Intel has earned fundamental trust from active users desktop gaming PCs, working and computers for home. Reliable and high-performance - this, of course, is about its modern multi-core CPUs. But choosing between AMD and Intel, many of us are faced with very confusing series and names of crystals from the "blue" chipmaker.
This is an instruction on how to understand the processors Intel v 2017 which is the best in the series Core what characteristics mean lineups i3, i5 and i7 and where did they go Intel Pentium and Celeron?
What kind of processors does Intel have in 2017?
Modern Intel processors are divided into three types of the Core family.
Intel "Core i" processors differ from each other:
level cache(own super-memory - very important characteristic, which helps the CPU perform tasks more efficiently);
The presence and absence of certain technologies;
architectural decisions;
goals and their marketing purpose.
Intel Core i3
These are dual-core processors equipped with technology Hyper Threading. It helps to improve performance under high load. It is enough for simple games and most applications under Windows.
Family Intel Core i3 does not have a large cache, does not support Turbo Boost technology, and is most like work and home computers, where the main tasks are related to the Internet, web browsing, light games and office programs.
Intel Core i5
Quad-core processors without Hyper Threading, but with faster processing of physically intensive tasks. Optimal choice for lovers of games and resource-intensive applications. In terms of performance, they often outperform Core i3.
Intel Core i7
Quad-core processors with Hyper Threading for enthusiasts of the world of computers, gamers (for gaming PCs) and professionals. High levels of cache memory, advanced integrated graphics technology and the latest achievements of the company at the level of core architecture.
Where did the Intel Pentium and Celeron processors go?
There are practically no old processors left for sale Intel. Series Pentium(for home and gaming computers) and Celeron(working systems) by 2017 were officially transferred from the architectural range to the category of the brand.
Intel Pentium processors out of production since 2009. Since then, the name has been used as a brand name for some entry-level products based on the Intel Core architecture.
Intel Celeron processors finally withdrawn from commercial production in 2011, giving way to the Atom, Core and in some cases Pentium series.
Everyone thinks that the Core i3 is just cheaper, and the Core i7 is more expensive - that's not
The prevailing opinion that Intel thus segmented its desktop processors into inexpensive Core i3, mass medium-budget Core i5 and high performance Core i7 for enthusiasts - not entirely true. The model numbers in each family will completely confuse you.
Can you tell what is the difference between Intel Core i5-6400 and Core i5-7600K?
Central processors within the same series may differ in performance level, different modifications and even generations. Now in a few steps we will analyze what all these numbers and letters mean. You will immediately determine which of the processors, for example, Intel Core i5, is better.
What does the number mean in Intel Core processors after i3/i5/i7?
Number 6
in Intel Core i5- 6
400 means generation number ("sixth Intel generation core"), as 7
in Core i5- 7
600K means 7
generation of Intel processors for Windows 10. This way you can determine which one is newer and put the models in order.
The last three digits define SKU. In fact, they show how powerful this processor is within the production line. Core i5-7 600
K will be faster than Core i5-7 500
K.
Letters the name shows various additional qualities of the Intel Core processor. Here are the differences:
H- high performance graphics.
K- the ability to unlock the overclocking of the Intel processor.
Q- four physical cores.
QM- the same, but for mobile PCs.
T- Optimized for efficient desktop PCs.
U- optimized with low power consumption for mobile computers.
How to compare Intel, AMD, laptop, PC processors?
There is a universal online service where you can enter the model processor ID and get a table with full comparison characteristics and features: cpuboss.com.
After the announcement of the LGA1155 platform Intel methodically updates its line of processors. Starting with top CPUs, the manufacturer moves to Sandy Bridge and more affordable solutions - Core i3 and Pentium. The latter are intended for systems of initial and intermediate levels. Models costing "about $ 100" have always been the objects of close attention from users who are used to looking for best options when setting up the system. Often people who choose a processor from this price category approach this issue even more responsibly than those who are willing to pay any price for maximum performance. Let's see what the new Intel products are capable of in comparison with their predecessors and alternative solutions from the main competitor.
From a technical point of view, the most important difference between Core i3 and Core i5 / i7 chips is that they are based on an initially dual-core crystal, and not a quad-core one with deactivated computing units. That is, no tricky tricks with unlocking will work here, however, Intel chips did not provide such an opportunity before. The area has decreased from 216 to 131 mm2, therefore, there are much more blanks from one silicon wafer, and the cost of their production is lower. Accordingly, Intel has a chance to offer interesting retail prices, continuing to make money even on budget processors.
What changes have occurred in terms of functional equipment? The amount of L1 and L2 cache is identical for all Sandy Bridge models (64 KB and 256 KB per core), but the L3 buffer in Core i3 has decreased in proportion to the number of cores - from 6 to 3 MB. The compact die, made using 32-nanometer technology, allows you to count on good power consumption. The TDP for the second generation Core i3 is 65W, while the predecessors from the Clarkdale family had this parameter in the range of 73W.
| 3DMark 06, CPU test, points |
| System power consumption, W |
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| PCMark 7 Computation Scenario Scores |
 |
| Fritz chess Benchmark 4.2, thousand nodes/s |
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| x264 HD Benchmark 4.0 fps |
 |
| WinRAR 4.0, KB/s |
 |
| CineBench 11.5 points |
 |
| Resident Evil 5, 1920x1080, DX9, medium quality, fps |
 |
| Colin McRae: DiRT 3, 1920x1080, medium quality, fps |
 |
| Far Cry 2, 1920×1080, medium quality, fps |
 |
On-chip integrated graphics Intel HD Graphics 2000 with 6 computing units. The nominal frequency of the video core is 850 MHz, while during operation it can dynamically increase up to 1.1 GHz. Support for Quick Sync, a powerful video transcoding tool, has been retained. The advantage of the Core i3 is also the Hyper Threading technology, which adds a couple more virtual ones to the two physical cores. In multi-threaded applications, this function sometimes plays a very important role, allowing you to use CPU resources more efficiently. We also note the presence of the processor's ability to execute instructions from the AVX (Advanced Vector Extensions) set, which, with the proper degree of optimization, will help speed up floating point calculations, which are actively used in multimedia software.
Alas, the Core i3 does not support Turbo Boost technology for dynamically increasing the frequency of processor cores, which is to some extent offset by high standard values. Given the positioning of the CPUs of this family, there are also no AES encryption instructions here.
The current line of processors consists of four models. The younger Core i3-2100 with a clock speed of 3.1 GHz is offered for $117. The Core i3-2120 runs at 3.3GHz and costs $20 more. Intel also provided an economical version of the i3-2100T with a TDP of 35W. As a rule, it is possible to reduce the power consumption of the CPU by reducing the operating clock frequency and supply voltage. On the motherboards ah, allowing the user to independently conduct downclocking and reduce the voltage below the recommended values, it is often possible to achieve similar results. But in the event that this is not possible, the purchase of energy-efficient models will be justified. Core i3-2100T operates at 2.5 GHz, and the frequency of the graphics unit is reduced from 850 to 650 MHz, while it can dynamically increase to 1.1 GHz.
Chips with reduced power consumption will be in demand for systems with compact packages that have a small volume and, accordingly, limited options for choosing a cooling system.
The Core i3-2105 stands apart in the series. This model has identical clock speeds with the i3-2100, but differs from other devices in the family by using more powerful graphics Intel HD Graphics 3000. Returning to the topology of the crystal, we note that the graphics component occupies a significant part of it - about a quarter. In turn, the lion's share of space is given to computing units. Therefore, given the fact that most budget models Since HD Graphics 2000 will be built in with 6 blocks, not 12, Intel developers rightly considered that the banal deactivation of half of the computers is not a very rational decision. Therefore, from a technological point of view, it turned out to be more profitable to have two designs of dual-core crystals. The version with more powerful graphics has a slightly larger area (149 mm2), but in terms of power consumption it also fits into 65 watts. As we saw earlier, the performance of HD Graphics 2000 and 3000 is noticeably different: depending on the tasks, the latter turns out to be 1.5-2 times faster, while seriously competing with budget discrete video cards. Paying $14 extra for the faster graphics upgrade makes sense if you're determined to use integrated video and the HD Graphics 2000's capabilities seem inadequate for the intended tasks.
Unlike mobile solutions, where even dual-core processors can be offered under the Core i7 brand, among the Core desktop models with the Sandy Bridge architecture on this moment there is a fairly clear segmentation by the number of computing units (physical and virtual): Core i7 - 4 cores and Hyper Threading, Core i5 - 4 cores without HT, Core i3 - 2 cores and Hyper Threading.
Pentium
If we move down the conditional scale of differentiation of current Intel processors, Pentium chips follow Core i3. With the advent of the Core architecture, it's no exaggeration to say that the legendary brand has been used to denote fairly affordable CPUs with a traditionally good price/performance ratio. The modernization of this line has been asking for a long time. Recently, models for the still current LGA775 platform have not been easy to hold back the onslaught of inexpensive solutions from AMD, especially to compete on equal terms with the tri-core Athlon II X3, which often offered higher performance at a similar price. Pentiums on the Clarkdale core for the LGA1156 connector have not received significant distribution. The market situation at the time of the release of this platform was such that it was primarily positioned by Intel as a solution for mid-range and high-end systems. Therefore, even after expanding the initial range of processors, the minimum cost of an entrance ticket here remained quite high. The retail price of the most affordable Pentium G6950 is about $100, which is a little expensive for an entry-level PC. It is easy to assume that Pentium for LGA1156, combining two crystals (CPU and GPU), has a higher cost. Therefore, it is quite difficult to seriously reduce the price of these processors. In addition, in this case we are talking about budget chips of mass production. And boards cheaper than $80-90 for LGA1156 actually appeared only after Sandy Bridge was announced.
The updated Pentium modifications are the result of a simple simplification of the dual-core chips used for the Core i3. First of all, Pentiums lost Hyper Threading technology, as well as the ability to execute AVX instructions. However, the amount of cache memory is identical to those for the Core i3. The new chips of the Pentium family also use Intel HD Graphics 2000 graphics, although with a number of restrictions regarding the support of proprietary technologies. In particular, Quick Sync, Intel Clear Video HD visual enhancement and stereoscopic image output (Intel InTru 3D) do not work here.
At the initial stage, the line includes four models: Pentium G850 (2.9 GHz), G840 (2.8), G620 (2.6 GHz) and G620T (2.2 GHz). As you might guess, the latter refers to economical modifications, the power consumption level of which does not exceed 35 watts. In addition to the reduced clock frequency to 2.2 GHz, like the energy-efficient Core i3-2100T model, it also has a reduced nominal frequency graphics core up to 650 MHz with a limit value of 1.1 GHz.
As you can see, the new Pentium processors, compared to the Core i3, are mostly lightweight in terms of functionality, while the basic characteristics should provide a decent level of performance. The Sandy Bridge microarchitecture used promises a good increase in performance, which we will try to verify during practical tests. As for the price, in wholesale lots the cost of the CPU family lies in the range of $64-86. The retail price will be somewhat higher, but it is obvious that Pentiums will cost less than not only the Core i3, but also their predecessors with the Clarkdale core.
The updated Pentium models were presented quite recently - at the end of May. And almost immediately appeared in retail sales in Ukraine. Intel has a good practice of bringing its products to market when they become available to customers either at the same time as the global launch or as soon as possible after.
| Model | Core i3-2120 | Core i3-530 | Pentium G620/G850 | Pentium G6950 | Athlon II X3 455 | Phenom II X4 955 |
| codename | Sandy Bridge | Clarkdale | Sandy Bridge | Clarkdale | Rana | Deneb |
| Number of cores (threads), pcs. | 2 (4) | 2 (4) | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
| Clock frequency, GHz | 3,3 | 2,93 | 2,6/2,9 | 2,8 | 3,3 | 3,2 |
| L3 cache size | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | – | 6 |
| Integrated graphics (core frequency) | Intel HD Graphics 2000 (850/1100) |
Intel HD Graphics (733) |
Intel HD Graphics 2000 (850/1100) | Intel HD Graphics (533) |
– | – |
| Technology production, nm |
32 | 32 + 45 | 32 | 32 + 45 | 45 | 45 |
| Processor socket | LGA 1155 | LGA 1156 | LGA 1155 | LGA 1156 | AM3 | AM3 |
| Power consumption (TDP), W | 65 | 73 | 65 | 73 | 95 | 125 |
| Recommended price, $ | 138 | ~105* | 64 | 87 | 76 | 117 |
| * According to the catalog Hotline.ua | ||||||
Overclocking
Overclocking is a fairly popular pastime for many enthusiasts. Someone in this way is trying to increase the performance of the system in the hope of delaying the next upgrade. For some, this is a hobby, a sport, or a way to satisfy idle curiosity by exploring the possibilities and hidden potential of the CPU.
Unfortunately, those who like to experiment with overclocking will be slightly disappointed this time. Taking into account the specifics of the clock generator operation in the new platform and the blocked processor multiplier in the considered chips, it is obvious that the room for maneuver is seriously limited here. Even despite the relatively high multipliers (+100–150 MHz), this is all that can be squeezed out after increasing the carrier bus to 103–106 MHz, at which current motherboards remain stable. Of course, these are not the figures that we would like to get, especially considering that the older Sandy Bridge models, even in air, often take frequencies of 4500 MHz and higher. Alas, the new Pentium and Core i3 are absolutely not designed for overclocking. You will have to come to terms with this fact and take it into account when buying. At the same time, it is also important not to forget that these chips are noticeably more productive than their predecessors even in normal mode, which can offset the difference in frequencies.
Modifications with unlocked multipliers among Core i3 and Pentium, in our opinion, can not be expected. Models with the K index so beloved by overclockers will be available only in the lines of more expensive Core i5/i7.
Results
As the test results show, the new Intel processors in the middle price category in terms of performance have a noticeable superiority over their predecessors. Under conditions of good multi-threaded optimization of programs, AMD chips with a large number of physical computing units can sometimes provide serious resistance. For example, if you look at the performance of the Athlon II X3 455 and Pentium G620, which are now offered at about the same price, then a three-core CPU has a certain advantage in applications where calculations can be performed in parallel. Even despite the fact that the core performance in terms of megahertz in AMD products with the K10.5 architecture is noticeably lower than in Intel chips based on Sandy Bridge, brute force is often quite effective in such software, although this is achieved by increasing energy costs by a factor of 1.5. However, we must admit that this is an ideal case when all processor cores are used as efficiently as possible. In real applications, this is, alas, not often. In games, the unconditional superiority of the new Intel solutions. As we could see earlier, the Sandy Bridge microarchitecture perfectly copes with such loads, and the gap between both its predecessors and competitor models is maximum here.
The new Pentiums are on average 20% more productive than the LGA1156 CPUs of the same name and compete almost equally with the Core i3 based on the Clarkdale core, which are noticeably more expensive. The simplification of the functional part of these chips did not affect their performance too much. Therefore, these models can be recommended for creating universal systems and entry-level gaming platforms. In turn, the second-generation Core i3 also noticeably accelerated. Of course, it is difficult to compete with quad-core Core i5, but high clock speeds and support for Hyper Threading technology allow them to demonstrate very good results, including in applications with multi-threaded optimization. Well, in games, they sometimes look preferable to the quad-core AMD Phenom II X4. Given that these processors have retained the functionality of older models, they may be of interest for creating both mid-range gaming PCs and powerful multimedia systems.
This time, Intel has done everything to make the LGA1155 platform truly universal. The existing infrastructure allows you to create both a top-end system and an inexpensive entry-level PC. For powerful configurations, motherboards based on Intel Z68 and P67 chipsets are enough on the market, and for the most affordable solutions, models based on Intel H61 can be used. The Intel processor line now looks very even. There are no distortions or obvious competition between solutions of different families. So far, one brick is missing - the most affordable CPU models. Celeron is also scheduled to move to 32nm process rails and progressive microarchitecture soon. Presumably, these chips will appear in the third quarter of this year, at the same time the range of other lines on Sandy Bridge will be expanded.
| Revoltec, www.revoltec.com.ua | |
| Inno3D | Inno3D www.inno3d.com |
| Intel | Intel, www.intel.ua |
2013 as the year of the great 22nm break
Winter inevitably follows autumn, spring follows winter, and with the same inevitability we need to return to budget families of Intel processors for the LGA1155 platform. The inevitability is dictated by the fact that since late autumn (when we last dealt with this issue) in this segment of the market there have been, if not revolutionary, but very serious changes. Nothing unpredictable - if then we met the first Pentium on Ivy Bridge, now the new microarchitecture has "registered" tightly not only in the Pentium line, but also in Celeron. Moreover, the pricing policy of the company, traditionally, leads to the fact that the purchase of previous models by trade organizations loses all meaning: new ones are shipped at the same prices. Moreover, the process turned out to be so rapid that one model managed to disappear from the horizon altogether, almost never reaching the Moscow retail market.
| $42 | Celeron G550 | Celeron G1610 |
| $52 | Celeron G555 | Celeron G1620 |
| $64 | Pentium G645 | Pentium G2020 |
| $75 | Pentium G870 | Pentium G2120 |
| $86 | Pentium G2120 | Pentium G2130 |
To make it clearer, we decided to present such a kind of table that needs only brief explanations: the first column is the "standard" price brackets for budget segment processors, the second is the best that "lived" on them at the time of the material mentioned above, and the third - what lives there now. As you can see, models with four-digit numbers occupied all the “standard” niches, and similar processes were going on in the field of the “energy-efficient” T-family. In fact, the single-core processors of the Celeron G400 line remained the last bastion of Sandy Bridge, but they were not of particular interest to the retail buyer before.
As for the usual models of the G500, G600 and G800 families, they remain in the wholesale price list, but they cost like new. However, one can still consider them as candidates for purchase (as well as the quickly flying Pentium G2010), but only due to the peculiarities of the retail market, which is updated with a noticeable delay. Accordingly, the commodity stocks of the “oldies” must somehow be sold, and attention can only be drawn to them at a price. Previously (when new models differed from the old ones only in clock speed), this sometimes made it possible to save a lot - as we already wrote, the opportunity to find an “old” Pentium G630 in stores at the price of a “new”, but slower Celeron G555 was quite real, not hypothetical . But now - it is already worth thinking carefully before such a step, considering in advance what you will have to lose. Those who are planning to use integrated graphics are generally better off not thinking about Sandy Bridge without a serious discount from the seller: we also compared HD Graphics of the second and third generations in the fall - with a devastating result for the first. And what has changed in terms of processor performance, which is more interesting to many (after all, despite all the progress, integrated Intel graphics game solution can still be called only out of politeness)? We already know that Ivy is faster than Sandy "ceteris paribus", as well as the magnitude of this increase, but the massive arrival of a new microarchitecture in Celeron led to the fact that "unequal" appeared. And what will be the end result? Today we will study this issue.
Test stand configuration
| CPU | Celeron G1610 | Celeron G1620 | Pentium G2020 | Pentium G2120 | Pentium G2130 |
| Kernel name | Ivy Bridge DC | Ivy Bridge DC | Ivy Bridge DC | Ivy Bridge DC | Ivy Bridge DC |
| Production technology | 22 nm | 22 nm | 22 nm | 22 nm | 22 nm |
| Core frequency std/max, GHz | 2,6 | 2,7 | 2,9 | 3,1 | 3,2 |
| 2/2 | 2/2 | 2/2 | 2/2 | 2/2 | |
| L1 cache (total), I/D, KB | 64/64 | 64/64 | 64/64 | 64/64 | 64/64 |
| L2 cache, KB | 2×256 | 2×256 | 2×256 | 2×256 | 2×256 |
| L3 cache, MiB | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| UnCore frequency, GHz | 2,6 | 2,7 | 2,9 | 3,1 | 3,2 |
| RAM | 2×DDR3-1333 | 2×DDR3-1333 | 2×DDR3-1333 | 2×DDR3-1600 | 2×DDR3-1600 |
| video core | HDG | HDG | HDG | HDG | HDG |
| socket | LGA1155 | LGA1155 | LGA1155 | LGA1155 | LGA1155 |
| TDP | 55 W | 55 W | 55 W | 55 W | 55 W |
| Price | $44() | $48() | $63() | N/A() | N/A() |
So today almost the entire line of junior representatives of the Ivy Bridge microarchitecture looks like - only the Pentium G2010 is missing, the reasons for the absence of which were given above. What you should pay attention to? Firstly, as it was easy to guess, the growth of clock frequencies continues - there is much more time before the transition of Celeron and Pentium to LGA1150 than before the very appearance of the new platform, so this extensive version of creeping performance increase "for the same money" was and remains main. Secondly, as before, under the two names there are three lines of processors, differing in the capacity of the third-level cache memory and supported RAM frequencies. But if the L3 capacity has not changed, then the "RAM" has grown by one step: the G2100 family officially supports DDR3-1600, and the younger ones got DDR3-1333, which was previously the prerogative of Pentium G800 alone. This is official - in practice, the situation is more interesting. Firstly, many motherboards based on "overclocker" chipsets allow you to set memory frequencies higher than the official ones. Secondly, even on non-overclocker models, restrictions are more or less strictly observed for the G2000, but not the G1600: our "old lady" on the H67, for example, offered DDR3-1600 among the acceptable options for the latest line. Apparently, the origins of this confusion should be sought somewhere in the bowels of Intel, where they decided to make an indulgence for Celeron - they are already “offended” by L3 capacity and frequencies, so additional restrictions may be less stringent. However, we have already studied the issue of performance gain when increasing the memory frequency from 1066 to 1333 MHz, which resulted in its estimate of 2%, and between 1333 and 1600 MHz the difference is even smaller, so this question is relevant only when using the integrated video core. We are still (in tests on current version methods) for all processors under LGA1155 we use frequencies not higher than 1333 MHz.
| CPU | Celeron G555 | Pentium G645 | Pentium G870 |
| Kernel name | Sandy Bridge DC | Sandy Bridge DC | Sandy Bridge DC |
| Production technology | 32 nm | 32 nm | 32 nm |
| Core frequency std/max, GHz | 2,7 | 2,9 | 3,1 |
| Number of cores/threads of calculation | 2/2 | 2/2 | 2/2 |
| L1 cache (total), I/D, KB | 64/64 | 64/64 | 64/64 |
| L2 cache, KB | 2×256 | 2×256 | 2×256 |
| L3 cache, MiB | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| UnCore frequency, GHz | 2,7 | 2,9 | 3,1 |
| RAM | 2×DDR3-1066 | 2×DDR3-1066 | 2×DDR3-1333 |
| video core | HDG | HDG | HDG |
| socket | LGA1155 | LGA1155 | LGA1155 |
| TDP | 65 W | 65 W | 65 W |
| Price | N/A() | N/A() | N/A() |
With whom to compare new processors? Since there were no global changes in the technical characteristics, we decided to limit ourselves to “intraspecific” competition, once again taking the “tops” of the three families of dual-core Sandy Bridge. It seems to us that this will be enough - AMD in this price class offers processors that are somewhat different in organization, which, of course, both overtook and will overtake the "classic" Intel dual-core processors where they could. And they will continue to lag behind them where they lag behind :) In general, we will not give unnecessary reasons for the continuation of holy wars between the fans of both companies, but just see what the new microarchitecture gives in this particular class of processors.
Testing
Traditionally, we divide all tests into a number of groups and show the average result for a group of tests/applications on the diagrams (for details on the testing methodology, see a separate article). The results in the diagrams are given in points, for 100 points the performance of the reference test system, the site of the sample of 2011, is taken. It is based on the AMD Athlon II X4 620 processor, but the amount of memory (8 GB) and video card () are standard for all tests of the "main line" and can only be changed as part of special studies. Those who are interested in more detailed information are again traditionally invited to download a table in Microsoft Excel format, in which all the results are shown both in converted points and in "natural" form.
Interactive work in 3D packages
Note that the processors lined up in the form of a neat ladder, despite the similarity of performance characteristics (and the G1610 has a slightly lower frequency than the G555) - there is a certain increase from the change in microarchitecture. But there is nothing new in this - this was clear from the previous article. Please note that the prices remain the same. And even formally decreased.
Final rendering of 3D scenes
Another illustration of creeping progress while maintaining positions. The only interesting thing is that the Pentium G2130 has almost reached the result of 100 points. Let us remind you that Athlon II X4 620, equipped with four cores, is taken as a "scale unit". However, this processor is very old, and at one time it was far from the fastest quad, but still the result is curious. If only because the dual-core, but four-threaded (also, however, old) Core i3-530 of the 2010 sample was slower.
Packing and unpacking
The greater growth in the younger families and the almost complete lack of progress in the older families is largely due to the fact that we limited ourselves to DDR3-1333 memory for all processors.
Audio encoding
Pure mathematics, and even algorithms that have not been updated for a long time - it is clear that "classic" dual-core processors have nothing to catch here. On the other hand, at the same frequency, Ivy is about 5% faster than Sandy, which, given the similarity of the test subjects, allowed the Celeron G1620 to almost catch up with the Pentium G645 - which has a higher clock frequency, and indeed ... Pentium at least, and not some kind of Celeron.
Compilation
And again, no change. However, those who rely on them, we think, have already quickly moved to conclusions :) From a more or less curious point - the G2020 almost catches up with the G870, despite the 200 MHz difference in the clock frequency.
Mathematical and engineering calculations
And here, not only the G2020, but also the G1620, which is as close as possible to the G645, is capable of such “feats”. In general, despite the fact that the main changes in the transition from Sandy Bridge to Ivy Bridge are far from being concentrated in processor cores, sometimes they lead to a completely visible effect. Relatively visible, of course.
Raster graphics
Repetition of the past. Yes, it could not be otherwise - the processors are very similar. Despite the difference in microarchitecture, names and positioning. For the umpteenth time, the most interesting thing is that, in general, the practical difference between Celeron G555 and Pentium G2130 is about 25% - looking for differences between models that are closer to each other in this situation is, of course, a thankless task.
Vector graphics
Video encoding
We did not comment on the previous diagram, because we were tired, but this one is almost the most interesting among all. In any case, it differs from the rest: the advantages of Ivy Bridge over previous models are almost visible to the naked eye. Indeed, the Celeron G1620 managed not only to catch up, but also to overtake the Pentium G645, and the Pentium G2020 exactly repeated the results of the G870, i.e. the new microarchitecture allowed it to compete on equal terms with higher-frequency processors from the families positioned above. And, by the way, the result of 100 points (that is, the level of Athlon II X4 620) has already been achieved by two dual-core Intel processors, and two more surpass this level.
Office software
It was faster than necessary, but it became even faster - what can I add? :)
Java
Another case when the "younger new" catches up with the "older old", and in the rest - traditionally nothing interesting: after all, all the tested processors are very similar to each other, differing only in small things.
Games
The superiority of the new microarchitecture over the old one is relatively large - even the lack of cache memory (which is very important here) did not interfere. However, the superiority, in fact, is due to one single game: F1 2010. Which "slows down" on all low-threaded processors, but slows down on Ivy Bridge to a lesser extent than on Sandy Bridge. As we already wrote, ceteris paribus, this “handbrake removal” increases the frame rate by as much as 30% or more, which significantly exceeds the average increase of Ivy over Sandy. But where there are enough computing threads (Core i3 and higher), the absolute level of performance itself is much higher, but such breakthroughs are not observed. In general, as we can see, architectural improvements can work differently in different programs and on processors of different classes, so they need to be evaluated as a whole, and not by any one example (whatever it may be).
Multitasking environment
A dual core is a dual core. Some kind of progress is observed only in the younger families, i.e. where productivity was not enough in maximum degree. Why is it interesting? And the fact that the frequencies of junior Celeron/Pentium are comparable with the frequencies of mobile and (to an even greater extent) ultra-mobile processors. And just in such conditions, microarchitecture optimizations have the strongest effect. That is, the thesis that Ivy Bridge is primarily for the mobile market is confirmed once again. That is why the older models looked so pale a year ago against the background of their predecessors - the latter were already fine without that. But the reduction in power consumption and higher efficiency at low clock speeds in processors of lower configurations is what laptops need. And, of course, a sharp improvement in the integrated video core is from the same area: the desktop user is free to choose a video card, but in more compact systems it is already problematic to use anything powerful.
Total
Of course, the final pivot chart looks exactly like most of this article, but... Doesn't really paint the whole picture. Simply because in all the "three-digit" lines we took the older models, i.e. the last ones at the time of the official transition of these lines to Ivy Bridge. However, they appeared as a result of more than a year of development of the corresponding families, and not all at once, so you can stumble upon older representatives in retail - up to the Celeron G530 and Pentium G620. Therefore, let's try to take a look at the general state of affairs in the camp of old and new budget processors.
In general, it is indicative: Pentium is always better than Celeron of its generation at equal frequencies, but the new Celeron is better than the old Pentium. And among the various sub-lines of the latter family, switching to the new architecture also gives more than extensive little things, such as a slight increase in memory speed. And at the very top of the segment, everything is also clear: the transition to a new microarchitecture provided a greater increase than a simple increase in clock frequency, but Intel did not refuse the latter either. Moreover, Ivy Bridge is more economical than Sandy Bridge, so the only thing that can hold back creeping progress is an unwillingness to arrange internal competition with more expensive families. But as clock speeds rise in expensive models, you can move forward in the budget segment.
Actually, this is how the modern price reduction “intel style” looks like. In the summer of 2011, 110 total points (Pentium G840) of our methodology were estimated at $75 wholesale, but now the Celeron G1620 with a wholesale price of $52 gives almost the same amount (well, even now we can conclude that after the release of the G1630, inevitable as the collapse of capitalism, this processor will push the G1610 out of the $42 price bracket). Moreover, if we talk about the cheapest computers, they involve the use of an integrated video core, and in this area the advantage of the third generation HDG over the second is generally noticeable to the naked eye. It is clear that this still does not make an integrated Intel graphics game solution, however, the user will experience less inconvenience. In general, in a nutshell, the situation can be described as follows: it has become a little better and a little cheaper. There are no hints of a revolution, but no one promised it.
Previously, computer performance was determined only by the processor. The selection of the required model was based on the generation of the processor - the newer, the higher the frequency, respectively, the more expensive. Now Intel produces three generations of Celeron, Pentium and Core, each of them is divided into families, and they are divided into groups.
Performance
Celeron or Pentium chips have unique characteristics that are capable of accomplishing certain tasks. But the speed of the computer depends not only on the characteristics of the processor, but on many factors.
Machine performance is formed by:
- processor - cache, clock speed, number of cores;
- video card and graphics system;
- cooling system.
Cache - an area of ultra-fast memory for storing the most frequent requests of the processor. The search for any information begins with analysis. If the required data is not found, the sample is taken from random access memory. The access time to the cache memory is significantly less than to the RAM, which contributes to a significant increase in system performance in general.
RAM stores all the information streams processed by the processor, is installed in slots. The processor model determines the characteristics of embedded modules, respectively, the limits of extensibility.
The clock frequency is responsible for the number of calculations performed. The frequency of 3.4 GHz means that the processor processes 3 billion 400 million cycles per second. Affects the performance of the computer as a whole, but is not a decisive factor.
Due to the multi-core, the work of special software is facilitated - games, programs for working with media. Software processes are divided into components that are executed by each core. However, the opinion that 2 cores at 2 GHz is equivalent to one with 4 GHz is considered erroneous.
The video card is responsible for video output. If it is set, it releases from the execution of the corresponding calculations in the central processor. Otherwise, its function is performed by the integrated graphics system. Several parameters affect card performance. The width of the memory bus is responsible for processing a certain number of bits of information per cycle. The frequency of the core and memory affect the speed of information processing. Texture and pixel fill rates are measured in millions of pixels per second and indicate the amount of output information. To accelerate the formation of three-dimensional graphics, various 3D accelerators are used.
Thus, it is rather difficult to answer which is better - Intel Pentium or Celeron. This will require detailed comparison models.
Varieties of computers
A comparison of Pentium 4 or Celeron 4 processors will help you understand which of them are more powerful, for which computer models they are designed. All computers can be divided into three categories:
- The last line of the list. These laptops are characterized by a fairly limited amount of RAM and hard drive, the minimum number of items of equipment. Models are equipped with a free operating Linux system or DOS. Such a processor has a low clock speed and cache size, and the number of cores rarely exceeds 2. Suitable for performing simple tasks - working in text editors, browser, launch players and light games.
- The next model range is distinguished by an increased hard disk capacity and RAM size. However, other characteristics remain the same - free OS, weak processor.
- In the top there are weighted models with the maximum number of memory hard disk. Powerful graphics card and processor can handle any game in best quality. In the set - game Mouse and keyboard, licensed operating system.
Pentium or Celeron?
Everything modern processors produced by two companies - Intel and AMD. The Celeron or Pentium family belongs to Intel.
The full name of Celeron is Pentium Celeron. Indicates that this is a stripped-down model and is intended for weak computers. This hierarchy was preserved before, but now the difference between them is minimal. The families are almost on the same level, but still Celeron is inferior to Pentium in some parameters.
The first Celeron processor was built on the basis of the Pentium 2, but the Celeron M and Pentium M models are already based on the same cores. The lineup was intended for mobile PCs.
Silvermont Bay Trail-D
Silvermont Bay Trail quad-core processors with 22nm architecture are designed for mobile devices and tablets. The clock frequency varies from 2 GHz to 2.41 GHz, there are 2 caches of 1 MB each, their cost is from $70 to $80 (4500 rubles). Year of release - 2013. The integrated graphics card is overclocked to 800 GHz.
Manufacturers have significantly improved productivity and energy efficiency. Single-chip chips "Silvermont Intel Pentium" or "Intel Celeron" can also be used for netbooks and nettops.
- J1750 core;
- J1800 core;
- J1850;
- J1900.
- J2850
- J2900.
Intel Pentium J2850 - chip for nettops and PCs. The main parameters are on a par with Celeron.
Haswell
The release of Haswell with 22 nm technology took place in early June 2013. "Hasswell" is intended for ultrabooks with low power consumption. The suffix U stands for moderate power consumption, and Y stands for the lowest possible.
All models are 2-core, the clock frequency of the processor is not overclocked.
- 2955U;
- 2957U
- 2961Y;
- 2980U;
- 2981U;
- 2970M.
The cheapest model costs $75 (4650 rubles) and is the 2970M at 2.2 GHz. She appeared in 2014. The next most expensive is the 2970M. Came out six months earlier, costs $ 9 more - $ 86 (5330 rubles). The most expensive version costs $ 137 (8500 rubles), it was released in the fall of 2013 - 2980U with a frequency of 1.6 GHz.
- 3556U;
- 3558U;
- 3560M;
- 3560Y;
- 3550M;
- 3561Y.
3560M is one of the latest models. Released in 2014, its cost is $134 (8300 rubles) - the same as the 3550M. The difference between them is in the clock frequency: the 3550M has one tenth less - 2.3 GHz. The cost of other models is $171 (10,600 rubles), although they lag behind in all respects. The 3561Y and 3560Y have a frequency of 1.2 GHz, the 3558U and 3556U have a frequency of 1.7 GHz.
Haswell for PC
Pentium or Celeron Haswell processors are designed for installation in desktop computers. Therefore, their characteristics are much more powerful than those installed in laptops.
- G1820
- G1820T;
- G1820TE;
- G1830;
- G1840;
- G1840T;
- G1850.
- G3220;
- G3220T;
- G3240T;
- G3250;
- G3258;
- G3260;
- G3260T;
- G3420T;
- G3430;
- G3440T;
- G3450;
- G3460;
- G3470;
Processors with the T suffix are highly energy efficient. They have noticeable low frequencies compared to known models.
Airmont Braswell
Braswell followed Haswell. Reducing the technology to 14 nanometers allowed for more cells and more cores. The first laptops hit the market in 2014. This architecture is designed for installation in laptops.
Celeron processor lineup:
- N3000;
- N3050;
- N3150;
The first two models have 2 cores each, and the N3150 has 4. The base frequency of the processor varies from 1.04 GHz to 1.6 GHz. The most powerful are overclocked to 2.16 GHz.
The Pentium has only one N3700 quad-core processor clocked at 1.6 GHz and can be overclocked to 2.24 GHz. Both families are 4-thread with graphics Intel system HD graphics.
The Pentium has two 1024 KB caches, while the Celeron has only one. But the Celeron is cheaper - its price is $107 (6600 rubles), and to buy a Pentium you need to add $60 (3700 rubles). All models have 5 USB ports, 2 memory channels of 8 GB are supported.
Celeron N3000 installed in Gigabyte Brix GB-BACE-3000 mini PC and ASRock Beebox.
Broadwell Cherry Trail
Celeron or Pentium Broadwell processors have 2 processor cores. Designed for installation in NUC (next generation laptop) compact desktop computers.
They are nettops (mini PCs) for performing simple tasks - work and study. Year of release - 2015.
Notebooks of this architecture have 256 KB of L2 cache per core and L3 cache of 2 MB. Graphics subsystem -
Celeron Models:
- 3205U;
- 3215U;
- 3755U;
- 3765U.
The 3215U and 3755U have a base frequency of 1.7GHz, while the 3205U has a base frequency of 1.5GHz. The highest value for the 3765U is 1.9 GHz.
- 3805U;
- 3825U.
The Pentium, like the Celeron, has two cores and 2 threads, except for the 3825U model, which has 4 cores and 4 threads. All Pentiums have a frequency of 1.9 GHz.
Broadwell processors do not have overclocking capability. The suffix U indicates that they belong to the line of economical models. Designed for entry-level laptops and ultra-thin ultrabooks.
Pentium Gold and Celeron G Series
This line for Pentium or Celeron laptops was released in 2018. They meet the latest requirements, respectively, are quite powerful and productive. For example, the Gold G5600 Processor has 2 cores at 3.90 GHz with 4 MB cache. Graphics installed - Intel® UHD 630.
Celeron G-series chips from the same year have less cache - only 2 MB. But however, everything else corresponds to the "Pentium" - Intel® UHD 630, 2 cores. Slightly inferior in clock frequency - 2x3.20 GHz.
