How to Choose a CPU? CPU Buying Guide Step by Step

Last Updated on May 5, 2022 by Tech Queries Team

Right now, there are soo many types of Processors available in the market. And, for a non-technical user, it’s very tough to choose one. If you’re planning to buy a new CPU, you might have several questions running in your head. Like, whether to buy Intel or AMD, how many cores CPU should I buy?, should I buy an expensive one or a cheap one, and how to choose a CPU that is value for money. That is the reason you searched for it on Google. Right? Well, you are in the right place as we are going to provide a complete CPU Buying guide that will help you choose a CPU that is best for you.

Note: CPU stands for Central Processing Unit, and people also describe it as Processors or Microprocessors.

Why is it important to research before choosing a CPU?

Let me tell you about an incident as an example. You can skip this part if you wish to save time.

Once my friend went to buy an assembled computer in the Computer Market. He doesn’t know much about the processors, so he went to different stores and asked about building a PC with an Intel processor. After taking price quotations from different stores, he noticed that different shopkeepers provided him different prices. One shopkeeper was offering him the i7 processor for less cost, and the other was offering him i5 for more cost. As any of us would have done, he went to the store that offered him the i7 processor for the lowest price. 

Even after buying the computer, he was confused about why the price of the i5 processor was more than the price of the i7 processor. After a few days, when I met him at his house, I took a look at his PC and the other price quotations, and explained to him why. 

The CPU he bought was an i7 3rd generation, which had only 4 cores and 8 threads, with less GHz and Cache memory. On the other hand, the other shopkeeper was trying to offer him Intel i5 10th generation CPU that had 6 cores and 12 threads, with more GHz frequency and Cache Memory. It wasn’t late when he started to experience slow performance while operating multiple tasks. He then realized he made a mistake while choosing the CPU.

Therefore, you need to understand the processors in detail. Not only the generation but there are lots of other things that matter, like the number of cores, threads, frequency, cache memory, and more. Only then will you be able to get yourself a better deal. 

Here we will be explaining everything. So that you can choose the best CPU for your PC.

How to Choose a CPU?

Let’s come to the main objective of this article. How to Choose a CPU? We will go step-by-step, explaining each and every component of the CPU. After reading this article, you will be an expert in choosing a CPU.

What is the Use of CPU?

CPU is the brain that controls all other components of the computer. Therefore, it is necessary that we choose the best one. We have already discussed different types of Processors in another article. I recommend you to go through that article as well.

7 Things to Consider before buying a CPU:

1. CPU Manufacturers – Intel Vs AMD:

The first thing you should know is that there are several companies that manufacture CPUs. But, Intel and AMD are the two CPU manufacturers that are leading the market for many years. Basically, you need to choose one between the two. 

So, first, you need to choose which brand CPU you want to buy.

Intel CPUs:

Intel was the first brand to manufacture a Processor in the year 1971. They named it Intel 4004. In the past, Intel manufactured different series of processors like Pentium and Celeron, which are very outdated now. Later, Intel started manufacturing Core and Xeon Series, which we need to focus on.

Intel Core series have sub-series like i3, i5, i7, and i9. Intel mostly focuses on providing high-quality and long-lasting CPUs, which are also a little expensive compared to its competitors. 

AMD CPUs:

In 1975 Intel found its first competitor as AMD introduced its first processor called Am9080. Initially, AMD used to manufacture the Athlon series, but now they have upgraded to Ryzen and Threadripper Series. Like Intel Core Series, AMD Ryzen also have sub-series like Ryzen 3, Ryzen 5, Ryzen 7, and Ryzen 9. The AMD Threadripper is a very powerful and expensive line of series.

Some users prefer to buy Intel CPUs, and some prefer to buy AMD. But here, you need to choose the CPU that better suits your job.

Basically, I would prefer Intel for office use, and AMD for gaming.

2. How many Cores and Threads do you need?

A CPU chip is divided into several cores. Each core performs different activities/tasks. If you have more cores, then your CPU can perform more activities simultaneously. Moreover, engineers came up with a new technology called Threading, which virtually divides the cores and spreads tasks so that the CPU can perform more activities at once. However, this tech works only for smaller tasks, as you may require more cores for performing heavy activities like video editing, video rendering, playing 2d games, etc.

Example: A 4-core CPU with 4 threads will act like an 8-core CPU (4+4=8). Similarly, a 4-core CPU with 8 threads will act like a 12-core CPU (4+8=12). 

Therefore, it is necessary to check both cores and threads in the specifications before buying a CPU. 

3. What is the Purpose of Buying a CPU?

You must understand the purpose of buying a CPU. There are hundreds of CPU models available in the market. Powerful CPUs are very expensive, and Cheaper CPUs may not provide the required performance. Therefore, it is only wise to buy a CPU according to your purpose.

3.1 Basic Purpose:

Are you buying the CPU for fundamental purposes like home use, watching movies, attending online classes, video calling your family & friends, learning, etc.? If Yes, then a Dual-Core or Quad-Core CPU would be enough for you. Hence, you should go for the Intel i3, Intel i5, Ryzen 3, or Ryzen 5 processors with a Dual or Quad Core setup, depending on your budget.

Dual-Core processors are the cheapest, and Quad-Core CPUs are a little pricy. These CPUs are also suitable for playing old games like Roadrash, Pacman, etc. Moreover, these are also suitable for students for making documents (Ms-Word) and presentations (PowerPoint).

3.2 Gaming Purpose: 

If you are building a gaming computer, you should focus more on GPU than CPU. We have already discussed the difference between GPU Vs CPU in detail. To explain in short, A GPU (Graphical Processing Unit) only helps you render the graphics. Whereas, a Procesor (CPU) performs all other tasks, along with controlling other components. However, buying a very low-end CPU can cause bottleneck issues. 

Hence, for gaming, you can choose a Quad-Core (4 cores) or Hexa-Core (6 cores) CPU with a suitable Graphics Card. If you are also streaming or recording while playing the game, you need a better CPU like a Hexa-Core or an Octa-Core CPU.

You can check the system requirements of your favorite game before buying the CPU and GPU.

You can also check out our ultimate guide for Choosing a Graphics Card.

3.3 Office Work and Multitasking:

If you are buying a CPU for office work, then Intel i5 (with 6 cores) or Ryzen 5 will be sufficient. These are mostly Hexa-core processors with 8-12 threads. As a desk worker, you might need to run multiple programs at once like Chrome Browser (for emails), Word files, Excel sheets, along with other applications. Therefore, having a Hexa-core processor will help you multitask without slowing down the computer and workflow. You can also get an Intel i3 or Ryzen 3 processor if your budget is low. But we would not recommend it.

3.4 Editing and Creation: 

If you are a YouTuber, Videographer, or content creator, you might use the computer mostly for editing purposes. Editing Softwares take up a lot of system resources. Therefore, having a powerful CPU and a decent graphics card will significantly reduce rendering and exporting time. Hence, we recommend you get an Octa-Core processor with 8 or 16 threads. (Intel i7, Intel i9, Ryzen 7, or Ryzen 9). However, if you are low on budget, an Intel i5 or Ryzen 5 with a Hexa-Core processor would do fine. If you are buying the CPU for using a specific application, we suggest you check out the system requirements of that application. 

3.5 Heavy Workstation:

If you are building a Workstation, you might need the most powerful components. For a workstation setup, a user must have a powerful CPU with 16 cores or more. You may consider buying the AMD Threadripper series, which offers up to 64 cores. Or you can also go for the Intel Xeon Platinum series, which offers from 16-56 cores (with up to 96 threads).

Every model has different cores and threads. Therefore, note down the CPU model numbers that are suitable for you. Follow each step and shortlist the best CPU for you.

I hope you are able to decide how many cores (& threads) you need in a CPU. Let’s proceed forward, and discuss other things to consider before buying a CPU.

4. CPU Generation:

As we discussed earlier, both Intel and AMD have different series of CPUs. However, they make minor improvements every year and release a new processor by calling it a new generation. New generation CPUs are more powerful and reliable than older ones. If you have read the incident I discussed at the beginning of this article, you must have understood the importance of CPU generations.

It is easy to identify the CPU generation by looking at its model number. If the model number has only three digits, then it is obvious that the CPU is 1st generation. If the model number has four digits, then the first digit indicates the CPU generation. And, if the model number has five digits, then the first two digits indicate the CPU generation.

Example: Intel i5-9400 (9th Gen), AMD Ryzen 5 5600 (5th generation)

Note that you cannot compare Intel generations with AMD. AMD 5th Generation is equivalent to Intel 9th Generation. So, compare the Generations within the same brands.

Tip:

Go for the latest generation CPU if you have the budget. It’s better to have an i5 9th gen rather than an i7 first gen CPU. The first-gen i7 processors have lithography of 45nm, while i5 latest gen processors have 14nm. The first-gen i7 had 4 cores with 8 threads. Whereas, the i5 9th gen CPUs offer 6 cores with 12 threads.‘

So, try to get the latest generation CPU.

5. CPU Clock Speed & Overclocking:

Processor speed/frequency is indicated in GHz (Giga-Hertz). CPU Manufacturing companies set the processor speed to default. But some users tend to increase the performance of the CPU by increasing its speed (Overclocking). If you are planning to overclock your CPU, then you must choose a CPU that supports overclocking. 

Usually, all AMD processors can be overclocked. But, you cannot overclock all models of Intel processors. Intel specifies the model number with the letter K. So, if you wish to overclock Intel CPUs, you might consider buying a CPU with the letter K in the model name.

Example: Intel i5 9600K.

On the other hand, if you don’t wish to overclock, you can save some money by buying the non-k variant CPU.

6. Cache:

Cache Memory is a huge topic, which we have discussed in another article.

In short, the CPU stores some of the information in the cache memory so that it can collect the info faster whenever needed. For example, there are a few applications on your computer, which you use very often. So, the CPU stores some of the information regarding these apps so that you can launch these applications faster. It is not a major factor, but you can also consider looking at the Cache Size of the CPU before buying. 

Example:

The Cache size of Intel i5-9400F is 9 MB, and Intel i5-9400H is 8 MB. However, it does not make a huge difference here. Some CPUs offer only 3 MB, while some offer even 20 MB. Again, it depends on your usage.

7. Integrated Vs Dedicated Graphics:

If you are not aware, some CPUs come with a built-in GPU chip. You need to decide whether you need a CPU with integrated graphics or not. CPUs with integrated graphics are a little more expensive than regular CPUs.

They are suitable for lite gamers. If you are a hardcore gamer, then these types of CPUs won’t help you, as it is mandatory to buy a Graphics Card. However, if you are not a gamer, you can still get the processor with integrated graphics, which will improve the visual quality of the desktop, wallpaper, and icons. It also enhances the user experience while browsing images or watching movies.

In Intel, you can identify a CPU with integrated graphics by looking at its model number. 

How to Read Model Names:

We all know that the CPU names are very complicated to understand. But, this guide will help you understand them easily.

Intel CPUs:

K – Unlocked for Overclocking

F – No integrated Graphics

H – High Performance + Graphics

HK – High-Performance Graphics + Overclock Unlocked

U, T, Y – Optimized Power Efficient

G – Built-in Graphics

AMD CPUs:

X, H – High Performance

T, S, M – Power Optimized

G – Built-in Graphics

More Things to Consider:

1. Are you buying a new computer or just replacing the CPU?

Either way, you need a motherboard that is compatible with your CPU.

If you are building a new PC, you can buy any CPU that suits your purpose and then buy a supported motherboard. However, if you are replacing just the processor, you need to make sure your new CPU is compatible with your old motherboard. 

2. Motherboard Compatibility:

You can easily upgrade your CPU from Intel i3 3rd gen to Intel i7 9th generation. But, your motherboard must be compatible with it. The best way is to look at your motherboard’s specifications.

You can also go to motherboard manufacturing brands’ websites and use the compatibility checker.

Here is a link to Gigabyte’s CPU-Motherboard Checker.

3. Cooling System/Thermal Paste:

It is very important to keep your CPU cool all the time. Therefore, it is mandatory to place an exhaust fan over the CPU and apply Thermal Paste on the top of the CPU chip to keep it cool.

Luckily, the manufacturers provide a free cooling fan with pre-applied thermal paste when you buy a CPU. However, if you are overclocking your CPU, you also need to upgrade the cooling system. Also, whenever you remove the CPU out of the socket, remember to apply the thermal paste before placing it back.

Note: You must be very careful while installing (placing) the CPU in the motherboard socket. The pins on the bottom of the processor are sensitive and can easily bend by any external pressure. You can easily damage the CPU by breaking just one of the pins. I suggest you look at the video below while installing the CPU. Or take guidance from an expert.

4. How to Install (Place) the CPU on the Motherboard?

5. Price:

The Price of CPUs varies depending on their specifications. Besides that, the same CPU model can have different prices in different countries. Moreover, the prices of CPUs often decrease drastically after the release of new-gen CPUs. Therefore, I cannot suggest you any particular model of CPU here. You must choose a CPU based on its specifications, as well as your requirements and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Final Thoughts on Choosing a CPU:

Remember that the CPU is going to be the most important and expensive component of your computer. Therefore, you need to choose the processor that suits your needs and budget. However, if you are building a gaming PC, then the GPU will be the most costly component, and the CPU will be the second most expensive.

The best CPU is not always the most expensive one. You will even find a CPU that costs $10,000/- (Intel Xeon & AMD Threadripper series). But, most users cannot spend that much only for a CPU, and they don’t have to. Buying the best CPU means choosing a CPU that satisfies your requirements as well as your budget. 

Anyhow, it is important to do proper research before choosing a CPU. You must look at the CPU specifications like the number of cores, threads, generation, clock speed, and cache memory. There are also several other things in a CPU, which does not make much difference. As I said several times in this article, choose the CPU that suits you better, considering the budget. 

I hope now you understand how to choose a CPU that is best for you. If Yes, share this article with your friends. Also, contact us if you are having any difficulties choosing a CPU, or any other component of the PC.