TOP 10 best Intel Core i7 processors: reviews, features

Intel products are well known to both gamers and average users. Intel Core processors of various generations have long been considered the best for computers. This is also true in modern realities. Even in spite of some vulnerabilities of such chips.

Choosing the right CPU is not easy, as even the Core i7 model has many modifications. You can choose the right model only after familiarizing yourself with the main characteristics of the products. During our review, we will definitely tell you what to look for first.

Top 10 best Intel Core i7 processors

We've handpicked ten of the best Intel Core i7 CPUs. They have excellent characteristics and are the most acceptable options in terms of price-quality ratio. It is worth considering the selected models in more detail.

Intel Core i7 Coffee Lake

Central processing unit designed to be installed in the LGA1151 v2. It is made on the 14 nm process technology, equipped with 8 cores and L3 cache in the amount of 12 MB. Able to work with 128 GB of DDR4 RAM with a volume of 128 GB. Supports Intel vPro technology. The CPU powers 16 PCI Express lanes.

This eight-core monster can handle all modern games without any problems. It is capable of operating at a maximum temperature of 100 degrees Celsius. Perfectly unleashes the potential of the most powerful video cards. Suitable for multi-threaded tasks. In turbo mode, it accelerates to 4900 MHz in the top-end processor configuration.

A powerful and moderately cold processor that performs well in games and multithreaded tasks. It heats up noticeably only during overclocking. However, it needs a good cooler as the temperature rises significantly in turbo mode. Great for building a powerful gaming machine.

Intel Core i7 Haswell

A CPU that hit the shelves back in 2013. But so far it has not lost its relevance. It was made according to the 22 nm process technology (a breakthrough for that time). Onboard the CPU has 4 cores. They are capable of overclocking up to 3900 MHz. But only in the top version of the CPU. DDR3 RAM is supported. There is an integrated graphics core HD Graphics 4600.

To use the processor, you need a motherboard with an LGA1150 socket. The 8 MB L3 cache allows the product to cope with multi-threaded tasks. The CPU provides memory bandwidth of 25.6 GB / s. This model is not suitable for overclocking. However, in most cases, higher frequencies are not required.

Purchased to replace Core i3. Compared to it, it is noticeably colder and more productive. Despite the fact that the processor is 2013, it works quite well with modern graphics cards. Even with models from NVIDIA's RTX family. However, there is regular thermal paste under the lid. So take care of the cooling. And remember, the CPU is not designed for overclocking.

Intel Core i7 Haswell-E

Six-core CPU released in 2014.Designed for LGA2011-3 socket. A distinctive feature is the unlocked multiplication factor of x35. This allows for significant overclocking using the BIOS. In the manufacture of the processor, the 22 nm process technology was used. Heat dissipation is at 140 W.

The chip provides memory bandwidth of 68 GB / s. DDR3 standard is supported. The 15MB L3 cache significantly improves overall system performance. The maximum allowable operating temperature is 66.8 C. In games, the CPU demonstrates impressive performance.

For professional tasks, the best option. From the budget. Full HD video encoding takes 15 minutes. In games it also shows impressive results. It is able to adequately work with the SLI mode. Easy to overclock. But even in the drain, it emits 140 watts of energy. This means you need a cool cooler or liquid cooling.

Intel Core i7 Ivy Bridge

2012 CPU for LGA1155 socket. It has 4 cores and an integrated HD Graphics 4000 graphics core capable of operating at 1150 MHz. The processor itself is overclocked to 3400 MHz in turbo mode. Overclocking from BIOS is also provided. The CPU is capable of running memory at 2800 MHz, providing high bandwidth.

The 8MB L3 cache is sufficient for almost all tasks. Perfectly unleashes the potential of modern video cards. But when choosing a motherboard, you need to be careful, since not all chipsets are supported (works best with the Z77). If the board is too old, then it is best to replace it. Otherwise, the processor will refuse to work with it. The CPU emits 95 watts during operation.

The processor is compatible with B75, Q77, H77, Z75 and Z77 motherboard chipsets. Older models require BIOS firmware. Otherwise, the CPU will not start. Shows excellent results in games. Especially in conjunction with NVIDIA graphics cards from the GTX family. This CPU does not even require a powerful cooling system, since it is quite cold.

Intel Core i7 Kaby Lake

CPU made according to the 14 nm process technology. This has resulted in increased productivity and energy efficiency. The model can work with 64 GB of DDR4 RAM. Dual channel operation is supported. The processor has 4 cores, capable of overclocking up to 4500 MHz when using turbo mode.

To use the processor, a motherboard with socket 2066 is required. An 8 MB L3 cache is installed. 16 PCI Express lanes are supported. The product also has good overclocking potential. But this will require a powerful cooling system, since even in the drain, the CPU releases quite a lot of energy.

The CPU provides high performance in all conditions. There is overclocking potential and a multiplier unlocked. Works well with multithreaded tasks. Can be used in the most advanced games. In stock, it produces 4500 MHz in turbo mode.But under the lid there is thermal paste, which gives temperature jumps across the cores. Better to replace with solder.

Intel Core i7 Sandy Bridge

One of the best chips from Intel. Despite the fact that it was released already in 2011. It is this CPU that is the most balanced. It has 4 cores, 8 threads and good overclocking potential. The maximum operating frequency is 3400 MHz in stock. Integrated graphics core with a frequency of 1350 MHz. The CPU works with DDR3 RAM.

Delivers 21 GB / s memory bandwidth. The CPU is made according to the 32 nm process technology and is equipped with a third-level cache of 8 MB. To install the chip, you need a motherboard with an LGA1155 socket. So far, it shows impressive results in games (with the appropriate graphics adapter).

An excellent processor for most tasks. Cold even when overclocked. There is solder under the lid, which has a positive effect on the temperature characteristics. Cope with multithreaded tasks with a bang. It is still relevant despite the fact that it was released in 2011. In terms of reliability, it surpasses many modern models.

Intel Core i7 Broadwell E

One of the best processors for the LGA2011-3 socket. It is made on the 14 nm process technology, has 6 cores with 12 virtual threads. When the mode is turned on, the tube accelerates to 4000 MHz. He has solder under the lid. Supports DDR4 RAM with a maximum frequency of 2600 MHz. The maximum amount of RAM can be 128 GB.

Another key feature is support for 4 channels of RAM. This has a positive effect on performance. The 16MB L3 cache allows the CPU to handle multitasking with ease. During operation, the chip emits 140 watts of thermal energy. To work under overclocking, you will need a powerful cooling system.

The CPU was purchased for graphics and video editing. It is ideal for these tasks. 6 full cores increase rendering performance. Works great with DDR3 2600 MHz. If you wish, you can start and 3200. But you have to dance with a tambourine. Overall, the processor justifies its cost. It is a pleasure to work with him.

Intel Core i7 Skylake

Manufactured for installation in socket 2066 using the 14 nm process technology. Equipped with eight physical cores and 16 virtual threads. The maximum available frequency in the drain is 4500 MHz. Works with DDR4 RAM. And she, in turn, can work on 4 channels. Full overclocking is supported.

The L3 cache of 16 MB has a positive effect on performance. However, under the cover there is a conventional thermal interface (paste). And this has a negative effect on temperatures. Moreover, the chip emits 140 watts of thermal energy. Even stock overclocking will require a powerful cooling system.

The CPU delivers a performance boost of 5 to 15% over the previous generation. This is a good indicator. For complex professional tasks, just what you need, since there is multithreading. In games, too, the results are excellent. Especially in conjunction with the RTX 2070 from NVIDIA. But the thermal paste under the lid increases temperatures by 10-20 degrees, which is not good.

Intel Core i7 Bloomfield

A fairly old processor made for the LGA1366 socket. But he will not spoil the furrows in any way. It has 4 cores running at 3200 MHz. There is a possibility of overclocking. If you try, you can squeeze 4400 MHz out of the CPU. But only with good cooling. Able to work with three channels of DDR3 RAM. The memory with a frequency of 1600 MHz feels especially good.

The processor has an 8 MB L3 cache. This is what makes it relevant to this day. Under the lid is a classic iridium-based solder. Therefore, the CPU is relatively cold. Under heavy load, it releases 130 watts of thermal energy. The processor was manufactured using the 45 nm process technology. But there is nothing wrong with that.

The processor actually works even after many years. Back then, Intel didn't put useless thermal grease under the lid. Therefore, even when overclocked, the CPU remains cold. It takes 4 GHz without any problems. For more, you already need a good dropsy. But there is no support for some of the current technologies. However, they are not needed for ordinary users.

Intel Core i7 Sandy Bridge-E

2012 CPU with 32nm process technology and 4 cores with 8 virtual threads. In turbo mode, the model accelerates to 3600 MHz. It lends itself well to overclocking. With a decent cooling system, almost 5000 MHz can be achieved. Works with DDR4 RAM. Supports two-channel RAM operation.

The processor has an L3 cache of 10 MB. This allows for maximum performance in multitasking programs. But at the same time, the CPU is very sensitive to temperatures. Throttling starts already at 88 degrees Celsius. Accordingly, the operating frequencies are reduced. Therefore, you have to spend money on a good cooling system.

For the needs of professionals working in Photoshop, 3D MAX, Blender and other specialized applications. Multitasking is the strong point of this processor. In games, performance is also sufficient. But you need to choose the right motherboard. Not every chipset will fit. And it is also worth taking care of a powerful cooling system. It is advisable to put dropsy.

Top Models by Qualifying Criteria

It's no secret that every user chooses a processor in accordance with their needs. Someone needs a top-end CPU with incredible power. And some will be content with an affordable CPU with modest characteristics. Now let's define the criteria by which we will determine the best processors from our review. Here's what we'll take into account.

• The most powerful;
• affordable option;
• home car model;
• game processor.

Intel Core i7 Coffee Lake - Most Powerful CPU Reviewed

Despite the fact that the processor is not the first freshness, it is still capable of showing excellent results in multi-threaded tasks.Handles specialized applications for professionals without breakdown. In this he is assisted by 8 physical cores with 16 threads. And there is also an overclocking potential and a maximum frequency in Turbo Boost mode up to 4900 MHz. Not to mention the support of all current technologies.

Intel Core i7 Sandy Bridge - Affordable Option

Intel's most balanced CPU is also the most affordable. If desired, it can be found at a price of 6500 rubles. For this money, the user will receive a still powerful processor with a classic architecture and high-quality solder under the lid. Chip works surprisingly lively and is able to show something else in games. Of course, DDR4 support is out of the question. But for a budget computer, DDR3 RAM is enough.

Intel Core i7 Haswell-E - model for a home machine

The six-core chip is good for many tasks. It is versatile. It copes equally well with both games and specialized programs. Possesses sufficient characteristics for comfortable work. Moreover, the generation is not too old. This means that the CPU supports all the necessary options. But you should be careful about the cooling system. You don't need to save on it.

Intel Core i7 Skylake - gaming processor

Model with 8 cores and 16 MB L3 cache. The stock CPU is overclocked to 4500 MHz (Turbo Boost). These characteristics make it ideal for gaming. The processor fully reveals the full potential of modern video cards (including the latest models from NVIDIA). On its basis, you can assemble a powerful gaming machine that will definitely not become obsolete for at least a couple of years. Excellent groundwork for the future.

Best in terms of price-quality ratio

Intel Core i7 Kaby Lake

This is truly the best product from Intel. Designed for the current socket 2066. The processor has 4 cores on board. They are capable of operating at 4500 MHz in Turbo Boost mode. At the same time, there is a good overclocking capability. The chip is versatile and great for different tasks. It also shows good results in games. At the same time, its price is quite consistent with the quality and capabilities.

Choosing the right processor

In order to choose exactly the product that you need, you should pay attention to some of its characteristics. But not at all. After all, many are useless for the average user. Now we will tell you which parameters deserve attention. Let's start with the simplest and most understandable.

• Number of Cores. Relevant only if you are going to work in special programs for video editing, creating 3D graphics, and so on. Only there multithreading is important. For gaming machines, a 4-core processor is enough. After all, most toys do not even know how to work with a large number of cores. And not all games are adapted for 4 cores. A CPU with 4 cores is sufficient for all tasks. This is the best option for a home computer.
• Clock frequency. Determines how many operations the processor can perform in one cycle (clock). The higher the rate, the faster the CPU runs. Various models can be found on the market. But keep in mind that in modern realities, it makes no sense to purchase models with a frequency of less than 3000 MHz. Their power will not be enough even for simple games. If you need to solve complex problems on a computer, then consider options with 3900 or 4500 MHz. They will be the most optimal.
• Socket. It is necessary to pay special attention to this characteristic. After all, it is she who determines whether the CPU is suitable for your motherboard. If the latter is not available, then it is better to choose models with the most relevant socket. This will help you stay in trend and choose the most modern components. Before choosing a socket, remember that they are incompatible with each other. Putting an unsuitable processor into the socket will not work in any way, since the mounts are completely different. You need to choose the socket carefully.
• Overclocking potential. If the selected processor has an unlocked multiplier or the manufacturer has provided for overclocking, then this is a definite plus.The user can be confident that his CPU will be up to date for at least several years. Especially after overclocking. But keep in mind that the CPU temperature rises significantly in the process (especially for the latest Intel generations). Therefore, before starting overclocking, you will need to purchase a powerful cooling system. Otherwise, you can get a brick at the exit.
• Technical process. A very important parameter that largely determines the capabilities of the processor. The more modern the technical process, the more productivity is available to the user with greater energy efficiency. For example, models made at 14 nm will be noticeably more productive than versions with 32 nm. This is an axiom. Indeed, in the new technical process, only the latest technologies are used. If possible, it is better to choose the appropriate model. After all, this will extend the real life of the processor.