CPU comparison helps you find the differences between CPUs. Using this tool, you can compare upto 3 CPUs side by side and see how they’re different from each other. Compare your selected CPUs now and find the right one for your computing needs.
Just enter the name of the CPUs you want to compare (2-3) and see the differences between them side-by side. You can compare the core count, threads, clock speeds, TDP, performance per watt and 100 other specs. Additionally, our tool also has benchmark score comparisons, so if there’s a score you trust such as Passmark, Geekbench, CineBench, then you can find their comparison scores too.
How to Compare CPUs?
Our CPU Comparison is straightforward to use. Add up to 3 processors of your choice in the search bar to compare with each other. Just start typing the name of the CPUs and our tool will find the perfect model you’re searching for. Do that for 2-3 processors and click the compare button. Our tool would now display the technical comparison of the CPUs you’ve choosen.
- Check their key differences, like how many cores they have and what is their turbo boost frequency, base clock and turbo clock speed. Which one has more CPU threads to handle multitasking better.
- Use the General Info section to compare their performance features like CPU temperature, Cache size, TDP, 64-bit support, semiconductor size, etc.
- Then compare how much memory they have to offer. The more the memory, the better & faster the processor for multitasking.
- You can also compare CPU benchmarks to see which one is leading and then buy the right one directly using the “Buy on Amazon” button.
There is no limit on using this CPU compare tool in a day. So compare your desired options (upto three at a time) till you find the right one.
You can also check our “Similar Comparisons” based on your selection to see which one really fits well with your requirements.
What CPU Specs are Compared?
| Spec | Description | Range |
| Cores | Responsible for
multitasking | Higher the better |
| Clock Speed/Frequency | Indicates how fast a
processor is | Higher the better |
| Threads | Responsible for multi
tasking and fast processing | Higher the better |
| Cache Size | Works like computer’s
RAM to process data
faster | Higher the better |
| TDP | Determines the
maximum heat
generated by the
processor under high
workload and how much cooling it needs to
perform optimally | Lower the better |
| Integrated GPU/APU | Offer better performance
through less battery
consumption and heat
generation | NA |
| Generation | Represents the technical
upgrades and
advancement in the
processor | Higher the better |
| Motherboard Socket & Chipset Compatibility | Required for optimal
performance of
processor | Must be of same generation |
| Benchmark Scores | Industry standard for
processor’s performance | Higher the better |
| Coolers | Requires to dissipate
generated heat to keep
the system cool for
optimal performance | Small or mid-sized coolers for low wattage, i.e., 40-70 Watts
Large sized coolers for high wattage, i.e. above 70 watts |
| Warranty | Covers processors
components’
maintenance, repair and
replacement | Higher the better |
| Intel vs AMD | Both offers single-core
and multi-core
processors | Both are good brands
and have a name when it
comes to Central
Processing Units. However, the right one depends on the needs. |
The performance of any processor depends upon some crucial internal specs, which you should not neglect while buying or comparing. So, to compare CPU performance of two or more processors, consider these specs, factors and features before choosing the one:
Number of Cores
Range: 1-8 Cores
Previously, most CPUs used to have a single core, meaning all the data processing was handled only by one core. However, now CPUs come with multiple cores, from dual-core to eight-core, to split up the tasks between the various cores for faster processing.
So how many cores do you need in a CPU? It totally depends upon your requirements. Generally, a dual-core processor is suitable to handle day-to-day work tasks, surfing, etc.
You can go for quad-core or six-core processors for extensive gaming or designing requirements like 3D video rendering and other demanding tasks. If you want to run heavy programming or 3D modeling software, first research how many cores they utilize and then you can opt for six or even eight-core processors depending upon the usage.
Clock Speed/Frequency
Range: 0-5.5 GHz
Clock speed is generally measured in Gigahertz (GHz) and represents any processor’s processing or operational speed. For example, a processor with a 2GHz clock speed indicates that it can handle/execute up to 2 billion instructions per clock/second.
So, it simply refers to how fast a processor can process instructions in a single cycle without lagging. Along with core count, clock speed significantly impacts CPU performance. For simple task processing, 2.4 GHz clock speed works fine. However, for gaming purposes, 3.5-4.0 GHz is considered good.
What is Overclocking and Maximum Clock Speed? – Should you go for it?
Every processor has a certain maximum clock speed. But in some processors, there is a feature of Overclocking that allows you to turn up the maximum clocking speed intended by the manufacturer.
Note that only “Unlocked CPUs” come with the ability to overclock and are generally more expensive than locked CPUs (cannot overclock). Processors in Intel designed for overclocking are represented by “K” in the last, for example, Intel Core i7-11700K.
So, if you think your requirements will increase significantly in upcoming years, you can go for the unlocked CPU instead of the locked ones. However, the overclocking process builds up additional heat in your CPU, so you need a better cooling system if you go for it.
Threads
Range: 2-16 Threads
While the core acts as the individual processors in the CPU, the threads in each core decide how many processes that core can handle significantly at a time. You can consider them as virtual components that divide the physical core of a processor into multiple virtual cores.
Modern CPUs generally have more threads than cores, indicating that each core can handle multiple tasks or data processing simultaneously. A single core processor can have a maximum of two threads. So, a dual-core processor comes with quad-core threads while the eight-core processor can have a maximum of 16 threads.
For better processing power, go for the CPU with hyper-threading capabilities. Clock speed, Core and Thread count together decide the processing speed of any processor.
Processor’s Cache
Range: L1 Cache – 0KB – 2 MB, L2 Cache – 256 KB – 8 MB, L3 Cache – 32 MB – 64 MB
A processor’s cache works similarly to a computer’s RAM to store temporary files/data. The bigger the processor cache size, the more cache files it can store and access quickly. Besides the main cache (L1), processors have additional L2 and L3 cache built between the CPU and RAM for alternative high speed. L2 and L3 caches take more time to access than L1.
While L1 cache is 100 times faster than your computer’s RAM, L2 cache is 25 times faster. Processors with large L2 and L3 cache sizes are generally faster and suitable for multitasking, gaming, designing and programming.
CPU temperature & Thermal Design Power (TDP)
Range: 60 Watts- 137 Watts
Every CPU has a certain optimal temperature which is decided by its thermal design power (TDP). TDP measures how much heat a processor gives off to function optically. Knowing TDP is crucial to decide how much cooling and power wattage the processor requires to avoid overheating. The lower the TDP, the less power consumption of the processor.
Especially if overclocking is your requirement, you might have to use a third-party cooling system instead of the stocked one, for which you have to check its TDP and how much power is drawn by CPU components.
Integrated GPUs (Graphic Processing Units) or APU (Accelerated Processing Units)
Range: NA
Most modern CPUs come with integrated GPUs to share the system’s memory for processing graphics and rendering videos. The benefit of integrated GPUs is that it takes less power and generates less heat to save battery.
However, the integrated GPUs can sometimes not serve you excellent graphic performance compared to a discrete CPU and GPU, especially if you are a designer or professional gamer.
In that case, AMD processors come with APUs that work similar to integrated GPUs but offer better graphic performances for gaming laptops.
Generation
Range: 1st Generation – 12th Generation
The latest versions and upgrades of the CPU come in the form of generations. The higher the generation, the more advanced the CPU’s technology. But you don’t always need the latest generation CPU to handle your tasks.
Even if you go for an older generation with more cores and threads, you will get optimal performance compared to the latest generation with low cores and threads.
For normal multitasking and browsing experience, you can go for the i3 or i5 generation with multi-cores, but for gaming, designing or extensive programming work, try to go for the i5, i7 or beyond.
Motherboard Socket & Chipset Compatibility
Range: NA
While choosing any CPU based on your requirements, don’t forget to check its socket compatibility with your motherboard. CPU sockets are available on motherboards where the CPU gets plugged, and not all sockets are compatible with all CPUs.
For example, an Intel-based CPU cannot fit with the AMD CPU socket and vice versa. Similarly, if an Intel Core i7-4770K processor is designed to function with an LGA 1150 socket, you cannot use it with an LGA 1200 socket. So, pick only the right one to avoid compatibility issues.
Compatibility of your chosen CPU with the motherboard chipset and the socket is crucial for optimal performance. As a thumb rule, you must pair the CPU with the motherboard of the same generation to avoid compatibility issues.
Benchmark
Range: Depends on the benchmark scores.
The tool also provides you with CPU benchmark scores by some reputable benchmark apps like Passmark, Geekbench 5, Cinebench R20, etc.
The CPU benchmark compare scores given by these apps are considered the industry standard for measuring the performance of different processors, graphic cards and computers. The higher the score is, the better the performance of that CPU.
Performance
The performance of any processor is determined by core & threads counts, CPU speed, Cache size and frequency. The tool compares all these aspects of various CPUs to help you pick the right one.
Coolers
Range: Small or mid-sized coolers for low wattage, i.e., 40-70 Watts, Large sized coolers for high wattage, i.e. above 70 watts
Most modern CPUs come with in-built stock coolers, which work fine for normal multitasking. However, if you want to run heavy gaming, designing or programming software or want to utilize it for overclocking, the stock cooler might not function well for you.
If looking for third-party coolers for overclocking, don’t forget to catch their compatibility with motherboard sockets.
Price
Range: $60-$37,000
Budget is the crucial aspect to look for while comparing various CPUs. Expensive doesn’t always mean good. Pay for the features you really require instead of just paying for the extra ones you won’t use. With our comparison tool, you can find the required features in a budget-friendly CPU after comparing it with the best-performing ones.
Depending upon your requirements, choose the right CPU. If your work requirement is less, you can go for a low or mid-range CPU (i3 or i5 generation). However, if your requirements are extensive, you need a high-range gaming CPU (i5 or i7 generation).
Purpose & Workload
Knowing your work requirements and load can help you choose the best CPU for you.
Home users: If you have basic work requirements like web browsing, sending emails, excel processing, etc., a basic CPU will work fine for you. In that case, you can go for either AMD Ryzen 3 or Intel Core i3 with a 2GHz Clock speed.
Startups and SMEs: If you are a freelancer or working in a startup with normal data processing needs like presentations, video calls, surfing, etc., the i3 or i5 generation is enough for you, depending upon the software you want to operate. However, if you have high-end usage like 3D modeling, heavy video rendering, etc., you can go for AMD Ryzen 5 or 7 or Intel core i5 or i7 with 2GHz or above clock speed and 64-bit RAM.
Gaming: If gaming is your main requirement, the baseline CPU is either AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel core i5 to run titles like Fortnite, PUBG, etc.
However, if you are a professional gamer who wants to run high-end games with excellent graphics quality, go for an i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 or above with an excellent cooling system.
Warranty
Range: 1-3 years
Not all brands offer the same warranty for the maintenance and repair of CPU components. So, while buying a processor, don’t forget to check the complimentary brand warranty duration to get the best price for a performance CPU.
Intel vs AMD
So, which one should you choose between Intel and AMD? Both AMD and Intel CPUs offer great performances with a very slight difference. In terms of single-core performance, Intel usually offers better performance than AMD single-core processors; however, it comes at a little expensive price.
On the other hand, for gaming purposes, AMD offers excellent performance through its multi-core processors under an affordable range to beat Intel multi-core processors. So both have something great to offer, depending upon your budget & requirements.
Types of CPU
Depending upon your usage type and budget, there are several types of CPU available in the market, like:
1. Mobile CPU
As the name indicates, these are compact CPUs generally designed for laptops and mobile devices. While they offer optimal performance, they are generally slower than the desktop and other counterparts.
2. Server CPU
Server CPUs are designed to run actively 24/7 without any lag for extensive usage, and thus, they are tested under high-temperature and high-stress conditions. They are ideal for large data processing and hosting multiple software and applications at a time but come at a high cost than mobile or desktop CPUs.
3. Desktop CPU
Unlike Server CPUs, Desktop CPUs are designed for all kinds of users to process moderate workloads. Depending upon their components, they can be used for overclocking, gaming, surfing, programming, and multiple other high-end requirements.
Desktop CPUs are generally more affordable than Server CPUs but a little more expensive than Mobile CPUs. As there are various types of desktop CPUs available in the market for different needs, you must select according to your required specifications.
Conclusion
By comparing the industry’s top processors with our comparison tool, you can get the best value CPU for your requirements under the desired price range. All you need to check is the aforementioned crucial specs and features provided to you in a simple tabular format for comparison. Compare as many processors you want to before making the final purchase to pick the right one.
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