You've decided to change everything, but you don't understand a thing? The little numbers on product pages are making you sweat??! Don't panic — we'll break down, nice and simply, the heart of your future PC!
Want a selection of processors made just for you? Easy! Answer this questionnaire in no time at all, and voilà: your ideal processor appears!
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Fair point... it may be important, but it's tiny and sitting right there in the middle of your motherboard. So what is it actually for?! The true heart of your machine, it's the key component that executes “machine instructions”. In other words, it runs your computer's programs by reading the instructions stored in its memory at a given pace: the clock “frequency”. But that's not all...!
What's inside a processor...
Each processor generation has its compatible motherboards. Imagine: you've just changed your graphics card, so you'll probably need to change your motherboard and CPU as well. The motherboard is the “base” where all the essential parts of your computer connect. To check compatibility, you need to look at the “socket” (the connector where the CPU sits), then the “chipset”, which is a component on the motherboard.
Quick tip: if you switch to a recent processor, you may need to perform a BIOS update on the motherboard so it recognizes it properly.
On desktop PCs, most processors come from Intel or AMD. Your choice will also determine the compatible motherboard, since each brand uses specific sockets.
Not sure about compatibility? No problem: our configurator helps you check everything in a few clicks.
All of that is nice... but how do you make sense of it? Contrary to what you might think, frequency isn't the only key number anymore: because of manufacturing limits (in nm — the smaller the process, the more can fit inside a CPU), manufacturers found other tricks to speed up processing! So... what should you check?!
You've got it: choosing a processor takes some thinking. And newness often means efficiency... New CPUs are generally more powerful and better suited to today's software. Things move fast!
The race for “cores” remains a key focus for manufacturers. You may have heard of “Quad Core”, “Hexa Core”, “Octa Core” or even higher... but beware: Intel cores aren't the same as AMD cores, so comparing them directly without deeper research isn't very useful.
Intel calls it Hyper-Threading, AMD calls it SMT.
The idea is simple: one core can sometimes handle two tasks at once, thanks to additional “threads”. For example, 6 cores can behave like 12 threads. This can improve performance in some software, especially creation and multitasking... but it isn't always as effective in every game. In practice, it's most useful when your computer is doing many things at the same time: video editing, photo retouching, streaming, or running multiple applications. Threads help the CPU distribute workload better and stay smoother under heavy tasks. For more basic use or some games, the gain may be smaller — but it's still a real advantage for versatility.
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Overclocking means pushing a processor beyond its stock settings to gain extra performance. But today, most modern CPUs already adjust their frequency automatically using smart Turbo modes, depending on the load. Overclocking is therefore mostly for experienced users, as it can lead to instability. On Intel, models designed for it usually include the letter K. If you don't need it, a standard CPU is often enough — and more affordable.
Processor 6-Core 12-Threads socket AM4 GameCache 35 Mo 7 nm TDP 65W (bulk version without fan - 3-year manufacturer's warranty)
Processor 6-Core 12-Threads socket AM4 GameCache 19 Mo 7 nm TDP 65W (tray version without fan - 3-year manufacturer's warranty)
10-core processor (6 performance cores + 4 efficient cores) 16 threads Socket 1700 20 MB L3 cache 0.010 micron (fanless tray version - 3-year Intel warranty)
6-core processor (6 performance cores) 12 threads Socket 1700 18 MB L3 cache Intel UHD Graphics 730 0.010 micron (fanless tray version - 3-year Intel warranty)
8-Core 16-Threads socket AM4 GameCache 36 Mo 7 nm TDP 65W (fanless tray version - 3-year manufacturer's warranty)
8-core, 16-thread AMD 3D V-Cache 104 MB 4 nm TDP 120W processor (tray version without fan - 3-year manufacturer's warranty)
8-Core 16-Thread processor socket AM4 AMD 3D V-Cache 100 MB 7 nm TDP 105W (box version without fan - 3-year manufacturer warranty)
Processor 14-Core (6 Performance-Cores + 8 Efficient-Cores) 20-Threads Socket 1700 Cache L3 24 MB Intel UHD Graphics 770 0.010 micron (box version without fan - Intel 3-year warranty)
Processor 8-Core 16-Threads socket AM5 AMD 3D V-Cache 104 Mo 4 nm TDP 120W (box version without fan - 3-year manufacturer's warranty)
8-core 16-thread processor, AM5 socket, AMD 3D V-Cache 104 MB, 4 nm, TDP 120W (boxed version without fan - 3-year manufacturer's warranty)
Processor 16-Core 32-Threads socket AM5 GameCache 144 Mo 4 nm TDP 170W (boxed version without fan - 3-year manufacturer's warranty)
Processor 16-Core 32-Threads socket AM5 GameCache 80 Mo 4 nm TDP 170W (boxed version without fan - 3-year manufacturer's warranty)
At LDLC, enjoy a wide selection of CPUs for all kinds of uses. While AMD generally offers the best performance/price ratio on the market, Intel most often stands out with slightly higher computing speeds, making it a reference choice for video games. Two key points to consider when buying a new PC or upgrading your machine. To choose correctly, read the LDLC CPU buying guide! You'll find plenty of useful info, plus a ranking of Intel and AMD processors by use case.
If you mainly use your computer to work, browse the web, check emails or watch movies, an entry-level processor will do the job. For pure office use, a Dual Core processor can be enough. However, for better longevity — and in case you upgrade the machine later — it's recommended to go for a Quad Core processor, which is also a minimum for running light games.
In the era of 4K gaming and high-resolution monitors, a gaming PC should rely on a strong CPU/GPU combo to ensure smooth, optimal visuals. For gaming, prefer a CPU with 6 or 8 cores — or even 12 cores. This type of high-end processor delivers processing speed suited to demanding PC games. For streaming, multitasking-friendly processors are best if you can't stream using a dual-PC setup.
Most creative workflows require a powerful PC capable of running the main software on the market. A creator PC (or workstation) is precisely a PC that stands out with a powerful CPU (and more RAM). Your processor choice should therefore be guided by the software you use for photo, video, 3D modeling, rendering, or CAD. Let's review a few flagship apps in these categories to recommend the most suitable processors.
The letters that follow the numbers give extra information about the processor series. No letter means it's the standard version of the CPU.
For Intel, the main series are as follows
T = low power, with lower frequencies than the standard model
F = standard power consumption and no integrated graphics (classic and gaming ranges)
K and KF = higher power consumption and overclocking (gaming range)
X = very high power consumption (gaming and professional range)
Note: all Intel processors include integrated graphics, except those marked F or KF
For AMD, the main series are as follows
G and GE = integrated graphics
X and XT = no integrated graphics, high performance, with higher Turbo speeds on XT models
Note: all AMD processors are overclockable
