

Nowadays, these chips are generally relegated to very cheap Windows tablets costing under £200. These chips offered four cores for sprightly everyday computing performance. Intel Atom – best avoidedĪtom processors heralded the arrival of ultra-thin, ultra-light laptops in the mid-2000s. Four Atom cores are much less powerful than four i5 cores, for example. However, comparing the number of cores between different types of Intel processor (such as comparing an Intel Atom with an Intel Core i5) won't tell you much as the cores themselves are completely different. You’ll appreciate more cores if you often have lots of programs running or open lots of web browser tabs. The more cores, the better, because it allows your computer to run multiple tasks at the same time without slowing down. Some newer models have six and even eight. Typically, laptop and desktop chips have two or four cores (known as dual-core and quad-core). You’ll notice a higher clock speed when opening programs, files and exporting photos. The higher the number, the faster the computer (when comparing like-for-like laptop/desktop models).

This measured in gigahertz (GHz, one billion hertz), and tells you how many operations a processor can do each second. When looking at a processor, there are two main figures you’ll see time and time again. Intel processors: key terms you need to know Whatever your budget, our lab tests reveal which models are worth your money and which aren't. Much of the information here can be applied to AMD Ryzen processors as well, particularly information on how to read model numbers, although the generational numbers we talk about do differ. This is because you'll be able to understand the jargon retailers and manufacturers use.

Whether you're buying a laptop or a desktop, you'll also be able to buy your next computer with confidence. This will help you to decide which intel processor you need and whether it's worth spending more money on a newer-generation processor. In this guide, we’ll explain what different Intel processor models mean and what sort of user they’re best suited for. If you’re buying a computer, chances are it will have an Intel processor on board, although some come with AMD chips and newer Macs come with the M1 processor.
