Cores
The number of physical cores provided in the processor design. The core is the part of the processor that is responsible for executing the instruction stream. The presence of multiple cores allows the CPU to work simultaneously with several tasks, which has a positive effect on performance. Initially, each physical core was intended to operate with one thread of commands, and the number of threads corresponded to the number of cores. However, today there are many processors that support multi-threading technologies and are capable of executing two streams of commands on each core at once. For more information about this, see “Amount of threads”.
Desktop processors
have 2 cores (2 threads), as a rule, typical for budget models.
2 cores (4 threads) and
4 cores are typical for inexpensive mid-class solutions.
4 cores (8 threads),
6 cores,
6 cores (12 threads),
8 cores - a strong mid-range.
8 cores (16 threads),
10 cores,
12 cores,
16 cores and
more are characteristic features of advanced models, including processors for servers and workstations.
At the same ti
...me, it is worth considering that the actual capabilities of the CPU are determined not only by this parameter, but also by other characteristics - primarily by series and generation / architecture (see the corresponding paragraphs). It is not uncommon for situations where a more advanced and/or new dual-core processor turns out to be more powerful than a quad-core chip from a more modest series or an earlier architecture. So it makes sense to compare CPUs by the number of cores within the same series and generation.Threads
The number of instruction streams that the processor can execute at the same time.
Initially, each physical core (see "Number of cores") was intended to execute one thread of instructions, and the number of threads corresponded to the number of cores. However, there are many processors today that support Hyper-threading or SMT (see below) and can run two threads on each core at once. In such models, the number of threads is twice the number of cores — for example, 8 threads will be indicated in a quad-core chip.
In general, a higher number of threads, other things being equal, has a positive effect on speed and efficiency, but increases the cost of the processor.
Clock speed
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.
L1 cache
The amount of Level 1 (L1) cache provided by the processor.
Cache is an intermediate memory buffer into which the most frequently used data from RAM is written when the processor is running. This speeds up access to them and has a positive effect on system performance. The larger the cache, the more data can be stored in it for quick access and the higher the performance. Level 1 cache has the highest performance and the smallest volume — up to 128 KB. It is an integral part of any processor.
L2 cache
The amount of Level 2 (L2) cache provided by the processor.
Cache is an intermediate memory buffer into which the most frequently used data from RAM is written during processor operation. This speeds up access to them and has a positive effect on system performance. The larger the cache, the more data can be stored in it for quick access and the higher the performance. Level 2 cache volume can reach 12 MB, the vast majority of modern processors have such a cache.
TDP
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.
