Best Intel Processor for Performance
When it comes to system and gaming performance, Intel has a solid lead over AMD. The new Nehalem (Core-i7) processors are currently the fastest desktop performers on the market. They’re also reasonably priced for their level of performance, though you’ll need to invest in DDR3 memory and a motherboard that supports the new CPU socket, which can add a lot to the overall cost. If you’re looking for the most performance out of your desktop computer, these are the best CPUs money can buy.
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Why it's best:
The i7 975 and the 950 are essentially improved designs of the “Nehalem” processors, which have a great design to begin with. Focused on the extreme performance market segment, the Core i7 975 Extreme processor is stock clocked at 3.33GHz with an unlocked multipl...read full review
Price Range:
$999.99 - $1,194.99
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CDW.com $1,194.99
CompUSA $999.99
Why it's a best pick:
The Core i7 950 is the middle-tier segment of the LGA1366 Core i7 lineup and is essentially a faster clocked i7 920. It has a higher stock clock speed of 3.06GHz with more overclocking headroom and a higher maximum memory multiplier. The 950 costs around $562 MSRP, which is ... read full review
$569.99 - $676.99
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PC Connection Express $670.48
B&H Photo-Video $579.95
Why it's a best pick:
The Core i7 920 represents the “budget” sector of Intel’s LGA1366 lineup and has the lowest frequency speed of all of the Nehalem chips, yet still offers excellent performance that's above and beyond that of Intel’s older LGA 775 processors. Offering ... read full review
$288.99 - $349.99
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PC Connection Express $319.95
Newegg.com $288.99
Why it's a best pick:
Intel's new LGA 1156 "Lynnfield" processor line-up includes the Core i7 870, the Core i7 860, and the Core i5 750. The Core i7 860 is Intel's flagship LGA 1156 processor, similar to the Core i7 920 in many respects – four CPU cores, hyperthreading support, an... read full review
$279.99 - $381.99
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PC Connection Express $344.29
Newegg.com $279.99
Why it's a best pick:
The Core i5 750 is Intel's least expensive LGA 1156 CPU. The i5 is marketed as a "mainstream" product, but its performance indicates that there's nothing mainstream about it. The i5's main difference from LGA 1156 i7 CPUs is the lack of HyperThreading, so the i5 75... read full review
$199.99 - $265.99
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PC Connection Express $240.46
Newegg.com $199.99
