CPU - Intel

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.

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.

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.

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.