The same and yet different. Intel Core i5-12400 duel (H0 vs. C0)

We have a shocking revelation! And now, seriously. Different Core i5-12400 processor steppings differ not only in S-Spec code, but also in behavior in practice. Some of the expectations were confirmed, some were not. More importantly, you can choose the more suitable of the two options. But the best part is that everyone can evaluate the “better” variant differently. The differences across these processors must be negligible? No way… Read more “The same and yet different. Intel Core i5-12400 duel (H0 vs. C0)” »

Intel Core i3-12100F: No. 1 for nimble PCs at a bargain

We recently enjoyed the pleasing results of the Core i3-10105F here, and that processor already has a successor – the 12100F. It presents an option in the Alder Lake family for users on a budget. But that doesn’t mean it will limit you in performance. Plus, in target environments (especially simpler gaming PC builds), the latest Core i3 is nicely power-efficient without breaking your bank account. Read more “Intel Core i3-12100F: No. 1 for nimble PCs at a bargain” »

Core i5-12400 with DDR4 test: Meet the fresh bestseller

The more efficient Alder Lake processors with TDP/PL1 35–65 W are out. We are, of course, ready, and for a perfect overview we have complete tests of the Core i5-12400, i.e. the successor of the most popular models of the past generations. You can compare this processor in all aspects not only with them, but also with the Ryzen 5 5600X . It looks like this processor will sell like hot cakes. Read more “Core i5-12400 with DDR4 test: Meet the fresh bestseller” »

Intel Core i3-10105F is a rarity: Cheap processor for cheap mobos

The choice of CPUs for low budget builds is getting weaker and less economical – the current prices of Pentiums are reminiscent of a bad joke. Core i3-1010x(F) are the only ones in sufficient numbers at the moment, and still for reasonable money. It’s just a shame that AMD has no competition here. But the comparison of Core i3 Comet Lake with Core i5-10400(F) is also attractive. You might find that it’s worth the savings. Read more “Intel Core i3-10105F is a rarity: Cheap processor for cheap mobos” »

Test: Disabling small (E) and big (P) cores of the Core i9-12900K

The big.LITTLE concept in Intel Alder Lake processors encourages various “re-configurations” of the cores. Especially in the context of inferior scaling or priority settings that are not good for some applications. However, user interventions in this direction will more often lead to a disservice than to a benefit. Does it make sense to bypass E cores in games? It doesn’t. Such intervention drives processors into severe inefficiency. Read more “Test: Disabling small (E) and big (P) cores of the Core i9-12900K” »

Intel Core i9-12900K megatest: AMD in 2nd place again

The 12th generation Intel Core processors – Alder Lake is now out and we already have the full-fledged tests for you. These processors are significantly different from the previous ones in many aspects and many things are used “for the first time”. Among them are DDR5 memory support, PCI Express 5.0, 7 nm manufacturing process or hybrid concept of small and large cores. It’s time for a detailed analysis! Read more “Intel Core i9-12900K megatest: AMD in 2nd place again” »

AMD Ryzen 5 3600: Older bestseller head-to-head with new CPUs

One of the most popular CPUs in recent history. That is the Ryzen 5 3600. In stores It’s almost totally unavailable, yet it’s performance numbers are very valuable. Many of you own this processor thanks to its popularity so I presume you will appreciate a little head-to-head with more recent and more available models. From these tests, you will get an idea how the 6 Zen 2 cores stack up against Zen 3 (5600X) or Intel (be it Rocket Lake or Comet Lake). Read more “AMD Ryzen 5 3600: Older bestseller head-to-head with new CPUs” »

AMD Ryzen 5 5600X: Worth €120 more than the Core i5?

We’ve already discussed the middle class Intel processors (Core i5) in tests, but so far without comparing it to the equivalent Ryzen 5. We will gradually add these, but before the R5 3600, do not miss the extensive comparison of R5 5600X to Ci5-11400F. It’s a bit of an unequal fight, as the AMD piece is significantly more expensive, but maybe in your eyes it will defend its price in tasks where it is clearly better than the Core i5 Rocket Lake. Read more “AMD Ryzen 5 5600X: Worth €120 more than the Core i5?” »

Review of AMD Ryzen 7 3700X processor. Zen 2 still rocks

Even after the release of the Ryzen 7 5700G, the Ryzen 7 3700X is currently the cheapest octa-core processor. It still doesn’t have a proper successor. The Ryzen 5 5800X is significantly pricier, but it is fully stocked in stores. This last-gen model could thus be considered up-to-date and should not be omitted in comparisons with other processors. It also beats the Rocket Lake Core i7 not only in efficiency but also occasionally in performance. Read more “Review of AMD Ryzen 7 3700X processor. Zen 2 still rocks” »

Intel AVX-512 tested in x265: how to enable it and does it help?

The 11th generation Intel Core processors (Rocket Lake) are the first mainstream desktop parts supporting AVX-512 instruction set, previously only available in Xeons or the X299 platform. One area where AVX-512 promises better performance is multimedia. We looked at one use: encoding HEVC video via x265. It’s little known, but x265 does not actually use AVX-512 by default. We’ll show you how to turn it on and what are the effects. Read more “Intel AVX-512 tested in x265: how to enable it and does it help?” »

Intel Core i7-11700KF: A hair slower, but better value than Core i9

8 cores, 16 threads. From this point of view, it is the same configuration as the Core i9-11900K(F). However, the Core i9 is a significantly more expensive processor and, especially in games, it has a much higher power consumption. At the same time, the difference in performance is minimal. It follows that with higher efficiency, the Core i7-11700K(F) has a more attractive price-performance ratio. Read more “Intel Core i7-11700KF: A hair slower, but better value than Core i9” »

MS Flight Simulator July update test: More than twice the FPS

The announced update to increase performance in MFS is out, and we have a “before” and “after” comparison for you. Developers has worked to ensure that the processor does not significantly bottleneck the GPU. So far, the performance of the graphics card did not matter much, because only a fraction of its potential was used. But newly, you will achieve better performance on low-end hardware than you did before on a top-end rig. Read more “MS Flight Simulator July update test: More than twice the FPS” »

The new (11400F) vs. older (10400F) Intel Core i5 processor

Intel has practically no direct competition in the segment of cheaper processors. The lowest Core i5 CPUs are significantly cheaper than the Ryzen 5 5600X, which is AMD’s entry level in this class. Therefore, this brotherly duel of the new (11400F) with the older (10400F) Core i5 is more attractive than comparing the processors between the two companies. That was also a wish of one of our readers, and now it is finally coming true. Read more “The new (11400F) vs. older (10400F) Intel Core i5 processor” »

Test of AMD Ryzen 9 5950X processor: 32 threads on AM4

The Ryzen 9 5950X is the highest performance processor designed for the “small” AMD AM4 socket. At the same time, it is a rarity that has essentially no competition (Intel has nothing against it) and is roughly halfway to high-end Threadrippers. Compared to those, however, it has a higher gaming performance and a cheap motherboard will also suffice. This processor is even sometimes more power-efficient than the slower 5900X. Read more “Test of AMD Ryzen 9 5950X processor: 32 threads on AM4” »

Single-thread boost analysis of Vermeer, Rocket and Comet Lake

In a recent test of processors, we focused on everything, even single-threaded boost. We will now take a closer look at it, because its behavior is remarkable. Modern processors also use two cores in turns for single-threaded tasks. This creates a short pause for the unloaded core to cool down. We captured how it works in bar graphs with waveforms, and you will also find out whether the specifications are closer met by AMD or Intel. Read more “Single-thread boost analysis of Vermeer, Rocket and Comet Lake” »