Nowadays, it is generally accepted that a dual-core processor is the lot of budget computers. A “real” CPU starts with 4 cores. For a long time this was indeed enough, and numerous software successfully used all the resources provided. Nowadays, 6-core processors and then more “core” ones have become quite common. How important is it to increase multithreading in games? The resource uk.hardware.info conducted testing to determine how many cores are needed for games, where is the limit of reasonableness of increasing these computing units when choosing a processor and, accordingly, spending on not cheap “stones”. I offer a free translation of this testing.
Purpose of the audit and participants
The goal is to determine how much money to prepare to buy a processor that you won’t have to worry about becoming a bottleneck in the gaming system you’re building. Naturally, this testing is interesting for those whose budget allocated for the purchase of components is not unlimited, and who wants to most effectively invest every ruble in gigahertz (gigabytes, etc.).
Along the way, we will try to decide what is best to invest in: additional processor cores, or a faster video card, or buy. It is important to understand how capable a particular game is of working with multiple cores and how much performance increases (if at all) as their number increases.
The following stand was assembled for testing:
- Processor - Intel Core i9 7900X Skylake-X 10-core CPU @ 4.5 GHz.
- Motherboard - ASUS Strix X299-XE Gaming.
Tests were also carried out using AMD processor, for which the following stand was assembled:
- Processor – AMD Ryzen 7 2700X at standard frequencies and using all available cores.
- Motherboard - Asus Crosshair VII Hero WiFi.
- Memory - G.Skill Trident Z 32 GB DDR4-3200 CL14.
- Video card - NVidia GeForce GTX 1080 Ti.
- Storage - 2x SSD Samsung 840 Evo 1TB.
- OS - Windows 10 64-bit (1803 Update).
The selected Intel processor allows you to disable cores and threads to simulate a CPU with different configurations computing units.
Testing was carried out in several screen resolutions: FullHD, WQHD and Ultra HD with medium and ultra graphics settings. Looking ahead a little, in high resolutions the video card became the bottleneck, which reduces the value of checking processors, but still gives some food for thought.
Test results
Assassin's Creed Origins (DX11)
The game scales well, but only to a certain extent.
A dual-core processor is clearly no longer suitable, since it significantly reduces performance, and the optimal solution is to have 4 cores, and in a configuration with 8 threads, or a processor with 6 cores without HyperThreading. A further increase in cores, if it brings results, is no longer so significant.
Call of Duty: WW2 (DX11)
The game, to put it mildly, is not very aware of what to do with an increase in the number of cores.
The difference, although very small, is observed only at FullHD resolution at medium settings. With an increase in picture quality, the minimal spread of results can easily be attributed to measurement errors.
Destiny 2 (DX11)
This game requires a processor with at least 4 cores. However, most of them turn out to be unclaimed. To be fair, it must be said that this is true for low resolutions (no more than FullHD) and for medium-high graphics settings.
As the load on the video card increases, the role of the processor in performance decreases, and the difference between the weakest dual-core processor and the top-end CPU is reduced to zero.
F1 2017 (DX11)
The behavior here is similar to the previous game.
The dual-core system noticeably reduces performance, but, again, at not the highest resolutions. Starting with ultra settings at 1440p, the difference between the “stones” is minimal. However, the 10-core engine stands out somewhat in some modes. And Ryzen feels very good under high load.
Far Cry 5 (DX11)
Another game that is indifferent to the number of cores the processor has.
At high resolutions, CPUs in the 6C/12T and 10C/20T configurations stand out a little, but, really, the increase in FPS is so insignificant that this does not justify overpaying for these cores.
Final Fantasy XV (DX11)
We can say with confidence that the dual-core processor is a “brake” for this game in FullHD and 1440p resolutions.
However, there may be complaints about the option with 4 cores and without HyperThreading. Everything above shows very similar results. AMD Ryzen is good in all modes.
Fortnite (DX11)
The only noticeable difference is at FullHD resolution and medium image quality settings. Dual-core Intel lagged behind and, oddly enough, AMD's results are lower by about 15%. The rest of the group of “comrades” remains very united. As the load on the GPU increases, the difference between the CPUs is leveled out.
Ghost Recon: Wildlands (DX11)
Another confirmation that two cores are no longer enough in our times.
In conditions where the video card is not yet fully loaded, the lack of computing units is noticeable.
You can notice that in all modes 6-cores are inferior to 4-cores, and the presence of two additional “hard” cores is inferior to four HyperThreading threads. To be fair, we are talking about a difference of 1-2 FPS, and this can be completely neglected.
Middle Earth: Shadow of War (DX11)
Again, a familiar picture - with a low load on the video card, the dual-core card lags behind.
Starting from the 4C/4T configuration there is practically no difference between the processors.
Need for Speed: Payback (DX11)
The Frostbite engine on which this game is built knows how to manage the resources it provides.
True, the most noticeable increase occurs when moving from 2 to 4 cores, and it is desirable that there is also HyperThreading. Or 6 cores in any configuration.
PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds (DX11)
Processors with 4 cores and higher perform well.
The dual-core is inferior in most options. Moreover, the greatest effect is achieved with 6 cores.
Prey (DX11)
The game does not scale well across cores.
Unless on maximum settings in FullHD, processors are arranged in accordance with a hierarchy. And in 4K, a dual-core processor allows you to get the same number of FPS as a ten-core processor. Moreover, there is a clear favor towards the presence of HyperThreading, although the effect of its use is calculated in several FPS.
At low resolutions, AMD performs worst of all, being noticeably inferior to everyone. True, the higher the resolution and graphics settings, the more justified the use of this particular “stone”.
Total War: Warhammer (DX11)
The game responds well to the presence of a 6-core processor.
In most cases, this turns out to be the best option.
The Witcher 3 (DX11)
The Witcher doesn't respond well to multi-cores.
Almost all the benefits come from moving from 2 to 4 cores. And even then, this manifests itself at FullHD and medium graphics settings.
Battlefield 1 (DX12)
The Frostbite engine scales well up to 6 cores and 12 threads.
A further increase in the “steepness” of the processor no longer has any effect. The optimal choice turns out to be six-core processors, or, as a last resort, a quad-core processor, but always with HyperThreading “on board”.
AMD Ryzen looks good, although it loses in FullHD resolution, but at 1440p it shows almost the same results, while Intel “sinks” to AMD’s level.
Forza Motorsport 7 (DX12)
The game also scales well, and having 8 threads or 6 cores is the optimal configuration for Forza Motorsport 7. Anything lower will be a bottleneck in the system.
The Division (DX12)
Two cores are not enough for this game.
You need at least twice as much, and preferably with HyperThreading. Further increase in multi-core does not bring any increase in FPS. And again, having 8 threads or 6 “hard” cores is the best option.
Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus (Vulkan)
A game that uses its own engine and its own APi loads the video card the most, and which processor is used is not so important. A slight increase in FPS with 6 cores is observed, but the difference is within a few percent.
Conclusion. Multi-core - so how many cores do you need for games?
As testing has shown, the most “kernel-dependent” games are Forza Motorsport 7, Assassin's Creed: Origins, Battlefield 1 and Need For Speed Payback. Naturally, with rare exceptions, we are talking about FullHD resolutions and not the highest graphics settings.
The difference in performance between a dual-core and a 10-core can be up to twofold. The use of 4 cores reduces this handicap by half, bringing it to 50%, and the presence of HyperThreading reduces the attractiveness of top-end “stones” to almost nothing. In some cases, the difference is noticeable when there is twice the number of threads relative to the cores.
As screen resolution increases, in the vast majority of cases there is no difference between CPUs, since in this case the main load falls on the video processor.
If we talk about attractiveness from the point of view of the performance shown by processors, the situation largely depends on the resolution at which games are launched.
- 1080p (FullHD). At medium graphics settings optimal choice are processors ranging from 4C/8T to 6C/12T. Low load on a video card, especially a top-end one, reveals the lack of performance of a dual-core processor. When you switch to ultra settings, the difference between CPUs decreases. AMD Ryzen shows results at the level of Intel 4C/8T.
- 1440p. Here the performance of the video card is more affected than the processor, which is reflected in the small difference between the processors. Even a dual-core processor is inferior by 7-8%, and even with medium graphics settings, switching to “ultra” reduces processor dependence. AMD is becoming very attractive.
- 2160p. It all depends on the capabilities of the video card. The advantages of a particular CPU are calculated in fractions of a percent, maximum 1-2%, which can be completely neglected. A powerful and expensive 10-core CPU has practically no advantages over a more affordable 4-core one.
If we move on to choosing a CPU, then, strictly speaking, even such budget solutions, like the Intel Pentium G4560, Pentium G5400 and similar ones, they cope with their task quite well. And yet you shouldn’t delude yourself. More powerful processors will allow you to get more frames per minute, ensure the absence or minimization of FPS “sagging” due to higher computing capabilities. The time of dual-core processors is running out.
It is difficult to imagine a situation where a company purchases a budget CPU to go with a top-end video card (and, most likely, not the cheapest motherboard, memory, etc.). It will not be possible to reveal the capabilities of the video card. Only at high resolutions.
But the option with 4C/12T or 6C/6T looks much more attractive. Moreover, the 6C/12T option does not provide more or less noticeable advantages. The presence of 10 or more cores for games does not matter.
When going to high resolutions Attention should shift not so much to the processor, but to the capabilities and class of the video card. It is she who becomes the limiter in achieving great FPS values and high graphics settings.
As for multi-cores, a slightly different situation arises here. If, nevertheless, FullHD is not enough for you, then, given the low scaling of games by core, it is better to give preference to more high frequency their work than in quantity, but with fewer MHz. And if it is also possible to overclock such a processor, then everything will be fine.
If we consider the question of what is better, a processor with or without HyperThreading, then judging by the test results, a CPU with 4C/8T is almost the same as a 6C/6T, although the latter is slightly better at low resolutions. Well, if we take the 6C/12T combination, we get an almost ideal option that will allow you to get the maximum amount of FPS, and at the same time you don’t have to be afraid of any “failures” appearing under heavy load.
This is all the situation today. What will happen tomorrow, with the release of new games or new versions of them? It would be nice to know how much time developers devote to scaling game engines, but this knowledge is secret, and somehow not particularly advertised. On this moment this is clearly not a top priority for game creators.
On the one hand, the use of 4 cores/threads in the vast majority of cases guarantees maximum or close to maximum performance in resolutions no higher than FullHD. Therefore, there is no need to parallelize calculations.
As for the transition to 2K, 4K and higher, more serious computing power will be needed, but another problem arises - existing video processors still have difficulty “digesting” such a load, and therefore there is no need to scale over several cores, i.e. K. 4-6 are quite capable of loading the video card “along the waterline”.
When a new generation of graphics chips comes out (the 11th generation NVidia is expected soon), then we’ll see.
And all this leads to the following. Even for a top-end, or pre-top, gaming system best choice is a processor with at least 4 cores and 8 threads, or an option with 6 cores. An ideal option if they still have overclocking potential.
This, by the way, is also optimal in price, because such “stones” are quite affordable. For example, a 6-core Intel Core i5 8600K will cost about 18,000 rubles, the version with HyperThreading in the form of an Intel Core i7 8700K is already 6 thousand more expensive. By the way, the 4-core 8-thread i7 7700K costs about the same price. A little cheaper, about 1000 rubles, AMD Ryzen 7 2700X.
For example, the cheapest 10-core Intel Core i9 7900X, which can give an extra few FPS, will cost at least twice as much as the i7 8700K. Let's not forget that this is a completely different level, and you will need a completely different motherboard, with a 2066 socket.
So, multi-core is not bad, but you shouldn’t forget about megahertz, games love them. Good and fast processors, high FPS and victory over enemies!
Pavel_A 05/24/2012 - 12:08
Hi all.
You need a portable computer with a large display to work in Excel, and sometimes watch a movie. Main big screen and low price.
Stopped at 17 inches.
Based on the price, I settled on the HP Pavilion. There are options with different processors.
Which better processor?
Intel Core i3 2350M Processor 2.3GHz
or
AMD Quad-Core A6-3420M Accelerated Processor with AMD Radeon HD 6520G discrete-class graphics
And which is better, HP or ASUS (I like ASUS better and it has more hard drive, but it is more expensive and is very choking).
Goldheart2 05/24/2012 - 01:07
Intel Core i3 2350M Processor 2.3GHz is better.
Pavel_A 05/24/2012 - 01:41
Goldheart2How long?
Intel Core i3 2350M Processor 2.3GHz is better
He has 2 cores of 2.3 each, and he has 4 cores of 1.5 each. In total, the second one is more powerful?
Dr.Acula 05/24/2012 - 02:43
Pavel_A
How long?
http://www.notebookcheck.net/M...ist.2436.0.html
According to tests, Intel is better. And processor performance depends not only on the number of cores and frequency. Will you believe me if I tell you that a processor with one core and a frequency of 1650 MHz, when performing some tasks, can work much faster than some Intel for 20 thousand?
HP or Asus - depends on the specific model.
Goldheart2 05/24/2012 - 03:03
He has 2 cores of 2.3 each, and he has 4 cores of 1.5 each. In total, the second one is more powerful?
It doesn’t work, Intel’s performance per gigahertz is much higher, so even with two cores it does the A6-3420M, in rendering the difference is about 14 percent, but this is a task of good parallelization, but if you take the majority standard applications, where one thread is involved, less often two, here the i3 2350M will simply tear up the 3420M. And in the case of your Excel, we are talking about one thread. The graphics of the 3420M are more powerful, but the 2350M has an advantage in terms of video playback in the form of a powerful ASIC decoder.
c00xer 05/24/2012 - 07:12
Goldheart2This is what you need to pay attention to. On task. BTW, some games (like WorldofTanks) are still single-threaded. What a shame it is to see 25% load on a 4-core stone.
but if you take the majority of standard applications where one thread is involved, less often two
Pavel_Crio 05/27/2012 - 21:24
Yes, Intel is better.
Goldheart2 05/28/2012 - 08:14
P.S. But you don’t need to talk about Excel)) Install Excel 2007/2010, it’s in the settings (Excel Options - Advanced):Enable multi-threaded computing?
- use all processors of this computer(it shows 4, I have an Intel Quad)
- manually (you can select 1,2 .. depending on the cores)
It would seem that the answer is obvious - of course, a four-core processor will be better, because it has more cores, but there are situations when the numbers show that two- and four-core processors have almost the same power, but differ from each other in fact, only by the number of cores. How to choose the best option?
Nuclear problem
As always, it all depends on the purposes for which you are buying a computer or a processor for it. The fact is that if you are on a computer, relatively speaking, listening to music, watching movies, surfing the Internet and editing Word documents, then you are unlikely to notice the difference in the number of cores - and dual-core processors, keep in mind, are cheaper. It’s a completely different matter if you play new games on your computer or work with new, “heavy” programs - then the difference will literally be evident, even if the processors are approximately the same in numbers, and you are better off taking a four-core option. Again, consider the fact that progress does not stand still - do you want to buy something that will be considered normal for another couple of years, or do you want to have a long-term perspective? In a word, for large needs it is better to take a processor with four cores, but for users with more modest needs, two will be enough for now.
Probably every user who is little familiar with computers has encountered a bunch of incomprehensible characteristics when choosing a central processor: technical process, cache, socket; turned for advice to friends and acquaintances who were competent in the matter computer hardware. Let's look at the variety of various parameters, because the processor is the most important part of your PC, and understanding its characteristics will give you confidence in your purchase and further use.
CPU
CPU personal computer is a chip that is responsible for performing any operations with data and controls peripheral devices. It is contained in a special silicon package called a die. For short designation use the abbreviation - CPU (CPU) or CPU(from the English Central Processing Unit - central processing device). In the modern computer components market there are two competing corporations, Intel and AMD, who constantly participate in the race for the performance of new processors, constantly improving the technological process.
Technical process
Technical process is the size used in the production of processors. It determines the size of the transistor, the unit of which is nm (nanometer). Transistors, in turn, form the internal core of the CPU. The bottom line is that continuous improvement in manufacturing techniques makes it possible to reduce the size of these components. As a result, there are much more of them placed on the processor chip. This helps improve the performance of the CPU, so its parameters always indicate the technology used. For example, the Intel Core i5-760 is made using a 45 nm process technology, and the Intel Core i5-2500K is made using a 32 nm process. Based on this information, you can judge how modern the processor is and how superior it is in performance to its predecessor, but when choosing, you must also take into account a number of other parameters.
Architecture
Processors are also characterized by such a characteristic as architecture - a set of properties inherent in a whole family of processors, usually produced over many years. In other words, architecture is their organization or internal design of the CPU.
Number of Cores
Core- the most important element of the central processor. It is a part of the processor that can execute one thread of instructions. The cores differ in cache memory size, bus frequency, manufacturing technology, etc. Manufacturers assign new names to them with each subsequent technological process (for example, the AMD processor core is Zambezi, and Intel is Lynnfield). With the development of processor production technologies, it has become possible to place more than one core in one case, which significantly increases CPU performance and helps to perform several tasks simultaneously, as well as use several cores in running programs. Multi-core processors will be able to quickly cope with archiving, video decoding, the operation of modern video games, etc. For example, rulers Core processors 2 Duo and Core 2 Quad from Intel, which use dual-core and quad-core CPUs, respectively. Currently, processors with 2, 3, 4 and 6 cores are widely available. A larger number of them are used in server solutions and are not required by the average PC user.
Frequency
In addition to the number of cores, performance is affected by clock frequency. The value of this characteristic reflects the performance of the CPU in the number of clock cycles (operations) per second. Another important characteristic is bus frequency(FSB - Front Side Bus) demonstrating the speed at which data is exchanged between the processor and computer peripherals. The clock frequency is proportional to the bus frequency.
Socket
So that the future processor, when upgraded, is compatible with the existing one motherboard, you need to know its socket. A socket is called connector, in which the CPU is installed on motherboard computer. The socket type is characterized by the number of legs and the processor manufacturer. Different sockets correspond to specific types of CPUs, so each socket allows the installation of a specific type of processor. Intel Company uses socket LGA1156, LGA1366 and LGA1155, and AMD uses AM2+ and AM3.
Cache
Cache- the amount of memory with a very high access speed, necessary to speed up access to data that is permanently located in memory with a slower access speed (RAM). When choosing a processor, remember that increasing the cache size has a positive effect on the performance of most applications. The CPU cache has three levels ( L1, L2 and L3), located directly on the processor core. It contains data from RAM for more high speed processing. It is also worth considering that for multi-core CPUs, the amount of first level cache memory for one core is indicated. L2 cache performs similar functions, but is slower and larger in size. If you plan to use the processor for resource-intensive tasks, then a model with a large second-level cache will be preferable, given that for multi-core processors the total L2 cache size is indicated. The most powerful processors are equipped with L3 cache, such as AMD Phenom, AMD Phenom II, Intel Core i3, Intel Core i5, Intel Core i7, Intel Xeon. The third level cache is the least fast, but it can reach 30 MB.
Energy consumption
The power consumption of a processor is closely related to its manufacturing technology. With decreasing nanometers of the technical process, increasing the number of transistors and increasing the clock frequency of processors, the power consumption of the CPU increases. For example, processors Core line i7 from Intel require up to 130 watts or more. The voltage supplied to the core clearly characterizes the power consumption of the processor. This parameter is especially important when choosing a CPU to use as a multimedia center. Modern processor models use various technologies that help combat excessive power consumption: built-in temperature sensors, automatic control systems for voltage and frequency of processor cores, energy-saving modes when the CPU load is light.
Additional features
Modern processors have acquired the ability to operate in 2- and 3-channel modes with RAM, which significantly affects its performance, and also support a larger set of instructions, which increases their functionality by new level. GPUs process video on their own, thereby offloading the CPU, thanks to technology DXVA(from the English DirectX Video Acceleration - video acceleration by the DirectX component). Intel uses the above technology Turbo Boost to dynamically change the clock frequency of the central processor. Technology Speed Step manages CPU power consumption depending on processor activity, and Intel Virtualization Technology hardware creates a virtual environment for using multiple operating systems. Also, modern processors can be divided into virtual cores using technology Hyper Threading. For example, a dual-core processor is capable of dividing the clock speed of one core into two, resulting in high processing performance using four virtual cores.
When thinking about the configuration of your future PC, do not forget about the video card and its GPU(from the English Graphics Processing Unit - graphic processing unit) - the processor of your video card, which is responsible for rendering ( arithmetic operations with geometric, physical objects, etc.). The higher the frequency of its core and memory frequency, the less load on the central processor will be. Particular attention to GPU Gamers must show themselves.
Hi all! Sometimes a game or program does not work on full power, because Not all cores are responsible for performance. In this article we will look at how to use all the cores of your processor.
But don't wait magic wand, because If a game or program does not support multi-cores, then nothing can be done unless you rewrite the application again.
How to run all processor cores?
So, there will be several ways. That's why I'm showing first.
Go to start - run or win + r keys
Choose yours maximum number processors.
By the way, you can find out the number of processor cores. But these are virtual cores, not physical ones. There may be fewer physical ones.
- Go to the task manager - ctrl+shift+esc.
- Or ctrl+alt+del and task manager.
- Or click right click on the control panel and select task manager.
Go to the processes tab. Find the game and right-click on the process. By the way, the game must be running. You can collapse it either Win+D or alt+tab.
Select set match.
Select all and click ok.
To see whether all cores are working or not, go to the performance tab in the task manager.
There will be a diagram in all tabs.
If not, then click again to set the correspondence, leave only CPU 0, click ok. Close the task manager, open it again, repeat everything, the same thing, select all processors and click ok.
In laptops, power saving is sometimes configured in such a way that the settings do not allow all cores to be used.
- Win7 - Go to the control panel, go to power options - Change plan settings - change advanced power settings - processor power management - minimum processor state.
- Win8, 10 - Or: Settings - System - Power and Sleep - Advanced Power Settings - Configure Power Plan - Change Advanced Power Settings - Processor Power Management - Minimum Processor Status
For full use, should be 100%.
How to check how many cores are running?
We launch it and see the number of active cores.
Do not confuse this parameter with the number of virtual processors, which is displayed to the right.
What does the number of processor cores affect?
Many people confuse the concept of number of cores and processor frequency. If we compare this with a person, then the brain is a processor, neurons are nuclei. Cores do not work in all games and applications. If, for example, a game runs 2 processes, one draws a forest and the other a city, and the game is multi-core, then you only need 2 cores to load this picture. And if the game has more processes, then all cores are used.
And it may be the other way around: a game or application can be written in such a way that only one core can perform one action, and in this situation the processor with the higher frequency and the most well-built architecture will win (usually for this reason).
Therefore, roughly speaking, the number of processor cores affects performance and speed.
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