The Intel i7-4771 is the same as the i7-4770 apart from a 100 MHz increase in base clock from 3.4 GHz to 3.5 GHz. In theory this increase will only impact multi-core workloads because both processors have the same turbo clock of 3.9 GHz which should be engaged during single and dual core workloads. On multi-core workloads the turbo needs to be disabled in order to maintain acceptable core temperatures and operating frequencies drop to base clock where the i7-4771 has a marginal 100 MHz or 2.9% advantage. In other words the two processors should be largely identical. Looking at the i7-4770 vs the i7-4771 benchmarks verifies this. Both the 4770 and 4771 are the current top end mainstream market leaders but for the vast majority of desktop users they are probably overkill as typical consumer use rarely requires more than two cores. [Mar '14CPUPro]
This was the ultimate niche CPU. At the time of its release, it had an optimal combination of multi-core performance without sacrificing as much single- and quad- as the higher-core CPUs, at an excellent price-point. It utilizes quad-channel RAM. If you were a content creator without external funding, had one machine in the budget, then this chip might even now in mid-2019 be what you're looking for.
The higher-end Threadrippers will throw more cores at you... for up to five times the price. If you've a home studio, running a DAW on the same PC you use for everything; or you do your own video editing; or you're an independent streamer; then those extra 12 or 18 cores aren't really going to help you that much anyway, for all that extra cash - AND those CPUs have lower performance in more common applications (single- low-thread apps). Not worth it. Intel isn't even on the table, of course.
If you're reading this in the future: these benchmarks have multiple categories for a reason. Read and think. Find the best combination for what you intend to do with it - not some arbitrary "the best" overall. There is no such thing, because you won't be using your computer for Overall, now will you? [Aug '19spacefiddle]
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.