High-Performance Gaming CPUs | Gaming, 3D rendering, heavy multitasking | 6 cores (Hyper-Threading enabled), 4.2GHz max turbo (▲ over 4.0GHz in Core i5), 20MB L3 cache (▲ from 8MB in budget CPUs) | ▲ 4.2GHz Turbo Boost (max single-core speed), overclocking potential (unlocked multiplier) | ▲ 85W TDP (requires robust cooling), higher power consumption compared to budget CPUs |
Workstation/Server CPUs | Data centers, CAD/CAM, enterprise apps | ECC memory support (▲ in Intel Xeon), 85W TDP (same as Core i7), 6 cores (▲ over 4 cores in Xeon E3) | ▲ Error correction (Xeon), reliability for critical tasks | ▲ Higher cost (Xeon), less optimized for gaming workloads |
Budget Multi-Tasking CPUs | Office tasks, web browsing | 4 cores (▲ from dual-core), 3.4GHz base (▲ over 2.5GHz in budget models), 8MB L3 cache | ▲ Affordable price, low power draw (▲ 65W TDP in entry-level CPUs) | ▲ Limited multi-threaded performance (e.g., struggles with video editing) |
Video Editing/Content Creation | 4K editing, 3D modeling, streaming | 6 cores (▲ over 4 in Core i5), 20MB L3 cache (▲), supports Intel Turbo Boost | ▲ Multi-threaded performance (handles rendering efficiently), fast cache access | ▲ No ECC support (risk of data corruption vs Xeon), heat output requires cooling |
Overclocking Enthusiast CPUs | DIY overclocking, extreme performance | Unlocked multiplier (▲), robust voltage regulation, thermal design for overclocking | ▲ Overclocking headroom (e.g., 4.5GHz+ achievable), customizable performance | ▲ Requires advanced cooling, niche use case (not for casual users) |
General Purpose CPUs | Home use, moderate gaming | 4 cores (▲ from dual-core), 3.2GHz base (▲ over 2.8GHz), integrated UHD graphics | ▲ Balanced performance/cost, all-in-one solution (no need for discrete GPU) | ▲ Limited by clock speed for intensive tasks, no Hyper-Threading |