Dictionary
Core/thread: Modern CPUs
are made up of several
processors called cores.
Each core can run a piece of
code, or thread,
independently.Simultaneous
multithreading: The
generic term for Intel
Hyperthreading and AMD
SMT, this is where a CPU
core is able to handle two
threads at the same time.
This makes each core appear
as though it’s dual-core to
your software and can give a
performance boost in
multithreaded workloads.Socket: CPUs are designed
to be used only with certain
motherboards. The socket is
the physical thing the CPU
plugs into, and the
components have to match.Chipset: The chip that
controls how the CPU
interacts with the
motherboard. The two main
ones are X370 for AMD and
Z370 for Intel.Base clock/boost clock:
The base clock is the normal
top speed for all cores while
the boost clock is the
maximum potential speed of
one or more cores.Q&A
AMD or Intel?
AMD still offers the best
value, especially as the
company has suggested its
imminent second-gen Ryzen
chips will still work on its
X370 motherboards and will
be noticeably faster. Right
now, though, Intel still has a
lead in single-threaded
workloads, which is best for
gaming, though you pay a
little more for the privilege.
Cores or clock speed?
Clock speed is still king for
most games – even a
dual-core chip is sufficient
for the majority of games.
Times are changing, though,
and devs are getting better
at utilising multiple cores.What about overclocking?
Intel still has a lead in clock
speed. AMD’s fastest chips
struggle to pass 4GHz, even
when overclocked, while
Intel’s chips can push 5Ghz.What about Threadripper/
Core i9?
Something you won’t find in
this roundup are any AMD
Threadripper or Intel Core i9
processors. These high-end
processors are beyond what
we consider necessary for
any gaming PC, unless you
intend to run multiple
top-end graphics cards.Group Test
PROCESSORS