Intel’s i3-8100 from their 8th generation of Core processors is a mainstream quad-core CPU. It is the entry model of the latest Coffee Lake line up with a clock speed of 3.6 GHz. Previously, i3 Kaby Lake processors had two cores with hyperthreading, but now, i3 Coffee Lake processors have 4 cores and offer much better value for money in terms of dollars per core. With a performance profile that closely matches last years mid range Kaby Lake i5's (the then go-to mid range gaming choice) and a price tag of just $120, the i3-8100 represents excellent value for money. Unfortunately, like all Coffe Lake processors, the i3-8100 does require a new 300-series motherboard even though it shares the same LGA1151 socket as the previous generation of Kaby Lake 200 motherboards. Intel were clearly mindful of AMD's similarly priced quad core Ryzen 3 1200 which achieves very comparable single, and quad-core benchmarks to the i3-8100. [Oct '17CPUPro]
The 6 core, 12 thread Ryzen 5 2600X is one of four new AMD second generation of high-end desktop Ryzen processors (codenamed Pinnacle Ridge) renowned for excellent value multi-core performance. The 2600X is set to replace the also 6 core, 12 thread 1600X as AMD’s new mid-range Ryzen 5 flagship. The latest generation of CPUs features a matured Zen+ chip architecture with 12nm lithography, increased clock speeds and Precision Boost 2 technology designed to leverage more CPU power than per the first generation. The 2600X appears to have stock base / boost clock speeds of 3.6 / 4.2 GHz. This is only marginally faster than the 1600X’s 3.6 / 4.0 GHz. Modest effective speed improvements are expected, although further benchmarks are necessary to draw firm conclusions. The 2600X ships with a Wraith Spire cooler and is priced reasonably at an expected $250. However, for most use cases, the new lower clocked Ryzen 5 2600 at $200 represents better value for money. Pinnacle Ridge processors are designed to work with the new 400 series motherboards, which allow for greater overclocking head room, and they are also backwards compatible with the 300 series motherboard following a bios update. Even though the 2600X is plausible for multimedia production streamers should look elsewhere. Streaming with dedicated hardware such as NVENC or a separate stream PC will nearly always result in fewer dropped frames. [Apr '18CPUPro]
We calculate effective speed which measures real world performance for typical users. Effective speed is adjusted by current prices to yield a value for money rating. Our calculated values are checked against thousands of individual user ratings. The customizable table below combines these factors to bring you the definitive list of top CPUs. [CPUPro]
Welcome to our PC speed test tool. UserBenchmark will test your PC and compare the results to other users with the same components. You can quickly size up your PC, identify hardware problems and explore the best value for money upgrades.