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CPU - Intel Desktop

Not sure which processor is right for you? Read our Intel CPU Buying Guide

The CPU is the brain of the PC and Intel processors continue to rule the roost. Retail CPUs are installed in the motherboard inside a desktop PC. There are many grades of Intel desktop CPU from entry-level models to high-end models, including some that can be overclocked for additional performance. Those looking for a performance PC ought to make a beeline for Intel Core i5, Core i7 and Core i9 processors, with the latter offering staggering performance that makes a mockery of benchmarks and multi-threaded applications. Make sure you select a compatible motherboard for your chosen CPU.

Intel Core i9 Socket 1200 Comet Lake Processors

Intel 10th generation Core i9 Comet Lake processors have 10 physical cores plus Hyper Threading technology, allowing them to work on up to 20 threads simultaneously.

These CPUs use the new Socket 1200 so require a new Z490 motherboard and are not compatible with Z390 motherboards. However, most Socket 1151 coolers are compatible with Socket 1200 CPUs.

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Tekspek An in-depth guide into tech: Intel 10th Gen processors

Intel Core i7 Socket 1200 Rocket Lake Processors

Intel 11th generation Core i7 Rocket Lake processors have 8 physical cores plus Hyper Threading technology, allowing them to work on up to 16 threads simultaneously, but have slower clock speeds than Core i9 processors.

These Socket 1200 CPUs are ideally paired with a 500-series motherboard, although some older 400-series motherboards are not compatible after a BIOS update. However, you will not get the full benefit of the CPU, such as PCIe 4.0 using a 400-series motherboard.

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Intel Core i7 Socket 1151 Coffee Lake Processors

This category contains a mix of Intel 8th & 9th generation Core i7 Coffee Lake CPUs which feature more cores & greater cache memory than the Core i5s, giving them much faster performance, especially in CPU intensive tasks such as graphics processing, video encoding and music mixing.

8th Gen. Core i7 processors come with 6 physical cores & HyperThreading technology, while the very latest 9th Gen. Core i7 models instead pack 8 physical cores for greater performance per thread, across more processes, letting you do more than ever before.

Important - Please Note: Despite using the same LGA1151 socket as 6th & 7th Gen. CPUs, ONLY Intel 300 Series Motherboards are compatible with these 8th Gen. 'Coffee Lake' & 9th Gen. 'Coffee Lake Refresh' CPUs.

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Tekspek An in-depth guide into tech: Intel 8th Gen Coffee Lake Processors Intel 8th Gen desktop CPUs

Intel Core i5 Socket 1200 Rocket Lake Processors

Intel 11th generation Core i9 Rocket Lake processors have 8 physical cores plus Hyper Threading technology, allowing them to work on up to 16 threads simultaneously.

These Socket 1200 CPUs are ideally paired with a 500-series motherboard, although some older 400-series motherboards are not compatible after a BIOS update. However, you will not get the full benefit of the CPU, such as PCIe 4.0 using a 400-series motherboard.

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Intel Core i5 Socket 1200 Comet Lake Processors

Intel 10th generation Core i5 Comet Lake processors have 6 physical cores plus Hyper Threading technology, allowing them to work on up to 12 threads simultaneously.

These CPUs use the new Socket 1200 so require a new Z490 motherboard and are not compatible with Z390 motherboards. However, most Socket 1151 coolers are compatible with Socket 1200 CPUs.

View:
Tekspek An in-depth guide into tech: Intel 10th Gen processors

Intel Core i5 Socket 1151 Coffee Lake Processors

These 8th & 9th Generation Intel Core i5 Coffee Lake CPUs are the most affordable 6-core Intel processors. Intel Core i5 CPUs provide a significant speed up in games and multimedia applications such as image and video editing, making them a great choice for gamers and creative professionals.

Important - Please Note: Despite using the same LGA1151 socket as 6th & 7th Gen. CPUs, ONLY Intel 300 Series Motherboards are compatible with these 8th Gen. 'Coffee Lake' & 9th Gen. 'Coffee Lake Refresh' CPUs.

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Tekspek An in-depth guide into tech: Intel 8th Gen Coffee Lake Processors Intel 8th Gen desktop CPUs

Intel Core i3 Socket 1200 Comet Lake Processors

Intel 10th generation Core i3 Comet Lake processors have 4 physical cores plus Hyper Threading technology, allowing them to work on up to 8 threads simultaneously.

These CPUs use the new Socket 1200 so require a new Z490 motherboard and are not compatible with Z390 motherboards. However, most Socket 1151 coolers are compatible with Socket 1200 CPUs.

View:
Tekspek An in-depth guide into tech: Intel 10th Gen processors