Comparison Intel Core i7 Kaby Lake-X i7-7740X BOX vs Intel Core i7 Kaby Lake i7-7700K BOX

This parameter characterizes, firstly, the technical process (see above), and secondly, some features of the internal structure of processors. A new (or at least updated) codename is introduced to the market with each new CPU generation; chips of the same architecture are "coevals", but may belong to different series (see above). At the same time, one generation can include both one and several code names.

Here are the most common Intel codenames today: Cascade Lake-X (10th gen), Comet Lake (10th gen), Comet Lake Refresh (10th generation), Rocket Lake (11th generation), Alder Lake (12th generation), Raptor Lake (13th generation), Raptor Lake Refresh (14th generation).

For AMD, this list includes Zen+ Picasso, Zen2 Matisse, Zen2 Renoir, Zen3 Vermeer, Zen3 Cezanne, Zen4 Raphael, Zen4 Phoenix and Zen5 Granite Ridge.

The type of connector (socket) for installing the processor on the motherboard. For normal compatibility, it is necessary that the CPU and motherboard match the socket type; before buying one and the other, this point should be clarified separately

The following sockets are relevant for Intel processors today: 1150, 1155, 1356, 2011, 2011 v3, 2066, 1151, 1151 v2, 3647, 1200, 1700, 1851.

In turn, AMD processors are equipped with the following types of connectors: <AM3/AM3+, FM2/FM2+, AM4, AM5, TR4/TRX4, WRX8.

The number of cycles per second that the processor produces in its normal operating mode. A clock is a single electrical impulse used to process data and synchronize the processor with the rest of the computer system. Different operations may require fractions of a clock or several clocks, but anyway, the clock frequency is one of the main parameters characterizing the performance and speed of the processor — all other things being equal, a processor with a higher clock frequency will work faster and better cope with significant loads. At the same time, it should be taken into account that the actual performance of the chip is determined not only by the clock frequency, but also by a number of other characteristics — from the series and architecture (see the relevant paragraphs) to the number of cores and support for special instructions. So it makes sense to compare by clock frequency only chips with similar characteristics belonging to the same series and generation.

Model of the integrated video core installed in the processor. See "Integrated Graphics" for details on the core itself. And knowing the name of the graphics chip model, you can find its detailed characteristics and clarify the performance of the processor when working with video.

In terms of specific models, Intel processors use HD Graphics, specifically 510, 530, 610, 630 and UHD Graphics with models 610, 630, 730, 750, 770. AMD chips, in turn, can carry Radeon Graphics, Radeon R5 series, Radeon R7 series, and Radeon RX Vega graphics cards.

At the same time, processors without a graphics core are appropriate for purchase if you plan to fully assemble a PC with a graphics card. In this case, overpaying for a processor with a graphics core does not make sense.

The amount of heat generated by the processor during normal operation. This parameter determines the requirements for the cooling system necessary for the normal operation of the processor, therefore it is sometimes called TDP — thermal design power, literally “thermal (cooling) system power”. Simply put, if the processor has a heat dissipation of 60 W, it needs a cooling system that can remove at least this amount of heat. Accordingly, the lower the TDP, the lower the requirements for the cooling system. Low TDP values(up to 50 W) are especially critical for PCs that do not have the ability to install powerful cooling systems — in particular, systems in compact cases where a powerful cooler simply does not fit.

Support by the processor of various sets of additional commands. These can be instructions that optimize the operation of the processor as a whole or with applications of a certain type (for example, multimedia, or 64-bit), prevent certain types of viruses from running on the computer, etc. Each manufacturer has its own assortment of instructions for CPUs.

The coefficient on the basis of which the value of the processor clock frequency is displayed. The latter is calculated by multiplying the multiplier by the system bus frequency (see System bus frequency). For example, with a system bus frequency of 533 MHz and a multiplier of 4, the processor clock speed will be approximately 2.1 GHz.

Universal interface for connecting internal peripherals. Provides generally higher speeds than SATA. In fact, the supported data transfer rate may be different — depending on the version of the interface and the number of lines (data transmission channels). Version 3.0 provides speeds of about 1 GB/s per lane, PCI-E 4.0 about 2 GB/s per lane, and 5.0 up to 4 GB/s per lane.

The maximum temperature at which the processor is able to effectively continue to work — when heated above this temperature, most modern processors are turned off in order to avoid the unpleasant consequences of overheating (up to the burning of the chip). The higher the maximum operating temperature, the less demanding the processor is on the cooling system, however, the cooling power anyway should not be lower than TDP (see Heat Dissipation (TDP)).