The best Intel processors of 2020

The issue with Intel budget processors is very acute, since the chosen development vector does not allow the company to reduce prices for its models. Therefore, choosing a “standing stone" at a low price is quite difficult. Obviously, this year you should not look at models that have 4 cores, since these processors are suitable only for office computers and no more. Basically, you should pay attention to the 8-9 generation of the i3 series.

Opens the Top 15 Intel processors budget model I3 9100F, code-named BX80684I39100F. The presentation of this device took place in the second quarter of last year, but the relevance of the device has not exhausted. The model on the Coffee Lake architecture and the 14-nm process technology has 4 cores and 4 threads with a frequency of 3.6 GHz in stock and 4.2 GHz in overclocking mode. At the same time, for less than 5000 rubles, the user can get all the necessary instructions in the form of Avx-Avx2 and SSE4. Affordable price due to the lack of a video core. For obvious reasons, the cost of the chip is lower than 9100 without the F index. However, the processor received 6 MB of cache memory, and the calculated power is 65 watts. The gadget is compatible with DDR4 RAM at a frequency of 2400 MHz with a maximum capacity of up to 64 gigabytes.

In the segment of low-cost Intel processors of the 8th generation, another good model on the Coffee Lake-S microarchitecture is i3 8100. This device attracts with good performance. It is positioned as a worthy solution for the LGA 1151 desktop platform. However, the representative of the Core i3 family has 4 cores with a clock frequency of 3.6 GHz. The cache is 6 megabytes (level 3). The model is built on a 14-nm process technology, and has a built-in graphics core Intel UHD Graphics. With support for Ultra HD 4K, every user can enjoy dynamic video on a 4K screen. Thanks to Intel Quick Sync Video, endless possibilities for creating video conferencing open up.

The list of inexpensive processors is supplemented by the Intel i5 8400 model, which has 6 cores and 6 threads on board. Of course, this gadget is more expensive than the solutions described above. As you know, the device fits the LGA 1151 socket. At the same time, the chip is manufactured using the 14-nm process technology. The clock frequency of the cores is 2.8 GHz, and in the acceleration mode 4 GHz. Suitable for dual channel DDR4 memory controller. The model features include integrated DirectX 12 API, OpenCL, Intel Quick Sync Video, as well as Ultra HD 4K technology. As you understand, you can connect a display with a resolution of 4096 by 2304 pixels.

Another bright representative of the Intel processors of the initial category of the 9th generation. The model has increased frequencies compared to 9100 or 8100, which allows you to get a small margin of power. The chip is suitable for Intel LGA 1151 socket. The gadget is built on a 14-nm process technology. The equipment has 4 cores with a clock frequency of 3.6 GHz. The cache size is 6 megabytes. A dual-channel DDR4 memory controller is installed. Of particular note is the quality of protection technologies, including Secure Key, Identity Protection Technology, Guard Extensions, OS Guard, as well as Protection Technology with Boot Guard.

The best budget processor from Intel for 2020 is the Core i5 9400F, which can already be attributed to the number of legendary chips. For the money, this is an almost perfect solution, equipped with 6 cores and 6 threads at a frequency of up to 4.1 GHz. The model is built for the Intel LGA 1151 desktop platform. The gadget is built on a 14-nm process technology. The nominal frequency of 6 cores is 2.9 GHz. The cache size is 9 megabytes of the third level. A dual-channel memory controller is installed, as you understand, such as DDR4. Of the security technologies, it is worth noting Secure Key support, the proprietary Advanced Encryption Standard Instructions function, as well as OS Guard.

This category contains quite powerful manufacturers, assembled taking into account their potential for modern games. The segment presents models from 6 to 8 cores with good overclocking potential. At the same time, we took into account the optimal price / quality ratio, not forgetting the pricing policy of the brand. Obviously, Intel gaming chips are significantly more expensive than AMD. The chips below are suitable for socket type LGA 1151 and 1151-v2.

The model of the middle segment Core i5 8600k with a base frequency of 3.6 GHz replenishes the rating of Intel processors, but in Turbo Boost mode, 6 cores can be overclocked to 4.3 GHz. 9 MB SmartCache installed. The loyal price is due to the fact that the model went on sale three years ago, but today it is relevant. However, do not forget how rarely this segment of equipment is updated. The advantages of this device can also be attributed to the presence of a good graphics core Intel UHD 630 with support for 4K resolution, as well as the maximum amount of supported RAM type DDR4 (up to 128 gigabytes). The frequency of the RAM may have a frequency of 2666 MHz.

Another good Intel gaming processor, equipped with 8 cores and 8 threads with a frequency in the base mode of 3.6 GHz. In overclocking mode, performance can be increased to 4.9 GHz, which will allow to obtain high FPS values ​​with stable operation of the chip. In addition to the high overclocking potential, this processor attracts support for a dual-channel DDR4 memory controller for installing RAM, up to 128 gigabytes. The level 3 cache can be up to 12 megabytes. This device has a graphics core of the latest Intel UHD Graphics series, which allows you to run the most dynamic videos on the screen in Ultra HD and 4K format. Paired with a good graphics card, it is possible to create a complete gaming system.

Another good option for games, but rather for professional activities, is the Intel Core i9 9900k processor. This device did not receive the first position in this category only because of its high price. Especially against the background of analogues from AMD. However, the powerful chip has 8 physical cores that process 16 threads. The model is based on a 14-nm process technology.The nominal core frequency is 3.6 GHz, but with Turbo Boost 2.0 technology, this figure can be increased to 5 GHz. To work with such a chip, you need a motherboard with a socket 1151-v2. At the same time, the manufacturer recommends a significant amount of DDR4 RAM, up to 64 gigabytes.

An ideal solution for assembling a gaming PC can be a gaming processor from Intel - the Core i7 8700k, built on the basis of a 14-nm process technology. At the heart of this chip are 6 cores with a frequency of 3.7 to 4.7 GHz. The second indicator is achieved when using Turbo Boost technology. At the same time, each core processes 2 threads, which guarantees an excellent indicator of work when performing several difficult tasks. The volume of cache in the third level is 12 megabytes, and the maximum rated power of 95 watts. The model is compatible with socket 1151, and 4K screens. It is worth adding that the device has an integrated graphics chip Intel UHD 630.

Intel's best gaming processor of 2020 is the Core i5 9600KF. This chip is equipped with 6 cores with a frequency range from 3.7 to 4.6 GHz. However, the processor does not require a "fat" motherboard for overclocking. This unit debuted last year, and quickly found its target audience. Suitable for FCLGA1151 socket. The chip is based on a 14nm process technology, code-named Coffee Lak. Other features include 9 megabytes of L3 cache and 95 watts of power consumption. The model shows excellent resistance, withstands temperatures up to 100 degrees. The amount of RAM can be 128 GB at a frequency of up to 2666 MHz.

The flagship models for the LGA 2066 socket are compiled in this category. The processors described below have from 8 to 18 cores with a high clock speed, overclocking capability and excellent power parameters. As you understand, these gadgets are intended for professional use. In particular, with modern 3D graphics. And you can run other processes in parallel.

For fans of the maximum, in our ranking of top Intel processors there is a professional model Core i7 9800x with 8 cores and 16 threads. The chip is built on the basis of a 14-nm process technology. Heat dissipation is 165 watts. It is worth noting that this gadget has a base frequency of 3.8 GHz. At the same time, a powerful device can accelerate to 4.5 GHz in Turbo Boost mode. The indicated price is indicated for the type of packaging BOX, respectively, without a cooler. It is worth saying that the manufacturer took care of supporting 44 PCI Express 3.0 lines. Such power seems to be enough for any task. Moreover, you can run several demanding graphics applications at once, without worrying about efficiency.

Honestly, it's hard to imagine a system that might require such a chip, but one thing is for sure - this flagship processor from Intel will remain relevant tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. Suitable for motherboards with an LGA 2066 socket. Just think about it, the chip supports 20 threads. In addition, each of the 10 cores has a clock frequency of 3.3 GHz. A model based on a 14-nm process technology is built. The advantages include automatic overclocking, due to the support of the latest Turbo Boost 3.0 Max technology. However, for enthusiasts there is the possibility of overclocking manually. The heat dissipation of the device is 140 watts. Among the pleasant aspects include an extensive set of proprietary options and unrivaled protection.

Another premium chip from Intel with an unlocked multiplier, which guarantees a significant power reserve. Additional functions of this device include the ability to overlock each core individually.Implemented AVX ratio control, which guarantees increased stability. Connecting multiple 4K screens with such a chip will allow you to completely immerse yourself in the gameplay of AAA games with support for virtual reality. Naturally, at maximum settings. Another advantage of the model is Intel Smart Cache technology, which provides access of all cores to the last level cache memory. In addition, the manufacturer took care of the presence of an energy-saving function that dynamically cleans memory during periods of inactivity.

If you have not decided which Intel processor to buy, we recommend that you pay attention to the Core i9 9960x model. This chip has 16 cores with 4 channels and a stock frequency of 3.1 GHz. The cores cope with 32 threads, and overclock to 4.5 GHz in Turbo Boost mode. Suitable for motherboards with Intel LGA 2066 socket. The chip works on the basis of 14-nm process technology. Heat dissipation is 165 watts. The flagship model received 16 cores and 32 threads. The heat dissipation rate is 165 watts. That's not all. 44 lanes of PCI Express 3.0. Judging by the comments of customers, bringing the model to a boiling point is extremely difficult.

The most powerful Intel processor for 2020 is the Core i9 9980XE, which has 18 cores on 36 threads. The frequency is 3 GHz, with a maximum acceleration of 4.5 GHz in Turbo Boost mode. Heat dissipation is 165 watts. With Turbo Boost technology with a 4-channel memory controller, 18 cores provide maximum performance. On the user platform, this is the highest-performance chip currently. He calmly copes with streaming, editing, any games. In addition, 512 avx for coding. In general, for a professional activity a more relevant solution has not yet been found.

Intel, as always, took the palm by the number of requests for rendering, and the final fps (fps) with their 9900k. Also, weaker models instead of showing parity went ahead against competitors from AMD throughout the past year. Systems do not require much knowledge from the owners, and this makes them more versatile relative to competitors who required manual overclocking of memory, rather than simply setting the xmp profile in the BIOS. That is why intel is also popular because of its proximity to customers. Therefore, it is understandable why they are bought, despite the high cost.

However, if you don’t know how to choose an Intel processor, first of all it’s worth looking at which series this chip belongs to, since the quality of the memory controller has just improved with each generation, and actually the CPU itself will allow you to achieve high memory frequencies at low timings. Naturally, it is better to take the option with the index K, so that you can later overclock the processor.

In addition, you need to compare the basic parameters:

• Number of Cores;
• number of threads;
• cache size
• overclocking potential;
• embedded technologies.

If you have not decided which Intel processor to buy this year for your system, but do not plan to pay too much, we recommend paying attention to models with an index F. They simply lack a video core, which, if you have a video card, will not come in handy. In this case, the chip itself will cost less. For games at the moment there will be enough models with 6 cores, but no less. We recommend that you pay attention to 9600kf or 8400, the initial and at the same time top-end option for games at the moment. However, we suggest summing up on the subject of leaders in different segments:

1. Best budget processor - Intel Core i5 9400F;
2. In the price / quality ratio - Intel Core i5 9600KF;
3. The most powerful for work is Intel Core i9 9980xe.