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CPU guide for newbies

Colossus20

Colossus20

Colossus20

Associate
Joined
5 May 2016
Posts
67
Hi people, I just wanted to open this thread to see if any kind souls round here could compile their vast knowledge, to let newbies like myself understand all the terms you guys are using regarding cpus, basically a starting point for some of the terms and how everything relates together to meet each users needs. I surely have felt overwhelmed, probably because I dont keep up to date. Still, i believe it would be good to have some sort of starting point in order to make it more approachable.

Cheers:p
 
Carakus this is amazing thank you very much, this is a clear and concise explanation. Obviously from what ive read, there is more than one technology per socket? So lets say for the skylake, there would be different versions for i3 i5 and i7, but also for sockets with different pins? Or am I terribly mistaken?
 
In terms of performance, what is main difference between the mainstream and the specialist or higher end? I suppose it relates to computer power and the threads (maybe?) but if I was looking to spend more, is there any real impact on my gaming experience lets say. Between these two chip tiers
 
Sixense said:
I can't say there's a lot of impact, depends on games somewhat. For example Call of Duty is pretty cpu-light game, while ArmA is quite cpu-heavy, however general consensus is, enthusiast CPU prices are too high for gaming only. You're better off with an i5 (mainstream short term) or an i7 (mainstream longer term) rather than enthusiast grade i7. There are exceptions of course, but generally speaking, enthusiast cpus are enthusiast cpus for a reason, it being 'high compute power'.

A good example is 6700K SKylake (4c8t) versus 5820k Haswell-E (6c12t), they cost nearly the same, excluding motherboard and ram, 6700k is mainstream high-end, 5820k would be enthusiast low-end (comparing with other X99 cpus). In games they perform pretty similar because there aren't many of them that utilise the extra cores X99 has over Z170, but throw a compute task at these two, the 5820k will wipe the floor with 6700k and then some.
Click to expand...


What is the meaning of the X99? Is it related to the X86 files you see in windows c:/ file? And also by task do you mean running a background program such as a temp monitor or is it running a full program such as I dont know a recording program?
 
I havebeen reading about the alphanuremic designation of processors, taking into account what I have read from another blog, I assume that the 6700K Skylake, is from a later generation than the 5820K Hashwell-e chip and, however this does not neccessarily mean that the latest is the best option, as explained by Sixense. I assume newer generations have other built in utilities that do not directly correlate with computing power? or is there another real reason for wanting an older generation of CPU over a newer one?
 
Wow guys this is turning into a really informative thread, thank you all for your input. The next question might open up to a whole new thread, but I have tried to get my head round the next topic, what are threads? I have read and come to understand that threads is what aids the cores in processing commands and calculations, however they are something not fully "physical"? correct me if I am wrong, once again I want to know what is the impact of threads and hyperthreading (Intel) when it comes to choosing a processor and how it helps to run your computer smoothly or how it aids with graphics and day to day computer functions.
 
YEah thats the feeling I got from reading the forum, I do currently have a bullzoder CPU, cant remember the specifics and it has run smoothly. However I believe now I am going tos tart doing a bit more with my pc, some video editing and stuff and I really ant to know the ins and out of processors. The insight you all give is great since it also comes from personal experience so I hope you can still provide me with your knowledge XD
 
I am assuming the Oracle chip is for some specific application, like servers or similar?

so is there a way to calculate what size cooler you need for the microprocessor? also I assume the design of the cooler will be important as well as the size to be aable to fit it in the case?
 
Thanks for the clarification on the cooling system, now I do not know if there is anything further to add here. I believe we have covered the basics although please keep updating this thread if you feel we have overlooked anything. I believe that now comes the difficult part to start deciding which cpu to buy.
 
Well I am basically trying to build a decent machine for gaming and streaming, in the near future. In terms of budget I am flexible, I am not entirely sure I want to go for really top tier components, but I am more interested in durability and reliability. I am currently saving for this endeavour, so I am also a bit flexible to wait if there is a major change that would affect prices or performance. Hope this gives a bit of a guideline.
 
It might be good, just for the interest of this thread, to post some example builds, focusing on the processor and why you chose it. Just because you all probably have gone through a similar process that a person such as myself is going through and have taken things into consideration such as price vs performance/longevity of the technology chosen. Also, is there a comparison between the various CPUS and chipsets somewhere in the forum?, have not been able to find any.
 
Hi guys I am thinking about buying the i5-6600K-3.9GHz processor.

From what you've said is quite a good processor that I think will cover my gaming needs, do you think there is something better as in same price range, but better suited for my needs?

Also do you guys have any preference on motherboards to be related to this CPU?, I know this question might need to get moved to the motherboards section, but any personal experience or guideline would be nice to have.


https://www.overclockers.co.uk/inte...ga1151-processor-retail-cp-579-in.html#awards
 
do you believe for gaming and ocasional streaming this would be good enough, I am trying to learn as much as I can to make educated choices. First off the motherboard and CPU, then memory, graphics, drives, PSU. I am a bit lost when it comes to motherboards and ram memory, specially because I have seen many knowledgeable people around the forum really customizing their setup, want to achieve something that is optimum even if it means paying a it more.
 
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