World microprocessor market. Production of modern processors. Technological excursion Processors from other manufacturers
07/09/2018, Mon, 13:52, Moscow time , Text: Dmitry Stepanov
The Chinese company Hygon has begun production of x86-compatible Dhyana server processors based on AMD Zen architecture, for which it paid $293 million to license the production technology. The deployment of the production of its own chips is intended to compete with the solutions of the triumvirate of Intel, VIA and AMD in the Chinese domestic market, as well as to help increase the level of independence from imports, which is especially important in the context of the flared trade war with the United States.New processor for the domestic market
Hygon, a Chinese semiconductor manufacturer, has begun mass production of x86-compatible server processors based on AMD Zen microarchitecture under the Dhyana brand. Thus, Hygon has become the world's fourth player in the x86 chip market, potentially capable of competing with Intel, VIA and AMD. The chips were developed by Chendgdu Haiguang IC Design Co., a joint venture between Hygon and AMD.
The creation of a joint company was announced in May 2018. According to Forbes, the cost of the transaction to acquire rights to use AMD technologies amounted to $293 million. Also, in accordance with the terms of the deal, AMD will receive regular cash payments, so-called royalties, upon expiration of the license to use intellectual property companies. In addition, the agreement does not prohibit AMD from promoting its own x86-compatible processors in China.
According to AMD, the company does not provide the final chip design to Chinese partners. Instead, it allows them to use their own developments to design chips aimed exclusively at the domestic Chinese market. However, the new processors appear to have minimal differences from the first-generation AMD Epyc line of server chips - to ensure Dhyana support in the Linux kernel, developers had to add only new vendor identifiers and series numbers. The size of the Linux patch submitted by Hygon does not exceed 200 lines.
The x86 Dhyana processor is practically no different from the original AMD Epyc
It is also worth noting that the new chips, unlike the original AMD Epyc, which are supplied as a separate chip for installation in a socket on the motherboard, belong to the class of SoC solutions (System on Chip), that is, they are soldered directly on the motherboard board
China continues to invest in x86-compatible chips
Information about new chips arose against the backdrop of a trade war between the United States and China that has recently been gaining momentum. This development of events probably helps to strengthen the long-standing belief in the minds of Chinese leaders that establishing its own production of x86-compatible microprocessors is a strategically important task for the state.
Let us recall that in 2015 the administration Barack Obama(Barack Obama), the then-current US President, banned the export of server processors Intel Xeon due to concerns that the supply of chips could significantly simplify the implementation of the Chinese nuclear program.
In this situation, reaching an agreement with AMD could not have come at a better time. The deal appears to be profitable and safe for both parties. Complex structure The joint venture allows AMD to license its own technologies without violating laws or restrictions, while guaranteeing profits in both the short and medium term, without making any significant capital investments. The Chinese side gets the opportunity to strengthen its own independence from imports and fight competitors represented by Intel and VIA, which occupy a dominant position in the x86 chip market.
Hygon is not the only Chinese microelectronics manufacturer investing in import substitution in the field of x86-compatible chips. For example, Zhaoxin Semiconductor, in partnership with VIA, is also engaged in the production of products of this type.
At the beginning of 2018, Zhaoxin Semiconductor announced a line of new x86-compatible Kaixian KX-5000 microprocessors based on the WuDaoKou architecture, made in accordance with the 28-nanometer process technology. The performance of the eight-core new product allowed it to demonstrate decent results at the level of the Intel Atom C2750 in synthetic tests.
Introduction
Central processor - executor of machine instructions, part of computer hardware or programmable logic controller; is responsible for performing operations specified by programs.
Modern CPUs, implemented in the form of separate microcircuits (chips) that implement all the features inherent in this type of device, are called microprocessors. Since the mid-1980s, the latter have practically replaced other types of CPUs, as a result of which the term has become more and more often perceived as an ordinary synonym for the word “microprocessor”. However, this is not the case: the central processing units of some supercomputers, even today, are complex complexes built on the basis of large-scale (LSI) and ultra-large-scale integration (VLSI) microcircuits.
The subject of the work is an analysis of the processor market for modern personal computers and laptops. The purpose of the work is to review microprocessor manufacturers, the range of their products, review technical features most popular models, their prices; analysis of distribution and market dynamics between manufacturers.
At the end of the work, conclusions are drawn regarding the advisability of choosing one or another processor model for a PC among the presented Intel and AMD models in accordance with the needs and financial capabilities of the buyer.
1. Classification of processors and their types
Before considering the situation on the microprocessor market, we will define the range of devices that fall under this category and their types. Microprocessors can be classified according to different criteria. According to their intended purpose, the following types can be distinguished:
-processors for servers and supercomputers;
-processors for personal computers;
- processors for laptops;
-processors for mobile systems;
- processors for embedded systems.
Based on the type of architecture, processors with a full (CISC) and reduced (RISC) instruction set can be distinguished; by number of cores: single-core and multi-core.
Various manufacturers microprocessors have developed their own architectures for processors for a specific purpose, for example, the x86 architecture was developed by Intel and is now widely used in desktop computers, later an extension was developed for 64-bit computers - x64 architecture, which maintains backward compatibility with x86; Intel and AMD are currently developing PC processors based on these architectures. Other examples of architectures include PowerPC (from IBM) and SPARC (from Sun), which are focused on processors for high-performance servers, workstations, and supercomputers.
2. Microprocessor manufacturers
The entire PC microprocessor market was originally owned by two companies: Intel (to a large extent) and AMD. Recently, VIA processors can be found as an option for cheap and low-power processors, but their market share does not exceed 1% and they cannot pose any serious competition to Intel and AMD processors.
Intel Corporation (Santa Clara, California, USA) is the largest manufacturer of PC processors, also produces flash memory, chipsets, network hardware and other electronics. It has about 80,000 employees, profit for 2009 - $4.369 billion, turnover for 2009 - about $35 billion.
Advanced Micro Devices (Sunnyvale, California, USA) is the second-largest processor manufacturer by volume; it also produces flash memory, chipsets and video cards. It has about 10,000 employees, profit for 2009 - $293 million, turnover - about $5 billion.
VIA Technologies (Taipei, Taiwan) is a Taiwanese company, a manufacturer of chipsets, processors and memory chips. Not a competitor to the first two, but VIA processors can already be found in Ukraine. It appeared on the microprocessor market in 1999.
It is worth noting that the first two companies also produce a wide range of microprocessors for servers, high-performance workstations, supercomputers, as well as for netbooks and mobile devices. Intel, in addition, is developing microprocessors and microcontrollers for embedded systems based on the founder of this class of devices - the 8051 chip.
3. Overview of the microprocessor market for personal computers
3.1 Intel processors
Intel produces a wide range of microprocessors for various purposes, performance and prices:
- processors for desktop PCs (processors of the Intel Core, Intel Pentium and Intel Celeron);
- processors for laptops (processors of the Intel Core and Intel Celeron families);
-processors for Internet devices (Intel Atom processors for netbooks and nettops and for mobile devices);
-Intel processors for servers and workstations.
Processors based on IntelCore i7/i5/i3 technology are the newest and highest-performance family of x86-64 processors for PCs, including 3 lines: Intel Core i7, i5 and i3.
Intel Core i7 is considered the best Intel desktop processor. Uses fast, intelligent multi-core technologies to deliver breakthrough performance for compute- and memory-intensive games and applications.
Intel Core i5 - great for working with multimedia applications. Cheaper than the previous model due to the simplification of the memory subsystem. Intel Core i3 - positioned as low- and mid-level processors in terms of price and performance. They are inferior in performance to i7 and i5, but cheaper.
Also popular are processors based on Core 2 technology. This is a family of 64-bit microprocessors designed for client systems. Includes dual-core IntelCore 2 Duo and quad-core Intel Core 2 Quard, as well as 2-4 core Intel Core 2 Extreme. Production started in 2006. These are the most popular Intel processors in Ukraine. Used in PCs and laptops. They provide fairly high performance at a relatively low price.
Other Intel processors are less popular; they are evolutions of older models for budget systems and mid-to-low performance laptops. Intel Pentium Dual-Core is a family of budget dual-core Intel processors designed for low-cost home systems based on the Intel Core and P6 microarchitecture. Intel Celeron - a simplified version of Pentium or Core 2. Lower price and performance due to lower frequency system bus and the size of the second level cache compared to the basic version. Intel Atom - single- and dual-core processors for netbooks with x86 architecture. Production started in 2008. The advantage is low energy consumption. Performance figures are comparable to Celeron.
The prices set by Intel for its processors at the beginning of 2010 are shown in Fig. 1.
Figure 1 - Prices for Intel processors
Among the reasons for Intel's success in the microprocessor market are the following: production of the most productive processors through the introduction of the most advanced technologies; release of a wide range of processors at price and power by maintaining models different generations from Core i7 to Celeron; the successful discovery of Intel Atom, which made it possible to establish mass production of budget netbooks; historical reason - earlier entry into the market; technological reason - many Intel processors have the ability to “overclock” without using a fixed system bus frequency and multiplier.
3.2 AMD processors
AMD microprocessors are slightly behind Intel Core i7 in performance, but are worthy competitors to less powerful Intel processors. AMD produces a wide range of processors:
-for desktop PCs: Phenom II, Phenom X3 and X4, Athlon II and X2, Sempron;
-for mobile use: Turion X2 and Sempron;
-for servers - Opteron (including six-core).
The most high-performance processors are Phenom; they appeared in 2007. In 2009, their second generation Phenom II appeared. 2, 3, 4, and 6 core processors are available (3 core - part of the defect, 4 core with one core disabled). Compete with Intel Core i7/i5/i9, show good results in working with multimedia applications through the implementation of the 3DNow extension developed by AMD and other proprietary high-performance technologies.
Athlon processors are a lower-performance and cheaper version of the previous series without L3 cache. 2, 3, and 4-core models are also produced.
Sempron processors belong to the low class of processors in terms of price and performance, designed for budget computers and laptops. In terms of development methods and methods of promotion to the market, they are similar to Celeron processors from Intel. Manufacturer prices for some AMD processors installed at the beginning of 2010 are shown in Fig. 2.
Figure 2 - Prices for AMD processors Successful technological and market moves by AMD include: the development and implementation of its own technologies and instruction sets as opposed to Intel; setting lower prices for low- and mid-class processors compared to similar Intel models; reduction in the volume of defects in the production of 4-core processors due to the sale of part of it as 2- and 3-core.
3.3 Distribution and dynamics of the world market
2010 saw growth in the microprocessor market. According to a study by IDC of the global PC microprocessor market, sales in the 2nd quarter of 2010 relative to the 1st quarter (2010) in unit and monetary terms increased by 3.6% and 6.2%, respectively. At the end of the second quarter of 2010, revenues from the sale of processors in the world increased by 34% compared to the same period a year earlier.
In the second quarter of 2010, Intel accounted for 81% of sales, AMD - 18.8%, VIA - 0.2% (see Fig. 3).
Figure 3 - Distribution of the microprocessor market It should also be noted that AMD processors are increasingly used in laptops and here AMD’s share is already about 20%.
3.4 Market situation in Ukraine
Over the past part of 2010, sales of processors in Ukraine also increased. Here, too, the greatest demand is for Intel microprocessors, followed by microprocessors from AMD. Based on the results of the analysis of online stores, the 10 most popular microprocessors in Ukraine were identified. Prices (lower and upper limits in UAH) for these models are shown in Fig. 4 (sales volumes fall from left to right).
Figure 4 - Prices for popular processors in Ukraine (UAH) Deservedly took first place AMD Athlon II X2, which provides fairly high performance at a relatively low price; the most powerful of the list (and expensive) Intel Core i5 is in 4th place, and the most powerful Intel processor Core i7 was not even included in the list (11th place) due to its too high cost (more than 2500 UAH).
The fact that there are 5 models from AMD on the list suggests that price is quite important for the Ukrainian buyer (on average, AMD processors are slightly cheaper than their Intel counterparts). At the same time, mid-range and mid-range processors are also very popular. high class, only two budget models are included in the list - AMD Athlon II X2 and Intel Pentium Dual Core.
conclusions
Based on the results of the work, we can say that processors from the Intel Core i7 line have the most power; it is the one that should be chosen by the buyer with the greatest requirements; no processor from AMD can yet compare with it in performance (for most Ukrainian buyers this processor is still too expensive ). The closest analogue from AMD is the quad-core Phenom II X4, which can be purchased 1.5-2 times cheaper. This is a processor for an average of 400 UAH. cheaper than the quad-core Intel Core 2 Quard, which is also inferior in performance.
For mid-class models, it will be more profitable to purchase a processor from AMD. Comparing models with similar technical characteristics, for example AMD Athlon II X2 and Intel Core 2 Duo, we see that the first option is 2 times cheaper, AMD Phenom II X2 is also cheaper than its analogue Intel Core i3 by about 200 UAH.
Among the low-budget models are Celeron for PCs and Atom for laptops from Intel, and their corresponding counterparts Sempron and Turion from AMD. Their price and technical characteristics are approximately equal.
In general, it is accessible to the user wide range microprocessor models of any level (with appropriate purchasing power) with a slightly larger offer from Intel.
List of sources
- Solomenchuk V. G. Iron PC-2010. - St. Petersburg: BHV-Petersburg - 2010.
- Description of Intel products. [Electronic resource]: http://www.intel.com/ru_ru/consumer/products
- Description of AMD processors. [Electronic resource]: http://www.amd.com/us/aboutamd/Pages/AboutAMD.aspx
- IT news: http://www.hardnsoft.ru
- IDC research on the hardware market. [Electronic resource]:http://www.idc.com/research
- Electronic system product search from Yandex, processor catalog. [Electronic resource]:
It is with the help of the processor that various calculations are carried out and commands are executed. But since not everyone understands such important elements, people wonder how to choose an inexpensive but good processor for a computer? We have to take into account various characteristics in the processor. We will talk about this in this article.
The processor core provides various applications access to computer resources. The minimum can be one, the maximum is 8. In AMD computer processors, the number of cores is indicated after “X”; in Intel, it is indicated in words.
So how many cores do you need for this year's games? The answer is - at least 2. The rest depends on the games you will run. However, soon the developers plan to release new consoles, which will already require 4 cores.
In general, the cooler the game, the better if there are more cores. For example, World of Tanks will definitely require 4 cores.
The core frequency specifically shows how many operations the processor in a computer can perform in 1 second. Measured in megahertz. High purity allows fast processing of information. But what is the optimal processor core frequency? If you are buying a processor for work, then 1.6 GHz is enough, but for games and various professional programs you will need 2.5 or more. So don't forget about this parameter.
Photo of AMD model
Cache and bus frequency
The bus frequency tells you how fast the information is. Higher frequency means that information is exchanged faster. A cache is a block of memory. It improves computer performance and is localized in the kernel.
If we compare it with RAM for data processing, then the cache speed is higher.
Cache and bus frequency are very important indicators. These also need to be taken into account if you are thinking about how to choose the best processor for your computer.
The cache can be divided into 3 levels:
- l1 is the fastest cache, but its size is insignificant. Its sizes range from 8 to 128 kilobytes.
- L2 is larger in volume compared to the first, but slower in speed. Minimum 128 kilobytes, maximum 12288.
- L3- Largest in volume, but smaller in speed. Reaches 16,1284 kilobytes. There may not be a third level in a computer.
Other parameters
Other parameters are not as important as all of the above, but they are still very relevant. These include the socket as well as heat dissipation.
A connector is called a socket motherboard, this is where the processor is installed. Let’s say “AM3” is written on the processor, this means that it is inserted into the same socket.
Heat dissipation is a measure of how hot the processor gets during operation. It is taken into account when choosing a cooling system. Measured in Watts. Minimum 50, maximum 300.
It is desirable that the processor can support different technologies. There are teams that will improve performance. These include SSE4 technology. After all, there will be 54 commands, with their help, while the computer is running with different applications and components, the processor performance increases.
Semiconductor elements make up the internal circuit. They set the scale of technology. This is called a technical process. The elements are based on transistors, which are interconnected. Developers are trying to improve the technology, reduce transistors, and as a result increase processor characteristics.
Here are some examples:
- The technical process is 0.18 microns. Transistors - 42 million.
- Process - 0.09 microns, transistors - 125 million.
Not every person can answer that it is better to choose Intel or AMD; we give an example in the table based on two processors:
| CPU | Clock frequency (MHz) |
| AMD FX-8150 Zambezi | 3600 |
| Intel Core i5-3570K | 3400 |
From the results obtained it is clear that the first processor is faster. Moreover, AMD has 8 cores, and Intel has 4. But not all applications are optimized to work with 4 cores. The cache of the first processor is much larger.
So if you are thinking about how to choose a processor for your computer, first determine how fast you need it. If you are going to play, then of course it is better to choose a faster one. There are comparison tests to help you decide. They are in the photo below.
Top processors of this year
When you select a processor for a computer, you are not only interested in its characteristics. I would also like to know the owners' reviews. Don’t be shy to contact a programmer you know. Or you can look at the top best processors for PCs. The best-selling models are presented here, both of high quality and at reasonable prices. We have shown here a list that will help you do right choice various devices, fortunately there is a wide variety of them on the market now. Don't forget your preferences. Some people only need a computer for work, while others want to watch movies and play games.
Cost 1500 rubles:
- Developer - Intel, Celeron brand, E3ХХХ series.
- Manufacturer: AMD, Sempron brand, series 140/145.
Costing up to 3000 rubles:
- Intel Pentium Dual-Core G3220 (not expensive, but good).
Cost up to 4500:
- Manufacturer: Intel, series: Core i3-4130.
From 6000 to 9000:
- Developer – Intel, brands – LGA1150 and Core i5-750.
- AMD Phenom II X6 1055T.
- For games, Intel has produced HD Graphics 4000. Also suitable for photography.
Up to 12,000 and above (best processor):
- Intel – (ADM no), Core i7-4000K and i7-4930K series.
Conclusion
Don't rush to grab an overly powerful processor off the counter. Are you not a gamer or a professional photo editor? Don't have applications that require a lot of resources? Then this element will require excess electricity. Sometimes a new product requires reinstalling the motherboard.
Don’t forget to check the power of the power supply before choosing the right processor.
Computers have entered our lives so tightly that we already consider them something elementary. But their structure cannot be called simple. Motherboard, processor, RAM, hard drives: all of these are integral parts of the computer. You can’t throw away this or that detail, because they are all important. But the most important role is played by the processor. It’s not for nothing that they call it “central”.
The role of the CPU is simply enormous. It is responsible for all calculations, which means it depends on it how quickly you will complete your tasks. This could be surfing the web, drafting a document in text editor, photo editing, moving files and much, much more. Even in games and 3D modeling, where the main load falls on the shoulders of the graphics accelerator, CPU plays a huge role, and if the “stone” is incorrectly selected, the performance of even the most powerful video card will not be fully developed.
On this moment There are only two major processor manufacturers in the consumer market: AMD and Intel. We will talk about them in the traditional ranking.
The best inexpensive processors: budget up to 5000 rubles.
4 Intel Celeron G3900 Skylake
The most affordable Intel processor
Country: USA
Average price: 4,381 RUR
Rating (2019): 4.5
The rating opens with an extremely weak processor from the Celeron line. The G3900 model has two cores of the previous generation - Skylake, which, coupled with a frequency of 2.8 GHz, gives the lowest performance result. In synthetic tests, the processor shows a result that is approximately half that of the Core i3. But the price here is quite affordable - 4-4.5 thousand rubles. This means that this processor is perfect for assembling, for example, a simple office computer or a multimedia system for the living room. Overall, this model cannot be called bad. Still, the 14 nm process technology provides good energy efficiency, and the HD Graphics 510 graphics core is suitable for casual games.
Advantages:
- Lowest price in class
- Perfect for office PC or HTPC
Flaws:
- Does not support Hyper-Threading technology
3 AMD FX-6300 Vishera
The only 6-core processor in its class
Country: USA
Average price: 3,050 RUR
Rating (2019): 4.6
AMD's FX-6300 is the only processor in the category with six cores. Unfortunately, you can’t hope for high power in the budget class - the model is based on the 2012 Vishera core. In normal mode, the cores operate at a frequency of 3.5 GHz, but, like many AMD CPUs, it overclocks well. Yes, judging by user reviews, the performance is sufficient even for games, but there are still a lot of disadvantages.
One of the main ones is high energy consumption. Due to the use of inexpensive 32 nm process technology, AMD gets very hot and consumes a lot of electricity. We also note the lack of support for modern DDR4 RAM. Because of this, the processor can be recommended not for building a new PC, but for updating an old one without replacing the motherboard and other components.
Advantages:
- 6 cores. Perfect for performing several simple tasks at the same time.
- Good overclocking potential.
- Low cost.
Flaws:
- Poor energy efficiency.
- Outdated platform.
2 Intel Pentium G4600 Kaby Lake
Excellent performance
Country: USA
Average price: 5,006 ₽
Rating (2019): 4.7
We can also recommend the good old Pentium for purchase. This processor is made using a 14 nm process technology, socket LGA1151. Belongs to one of the latest generations - Kaby Lake. There are, of course, only 2 cores. They operate at a frequency of 3.6 GHz, which causes the lag behind the Core i3 by about 18-20%. But this is not much, because the price difference is twofold! In addition to the core frequency, the relatively low power is due to the small size of the L3 cache - 3071 KB.
In addition to the excellent price-performance ratio, the advantages of this CPU include the presence of a built-in Intel HD Graphics 630 graphics core, which is more than enough for comfortable use of a PC without a discrete video card.
Advantages:
- Great price for this performance
- Generation Kaby Lake
- Good integrated graphics core
At the moment there are only two players in the processor market - Intel and AMD. But this doesn’t make the choice any easier. To make the decision to purchase a CPU from one manufacturer or another easier, we have highlighted for you several main pros and cons of the products of these companies.
| Company |
pros |
Minuses |
|
Under Intel is better programs and games optimized Lower power consumption Performance tends to be slightly better More high frequencies cache |
Work effectively with no more than two resource-intensive tasks Higher cost When the line of processors changes, the socket also changes, which means the upgrade is more complicated |
|
|
Lower cost Better price/performance ratio Work better with 3-4 resource-intensive tasks (better multitasking) Most processors overclock well |
Higher power consumption and temperatures (not entirely true of recent Ryzen processors) Worse program optimization |
1 AMD Athlon 200GE Raven Ridge
Best price/performance ratio
Country: USA
Average price: 3,090 ₽
Rating (2019): 4.7
AMD processors have always been well-priced, but often could not catch up with more powerful Intel chips. The Athlon 200GE was no exception - the model is inferior to the silver medalist in the rating, but only by 3-5% depending on the situation, and costs almost 2,000 rubles less! At the same time, the leader of the rating does not have the typical “sore” of AMD processors - it has a built-in video chip that allows you to use the CPU in an office PC or home computer undemanding users without a discrete graphics card.
2 cores, 4 threads. The base frequency is 3.2 GHz, but in reviews users report reaching the 3.8 GHz mark. Temperatures in any mode are low - under moderate load, even with a boxed cooler, they do not exceed 45-47 degrees. The chip is capable of working with DDR4 RAM (max. frequency – 2667 MHz). The built-in video core - Radeon Vega 3 - plays 4K streaming video without any problems. The 200GE is also suitable for entry-level gaming systems - paired with a decent video card, you can achieve high frame rates at low or even medium graphics settings.
The best mid-class processors: budget up to 20,000 rubles.
5 AMD Ryzen 3 1200 Summit Ridge
Best price
Country: USA
Average price: 5,417 ₽
Rating (2019): 4.6
Ryzen 3 – junior inexpensive new line AMD processors, designed to once again impose a fight on Intel. And the 1200 does the job perfectly. For 5.5 thousand rubles, the buyer receives a 4-core processor. Factory frequencies are low - only 3.1 GHz (in high performance mode 3.4 GHz), but the multiplier is unlocked, which means enthusiasts can easily make the “stone” a little faster.
The transition to new chips not only improved performance, but also reduced power consumption, and also reduced temperatures to acceptable values. Due to the lack of a built-in graphics chip, we can only recommend this processor for budget gaming builds.
Advantages:
- Unlocked multiplier
Flaws:
- No built-in graphics chip
4 Intel Core i3-9100F Coffee Lake
Budget and performance option for gaming builds
Country: USA
Average price: 6,480 RUR
Rating (2019): 4.7
Usually, gaming systems Intel processors are expensive, but with the i3-9100F the situation changes somewhat. For 6.5 thousand rubles, the company offers a chip with 4 physical cores operating at a base clock frequency of 3600 MHz (in TurboBoost mode up to 4.2 GHz). In synthetic tests, the CPU comes very close to the much more expensive i5-7600K. It was not possible to achieve such a price-performance ratio without losses. We had to sacrifice the ability to overclock and the built-in graphics core.
However, the latter allows you to create excellent gaming systems based on the i3-9100F. Paired with a GeForce RTX 2060-level video card and 16 GB of RAM (supports up to 64 GB of DDR4 memory clocked at 2400 MHz), the processor produces a stable 60 FPS in all modern games on high settings graphics. Temperatures are moderate - under normal load with a standard cooler they stay at 40 degrees. It is unlikely that the chip will overheat. Note that the processor uses the LGA1151v2 socket and is only compatible with 3xx series chipsets.
3 Intel Core i5-7600K Kaby Lake
Great processor for gaming
Country: USA
Average price: 19,084 ₽
Rating (2019): 4.7
Let's start with the fact that the i5-7600K is by no means an outsider. Yes, in terms of performance it is somewhat worse than the mastodons that you will see below, but for most gamers it will be enough. The processor has four Kaby Lake cores operating at 3.8 GHz (in reality up to 4.0 GHz with TurboBoost). There is also a built-in graphics core - HD Graphics 630, which means you can play even demanding games at minimum settings. With a normal video card (for example, GTX 1060), the processor reveals itself completely. In most games with FullHD resolution (most gamers have these monitors) and high graphics settings, the frame rate rarely drops below 60 fps. Is anything else needed?
Advantages:
- Best price
- Enough power for most gamers
- Excellent graphics core
2 AMD Ryzen 5 1600 Summit Ridge
Best price/performance ratio
A country: USA (Produced in Malaysia, China)
Average price: 11,970 ₽
Rating (2019): 4.8
The second line of the TOP 5 mid-level processors is occupied by one of the best processors in terms of price/performance ratio. With an average cost of only 12,000 rubles, in synthetic tests Ryzen 5 is able to compete with the well-known Intel Core i7-7700K standard settings(In PassMark 12270 and 12050 points respectively). This power is due to the presence of six Summit Ridge physical cores, made using a 12 nm process technology. The clock frequency is not a record - 3.6 GHz. Overclocking is possible, but in reviews users claim that at frequencies above 4.0-4.1 GHz the processor behaves unstable and gets very hot. With factory settings, idle temperatures remain at 42-46 degrees, in games 53-57 when using a standard cooler.
Also high performance due to large cache sizes at all levels. The CPU supports the modern DDR4-2667 standard, which allows you to create on the basis of this processor great computers for playing at medium-high settings in FullHD.
Advantages:
- Excellent price/performance ratio
- Heats up a little
Flaws:
- Low overclocking potential
1 AMD Ryzen 7 2700X Pinnacle Ridge
The most powerful processor in its class
A country: USA (Manufactured in Malaysia, China, China)
Average price: 18,390 RUR
Rating (2019): 4.8
With the advent of the Ryzen line, AMD's superiority in price-performance ratio became obvious. At a cost of 18 thousand rubles, the Ryzen 7 2700X is able to compete with the i7-8700K, the average price tag of which exceeds 28 thousand rubles. We can only find fault with the performance in single-threaded tasks - a discipline in which AMD has always lost. In multi-threaded tasks, the advantage is noticeable, but in games the situation often strongly depends on optimization for a particular manufacturer.
Speaking in numbers, we have an 8-core processor with a base clock speed of 3.7 GHz. Without any problems, you can reach the 4.0 GHz mark, and with some luck - 4.2-4.3 GHz. Supports DDR4 RAM with frequencies up to 2933 MHz. Cache sizes are 96, 4096 and 16384 KB (L1, L2 and L3, respectively). Temperatures are slightly higher than those of competitors from Intel - under load they can reach 75 degrees. We advise you to think about purchasing a high-quality cooling system.
The best top processors
3 Intel Core i7-9700F
Optimal processor for FullHD gaming
Country: USA
Average price: 23,310 RUR
Rating (2019): 4.7
For a long time, the Core i7 line was the crown of Intel's creation, but by 2019 we can give the representative of the family only third place in the TOP-3 the most powerful processors On the market. However, the model labeled 9700F can be safely recommended to gamers who love high-quality pictures, but are not chasing the latest trends. Paired with a decent video card in any modern game on maximum settings graphics at FullHD resolution you will get at least 60 fps, and in most cases the counter will remain at 90-110 frames. You can safely switch to 2K resolution.
Basic specifications do not boggle the mind. The Core i7-9700F includes 8 cores clocked at just 3 GHz. But in TurboBoost mode the figure increases to a respectable 4.7 GHz. The L3 cache size is 12 MB, and the maximum supported amount of RAM is 128 GB (DDR4-2666). Unfortunately, there is not enough information about the temperature regime, but judging by other processors from the company, we should expect about 32-35 degrees at idle and 55-60 degrees under load.
2 Intel Core i9-7900X Skylake
The most powerful processor in the Intel line
Country: USA
Average price: 77,370 RUR
Rating (2019): 4.7
Until recently, Intel's top line was the Core i7 series. But modern realities require more and more power. If you are not familiar with solutions, pay attention to the Core i9-7900X. The processor, already at a standard clock frequency, is capable of entering the TOP 10 most powerful CPUs. For example, in PassMark the model scores almost 22 thousand points - this is twice as many as the bronze medalist of the rating. At the same time, in reviews, users talk about trouble-free overclocking to 4.2-4.5 GHz with high-quality air cooling. Temperatures do not exceed 70 degrees under load.
Such high performance is due to the use of 10 cores made using a 14 nm process technology. The model supports all the necessary modern standards and commands, which allows you to use it for any task.
Advantages:
- Highest performance
- Excellent overclocking potential
- Acceptable temperatures
Flaws:
- Very high cost
- No solder under the cap.
1 AMD Ryzen 9 3900X
The most powerful processor in the world
Country: USA
Average price: 48,990 ₽
Rating (2019): 4.8
The leading position should be given not to the most popular, but to the most powerful and relatively affordable processor from AMD. Of course, there is something to complain about. The Ryzen 9 3900X has higher power consumption than its competitors - when idle it consumes an average of 20 W more. Operating temperatures also cause complaints - with the supplied cooler, the chip heats up to 80 degrees under load - we recommend that you immediately think about purchasing a high-quality air, or better yet water, cooling system.
But let's look at the numbers and tests. The CPU includes 12 cores (24 threads), made using a 7 nm process technology. Basic clock frequency 3.6 GHz. Stable operation can be achieved by overclocking to 4.1 GHz. Higher numbers require good cooling and luck. L3 cache volume – 64 MB! DDR4 RAM with a maximum frequency of 3200 MHz is supported. In multi-threaded operations, Ryzen 9, as expected, is an order of magnitude ahead of its rivals. The situation with games is more complicated - it all depends on the optimization of a particular title. In general, the results are comparable to “blue” competitors.
It's no secret that Intel's production factories are currently one of the leading factories in the world in terms of technical equipment. How do they differ from the harsh Chelyabinsk pipe foundries? Let's see.
3 x Easter eggs
This article may be primarily useful to those who want to build their own factory for the production of processors - if such a thought has ever occurred to you, then feel free to bookmark the article;) In order to understand what scale we are talking about, I advise Read the previous article entitled “Difficulties in Processor Manufacturing”. It is important to understand the scale not so much of the factory itself (although there are those too), but of the production itself - some “parts” of modern processors are made literally at the atomic level. Accordingly, the approach here is special.
It is clear that production cannot be done without factories. At the moment, Intel has 4 factories capable of mass production of processors using 32nm technology: D1D And D1C in Oregon Fab 32 in Arizona and Fab 11X in New Mexico.
Plant structure
The height of each Intel factory for the production of processors on 300 mm silicon wafers is 21 meters, and the area reaches 100 thousand square meters. The plant building can be divided into 4 main levels:Ventilation system level
A microprocessor consists of millions of transistors; the smallest speck of dust on a silicon wafer can destroy thousands of transistors. Therefore, the most important condition for the production of microprocessors is the sterile cleanliness of the premises. The ventilation system level is located on the top floor - here are special systems, which carry out 100% air purification, control temperature and humidity in production premises. The so-called “Clean Rooms” are divided into classes (depending on the number of dust particles per unit volume) and the very best (class 1) is approximately 1000 times cleaner than a surgical operating room. To eliminate vibrations, clean rooms are located on their own vibration-proof foundation.
Clean room level
The floor occupies the area of several football fields - this is where microprocessors are made. Special automated system carries out the movement of wafers from one production station to another. Purified air is supplied through a ventilation system located in the ceiling and removed through special openings located in the floor.
In addition to the increased requirements for sterile premises, the personnel working there must also be “clean” - only at this level do specialists work in sterile suits that protect (thanks to a built-in battery-powered filtration system) silicon wafers from microparticles of textile dust, hair and skin particles . This costume is called a “Bunny suit” and can take 30 to 40 minutes to put on for the first time. This requires the company’s specialists about 5 minutes.
Lower level
Designed for systems that support the operation of a factory (pumps, transformers, power cabinets, etc.). Large pipes (channels) transmit various technical gases, liquids and exhaust air. The special clothing of employees at this level includes a helmet, safety glasses, gloves and special shoes.
Engineering level
By purpose it is a continuation of the lower level. Here there are electrical panels for power supply to production, a system of pipelines and air ducts, as well as air conditioners and compressors.
| Dust- small solids of organic or mineral origin. Dust is particles with an average diameter of 0.005 mm and a maximum diameter of 0.1 mm. Larger particles convert the material into the category of sand, which ranges in size from 0.1 to 1 mm. When exposed to moisture, dust usually turns into dirt. Interesting Facts |
- more than 19,000 tons of steel
- more than 112,000 cubic meters of concrete
- more than 900 kilometers of cable
Visual process of construction of one of the company’s factories (uploaded in HD):
Intel Copy Exactly
For most semiconductor electronics manufacturers, the equipment and processes used in their research and development laboratories are different from those used in the factories that produce the product itself. In this regard, a problem arises - when moving from pilot production to serial production, unforeseen situations and other delays often arise due to the need to refine and adapt technological processes - in general, to do everything to achieve the highest percentage of suitable products. In addition to delaying serial production, this can lead to other complications - or at least to changes in the values of process parameters. Accordingly, the result may be unpredictable.Intel has its own approach in this situation, which is called Copy Exactly. The essence of this technology is full copying laboratory conditions for factories under construction. Everything is repeated down to the smallest detail - not only the building itself (design, equipment and settings, piping system, clean rooms and painting of walls), but also input/output parameters of processes (of which there are more than 500!), suppliers of raw materials and even personnel training methods. All this allows factories to operate at full capacity almost immediately after launch, but this is not the main advantage. Thanks to this approach, factories have greater flexibility - in the event of an accident or reorganization, wafers started at one plant can be immediately “continued” at another, without much damage to the business. This approach was appreciated by competing companies, but for some reason almost no one uses it anymore.
As I already said, in the computer hall of the Moscow Polytechnic Museum, Intel opened its exposition, one of the largest in the hall. The stand was called " From sand to processor"and is a fairly informative construction.
At the head of the hall is “Chipman” in an exact copy of the suit that is used in the corporation’s factories. Nearby is a model of one of the factories; There is a stand nearby, inside of which there are “processors at different stages” - pieces of silicon oxide, silicon wafers, the processors themselves, etc. All this is supplied large quantity information and is supported by an interactive stand where anyone can examine the processor structure (by moving the scale slider - right down to the molecular structure). In order not to be unfounded, here are a couple of photographs of the exposure:
On Monday there will be an article about the production of processors itself. In the meantime, sit back and watch (preferably in HD) this video: