CPU Information
Choosing your processor consists of a couple of steps. First you need to determine what type of processor you want: Intel or AMD, and which of their respective product lines. Each motherboard only supports a single type of socket, which may have one or more CPU types that fit it, so if you aren't seeing the options you want you may need to adjust the motherboard first. Once you have taken care of that step, you need to decide the exact model you'd prefer. Within a single product line the differences between processors will be one or more of the following specifications:
Clock Speed: This is the easiest metric to see when looking at a processor, and when comparing models within the same product line can be very helpful. If all other specs are equal, then this will show a linear performance difference: if the clock speed of one chip is 10% higher than another then it will perform tasks ~10% faster. Be careful of using this when comparing different processor series or brands, though, as there are many other differences that can have a larger effect - some of which are listed below.
Number of Cores: Modern CPUs have multiple cores in them, each of which can independently work on processing something. If you tend to run multiple programs at the same time, or if you have very demanding software that can use multiple processor cores at the same time, then getting a chip with as many cores as possible will help. Some chips from Intel also support Hyper-threading technology, where each core can switch back and forth between two tasks very quickly. One Hyper-threaded core isn't as effective as actually having two real ones, but it can be a way to improve performance without adding additional real cores.
On-Chip Cache: This is super-fast and efficient memory integrated into the processor, which it uses to store short-term or frequently accessed data. This type of memory is so zippy because it runs at the full clock speed of the processor, meaning at the gigahertz level. Cache is the first place the CPU looks for instructions. If not found, then the CPU must rely on the much slower system RAM, which operates at the megahertz level. Most CPUs today have on-chip L1 (level 1) and L2 cache, and some also have on-chip L3 cache. The L2 cache size will often be one of the main differences between CPUs, and as a general rule of thumb the larger the L2 cache the better the performance will be.
Enough technical jargon, which is faster?!?
CPU technology changes so often that anything we write proclaiming one processor to be the best will quickly be outdated. If you want the latest info you can call or email our sales team - they keep up on these things so that you don't have to! If you are just looking for a decent performing computer, though, none of the processor options we list will be a bad choice. For the best value, look at the price differences between models in relation to the speed jumps - and select one where the next model up costs a lot more, but the model down doesn't save much.
AMD EPYC 9124 3.0GHz 16 Core 200W | AMD EPYC 9224 2.5GHz 24 Core 200W | AMD EPYC 9254 2.9GHz 24 Core 200W | AMD EPYC 9354P 3.25GHz 32 Core 280W | AMD EPYC 9174F 4.1GHz 16 Core 320W | AMD EPYC 9334 2.7GHz 32 Core 210W | AMD EPYC 9274F 4.05GHz 24 Core 320W | AMD EPYC 9354 3.25GHz 32 Core 280W | AMD EPYC 9454P 2.75GHz 48 Core 290W | AMD EPYC 9374F 3.85GHz 32 Core 320W | AMD EPYC 9454 2.75GHz 48 Core 290W | AMD EPYC 9474F 3.6GHz 48 Core 360W | AMD EPYC 9554P 3.1GHz 64 Core 360W | AMD EPYC 9654P 2.4GHz 96 Core 360W | AMD EPYC 9534 2.45GHz 64 Core 280W | AMD EPYC 9634 2.25GHz 84 Core 290W | AMD EPYC 9654 2.4GHz 96 Core 360W | AMD Ryzen 7 7700X 4.5GHz 8 Core 105W | AMD Ryzen 9 7900X 4.7GHz 12 Core 170W | AMD Ryzen 9 7950X 4.5GHz 16 Core 170W | AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7960X 4.2GHz 24 Core 350W | AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7970X 4.0GHz 32 Core 350W | AMD Ryzen Threadripper 7980X 3.2GHz 64 Core 350W | AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 5955WX 4.0GHz 16 Core 280W | AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 5965WX 3.8GHz 24 Core 280W | AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 5975WX 3.6GHz 32 Core 280W | AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 5995WX 2.7GHz 64 Core 280W | Intel Core i7 14700K 3.4GHz 20 Core 33MB 125W | Intel Core i9 14900K 3.2GHz 24 Core 36MB 125W | Intel Xeon w3-2435 3.1GHz 8 Core 22.5MB 165W | Intel Xeon w5-2465X 3.1GHz 16 Core 33.75MB 200W | Intel Xeon w7-2495X 2.5GHz 24 Core 45MB 225W | Intel Xeon w5-3435X 3.1GHz 16 Core 45MB 270W | Intel Xeon w7-3455 2.5GHz 24 Core 67.5MB 270W | Intel Xeon w9-3475X 2.2GHz 36 Core 82.5MB 300W | Intel Xeon w9-3495X 1.9GHz 56 Core 105MB 350W | |
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Product Line | EPYC | EPYC | EPYC | EPYC | EPYC | EPYC | EPYC | EPYC | EPYC | EPYC | EPYC | EPYC | EPYC | EPYC | EPYC | EPYC | EPYC | Ryzen | Ryzen | Ryzen | Threadripper | Threadripper | Threadripper | Threadripper Pro | Threadripper Pro | Threadripper Pro | Threadripper Pro | Core i7 | Core i9 | Xeon W | Xeon W | Xeon W | Xeon W | Xeon W | Xeon W | Xeon W |
Code Name | Genoa | Genoa | Genoa | Genoa | Genoa | Genoa | Genoa | Genoa | Genoa | Genoa | Genoa | Genoa | Genoa | Genoa | Genoa | Genoa | Genoa | Raphael | Raphael | Raphael | Storm Peak | Storm Peak | Storm Peak | Chagall | Chagall | Chagall | Chagall | Raptor Lake | Raptor Lake | Sapphire Rapids | Sapphire Rapids | Sapphire Rapids | Sapphire Rapids | Sapphire Rapids | Sapphire Rapids | Sapphire Rapids |
Socket | SP5 | SP5 | SP5 | SP5 | SP5 | SP5 | SP5 | SP5 | SP5 | SP5 | SP5 | SP5 | SP5 | SP5 | SP5 | SP5 | SP5 | AM5 | AM5 | AM5 | sTR5 | sTR5 | sTR5 | sWRX8 | sWRX8 | sWRX8 | sWRX8 | 1700 | 1700 | 4677 | 4677 | 4677 | 4677 | 4677 | 4677 | 4677 |
Process | 5 nm | 5 nm | 5 nm | 5 nm | 5 nm | 5 nm | 5 nm | 5 nm | 5 nm | 5 nm | 5 nm | 5 nm | 5 nm | 5 nm | 5 nm | 5 nm | 5 nm | 5 nm | 5 nm | 5 nm | 5 nm | 5 nm | 5 nm | 7 nm | 7 nm | 7 nm | 7 nm | 10 nm | 10 nm | 10 nm | 10 nm | 10 nm | 10 nm | 10 nm | 10 nm | 10 nm |
Total Number of Cores | 16 | 24 | 24 | 32 | 16 | 32 | 24 | 32 | 48 | 32 | 48 | 48 | 64 | 96 | 64 | 84 | 96 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 24 | 32 | 64 | 16 | 24 | 32 | 64 | 16 | 24 | 8 | 16 | 24 | 16 | 24 | 36 | 56 |
Total Number of Threads | 32 | 48 | 48 | 64 | 32 | 64 | 48 | 64 | 96 | 64 | 96 | 96 | 128 | 192 | 128 | 168 | 192 | 16 | 24 | 32 | 48 | 64 | 128 | 32 | 48 | 64 | 128 | 24 | 32 | 16 | 32 | 48 | 32 | 48 | 72 | 112 |
Number of Efficient Cores | 8 | 16 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Base Clock Speed | 3.0 GHz | 2.5 GHz | 2.9 GHz | 3.25 GHz | 4.1 GHz | 2.7 GHz | 4.05 GHz | 3.25 GHz | 2.75 GHz | 3.85 GHz | 2.75 GHz | 3.6 GHz | 3.1 GHz | 2.4 GHz | 2.45 GHz | 2.25 GHz | 2.4 GHz | 4.5 GHz | 4.7 GHz | 4.5 GHz | 4.20 GHz | 4.0 GHz | 3.20 GHz | 4.00 GHz | 3.80 GHz | 3.60 GHz | 2.70 GHz | 3.4 GHz | 3.2 GHz | 3.10 GHz | 3.10 GHz | 2.50 GHz | 3.10 GHz | 2.50 GHz | 2.20 GHz | 1.90 GHz |
Efficient Core Base Clock Speed | 2.5 GHz | 2.5 GHz | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hyperthreading | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Simultaneous Multi-Threading | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||||||
Turbo Boost | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||||||||||||||
Max. Turbo Boost | 3.7 GHz | 3.7 GHz | 4.15 GHz | 3.8 GHz | 4.4 GHz | 3.9 GHz | 4.3 GHz | 3.8 GHz | 3.8 GHz | 4.3 GHz | 3.8 GHz | 4.1 GHz | 3.75 GHz | 3.7 GHz | 3.7 GHz | 3.7 GHz | 3.7 GHz | 5.4 GHz | 5.6 GHz | 5.7 GHz | 5.30 GHz | 5.30 GHz | 5.10 GHz | 4.50 GHz | 4.50 GHz | 4.50 GHz | 4.50 GHz | 5.6 GHz | 6.0 GHz | 4.50 GHz | 4.70 GHz | 4.80 GHz | 4.70 GHz | 4.80 GHz | 4.80 GHz | 4.80 GHz |
Efficient Core Max Turbo Boost | 4.3 GHz | 4.4 GHz | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Intel Turbo Boost Max 3.0 | 4.50 GHz | 4.70 GHz | 4.80 GHz | 4.70 GHz | 4.80 GHz | 4.80 GHz | 4.80 GHz | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
All-Core Turbo Boost | 3.6 GHz | 3.65 GHz | 3.9 GHz | 3.75 GHz | 4.15 GHz | 3.85 GHz | 4.1 GHz | 3.75 GHz | 3.65 GHz | 4.1 GHz | 3.65 GHz | 3.95 GHz | 3.75 GHz | 3.55 GHz | 3.55 GHz | 3.1 GHz | 3.55 GHz | 5.5 GHz | 5.7 GHz | |||||||||||||||||
Long Duration Power Limit | 125 W | 125 W | 165 W | 200 W | 225 W | 270 W | 270 W | 300 W | 350 W | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Short Duration Power Limit | 253 W | 253 W | 198 W | 240 W | 270 W | 324 W | 324 W | 360 W | 420 W | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Thermal Output | 200 W | 200 W | 200 W | 280 W | 320 W | 280 W | 320 W | 280 W | 290 W | 320 W | 290 W | 360 W | 360 W | 320 W | 280 W | 290 W | 320 W | 105 W | 170 W | 170 W | 350 W | 350 W | 350 W | 280 W | 280 W | 280 W | 280 W | |||||||||
Bus Type | Infinity Fabric | Infinity Fabric | Infinity Fabric | Infinity Fabric | DMI4 | DMI4 | DMI4 | DMI4 | DMI4 | DMI4 | DMI4 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
PCI-E Lanes | 128 | 128 | 128 | 128 | 128 | 128 | 128 | 128 | 128 | 128 | 128 | 128 | 128 | 128 | 128 | 128 | 128 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 48 | 48 | 48 | 128 | 128 | 128 | 128 | 24 | 24 | 64 | 64 | 64 | 128 | 128 | 128 | 128 |
Max Temperature | 95 C | 95 C | 95 C | 95 C | 95 C | 95 C | 95 C | 95 C | 95 C | 95 C | 100 C | 100 C | 94 C | 95 C | 94 C | 95 C | 95 C | 95 C | 99 C | |||||||||||||||||
Socket Count | 1P/2P | 1P/2P | 1P/2P | 1P | 1P/2P | 1P/2P | 1P/2P | 1P/2P | 1P | 1P/2P | 1P/2P | 1P/2P | 1P | 1P | 1P/2P | 1P/2P | 1P/2P | 1P | 1P | 1P | ||||||||||||||||
Cache | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
L2 | 8MB | 12MB | 16MB | 24MB | 32MB | 64MB | 8MB | 12MB | 16MB | 32MB | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
L3 | 64MB | 64MB | 128MB | 256MB | 256MB | 128MB | 256MB | 256MB | 256MB | 256MB | 256MB | 256MB | 256MB | 384MB | 256MB | 384MB | 384MB | 32MB | 64MB | 64MB | 128MB | 128MB | 256MB | 64MB | 128MB | 128MB | 256MB | |||||||||
Smart Cache | 33MB | 36MB | 22MB | 33MB | 45MB | 45MB | 67.5 | 82.5MB | 105MB | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Onboard Graphics | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Processor Type | Radeon Graphics | Radeon Graphics | Radeon Graphics | N/A | N/A | N/A | UHD Graphics 770 | UHD Graphics 770 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Core Speed | 2,200 MHz | 2,200 MHz | 2,200 MHz | 1.60 MHz | 1.65 MHz | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
DirectX Version | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cores on Die | 2 | 2 | 2 | 32 | 32 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
# of Displays Supported | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Memory Specification | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Memory Type | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR4 | DDR4 | DDR4 | DDR4 | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR5 | DDR5 |
Maximum Frequency | 4800 | 4800 | 4800 | 4800 | 4800 | 4800 | 4800 | 4800 | 4800 | 4800 | 4800 | 4800 | 4800 | 4800 | 4800 | 4800 | 4800 | 5200 | 5200 | 5200 | 5200 | 5200 | 5200 | 3200 | 3200 | 3200 | 3200 | 5600 | 5600 | 4400 | 4800 | 4800 | 4800 | 4800 | 4800 | 4800 |
ECC Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||
Registered Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Advanced Technologies | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
vPro | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Virtualization Technology (VT-x) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Trusted Execution Technology | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |