Table of Contents

[TOC]

Introduction

The problem this article solves

There are a huge number of CPUs out there. Each one varies in performance, size, and cost. There are also other elements to take into consideration, such as motherboard socket, integrated GPUs and RAID controllers, the types of applications you plan to use on your computer, and many other factors. This article helps you sort through these issues.

How this article solves the problem

This article is part of two community projects, both designed to simplify building DIY PCs.

• V²Configurator: GitHub Project. The Configurator assists you with the configuration of your PC.
• This Article Series: In depth Know How. In case you want to tune Ready Made Configurations of the V² Configurator.

Is there an easier way

Yes! Learning how to choose components for a DIY computer is time consuming. This is why we created a shortcut for you. Go to the V²Configurator and open the wizard. Pick your field of application, e.g. photography, and then pick the main use. The configurator will then custom build a complete computer for you, optimized for your use case and performance class.

How this Article works

CPU Classes

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    - three vicases side by side, horizontal stack
    - one with a single "$", another with "$$", another with "$$$"

This Article examines the available choices of CPUs, divided into three performance classes:

1. Entry Level: Total cost of Computer: $700+
2. Mid Range: Total cost of Computer: $1100+
3. High End: Total cost of Computer: $1800+

Side by side comparison

We have selected four CPUs covering the range from most affordable to most powerful. We put them into one table for easy side by side comparison. All features are explained in another table.

Assign CPUs to Use Cases

To make picking a CPU easier, the V²Configurator simply asks you about your field of application and main use case and then recommends the right CPU for you.

CPU Comparison

CPU Comparison Table

CPU Features explained

List of CPUs (with Tag Lines)

• i3-6100 $119 - Intel - EntryRange
• i5-6600 $230 - Intel - Fast Mid Range
• i7-6700 $300 - Intel - High End
• i7-6700K $344 - Intel - Extreme

CPU Benchmarks

• Numbers taken from www.cpubenchmark.net

About Intel CPU Sockets

Overview

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    -four images, horizontal stack
    -Intel socket images, (1156, sandy bridge, haswell, skylake)

Reference on Intel CPU Sockets

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGA_1156
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGA_1155
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGA_1150
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGA_1151

Advice for choosing a CPU

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    -Pheonix shopping, choosing CPU
    -Several CPUs in a store isle on the shelf

Intel 6100 i3

Entry level i-series from Intel. Two cores but uses Intel hyper-threading, making two virtual cores for a total of 4. High base clock speed and strong enough for non-CPU heavy gaming, photo editing, or light 3D-modeling.

Intel 6600 i5

This is the latest generation of Quad Core CPU. Choose this CPU for High End Gaming, Video Editing, Audio Editing, Photo Editing, 3D Design or other very demanding applications. Instead of going all the way to an i7 Quad Core you often get higher performance for your money by investing into a PCIe Add In Card of the type corresponding to your application.

Intel 6700 i7

High end consumer model that supports hyper-threading; the Intel i7 series has 4 physical cores but this technology also has 4 virtual cores, giving 8 core performance. This is extremely valuable for CPU intensive applications, such as 3d model rendering. Compared the the i5 series, hyper-threading is the only real advantage when choosing the i7 model. Not a processor suited for gamers as 8 cores isn’t necessary for games, but a worthwhile purchase for professional work.

Intel 6700k i7

Ultimate consumer CPU. Higher base clock speed as the 6700 with an unlocked core, allowing the user to overclock the processor. We do not recommend overclocking to everyone as it can shorten the lifespan of the CPU, increase power consumption, and cause potential lock-ups with the system, but overclocking can be a great way to increase performance for applications that depend on clock speed.

Where to find more Information

Newegg CPU Section

This is a great way to start: Power Search: Processors - Desktops

CPU Benchmarks

• http://www.cpubenchmark.net/
• Use Google search engine to find the benchmark you are looking for

GPU Benchmarks

• http://videocardbenchmark.net/
• Use Google search engine to find the benchmark you are looking for

CPU Data Sheet

• Search in Google for “Data Sheet” + CPU Model
• Pick the link based on: http://ark.intel.com/products/
• Example: Data Sheet Intel® Core™ i7-6700K Processor