I'm in the process of selecting a processor for my PC but I'm a bit confused about what the generation and i-number really signify. I thought that a higher number typically indicated better clock speeds or core counts, but that doesn't always seem to hold true. For instance, the i7-12700KF appears to outperform the i9-9900 in both clock speed and core count, and the i7-10700 has a higher clock speed compared to the i7-11700. Is there a reason to consider buying newer CPUs, even if they seem to be less effective? Can someone guide me on what key factors I should consider when purchasing a new CPU?
2 Answers
You can't rely solely on part numbers to gauge performance. They can be misleading since they're often determined by marketing, not consistent performance. In theory, higher-numbered CPUs in a generation should be better, but this doesn't always translate to actual usage, especially for gaming. Sometimes the performance gains between generations can be negligible or even negative. So, it’s best to check out real performance benchmarks for the games or apps you plan to use, and usually, sticking to recent CPU generations will serve you well.
When looking at CPUs, it's crucial to understand that core count and clock speed can vary due to the CPU's architecture and design, which are influenced by the manufacturer. The numbers you see advertised are more about marketing than true performance metrics. Are you building your PC primarily for gaming? If so, I might steer you away from Intel. What are your primary uses and budget requirements?
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