Intel Processors Buyers Guide

If you regularly juggle multiple CPU-intensive workloads at the same time such as rendering graphics and videos while crunching numbers then the top of the range Core i9 X-Series is for you.

These CPUs feature up to 18 cores and 36 threads, the most of any Intel desktop CPU, and so offer unmatched performance in content creation applications.

Core i9 X-Series processors are all overclockable, but lack integrated graphics so you have to buy a discrete graphics card.

Moving up to Core i7, this is a great option for those seeking speed and responsiveness. In many ways the Core i7 is one of the best all-round processors to date and this is a chip for those who want to create and play with stunning visuals on a PC that can do it all. Core i7s provide excellent performance in all types of application and game.

Core i7 processors feature 8 cores and 16 threads, giving them more performance that Core i5s.

And again, if you're looking to overclock then look out a K-Series chip. Also keep an eye out for models with a F in the model number, these lack integrated graphics so are a great choice for a gaming PC or workstation with a discrete graphics card.

Entering into the mid-range territory, the Intel Core i3 is a sizeable step up from Pentium because these CPUs are quad core. They offer a perfect solution for editing photos, creating videos, STREAMING 4K multimedia, multi-tasking and playing the latest games in VR.

At the entry-level end of the scale are the Intel Celeron processors which are priced from as little as £35 and these processors are best suited to light computing tasks such as web browsing, online communication, streaming multimedia content and word processing.

These dual-core CPUs work together with the included Intel HD graphics so you don't need to buy a graphics card.