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 i7-11700K is the second fastest CPU in Intel’s 11th Gen Rocket Lake-S lineup which brings higher IPC (early samples indicate +19%) and 50% stronger integrated graphics. There are also 500 series chipset improvements including: 20 PCIe4 CPU lanes (up from 16) and USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20 Gbps up from 10 Gbps). Rocket Lake’s IPC uplift translates to around a 10% faster Effective Speed than both Intel's 10th Gen and AMD’s 5000 series. Despite Intel’s performance lead, AMD continues to outsell Intel. Given the scale of Intel's operation, it’s inexplicable that their marketing remains so neglected. Little effort is made to counter widespread disinformation such as: “it uses too much electricity” or the classic: “it needs more cores”. Intel’s marketing samples are routinely distributed to reviewers that appear better incentivized to bury Intel's products rather than review them. Not enabling XMP or only testing with BIOS power limits enabled is akin to leaving the handbrake on during a race. Mind-numbing “scientific” and rendering benchmarks are presented as gospel. Different games, mostly unplayed by real users, are cherry picked for each “review”. When it's convenient, canned game benchmarks are chosen such as Ulletical’s CSGO which runs at nearly double the in-game fps. Credible benchmark data, which necessarily includes replicable video footage from popular games, is the exception rather than the rule. At every release, AMD’s marketers coordinate narratives to ensure another feast of blue blubber. Nonetheless, towards the end of 2021, Intel’s Golden Cove is due to offer an additional 20-30% performance increase. At that time, with a net 30-40% performance lead, Intel will probably regain significant market share despite AMD's class-leading marketing. In the meantime, most PC gamers need look no further than the 11400F.[Feb '21CPUPro]
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.