, it is possible to reduce CPU power consumption by reducing the operating clock frequency and supply voltage. On motherboards ah, allowing the user to independently perform downclocking and reduce the voltage below the recommended values, it is often possible to achieve similar results. But in cases where this is not possible, purchasing energy-efficient models will be justified. The Core i3-2100T operates at 2.5 GHz, and the graphics unit frequency is reduced from 850 to 650 MHz, while it can dynamically increase to 1.1 GHz.

Chips with reduced power consumption will be in demand for systems with compact cases that have a small volume and, accordingly, limited options for choosing a cooling system.

The Core i3-2105 stands out in the series. This model has identical clock speeds with the i3-2100, but differs from the rest of the family devices in the use of more powerful Intel HD Graphics 3000 graphics. Returning to the topology of the crystal, we note that the graphics component occupies a significant part of it - about a quarter. In turn, the lion's share of space is allocated to computing units. Therefore, taking into account the fact that in the majority budget models HD Graphics 2000 will be built in with 6 blocks, not 12, Intel developers rightly considered that banal deactivation of half of the computers is not an entirely rational solution. Therefore, from a technological point of view, it turned out to be more profitable to have two designs of dual-core crystals. The version with more powerful graphics has a slightly larger area (149 mm2), but in terms of power consumption it also falls within 65 W. As we could see earlier, the performance of HD Graphics 2000 and 3000 is noticeably different: depending on the tasks, the latter is 1.5–2 times faster, while being a serious competitor to budget discrete video cards. An overpayment of $14 for a modification with faster graphics will make sense if you are determined to use integrated video, and the capabilities of HD Graphics 2000 seem insufficient for the intended tasks.

Unlike mobile solutions, where even dual-core processors can be offered under the Core i7 brand, among desktop Core models with Sandy Bridge architecture there is currently a fairly clear segmentation by the number of computing units (physical and virtual): Core i7 - 4 cores and Hyper Threading, Core i5 - 4 cores without HT, Core i3 – 2 cores and Hyper Threading.

Pentium

If we move down the conventional scale of differentiation of current Intel processors, Core i3 is followed by Pentium chips. With the advent Core architecture without exaggeration, the legendary brand was used to designate fairly affordable CPUs with traditionally good value price/performance. Modernization of this line has been asking for a long time. Recently, models for the still relevant LGA775 platform have not been easy to hold back the onslaught of inexpensive solutions from AMD, especially to compete on equal terms with the tri-core Athlon II X3, which often offered higher performance at a similar price. Pentium based on the Clarkdale core for the LGA1156 socket have not gained significant popularity. The market situation at the time of the release of this platform was such that it was primarily positioned by Intel as a solution for mid-range and high class. Therefore, even after expanding the initial range of processors, the minimum cost of admission here remained quite high. The retail price of the most affordable Pentium G6950 is about $100, which is a bit expensive for an entry-level PC. It is easy to assume that Pentium for LGA1156, combining two crystals (CPU and GPU), has a higher cost. Therefore, it is quite difficult to seriously reduce the price of these processors. Moreover, in this case we are talking about budget chips of mass production. And boards cheaper than $80–90 for LGA1156 actually appeared only after the announcement of Sandy Bridge.

The updated Pentium modifications were the result of a simple simplification of the dual-core chips used for the Core i3. First of all, Pentium lost Hyper Threading technology, as well as the ability to execute AVX instructions. At the same time, the cache memory volumes are identical to those for the Core i3. The new Pentium family chips also use Intel HD Graphics 2000, although with a number of restrictions regarding support for proprietary technologies. In particular, Quick Sync and the visual improvement Intel Clear Video HD video and stereoscopic picture output (Intel InTru 3D).

On initial stage the line includes four models: Pentium G850 (2.9 GHz), G840 (2.8), G620 (2.6 GHz) and G620T (2.2 GHz). As you might guess, the latter refers to economical modifications, the energy consumption level of which does not exceed 35 W. In addition to the clock frequency reduced to 2.2 GHz, like the energy-efficient Core models i3-2100T, it also has a reduced graphics core frequency to 650 MHz with a limit value of 1.1 GHz.

As you can see, new Pentium processors Compared to the Core i3, they are mostly lightweight in terms of functionality, while the basic specifications should provide a decent level of performance. The Sandy Bridge microarchitecture used promises a good increase in performance, which we will try to verify during practical tests. As for the price, in wholesale quantities the cost of the CPU family lies in the range of $64–86. The retail price will be slightly higher, but it is obvious that Pentium will be cheaper not only than the Core i3, but also its predecessors with the Clarkdale core.

The updated Pentium models were presented quite recently - at the end of May. And almost immediately they appeared in retail sales in Ukraine. Intel has a good practice of bringing its products to market when they become available to customers either simultaneously with the global presentation or as soon as possible after it.

Overclocking

Overclocking is a fairly popular pastime for many enthusiasts. Someone is trying to increase system performance in this way in the hope of delaying the next upgrade. For some, it is a hobby, a sport, or a way to satisfy idle curiosity by exploring the capabilities and hidden potential of the CPU.

Unfortunately, those who like to experiment with overclocking will be a little disappointed this time. Considering the specifics of the clock generator operation in new platform and the processor multiplier of the considered chips is locked, it is obvious that the room for maneuver here is seriously limited. Even despite the relatively high multiplication factors (+100–150 MHz), this is all that can be squeezed out after raising the carrier bus to 103–106 MHz, at which current motherboards maintain stable operation. Of course, these are not the indicators that we would like to get, especially considering that older Sandy Bridge models often reach frequencies of 4500 MHz and higher even in the air. Alas, the new Pentium and Core i3 are not designed for overclocking at all. You will have to come to terms with this fact and take it into account when purchasing. At the same time, it is also important not to forget that these chips, even in normal mode, are noticeably more productive than their predecessors, which can even out the difference in frequencies.

In our opinion, you can’t expect modifications with unlocked multipliers among Core i3 and Pentium. Models with the K index, so beloved by overclockers, will be available only in the more expensive Core i5/i7 lines.

Results

As the test results demonstrate, the new Intel processors in the mid-price category have a noticeable performance advantage over their predecessors in terms of performance. Under conditions of good multi-threaded program optimization, AMD chips with a large number physical computing units can sometimes provide serious resistance. For example, if you look at the performance of the Athlon II X3 455 and Pentium G620, which are now offered at approximately the same price, then a triple-core CPU in applications where calculations can take place in parallel has a definite advantage. Even though the core performance per megahertz of AMD products with K10.5 architecture is noticeably lower than that of Intel chips on Sandy Bridge, in such software often “brute force” is quite effective, although this is achieved by increasing energy costs by one and a half times. However, we must admit that this is an ideal case when all processor cores are used as efficiently as possible. In real applications, this does not happen often, unfortunately. In games, new Intel solutions have unconditional superiority. As we have already seen, the Sandy Bridge microarchitecture copes well with such loads, and the gap between both its predecessors and competitor models is maximum.

New Pentiums are on average 20% more productive than CPUs of the same name for LGA1156 and compete almost equally with Core i3 on the Clarkdale core, which are noticeably more expensive. Simplification of the functional part of these chips did not greatly affect their speed performance. Therefore, these models can be fully recommended for creating universal systems and gaming platforms primary class. In turn, the second generation Core i3 also noticeably accelerated. Of course, it’s difficult for them to compete with quad-core Core i5s, but high clock speeds and support for Hyper Threading technology allow them to demonstrate very decent results, including in applications with multi-threaded optimization. Well, in games they sometimes look preferable to quad-core ones AMD Phenom II X4. Considering that these processors have retained the functionality of older models, they may be interesting for creating both mid-level gaming PCs and powerful multimedia systems.

This time, Intel has done everything to make the LGA1155 platform truly universal. The existing infrastructure allows you to create both a top-end system and an inexpensive entry-level PC. For powerful configurations, there are enough motherboards on the market based on Intel Z68 and P67 chips, and for the most affordable solutions, it is quite possible to use models based on Intel H61. Processor Intel line it looks very smooth now. There are no distortions or obvious competition between solutions from different families. So far, one brick is missing - the most available models CPU. Soon, Celeron is also planned to be transferred to the 32-nanometer process and a progressive microarchitecture. Presumably, these chips will appear in the third quarter of this year, at which time the range of other lines on Sandy Bridge will be expanded.