TOP 25 best Intel processors: 2021 rating by price/quality and which one to choose the most powerful for gaming

A good processor is the “brain” of any system, which determines the speed and potential power reserve of the PC. And this power does not always depend directly on the money spent.
Choosing a processor is a simple process, but it should be done carefully and thoughtfully.

How to be? To ease the pain of choice, we have compiled for you a rating of the best Intel processors.

When selecting models in terms of price/quality ratio, we took into account the opinions of experts and specialists, so only the best options will be presented here for you.

Rating of the TOP 25 best Intel processors of 2021

Place	Name	Price
TOP 3 best Intel processors by performance for 2021
1	Intel Core i9-10940X	Find out the price
2	Intel Core i9-10900X	Find out the price
3	Intel Core i7-7820X	Find out the price
TOP 3 best Intel socket 1200 processors
1	Intel Core i9-10900K	Find out the price
2	Intel Core i7-10700KF	Find out the price
3	Intel Core i5-10600KF	Find out the price
TOP 3 best Intel processors socket 1155
1	Intel Core i5-3550S Ivy Bridge	Find out the price
2	Intel Core i7-3770 Ivy Bridge	Find out the price
3	Intel Core i3-3220 Ivy Bridge	Find out the price
TOP 3 best Intel processors for socket 2066
1	Intel Core i9-10920X	Find out the price
2	Intel Core i7-7740X	Find out the price
3	Intel Xeon W-2125	Find out the price
TOP 3 best Intel processors for socket 1151v2
1	Intel Core i9-9900K	Find out the price
2	Intel Core i7-8700K	Find out the price
3	Intel Core i5-8600	Find out the price
TOP 3 best Intel processors for socket 1151
1	Intel Core i7-7700K	Find out the price
2	Intel Core i5-6600K Skylake	Find out the price
3	Intel Core i3-7350K	Find out the price
TOP 3 best Intel processors for socket 2011
1	Intel Xeon E5-2620V2	Find out the price
2	Intel Xeon E5-2680V2	Find out the price
3	Intel Xeon E5-2620	Find out the price
TOP 2 best Intel processors for socket 2011v3
1	Intel Xeon E5-2650 v4	Find out the price
2	Intel Xeon E5-1630 v4	Find out the price
TOP 2 best Intel processors for socket 1150
1	Intel Core i7-4790 Haswell	Find out the price
2	Intel Core i5-4670 Haswell	Find out the price

How to choose an Intel processor?

The selection of a processor should be carried out taking into account the following parameters:

socket – it is advisable to select it taking into account the maximum update and the relationship with the motherboard;
number of cores – 6 and 8 core systems are considered optimal for 2021, which will provide better performance in resource-intensive tasks;
clock frequency – not lower than 3.7 GHz (including boost);
the presence of an integrated graphics core - depends on the demands of games; options with graphics are suitable for workstations, but avid gamers should give preference to options without a built-in video card.

The best budget processors under 10,000 rubles

Thanks to competition from AMD and Intel, even a relatively budget processor on the market at the moment can cope with both gaming and work tasks. And there’s no need to worry about the cooling system either, since the chips are quite cold.

AMD Ryzen 3 3100 — 9,300 rubles

Currently, the most affordable processor from AMD, which we can safely recommend for purchase, is the AMD Ryzen 3 3100 model - 4 cores with 8 threads, a high base clock frequency and a modern technological process allow you to comfortably play, work or do any other business. At the same time, the processor generates a minimum of heat, thanks to which you can significantly save on both the cooling system and the motherboard - there are an incredible variety of available models now. It’s not worth taking processors of previous generations with the old technical process - the savings are negligible and not worth it at all.

Intel Core i3-10100F — 6,200 rubles

Intel certainly has an answer to the competing processor from the Reds - the Intel Core i3-10100F. The processor is quite cheap by modern standards, but it boasts 4 cores and eight threads, a TDP of 65 W and a base clock speed of 3.6 GHz, which is also increased in Turbo Boost mode. It is important to clarify that the processor with the index “F” in the name does not have an integrated graphics core, so you will not be able to use the computer without a discrete video card. On the other hand, the OEM version of the processor is even cheaper than the popular competitor from AMD.

Feature Comparison: AMD Ryzen 3 3100 vs Intel Core i3-10100F

Characteristics	AMD Ryzen 3 3100	Intel Core i3-10100F
Socket	AM4	LGA1200
Number of Cores	4	4
Number of threads	8	8
Integrated Graphics	No	No
Base frequency	3.6 GHz	3.6 GHz
Maximum frequency	3.9 GHz	4.3 GHz
L3 cache	16 MB	6 MB
Technical process	7 nm	14 nm
Thermal package	65 W	65 W
Price	9 300 rubles	6 200 rubles

TOP 3 best Intel processors for socket 2066

Intel Core i9-10920X

The model was released in mid-October 2021 .
The desktop processor is built on the Cascade Lake microarchitecture and is primarily designed for home and gaming systems, despite its belonging to the advanced line. Provides high performance through multi-core and multi-threading. Equipped with special technologies that increase system security, for example, to protect against hacking. Supports VT-d and VT-x virtualization .

It does not have a built-in video card, which makes it a good choice when independently selecting components.

However, it produces operating temperatures at high levels, so it is demanding on the cooling system - standard air coolers with cooling are unlikely to cope with the work.

The overall performance of the model is almost 10% higher than the previous generation.

Specifications:

Gaming: yes;
Cores: 12;
Clock frequency: 3500 MHz;
Memory: DDR4 2933 MHz, 256 GB.

pros

high clock frequencies;

gaming performance;

public availability.

Minuses

no overclocking potential.

Intel Core i7-7740X

The quad-core processor based on the Kaby Lake-X architecture does not have high performance indicators compared to its analogues, but it may be interesting for overclocking .
A gaming model with a good amount of power for the next few years, however, many modern games already require more than 4 cores, so you shouldn’t count on maximum graphics settings for the latest projects.

Guaranteed support for fast memory and excellent overclockability, but don't expect any significant performance gains in games when overclocked.

The absence of a discrete video card requires the installation of an external graphics core. The heat exchanger is classic thermal paste instead of liquid metal, so even for good overclocking the processor will need to be “scalped.”

In general, the model is a worthy representative of the gaming line, but it has many external and internal competitors.

Specifications:

Gaming: yes;
Cores: 4;
Clock frequency: 4300 MHz;
Memory: DDR4 2666 MHz, 64 GB.

pros

gaming performance;

stability of work;

overclocking potential.

Minuses

thermal paste instead of liquid metal.

Intel Xeon W-2125

The 2021 processor is intended for server computers and is based on Skylake architecture .
It is not of interest for overclocking due to the locked multiplier. At the same time, in general it produces good clock speeds at medium loads, and the maximum clock frequency with certain manual settings will be 4.5 GHz.

It has high operating temperatures due to high energy consumption, so it is demanding on cooling systems - an air cooler will not be enough for it, experts advise using liquid cooling.

At the same time, it supports large amounts of DDR4 memory with a wide frequency spread, which sets it apart from other models.

Specifications:

Gaming: no;
Cores: 4;
Clock frequency: 4000 MHz;
Memory: DDR4 1600/1866/2133/2400/2666 MHz, 512 GB.

pros

supports large amounts of DDR4 memory with a wide frequency spread;

energy efficiency;

performance.

Minuses

locked multiplier.

Best Mid-Range AMD Gaming Processors

This category presents the most affordable processors that, in principle, can be installed on a gaming machine.

AMD Ryzen 7 Pinnacle Ridge

★★★★★

editorial assessment

98%

buyers recommend this product

An excellent model on the AM4 socket is suitable for installation in a laptop, as it has moderate heat dissipation - approximately 65 W. The processor received 8 Pinnacle Ridge cores with a frequency of 3700 MHz and a 3-level cache (the last one is 16 MB).

The chip is equipped with a built-in memory controller and is capable of processing DDR4 generation RAM with a frequency of up to 3 GHz. But the coolest thing about this model is the possibilities that come with support for SSE2, SSE3 and SSE4, as well as NX Bit and Virtualization Technology. And all this for a fairly reasonable price - 12,700 rubles.

Pros:

Modern socket.
Large three-level cache.
Availability of a built-in memory controller.
Supports DDR4 RAM.
Availability of programs that improve the performance of the processor.
High frequency on 8 cores.

Minuses:

Requires a powerful cooling system - even liquid.
There is no possibility for overclocking (and there is no point in doing it).

A modern, fast and relatively inexpensive gaming processor can even handle streaming. And if you use a decent video card, any modern game will run on your laptop.

AMD Ryzen 5 3600

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

93%

buyers recommend this product

This 6-core device is specially designed for modern games. The average operating frequency of its cores is 3600 MHz, but the processor is also equipped with a Turbo Boost system that can overclock them to 4200 MHz. The model has also become popular due to the dual-threaded operation of the cores, which allows the device to distribute the load as accurately and correctly as possible.

The processor uses Zen 2 cores, which significantly improves its performance and allows the use of more modern RAM - high-frequency DDR4. The device is equipped with an AM4 socket, and 3 levels of cache (the last one is 32 MB) form a high-speed data exchange channel with system memory.

Pros:

Work of cores in 12 threads.
Availability of Turbo Boost system.
Modern socket.
Large cache size.
Virtualization Technology and NX Bit support.
Low cost (13,500 rubles).

Minuses:

Weak cooler included.
The need to update the BIOS on older chipsets.

For the price, this is one of the best processors for gaming. You will be especially pleased with the overclocking system, with which the processor can easily handle even heavy games.

AMD Ryzen 3 3200G

4.8

★★★★★

editorial assessment

88%

buyers recommend this product

One of the most budget gaming processors in the Ryzen line has sufficient characteristics to run games. It is connected via a modern AM4 socket. It has four cores (Zen+), they operate at a frequency of 3600 MHz. There is also a Turbo Boost function that accelerates the processor to 4000 MHz.

There are also 4 threads, which slightly reduces the possibility of playing in several windows, but there is a built-in Vega 8 graphics core at 1250 MHz and a built-in DDR4 memory controller.

The model implements AMD SenseMI, VR-Ready and Ryzen technologies. The first uses artificial intelligence to improve processor performance, the second optimizes games for virtual reality, and the third allows you to overclock the CPU even more.

Pros:

Possibility of additional overclocking.
High data processing speed.
Availability of a built-in video chip.
Memory controller.
There are programs that optimize and improve performance.
Modern socket.
Very low cost - 6100 rubles.

Minuses:

Additional overclocking requires flashing the BIOS.
Noisy cooler.

Buying a gaming processor for 6 thousand is already a miracle. And then there are the technologies of artificial intelligence and virtuality support with the possibility of additional overclocking, which together bring the chip to a new level of performance for the public sector. The Ryzen 3 is a great option for an inexpensive gaming laptop.

AMD Ryzen 5 Raven Ridge

4.7

★★★★★

editorial assessment

86%

buyers recommend this product

The representative of budget gaming 4-cores makes full use of all Raven Ridge cores and its own SMT multi-threading technology. Combined with the full complement of 11 Compute Units (CUs) on the integrated Vega graphics core, this delivers exceptional performance.

Each of the processor cores operates at a frequency of 3600 MHz, which is enough even for heavy games. Plus, the model has huge overclocking potential – up to 4300 MHz. The cache has dropped a little - only 4 MB at the third level, which will slightly reduce the potential of the PC working in several windows. But the split level 2 cache partially compensates for this.

Pros:

Low energy consumption and, accordingly, heat generation.
Availability of built-in graphics core.
High frequency and huge overclocking potential.
Availability of optimization programs.
Low cost - 8 thousand.

Minuses:

Single-threaded operation of cores.
Minor problems installing drivers for Vega.

By optimizing this processor, you can get output performance no worse than that of devices from more expensive lines.

TOP 2 best Intel processors for socket 2011v3

Intel Xeon E5-2650 v4

The optimal solution for parallelized multi-threaded tasks, but performs poorly in single-core performance .
Built on Broadwell architecture, intended primarily for server computers. For work systems it will be a good budget option.

The processor can be used for media stations that work with rendering, audio and photo content, but for games it will not be the best option - only for those that do not require high frequencies for each core.

Supports various virtualization technologies, including VT-x with Extended Page Tables (EPT).

Specifications:

Gaming: no;
Cores: 12;
Clock frequency: 2200 MHz;
Memory: DDR4 1600/1866/2133/2400 MHz, 1536 GB.

pros

support for large amounts of memory;

high throughput;

performance in multi-threaded tasks.

Minuses

too weak for gaming.

Intel Xeon E5-1630 v4

The server processor based on Broadwell architecture is equipped with four cores and provides eight threads .
It will not be of interest for overclocking due to the locked multiplier. It practically does not heat up during operation, so it does not make any special demands on the cooler, despite the rather serious energy consumption indicators.

Supports large amounts of memory and has high bandwidth . It will not show its best side in games, but for producers of various audio and video content, rendering, working in any multithreading will be a good system solution.

Specifications:

Gaming: yes;
Cores: 4;
Clock frequency: 3700 MHz;
Memory: DDR4 1600/1866/2133/2400 MHz, 1536 GB.

pros

high throughput;

heats up a little;

supports large amounts of memory.

Minuses

high energy consumption.

Differences between server processors and PC models

Before you look for where to buy a server processor, find out what models of this type are available and what differences they have from standard computer “stones”. Compared to the latter, server CPUs have a large number of advantages and a minimum of disadvantages.

Main differences:

Reliability. Server equipment operates around the clock, 365 days a year. Therefore, during its manufacture, the manufacturer pays a lot of attention to points that may affect the reliability of components. In most cases, such processors are subjected to a variety of tests, from operating under extreme temperature conditions to operating at maximum load.
Number of Cores. For home or work use, it is advisable to buy “stones” with a number of cores of no more than 8. Moreover, for server models, the minimum value of this parameter is 12 cores, and the maximum is 64 cores.
Performance. This figure is higher for server models. This allows them to function effectively even in multi-threaded systems.
Cache size. For PC “stones” the performance at all levels (L1, L2, L3) will be much lower than for server ones. Thanks to this, the latter will be able to process large amounts of information faster.
RAM support. Even older server CPU models support at least 144 GB of RAM. At the same time, many “stones” for simple computers cannot cope with even ¼ of this volume.
Protection. Components for server computers are equipped with comprehensive protection, which allows you to avoid failures in their operation. Such protective elements include ECC (detects errors and eliminates them), various sensors (monitor the technical parameters of the system), and a watchdog timer (reboots in case of freezing).

Which processor is better Intel Core i3, i5 or i7?

The Core line has several families, differing in digital designation.

Each of them speaks about the main purpose of the processor:

i3 – models for basic PCs and office systems;
i5 – for work machines and more demanding home computers;
i7 – gaming options;
i9 – professional processors for servers and e-sports builds.

What is its operating temperature?

Operating temperatures for all processors normally fluctuate between 40-50 degrees under light load. However, some models may have increased heat generation due to high energy consumption.

Maxim Kirichenko

At peak load, standard CPUs can reach temperatures of 70-80 degrees , while more resource-demanding ones can reach up to 100 degrees, which will require good cooling for long-term stable operation.

Decryption of Intel processors

Each processor has its own specific marking. The first in the name is always the trade name and line – Core. Celeron, Xeon, etc. After it comes the series – —— or x5, E, N, depending on the line.

The first digit after the series indicates the processor generation . The higher this indicator, the newer the generation. The next 3 digits after the generation indication are the serial number. The higher its value, the better performance you can expect.

The last characters indicate the version, and there are several variations:

Y – passive cooling, low performance, optimal for compact devices;
U – models for everyday tasks;
HQ/HK – high-performance models with 4 cores;
F/FK – high-performance models without a graphics core;
K – unlocked multiplier.

Which processor is better: AMD or Intel?

The debate about which processors are better has been going on for a very long time. Experts often hold radically opposing opinions.

Intel is supported by advanced technologies, most of the software tailored for them, focus on the general public and relatively low heating rates.

In addition, this company's processors have a wide selection of different models, sometimes with small increments in performance, but with a wide range in cost.

Their disadvantages are often high cost, weak graphics cores and lack of prospects for many models.

The advantages of AMD are considered to be low cost with performance similar to its competitor, excellent performance with games and graphics, implementation of the graphics core and ample opportunities for upgrades.

The main disadvantages are the small amount of software and problems with the implementation of multi-cores, as well as the requirement for cooling due to high heating.

It’s difficult to say which is better - it all depends on the situation, taste preferences, wallet capabilities and compatibility with other components of the machine.

AMD Ryzen 3 3100 (3.60GHz, 16MB) Socket AM4 — RUB 7,941.

The percentage from the “red” team is slightly weaker in performance per core. Lower clock speeds have an effect - up to 3.9 GHz in Turbo mode. At the same time, the Ryzen 3100 costs almost a thousand more than the 10100F. What then is the optimal choice? But the devil is in the details.

All other things being equal, AM4 motherboards are cheaper than their Intel counterparts. And if the cost is the same, then the AMD versions will be more “stuffed” in terms of RAM connectors, SATA and PCI-e x1 expansion slots, and so on. So the choice is not so clear-cut.