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Intel Processor: A Complete Buying Guide For 2024

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There are various options out there when it comes to buying Intel processors. However, knowing what features to look for can help you choose the right one.

- Updated: 2nd Jan 2024, 17:15 IST
  • 1
    What is an Intel Processor?
  • 2
    Intel Processors: Key Terms You Must Be Aware Of
    • Clock Speed
    • Number of Cores
    • Threads
    • Overclocking
  • 3
    Intel Processors: Numbers & Letters
    • Brand
    • Brand Modifier
    • Generation Indicator
    • SKU
    • Product Line
  • 4
    Intel Processor: Core Suffix Meaning
    • Intel Processor: Xeon Suffix Meaning
    • Intel Processor: Celeron Suffix Meaning
    • Intel Processor: Pentium Suffix Meaning
  • 5
    Tips to Buy an Intel Processor
    • Understand Your Requirement
    • Consider the Processor’s Performance Parameters
    • Decide Intel Technology Wisely
  • 6
    The Best Intel Processor for 2022
  • 7
    Final Thoughts

Are you looking for the new Intel processor but confused about which one to buy and how to choose it? Well, you are at the right place. This blog will explain and decode the various Intel processor list. However, before we dive deep into it, let us first understand what an Intel processor is and why it is important.

What is an Intel Processor?

A processor is one of the essential components to consider when it comes to choosing any desktop or laptop. Why? The reason behind it is – it serves as the brain of any PC or laptop. It is responsible for the calculation of all generic operations.

For decades, Intel has been one of the biggest players in this market, and in this buyer’s guide, we will help you narrow down the list of Intel processors so you can find the one that best suits your requirement.

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Intel Processors: Key Terms You Must Be Aware Of

When choosing any processor, there are main four terms that you must be aware of, and you will see these terms again and again.

Clock Speed

The clock speed is measured in gigahertz (GHz). It tells how many operations a processor can do each second. The higher the operation number = the faster computer.  When the clock speed is high, you will notice your PC or laptop will work fast while opening programs, files, and exporting photos.

Number of Cores

Usually, any laptop or desktop chips have two or four cores. It is known as dual- and quad-core. Nowadays, some newer models have six and even eight cores. The more cores = better PC/Laptop. The reason behind it is when there are more cores, it will allow your computer to run multiple tasks at the same time and that also without slowing down. Therefore, if your requirement includes lots of programs running or opening lots of web browser tabs, more cores will be excellent for you.

Threads

Hyper Threading Technology

It refers to the number of independent processes a processor can handle at the same time. In short, more threads = enhanced performance & multitasking capabilities. Intel calls it Hyper-Threading (HT) technology.

Overclocking

It is the practice of manually setting the higher clock speed, which ultimately provides you with improved performance. When a processor has overclocking capabilities, it can be easily adjusted to boost performance within its cores & speed processing times.

Also read: Best CPU Processor for Laptop Ranking List 2022

Intel Processors: Numbers & Letters

Intel Processors_ Numbers & Letters_

It is where things start to get a little bit confusing. However, in this blog, we have simplified the naming convention of Intel processors. To understand the difference between the unique Intel CPUs, you must know the parts of each name. Each Intel processor name contains a brand, brand modifier, generation, SKU, and product line. Once you understand what each of these means, you can easily identify any processor; let’s have a look at each in brief.

Brand

It shows the overall product line such as Core, Xeon, Pentium, or Celeron.

Brand Modifier

In Intel’s Core brand chips, you will find a brand modifier like i3, i5, i7, or i9, after the ‘’Core’’ name. Higher modifier numbers = better performance & more features. The other brand names like the Xeon, Pentium, and Celeron do not have these modifiers.

Also read: Difference Between Intel Processors And Generations: A Quick Rundown

Generation Indicator

After the brand and the modifier, you will observe a generation indicator such as 9,10, or 11, which is closely followed by an SKU number sequence. It shows when the particular chip was made.

8th GenerationReleased Date 2017 to 2019Coffee Lake, Kaby Lake, Whisky Lake
9th GenerationReleased Date 2018 to 2019Coffee Lake Refresh (Desktop)
10th GenerationReleased Date 2019 to 2020Comet Lake (Desktop), Ice Lake (Mobile)
11th GenerationReleased Date 2020 to 2021Rocket Lake (Desktop, Comet Lake Refresh (Desktop), Tiger Lake (Mobile)
12th GenerationReleased Date October 2021Aldar Lake Desktop

SKU

It shows a more specific model number within each brand & generation. A higher model number = more full-featured processor. However, you cannot compare model numbers from one brand to another, like Core vs Xeon.

Product Line

The product line suffix at the end of each Intel processor lets you know what processor is generally meant for. Here is the Core suffix meaning:

Intel Processor: Core Suffix Meaning

CDesktop processor along with high-end graphics
FThe high-performance processor with distinct graphic cards used for gaming
HHigh-performance graphics
KUnlocked for overclocking
MMobile
QQuad-core
RDesktop processor, high-end graphics
SPerformance-optimized
TPower-optimized for best desktop computing
UUltra-low-power
XExtreme unlocked for high desktop performance
YExtreme low power

Intel Processor: Xeon Suffix Meaning

EEmbedded
HLarge memory support up to 1.12TB per socket
HLLarge memory support up to 4.5TB
LLarge memory support up to 4.5TB
MMedium memory support up to 2TB
NNetworking specialized
PPerformance & power
RRefresh
SSearch optimized
TThermal/low power/long life cycle
UUniprocessor
VVirtual Machine Destiny Optimized
YSpeed select

Intel Processor: Celeron Suffix Meaning

EEmbedded
JThe processor has the No-execute feature
LMobile low power
SSmall form factor CPU
PMobile power-optimized
QDesktop or mobile quad-core
TExtended temperature range
UMobile ultra-low power
XDesktop or mobile extreme power

Intel Processor: Pentium Suffix Meaning

HHigh Power
UMedium Power
TLow Power

Tips to Buy an Intel Processor

You should keep in mind the following things while shopping for a PC/laptop that features an Intel processor.

Understand Your Requirement

  • Understand your requirement well before choosing an Intel processor. For example, if you are a video editor and edit HD video footage, go for a Core i5 or i7 processor.
  • Consider your work style. If being mobile is vital to you, choose a hyper-efficient Core m processor. It will let you enjoy longer battery life than other alternatives.
  • Keep in mind that Intel carries the same naming conventions across generations. Therefore, remember it if you are planning to buy an old PC.
  • Of course, the processor is the most vital part that affects the computer’s performance, but that does not mean you should overlook the RAM, the GPU, and the hard drive.
  • If your computer does not support a dedicated graphics card, you should never buy it. It is because higher-end Intel processors offer Intel HD or Intel Iris Integrated graphics, which are more powerful and a sensible choice if you are a gamer or a creative.

Also read: Smartwatch Features to Consider While Buying It

Consider the Processor’s Performance Parameters

  • Keep in mind the processor performance parameters like Clock Speed, Cores, and Cache. Usually, a clock speed of 1.5 to 2GHz is adequate for most users. However, if you are a gamer or a creative, go for a high-end Intel processor that offers approx. 3GHz clock speed. It will be more than enough to run most software and games. Such high-end processors boast Turbo Boost Technology to make processors run efficiently when not under duress.
  • Choose the core wisely. For most users, a dual-core processor is enough if the usage is limited to everyday tasks, casual gaming, or watching HD media. If you do intensive tasks like 4K video editing, go for four cores.
  • Decide on Cache memory precisely. It is the processor’s onboard memory which is graded as L1, L2, and L3. L1 = smallest and fastest. L2 & L3 = larger and slower. However, the more L2 and L3 cache is there, the faster the computer can run.

Decide Intel Technology Wisely

Intel Core i3Perfect for everyday tasks. Well suited for laptops and entry-level desktops
Intel Core i5Perfect for most users. You can enjoy 4K visuals, high speed, and power on demand.
Intel Core i7Specially designed for the most demanding tasks like UHD video editing and 4K gaming at 60fps.
Core m3, m5, & m7Intel’s Core m range processors offer long battery life & better responsive performance in mobile devices. Vary in performance. An m7 chip offers better performance than an m3 chip. However, check the CPU you are comparing are from the same generations. It is because the latest m3 chips can provide better performance than older m5 or m7 chips.
Atom x7It provides faster processing than x5. You can do on-the-go easy work with ease.
Atom x5Offer robust security features, ample power for mobile gaming, and better performance to complete everyday tasks.
Celeron ProcessorsSuitable for entry-level PCs. Suppose your computer needs are everyday tasks like social media updates, web browsing, casual gaming, and media playback.
Pentium ProcessorsReliable performance at an affordable price. Well-suited for HD media playback and everyday office tasks.

The Best Intel Processor for 2022

Here are some of the best Intel processors you can buy in 2022.

Intel Core i5-12600K

Intel Processor Intel Core i5-12600K

It is one of the best Intel processors available on the market these days. If you are a professional gamer who needs a little extra bandwidth, you can go for this processor.

Intel Core i5-11600K

Intel Processor Intel Core i5 - 11600K

If you are a gamer and searching for the deal, this is a solid midrange CPU you can usually find it on sale.

Intel Core i5-10400F

Intel Core i5 - 10400F

If you are on a tight budget, it is a decent choice. It is a budget option that comes with only a few cores.

Intel Core i9-12900K

Intel Processor i9 - 12900K

It is the most powerful Intel processor these days. If you need the best of the best processor, go for it.

Intel Core i7-11375H

Intel Processor Intel Core i7 - 11375H

Choose this processor, if you are a mobile user and require a little more power than a normal mobile CPU.

Also read: Cashify Explains: Which Smartphone Processors Are Best For Mobile Gaming?

Final Thoughts

In a nutshell, Intel makes hundreds of various processors models every year. To help you make the right decision, here is a quick breakdown:

If you are planning to buy a desktop/laptop for business and personal use, the Intel Core CPU processor is the perfect pick for you. On the other hand, if your work is related to science and data-heavy workflows, the Intel Xeon processor is the right choice. If you are on a tight budget and searching for the right Intel processor, the Intel Pentium family of processors is the correct option for you. Last but not least, if you are an entry-level shopper and have light-level workflows, go for an Intel Celeron processor. It will provide you with fast performance.

Hopefully, this article has provided you with all information that you need to understand while choosing an Intel processor. However, if you have any questions, share them in the comment section below.

Also read: How To Sell Old OnePlus Nord 2 5G? Best Upgrade Options

Click here if you are planning to sell old laptop, or want to recycle old phone. Cashify will help you get the entire process completed hassle-free right at your doorstep



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Highlights of the Story

  • A processor is also known as the brain stack of the computer. It runs all programs and performs millions of computations in an instant.
  • That’s why when buying a new computer or laptop, you must consider its processor as it will help you to get the most out of your PC or laptop.
  • This buying guide will help you choose the right Intel processor. Therefore, without further ado, let us start reading it.