Spotify isn't a resource-hungry application. However, at times, it can consume a lot of CPU resources. This can happen due to many reasons, and it can affect your processor's performance. But why does a music streaming app like Spotify sometimes consume more processing power than necessary, and more importantly, what can you do about it?

This is where we come in. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to reduce Spotify's CPU usage using 10 methods.

How to fix Spotify high CPU usage issue

If Spotify is using more CPU resources than it should, you can tackle the issue by trying these methods.

Conclusion

This was everything you needed to know about how to make Spotify use less CPU. If none of the methods worked, then we suggest getting in touch with Spotify support for further assistance. Make sure to let them know about the methods you've already tried so they can suggest something else. In any case, make sure you learn different methods that can help reduce your CPU usage, as putting the processor under constant load can shorten its lifespan.

Paring components together can be confusing, and it's understandable because there are so many variations of CPUs and motherboards. That said, the process is easy once you know what to look out and this is where we come in.

We’ve put together this quick guide to help you figure out which CPU is compatible with your motherboard so you can make an informed decision.

How to check your CPU and motherboard’s compatibility

One of the most crucial aspects of building a PC is to check the compatibility between different components, namely, the CPU and motherboard. If they aren’t compatible, your PC won’t boot, or it will have severe stability issues. However, you can check for compatibility before purchasing to avoid spending on something that won’t work and returning it for something else.

Wrapping up

This was everything about how to know if a CPU is compatible with your motherboard. It may seem confusing at first, given that there are different socket types and the process of checking for BIOS compatibility and needing to update it. However, it is a straightforward process, and all the relevant information is readily available. That said, the easy way to go about this is to follow the CPU support list for your motherboard, and you should be good to go.If you’re interested in exploring motherboard options, we recommend you check out our best AM4 and best AM5 motherboard guides for the top picks available.

Your CPU can overheat for several reasons, and when that happens, you can face issues such as crashes, random freezes, and various other performance issues. On top of that, constant overheating can also reduce the lifespan of your processor. While it mostly happens when the processor is under load, there are many other factors that can lead to it.

In this guide, we'll explain how you can stop your CPU from overheating through 9 different methods.

How to fix CPU overheating

If your CPU is overheating, here are some techniques you can use to lower its temperature.

What can help you keep the temperatures low?

CPU coolers tend to lose their performance after a few years, so if your current one is old, you need to get a new one. If you don't know which one to go for, here are a few options that we think are worth every penny. Also, we recommend checking out our top picks for the best airflow PC cases and the best PC case fans, as these can help keep the temperatures down.

Conclusion

These were some methods that can help fix CPU overheating issues. Overheating can cause different problems, such as random crashes or freezes. As soon as you notice something like this, you need to fix the issue immediately, as delaying things can permanently damage the component.

Intel Core i7-14700K price

The Intel Core i7-14700K is available now with an MSRP of $420, however, despite the fact this chip has only been available for a few months, you can occasionally find it discounted to the sub-$400 mark from retailers such as Amazon, Best Buy and Newegg. That's an identical price to the MSRP of the 13700K, although, the first Raptor Lake version is now discounted to around the $350 mark. For how these two CPUs compare we recommend reading our 14700K vs 13700K feature.

Intel Core i7-14700K design and specs

As touched upon above, the Intel Core i7-14700K is once again built on the LGA 1700 socket as a Raptor Lake refresh featuring a total of 20 cores and 28 threads. Specifically, there are eight P-cores and 12 E-cores which is an increase on the 13700K's 16 cores (8P+8E) and 24 threads for four extra E-cores and four extra threads. It's not the most exciting upgrade, however, it should mean slightly increased performance, and considering the identical pricing, that's a solid minor upgrade.

The Intel Core i7-14700K can be pushed up to 5.6 GHz with Turbo Boost enabled. That's an increase of 0.2 Ghz over the 13700K creeping ever closer toward the 6 GHz boost clock of the i9-14900K; this one's not the fastest chipset in the lineup but it should still be plenty fast for gaming, productivity, and creativity tasks. We'll be touching on the single-core and multi-core performance further down the page.

Because the 14700K is a refresh that means it's built on the same LGA 1700 socket so you shouldn't necessarily need one of the best motherboards for gaming if you've already got a compatible mobo. It should be as simple as a BIOS update, and those thinking of upgrading from Alder Lake should benefit the most. We recommend you check your system's compatibility before investing in the chip just to be sure.

Intel Core i7-14700K gaming performance

In the testing conducted by BGFG's Jack Howarth, it's clear that the Intel Core i7-14700K is an incredibly capable processor for gaming, especially when paired with one of the best graphics cards. This is especially evident in titles such as Cyberpunk 2077, CS2, Days Gone, and Sons of the Forest. A good range of older and newer titles of varying optimization states showcases this mid-range chip's prowess. You don't necessarily need a top-end processor for high refresh rates.

Intel Core i7-14700K synthetic performance

It's a similar story with the synthetic performance of the Intel Core i7-14700K with leading numbers especially where multicore tests come in the equation. This is particularly evidenced in Cinebench R23 and Geekbench with strong figures showcasing the prowess of the third-generation hybrid architecture. The last i7 of its kind truly does go out on top, as is evidenced below.

Alternatives to the Intel Core i7-14700K

Alternatives to the Intel Core i7-14700K include the Intel Core i5-14600K which performs similarly and for a cheaper price point from a pure gaming point of view. Over on the red corner, there's the 7800X which is priced similarly and offers slightly better gaming performance at the cost of worse multicore performance.

Conclusion

The Intel Core i7-14700K is a fantastic CPU for gaming with its strong multi-core performance making it ideal for creatives and those looking to also engage in high-end productivity. The last i7 of its kind, before the Arrow Lake equivalent, Intel has gone all out to ensure that this upper mid-range CPU ticks all the right boxes and it should be a confident chipset for many years to come. It's not quite as good as the 14900K but the broad strokes given its price-to-performance make it easy to recommend.

Is the Intel Core i7-14700K worth it?

Yes, the Intel Core i7-14700K is a worthy upgrade for those considering the jump over to LGA 1700 from older Intel or AMD processors, however, those running existing Raptor Lake hardware are going to see less of the benefits overall.

When your CPU starts having problems, it can cause a lot of frustration. This is because CPU related issues can cause your system to freeze or even crash, and this can make you loose progress on an important task. Identifying issues early can help you save your system from getting permanently damaged, but how can you tell if your CPU is really failing or dying?

This is where we come in. In this guide, we'll walk you through how to tell if your processor is failing or dead so you can take action accordingly.

Common signs of a failing or dead CPU

Here are some common symptoms of a failing or dying CPU.

PC automatically shuts down

A frequent sign of CPU failure is when your PC shuts down unexpectedly and repeatedly. Occasional shutdowns can occur for various reasons, but if your computer consistently powers off without warning, it could indicate a serious issue with the processor. To prevent permanent damage to your system, the CPU may shut down automatically. Unfortunately, these shutdowns can occur without any prior alerts, potentially leading to the loss of important data.

Random freezes

Another sign of potential CPU failure is when your system experiences random freezes. These freezes can occur immediately after logging in or after the system has been running for a few minutes. During this, the cursor may become unresponsive on the screen, and the keyboard may also stop functioning. The only solution is to restart the system. Unfortunately, you may lose any unsaved progress if you were in the middle of an important task when the system froze.

PC is stuck in a boot loop

If your processor is malfunctioning, your PC may fail to boot up properly or get stuck in a continuous reboot loop. Typically, what happens is that the system starts to boot, displays the loading screen, and then restarts unexpectedly. This cycle will go on until you either unplug the power cable or forcibly shut down the PC by holding down the power button.

Error codes or beeping

Sometimes, when trying to boot your system, you may encounter an error code displayed on the screen. To understand the issue, search this code online to find out if it's related to your CPU. On top of that, some motherboards start beeping when there's a problem with the processor. If you hear this beep, it's advisable to turn off your PC immediately to prevent further damage.

Blue Screen of Death

The Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) can happen for many reasons, including a failing CPU. However, because the BSOD can result from various issues, it's hard to confirm if the CPU is the direct cause just from this sign. However, if you also notice other problems we've discussed earlier, such as system freezes, constant rebooting, or error codes, then the CPU might indeed be causing the issue. Seeing multiple signs together makes it more likely that there's a problem with the processor.

Visible damages

In some cases, your CPU may be damaged, and this can happen due to multiple reasons. Overheating is one of the most common causes of CPU damage, which usually occurs from inadequate airflow within the computer's casing. So, inspect the CPU for any burnt marks or physical damages. If you notice something's wrong, then it won't be a wise idea to continue using the processor.

PC isn't turning on

Now, there could be different reasons your PC isn't turning on at all. To test if the CPU is the problem, you can try installing it in another PC. If the CPU works fine in the second PC, then the issue likely lies with a different component in your original system. However, if the second PC also fails to turn on, then it's a strong indication that your CPU is dead. In this case, you will need to replace the CPU to get your PC running again.

What to do if your processor is dead?

If your processor is dead, it's likely beyond repair. In such a case, you need to get a new CPU for your system. If you can't find one on your own, here are some options that we think are worth getting. Also, we'd recommend checking out our top picks for the best airflow PC cases and the best AIO water coolers, as these can help keep the temperatures down and improve the lifespan of your CPU.

Conclusion

These were some signs your CPU is failing or dead. It is important to understand that as soon as you notice something wrong with your processor, you should take it to a repair shop quickly so experts can examine it. Leaving it as it is in your system can cause permanent damage, and your other components can be affected too.

Overclocking can be useful depending on the work you want to do, but not all CPUs are made to be overclocked, and they can’t handle running on such high frequencies for extended periods. Even the ones that are made for overclocking, using them in that state for long isn't recommended as it can reduce their lifespan. 

However, stopping your CPU from overclocking and returning it to its base clock speed can be tricky if you don’t know where to look. To that end, we’ve put together this quick, easy-to-follow guide showing you how to change the Windows and BIOS settings to stop your CPU from overclocking. 

How to stop your CPU from overclocking 

Long-term overclocking can lead to your CPU overheating, resulting in lowered performance and detrimental to the CPU’s health. However, there are some methods that can help you to stop it from overclocking, and here’s how:

How do I make sure my computer isn't overclocking?

You can ensure your CPU isn’t overclocking by checking its base speed and current speed in the task manager. Open the task manager by pressing “CRTL+SHIFT+ESC,” click on the “Performance” tab, and check the “Speed” next to “Utilization” to see whether your CPU is overclocked.You can also check the base and boost clock speed of your CPU from the manufacturer and compare it with its current speed to get an idea about whether it's overclocking. 

Wrapping up 

Hopefully, this guide helped you stop your CPU from overclocking. While overclocking can be beneficial in some instances, having your CPU run beyond its capabilities for a long time can dampen its performance by overheating or thermal throttling. This also reduces the CPU's lifespan. Luckily, there are easy workarounds for that, as we saw, that should keep your CPU running in optimal conditions. 

That said, overclocking isn’t the only reason processors overheat; ambient temperature, the thermal paste used, and cooling solutions can also impact that. To ensure that your processor doesn’t suffer from these issues, we recommend checking out our top picks for the best thermal pastes, CPU coolers, and airflow PC cases.

After all that, if you’re still running into performance issues, it might be time to swap out your CPU for a new one, and for that, we recommend these options.

Keeping an eye on your CPU temperature is crucial for maintaining the health and efficiency of your computer. Whether you're a hardcore gamer, a video editor, or someone who uses demanding applications, understanding how to monitor your CPU temperature can prevent overheating and ensure your system runs smoothly.

As Windows does not have a dedicated feature for monitoring temperatures, you'll need to rely on third-party software. In this guide, we'll mention three different software programs that can help you check CPU temperature quickly.

How to monitor CPU temp

Here are different third-party software that can help you monitor your CPU temps.

HWiNFO64

The first software we would recommend for checking CPU temperature is HWiNFO64. This is an easy-to-use software that can help you monitor your CPU's temperature.

After downloading and installing HWiNFO64 on your computer, open the program and click on the "Sensors" option. As you scroll through the list, you will find a section dedicated to CPU temperatures. Continuing further, you'll also come across a section for the motherboard that similarly displays the CPU temperature.

HWMonitor

Another excellent software option for monitoring CPU temperature is HWMonitor. Similar to the previously mentioned application, HWMonitor offers an intuitive interface for easy temperature tracking. Once downloaded, all you have to do is launch HWMonitor, after which a window will pop up with all components and their respective temperatures. If you scroll down, you'll find your CPU, and you can expand the list to learn about the temperature of each individual core as well.

Core Temp

The third and final software we recommend for monitoring CPU temperature is Core Temp. This user-friendly application not only displays temperature readings but also shows the load on individual cores, all within a single, easily navigable window.

What sets Core Temp apart is its ability to display the temperature of each CPU core directly in the system tray. If you click on the arrow to view the hidden icons in the system tray, you'll notice that there are a bunch of numbers. If you hover your mouse over them, you'll see that these are the temperatures of individual CPU cores.

Is 70 degrees too hot for a CPU?

70 degrees isn't really hot for a CPU. You should start worrying only after the temperature goes above 90 degrees. However, do keep in mind that during gaming and other resource-hungry tasks, the temperatures increase significantly.

Is your CPU always hot?

If your CPU temps are always high, even at idle, then there may be something wrong with your cooler. If you already have a PC case with good airflow, then it will be wise to invest in a decent CPU cooler, as it can help keep the processor cool. Here are a few options that we think are worth getting.

Conclusion

These were different methods that can help you check CPU temperature. During gaming or other demanding tasks, it is important to monitor the temperatures, as constant high temperatures can ruin the overall lifespan of the CPU and cause performance issues. You should also consider checking your CPU usage, as this can help you identify applications that are taking a toll on the processor.

When we hear update your drivers, we automatically think about the GPU drivers, but its counterpart also deserves some attention, and there are drivers for the CPU as well. However, since that doesn’t get much attention, you might be wondering how do you even update CPU drivers. And we’re here to answer that question for you.

We’ve put together this quick guide to help you update your CPU drivers, so let’s get right to it. 

How to update CPU drivers on Windows 10 and Windows 11

Updating CPU drivers is straightforward. The CPU brand doesn’t matter, so the process is similar whether you’ve got an AMD or an Intel processor. Follow the steps below to update the CPU drivers. 

Wrapping up

This was everything you needed to know about updating CPU drivers. Hopefully, you can update the drivers automatically or manually and get the best performance from your system. One thing to note is that getting the drivers from official sources like Nvidia, AMD, and Intel is always recommended to ensure you’re getting the right and verified software. 

That said, even after updating your CPU drivers, the performance isn’t quite where you want it to be; there is a possibility that it's thermal throttling due to old thermal paste or restricted airflow. To the end, we recommend you check out our top picks for the best thermal pastes, best CPU coolers, and the best airflow PC cases. 

However, if these solutions don’t work, it might be time to say goodbye to your current CPU and bring in the latest technology. If you’re interested in that, we recommend you check out these options.

What makes AM4 so great?

AM4 was released back in September 2016 and remained AMD's platform of choice for over six years. During that time, the AM4 socket was at the center of 11 different chipsets and supported 153 different processors; which is an impressive feat on its own if you think about it. (linked source does not include 5700X3D).

What makes this even more impressive is that at the same time, Intel went through 4 desktop sockets. AMD managed to keep up. It AMD took this tired socket and kept it relevant for over 6 years, through constant upgrades and supportive updates, AMD managed to go toe-to-toe with Intel in terms of performance for that whole period. It's like racing the same car for 6 years, while your competitors constantly upgraded theirs.

Of course, AMD upgraded the chipsets on subsequent motherboards, but it was all based around that same socket. Here's a grab to show just how deep the AM4 chipset range is...and the CPU releases that followed it.

One of the biggest complaints among Intel users in the early 2020s was that Intel changed sockets too often, meaning users needed to buy a more expensive motherboard every time they got a new Intel CPU. Not the case on AMD; if you wanted to, you could run a 5950X on an A320 motherboard. Should you? Probably not, but it was nice to have the opportunity.

Can AM4 still perform?

Absolutely! As you may know, the GPU does most of the heavy lifting when it comes to gaming. So if that's your primary focus, then you may just need a good GPU to cut through most of the workload.

When I tested the 5900X for the Ryzen 5900X review, I used my own hardware - which consists of an old AM4 X470 motherboard, an RX 7900XT, and 32GB of 3200MHz DDR4 memory. And the results I got may shock you. Here's a snippet of the gaming performance of the 5900X from the review:

Yes, the 7900XT is a pretty expensive card, but it serves to make my point that the GPU does most of the work when it comes to gaming, and if you're wondering whether to upgrade your current AM4 rig for more performance, you might just be able to upgrade your GPU for the time being and see some positive results.

Is it time to upgrade from AM4?

As always, it depends on what you use your PC for. Personally, as mentioned, I run AM4 and I'm not planning to upgrade until GTA 6 launches. But that's not through necessity...it's just because I want to. Never once have I encountered a time when playing Beam.NG, RDR2, Fallout, streaming videos, running benchmarks, and gone "Man, this CPU sucks". Truth be told, it had better not suck, it's a 5900X! But it's still AM4 driving everything at the heart of the system.

One nice thing about AM4's successor, AM5, is the PCIe Gen 5 storage opportunity; if you're a certified speed freak, then this could be the feature that tips you into AM5. But in all honesty, storage speeds are still fine. Even on my X470 motherboard. That's right! I'm happy, and I'm not even rocking the latest AM4 hardware.

What does AMD think?

Not even AMD thinks it's time for you to leave AM4 behind, or else they wouldn't have released the AMD Ryzen 7 5700X3D this year for AM4. Even in the era of AM5, AMD is still releasing hardware for AM4, which is surprising. I sincerely thought that the Ryzen 7 5800X3D would be the last AM4 CPU.

So if the performance is still great, and the speeds are still good, why upgrade at all? Well it's all down to personal preference, and your needs may be much greater than mine. Maybe you're a data science student, or maybe you run massive, complex simulations on your home rig. I don't do that, so what I have works for me. But there's no glaring reason to upgrade from AM4 that I can see.

How long will AM4 still be supported?

When AM5 was released, many feared for the future of AM4. But AMD put those fears to rest, assuring us that AM4 would still be supported for a long time. Thankfully, we have been reassured yet again that AM4 will see continued support until at least 2025, per a recent article from TechSpot.

If you ask me, this is what separates AMD from the likes of Nvidia, and even Intel to some degree. We know that AMD is a business above all else, but I'd like to commend them for thinking of the consumer and working hard to support the systems that are still in use, seemingly regardless of the likely cost implications. I'm sure it'd be far cheaper for AMD to cut ties with AM4 and stop supporting the socket. But here we are in 2024 and AM4 is still going strong.

Final Word

So is it time to upgrade from AM4? No, not for me. AMD's AM4 was, and continues to be, probably the best consumer PC platform that has ever been made. The fact that AMD kept the same platform and continued to improve its performance against Intel, which constantly updated its platform, is phenomenal. Even now with the release of AM5, AMD continues to keep AM4 alive; seemingly purely because of how many of its customers use it.

I won't be moving to AM5, at least not until 2025, and maybe beyond that. I realize this reads more like a fanboy love letter to a platform, but I just want to draw attention to everything AMD achieved with AM4. And how I hope it'll be in support for years to come. Honestly, it'll be a sad day for technology the day that AM4's support is discontinued.

Unlike the APU-focused 8000 series, AMD is back on track for giving us the best CPUs for gaming in this new generation, taking on their rivals Intel as always. We expect to see the 9950X, 9900X, 9700X, and 9600X first in line - but we'll be sure to come back and update you with a full list of SKUs once announced.

Where to buy AMD Ryzen 9000 series - US expected retailers

Starting right away with the best retailers in the United States. The 9000 series should be widely available in this region.

Amazon

Best Buy

Newegg

Where to buy AMD Ryzen 9000 series - Canada expected retailers

Moving on to Canada and you'll find that the same retailers as the US are a good choice. Of course, we've catered the store links below for the Canadian sites respectively.

Amazon CA

Best Buy CA

Newegg CA

Where to buy AMD Ryzen 9000 series - UK expected retailers

Over in the UK, there are a couple of great local retailers in Overclockers and Scan. As always, we'll be updating these lists as much as we can!

Amazon UK

Overclockers UK

Scan

When will I be able to buy AMD Ryzen 9000 series CPUs?

AMD has been following a pretty similar pattern when it comes to launching their latest (odd number) desktop CPU ranges. As per our current release date prediction, you should be able to buy a new AMD Ryzen 9000 series CPU sometime in Q3 2024. That being said, it will likely be towards the end of Q3, with September being a realistic estimate - as that's when the 7000 series released. There is also a chance you'll be able to pre order a little earlier, depending on retailer.

Do I need to upgrade my motherboard for 9000 series?

If you're upgrading to the 9000 series, motherboard compatibility should be one of your main concerns. The Ryzen 9000 series will be sticking to the AM5 socket, so if you have a motherboard designed for the 7000 or 8000 series, then you'll be good to go - a BIOS update may be needed at most. However, we suspect that many people will be upgrading from an older AM4 board, and in this case you'll need to buy a compatible AM5 motherboard.

The RTX 3060 Ti is a mid-range GPU – halfway from the entry-level and the real mid-high-end GPUs. This is a graphics card that you can easily buy and use for gaming, working, studying, and introducing yourself to the world of building PCs.If you have a GPU like this and are considering building your rig on that, in this article we bring you the best CPU options for you.

The best CPU for the RTX 3060 Ti will have to be a CPU that can endure the processing power of 4864 CUDA cores, 1,410 MHz of base clock speed, 1,665 boost clock speed, and 8GB of GDDR6 memory. This is not a super strong GPU, but the GA104 processor and the Samsung 8nm node found on the GPU have given this Ampere unit enough power to run any game you need.

If that's enough information for you and you just want to know what products we recommend, we have outlined our products at a glance below, top of that list is the Core i5-13600K - because of the value it brings to a system equipped with a 3060 Ti.

Products at a glance

How do we pick the best CPU for RTX 3060 Ti?

When choosing the best CPU for the RTX 3060 Ti, there are several factors to consider. First, you need to make sure that the CPU is compatible with your motherboard and other components. Consider the processor brand and architecture, with Intel and AMD being really the only two brands to choose from, but they each have a plethora of different motherboard generations associated with them.

One of the main considerations to keep in mind is the processor speed, measured in GHz, will also impact performance, with a higher speed generally leading to better performance. The number of cores a CPU has is important as well, as more cores allow for better multitasking. Additionally, the cache size, a high-speed memory used by the CPU, is another imperative factor, with a larger cache size improving performance.

If you’re looking for more RTX 3060 Ti recommendations, then head over to our Best Motherboard for RTX 3060 Ti guide. As well as, our Best Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 Ti article.

Best CPU for RTX 3060 Ti

You need the power to match the 3060 Ti speed, and the Core i5 13600K is the best option. You might wonder why the Intel 14th gen isn't here, and that's because, for this GPU, we don't consider the minimal performance increase over the 13th gen for the money a valuable investment, especially when we're trying to create value with our picks.

With this CPU your rig will be ready to take on 1080p gaming easily. In reality, you'd probably be able to handle some older games in 1440p, you're climbing into the big leagues now.

The Intel Core i5-13600K boasts an impressive 14 cores and 20 threads, making it a top contender in the CPU market. Its MSRP of $320 is incredibly affordable given the level of performance it offers. It's also important to note, that this CPU can now be found cheaper given its age, and even better deals can be found on the second-hand market.

Compared to its predecessor, the Core i5-12600K, the i5-13600K doubles the number of E-cores and comes equipped with a total of 8 efficient cores (E-cores) and 6 performance cores (P-cores). The P-cores also support Hyper-threading, which contributes to the total number of threads reaching 20. All this processing power is contained on a chip with a TDP of only 125W.

In layman’s terms, this design results in excellent performance for lightly threaded tasks such as gaming, and competitive performance for multi-thread workloads. The improvement is due to the increased number of cores and better clock speeds. The single-core performance is superior to AMD alternatives and is not far behind the Core i9-13900K, with a higher base clock but a lower boost.

For gaming purposes, the performance is nearly comparable to the Intel Core i9 with only a slight drop in frames per second, but with a lower cost and power consumption. The CPU is also unlocked and can be overclocked to a maximum TDP of 181W. The Intel Core i5-13600KF is a similar CPU without an integrated GPU and is priced at $30 cheaper. If you already have a graphics card in your setup, this is a cost-effective way to achieve the same performance.

Best Ryzen 7000 series CPU for 3060 Ti

Intel is not the only brand capable of delivering great CPUs at good prices. AMD has been known for being the top-chose brand in mid and low-entry builds. And with its 7000-series CPUs, AMD introduces to the world one of the best mid-range processors for gaming. Like in Intel’s case, you will be able to perform great at any 1080p and 1440p resolution when gaming.

The Ryzen 5 7600X is considered one of the best processors from AMD. However, if you’re upgrading from an older system, keep in mind that the Ryzen 7000 processors from AMD only support DDR5 RAM and require a new motherboard with the AM5 socket and DDR5 RAM. With 32MB of total cache, the Ryzen 5 7600X excels at handling heavy loads.

It boasts 6 cores and 12 threads, that can reach a boost frequency of 5.3GHz, which is a remarkable performance compared to previous generations where overclocking was necessary to achieve such speeds. This processor is capable of reaching these speeds on its own, as long as you have a sufficient CPU cooler.

The Ryzen 5 7600X is the best option in AMD’s current lineup. Unless you have specific needs for a high number of threads, such as for streaming or creative work, the Ryzen 5 7600X is the ideal choice. Additionally, the AM5 socket is expected to be supported for a considerable amount of time, so although there may be an added expense now, you can be assured that your setup will be compatible with future generations of processors.

Best AM4 CPU for RTX 3060 Ti

You can always find a better price. If you need the best budget for the 3060 Ti, then you can choose the Ryzen 5 5600X. This CPU from the previous Gen has ensured great gaming capabilities into rigs for a long time and has never disappointed. You’ll have the power of running 1080p games but if you want to go for the 1440p resolution, you’ll find a bit of a struggle.

The AMD Ryzen 5 5600X is the best budget option for those who want to save money. Despite having a larger bottleneck of around 12%, the price of this CPU is significantly lower, especially if you can find it on sale due to the recent release of the 5000 series CPUs.

The 5600X still offers impressive core speeds, however, it may limit the performance of your GPU at lower resolutions. Surprisingly, it is recommended to use this CPU and GPU combination for 1440p resolution for optimal performance.

The Ryzen 5 5600X is a formidable force in the mid-range market, boasting six cores and twelve threads powered by the advanced Zen 3 architecture and manufactured using 7nm process technology. This combination leads to a significant improvement of ~19% in instruction per cycle (IPC) throughput, making the 5600X a top pick for the Best CPUs list.

Further optimizations such as an improved boosting algorithm, better memory overclocking, and revised cache topology eliminate any remaining performance advantages held by Intel and deliver a new level of power efficiency. In fact, as detailed below, the Ryzen 5 5600X is the most energy-efficient desktop PC chip tested to date.

Best future-proofing CPU for RTX 3060 Ti

There’s always that one person who loves putting a high-end component to the budget rig. Let’s say that one person is each one of us, and the minimum chance we have to build a Ryzen 9 7900X into our rig will be taken.

With this CPU you can forget about any possibility of bottlenecking your CPU. The processor is so strong that at some point it’ll carry out the GPU. In big sandbox games, you’ll have no regret about having purchased this processor. Even, if you do content creation tasks, you’ll feel the boost.

The Ryzen 9 7900X by AMD is a top-of-the-line CPU with a price point of $549, which falls between Intel’s premium Core i9 and Core i7 chips. But it can be found for cheaper now. Despite its mid-range placement in terms of price, the Ryzen 9 7900X boasts performance that surpasses the competition, delivering powerful gaming performance that matches or exceeds that of Intel’s best CPUs.

In addition, it has strong performance in desktop PC applications. With its combination of affordability, gaming performance, and powerful desktop application capabilities, the Ryzen 9 7900X is a strong contender for our list of the best CPUs and our CPU benchmark hierarchy. There is much more to consider than just the price when it comes to choosing the best CPU.

The Ryzen 9 7900X boasts impressive specifications with its 12 cores and Zen 4 architecture, which results in a ~13% improvement in IPC, manufactured on the advanced 5nm process. This allows for remarkable peak clock speeds of 5.6 GHz, nearly reaching the 5.7 GHz of the top-of-the-line Ryzen 9 7950X. The high clock speed is even ahead of Intel’s current fastest offerings and sets the bar for future releases.

Main features and considerations

The first thing you will need to consider is the type of workload you’re going to be asking of your PC. This type of build is mainly for budgeted gamers, however, you can still apply plenty of day-to-day productivity tasks to it. If that’s the case, you would need to consider which type of games you play. Keep in mind, that big sandbox games are more CPU-heavy than other AAA games. In that case, specifically, you will need a stronger CPU.

So among all the things to check on a CPU, the first one would be the number of cores. The more cores, the better the CPU’s ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. This should be paired with core speed to determine the effectiveness of the CPU.

Something else to consider is the architecture of those cores and the whole GPU. For example, at this level, AMD has a better architecture to perform on AAA games, thanks to its great rasterization power; while Intel is more capable of enduring sandbox games due to its multi-threading abilities. However, that would change considering the CPUs and price.

This takes us to the next point. The 3060 Ti is an entry-level GPU, so the build will be based on a budget that can always allow the fanciest stuff. Keeping that in mind, you must consider price-to-performance balance. One of the best sensations when building a budget rig is knowing that you have the best piece for the best price.

Is it worth buying AM4 in 2024?

An interesting question from this guide arises; is it worth buying AM4 in 2024? Given that AMD is pushing toward AM5, they assured us that AM4 wouldn't die immediately. To our surprise, 2024 brought us the last known AM4 CPU to release, the 5700X3D, showing us that even n 2024, AMD isn't done supporting AM4.

It might be lagging a little behind in terms of technology, but it's safe to say that immense value can be found in an AM4 system today. I still use AM4 in my personal gaming rig, and it's not once felt like I needed to upgrade. You just have to decide whether PCIe Gen 5 storage and DDR5 memory speeds are more important to you than saving money.

FAQs

Our Verdict

When it comes to pairing a CPU the RTX 3060 Ti graphics card, the options for CPUs vary depending on your budget and performance needs. For those seeking an affordable option, the best choice is the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X delivers fast core speeds and power efficiency at a reasonable cost. If you’re looking for something in the mid-range, the AMD Ryzen 5 7600X is a solid choice with a fast boost clock and 32 MB of cache to handle heavy loads.

If you’re building a high-end PC, the AMD Ryzen 9 7900X is a powerful 12-core processor that offers the best performance out of our list of desktop processors. Finally, the latest Intel Core i5-13600K is a solid pick for those seeking a more budget-friendly option, especially for gaming, with a high base clock and an option to save more with an i5-13600KF without an integrated GPU. Regardless of which CPU you choose, all of these options are well-suited to handle the RTX 3060 Ti.

If your PC has been lagging or crashing recently and you can't figure out why it's happening, then it would be wise to check if the CPU is under load or not. Some applications can end up consuming a lot of CPU, which can affect the overall performance of your system. In such a case, you need to identify these applications and get rid of them as soon as possible.

Luckily, there are four different ways to check CPU usage, which can also show you how much CPU each individual application is using.

How to check CPU usage

Here are different methods that can help you monitor your CPU usage.

Why is my CPU running at 100%?

Your CPU may be running at 100% due to multiple reasons, including a faulty hard drive, malware, or a resource-hungry software. While CPUs are designed to run safely at 100%, you should get rid of unnecessary applications that take a toll on the processor.

Is your CPU powerful enough?

Now, while high CPU usage can lead to performance issues, the problem can also be in your processor. If you're always multitasking or are running resource-hungry software but have a weak CPU in your system, then you may want to consider upgrading your processor. Here are a few options that we think are worth getting.

Conclusion

These were four methods that can help you check CPU usage instantly. You can either use the methods present in Windows to check it, or you can download a third-party software if you want more details. Either way, if you're facing performance issues, then make sure to learn about how to lower CPU usage.

Discord may be one of the biggest instant messaging applications in the world, but it still has its fair share of problems. For instance, it sometimes affects the overall performance of the system by using more CPU resources. And for those who don't know, high CPU usage can result in lag and crash issues, which no one wants.

Thankfully, there are several methods that can help reduce Discord's CPU usage, and we'll go through all of them in this guide.

How to fix Discord high CPU usage

Here are different methods that can help you make Discord use less CPU resources.

Conclusion

This was everything you needed to know about how to make Discord use less CPU. We understand that high CPU usage issues can be frustrating, as they can cause your system to lag or even crash. However, by following the methods we mentioned, you'll overcome the issue in no time.

Knowing which CPU you have is very useful, as it allows you to streamline your Google searches in case of crashes or error codes. That said, dismantling your setup just to look at your processor’s name is less than ideal, but there are easy workarounds. 

In this guide, we’ve listed four easy-to-follow methods that will show you how to check your CPU without any tinkering with the hardware. So, let’s get right to it, shall we? 

How to check what CPU you have in your PC

Here are a few methods that can help you quickly check which CPU you have as well as other specifications.

Wrapping up 

We’ve reached the end of our journey, and hopefully, now you know how to check what CPU you have using the easy methods listed in this guide. These methods not only show the name of your processor but also the number of cores, its base and current frequency, utilization, cache memory, and other useful information. 

That said, if the reason for you looking for your CPU was subpar performance or other issues and replacing the thermal paste, reseating, or changing the cooling solution hasn’t worked, it might be time to switch it out with a new processor. If you’re interested in that, we recommend you check out these options.

And once you've sorted your CPU, be sure to check out some of our top picks for best thermal pastes, best CPU coolers, and the best airflow PC cases so you can get the absolute best performance out of it too.

A processor running at 100% capacity at all times results in decreased overall performance and can even reduce its life expectancy. Constant stuttering while you’re working or gaming or just a slow boot-up can be frustrating. 

That said, there are a couple of ways to resolve the high CPU usage issue, and we’ve listed all of them in our easy-to-follow guide to help your setup return to its former glory. So, without wasting another second, let’s get right into it. 

Why is my CPU usage so high? 

High CPU usage can be frustrating, resulting in stuttering, lag, and slow processing. This happens due to the CPU trying to process more instances than it can handle or due to a bottleneck, and you see your CPU being used 100% in the task manager. A couple of reasons for this happening are: 

Here's how to lower your CPU usage 

Here are a few methods that can help you quickly fix the high CPU usage issue.

Wrapping up

This was everything about how to lower CPU usage, and as you saw, there are a handful of reasons that your CPU is running at 100% capacity. They can range from a dirty PC case to outdated drivers. However, these are all easy fixes, and by following the mentioned steps, your processor should be back to running at normal levels in no time.

After all that, if you think a new CPU would better serve you, then we recommend you check out these options.

That said, to kick off your buying journey in the best possible way, we’ve put together this in-depth guide that lists different options, their details, and pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

If you don't have time to read the full article, we have handily outlined our products at a glance so you don't have to comb through everything to get our best recommendations. With that being said, let's get into it.

Products at a glance

How we picked

After considering multiple factors, such as price, compatibility, threads and cores, and unlocked multiplier, and comparing various processors based on these factors, we came up with a list of CPUs that we think are the best to be paired with an LGA 1151 socket when building or upgrading a PC.

Best LGA1151 CPU

If you’re looking for the best CPU that is compatible with an LGA 1151 socket, consider checking out the Intel i9-9900K processor.

First off, this processor has eight cores and 16 threads, a base frequency of 3.60 GHz, and a turbo frequency of 5.00 GHz. What this means is that this CPU should deliver top-notch general and in-game performance. The 16 threads should enable it to handle running tasks in parallel without sacrificing performance, and you can turn up the clock speed if you feel like your setup could use more power.

That said, Intel processors with the “K” moniker come unlocked from the manufacturer. This means that if you have the right tools and expertise, you can increase the clock speed beyond 5.00 GHz, but that comes with its share of risks. The heat produced could damage the internal workings, so we recommend investing in an adequate cooler before overlocking this powerhouse.

Regarding compatible memory, this CPU supports up to 128 GB of DDR4 2666 MHz RAM. What this means is that you can stack multiple memory sticks, as long as your motherboard can support it, and increase the overall performance of your build. If you’re looking to get your hands on the best DDR4 RAM available on the market, check out our guide.

Other than that, it features a 16 MB L3 cache. What this translates to in terms of performance is that you should experience quick processing and fast access times. Caches hold frequently accessed data and are located close to the cores. This reduces the distance the data travels from storage to the CPU, resulting in better performance.

It also sports an integrated Intel UHD 630 graphic card, and while that may be enough for basic tasks such as displaying a Word document, for high-definition gaming, you’ll need to pair it with a discrete GPU. You don’t necessarily have to pair it with an over-the-top card, such as an RTX 4090, as that’ll cost way more than an entire budget build.

There are excellent pocket-friendly graphic cards under $400 that could go well with the i9-9900K. Once you’ve sorted that out, you can expect the i9 9900K to perform well at 1080P and even 1440P during demanding games like Shadow of the Tomb Raider and God of War.

Overall, this CPU was the reigning king of its time, and while newer and more powerful processors may overshadow it now, it is still a reliable option for gaming, processing, and other tasks, especially if you want a power CPU under a budget.

What users say about the i9-9900K

One owner of the i9-9900k on Amazon stated the CPU was better than they imagined "This processor is not what I thought it would be. It is better than I could have imagined. First the packaging is awesome. Next it installed in my XPS 8930 very easily as I already had updated the bios for support. I enabled overclocking in bios and started it up. Instant first operation was 4700 mghz across all cores with dells basic oc"

Best i7 CPU for LGA 1151

If you’re looking for the best i7 processor compatible with an LGA 1151 socket, check out the i7 – 9700K.

Let’s kick things off with some general specifications. This CPU has eight cores, eight threads, a 3.60 GHz clock speed, and a turbo clock speed of 4.90 GHz. You might notice that it has eight fewer threads than our top pick, but that doesn’t mean the performance difference is leagues apart. That said, there will be some differences when handling parallel tasks, but a faster SSD, RAM, and overclocking should make up for the difference.

Another thing to note is that its base clock speed is the same, and the turbo clock speed is only 0.1 GHz slower. This difference is negligible and should deliver top-notch performance across various processes. So, the question is, why would you opt for this processor and not go for the top pick if the performance difference isn’t a lot? It all boils down to the costs. At the time of writing, our top pick is going for $458, while the i7-9700K will set you back by around $293. The difference comes down to $165, which is a good amount of money you can redirect towards a better SSD or RAM.

Like the i9-9900K, the i7-9700K can also support a maximum of 128 GB of RAM with a maximum frequency of 2,666 MHz. This should be more than enough for multitasking and single-core tasks such as gaming. That said, you can also boost the performance by pairing it with the best RAM for i7-9700K and leaving nothing on the table.

According to this processor’s specification page, it is capable of supporting 4K (3840 x 2160) at 60 Hz. What this means is that if you have a 4K monitor, this CPU should be able to handle and work at that resolution. However, suppose you plan on gaming at 4K resolution with high settings. In that case, you most likely will experience performance degradation and a possible bottleneck depending on what GPU you pair this with.

All in all, this CPU brings good features and functionalities to the table, and the price bracket it comes in makes it one of the best CPUs compatible with the LGA 1151 socket.

What users say about the Core i7-9700K

One 9700K owner on Amazon wrote: "I built two with this CPU processor last year about this time. Very happy with the speed this has starting up and shutting down, and running programs like nobody business. I'm not a gamer, but I could play games with the video cards I put in on both of them - EVGA GeForce 1660 Super 6GB"

Best i5 CPU for LGA 1151

If you’re looking for an LGA 1151 compatible CPU that is light on the pocket but is still efficient for most tasks, the i5 9600K might be the option for you.

For starters, the i5 9600K has six cores, six threads, and a base clock speed of 3.7 GHz. While these specifications might not seem a lot, its base clock speed is 0.1 GHz faster than the i7-9700K, and let’s not forget that it can be overclocked. On top of that, the 6-threaded architecture should be able to handle general tasks and some medium-level intensive tasks; running heavy applications and playing games in parallel might bring it to a stop despite its boost clock of 4.6 GHz.

Regarding gaming performance, it has a decent single-core rating, which is just slightly less than that of the i7-9700. This means that if you pair it with a decent GPU—and there are plenty of options, like the best GTX 1660 graphics card—you’ll be gaming at high framerates in no time.

If you have the right gear, you can overclock this CPU to hell and back. It’ll take an advanced board like the MSI MEG Z390 Godlike, but if you’ve got it, you can reach stable frequencies as high as 5GHz. Even before any overclocking, this i5’s clock speed specs are pretty impressive. In fact, it has a 0.1GHz faster base frequency than both the i7 9700K and our LGA 1151 CPU champion, the i9 9900K.

One thing to note is that while this processor offers decent gaming performance when it comes to general functionality, it might be a bit slow for some due to the absence of hyperthreading. However, if you’re planning on running multiple heavy apps at the same time, this CPU should be able to handle light processing tasks without a hitch.

So, to review, we’ve got good gaming performance, low price, and decent light processing capabilities. This checks off plenty of boxes in our books and makes it one of the best LGA 1151 CPUs you can buy.

What users say about the i5-9600K

One verified purchaser of the 9600K on Amazon had this to say: "I built my current system with the Core i5 9600K, using a 1TB NVMe M.2 PCIe Gen3x4 ssd as the main drive and a Samsung 1TB evo ssd for secondary. This is the fastest pc I have ever owned, with remarkably fast boot up and loading speeds. The M.2 ssd makes boot time from the appearance of the bios screen to Windows between 4.2 seconds the fastest and 4.8 seconds being the slowest...remarkable.

The gameplay is fantastic. I mostly play FPS & 3rd person shooters, and a few other types of games like the Tomb Raider series. It may of course be my imagination, but everything appears to be faster, sharper, and extremely fluid. I'm sold on this cpu!"

Best Mid-range LGA 1151 CPU

If you’re looking for a CPU that performs in the same league but doesn’t cost the same, the Intel Core i5 – 9400F might be your option.

For starters, this is a stripped-down version of our previous i5 K-Series pick, but the good thing is that the stuff that Intel has chosen to omit in this design doesn’t affect gaming performance. For instance, the integrated Intel UHD 630 graphics card is gone, bringing the price down, but you’ll be pairing it with a discrete GPU anyway, so no harm, no foul, right?

That said, you do lose out on a chunk of clock speed from one i5 to the next, leaving you with a base frequency of 2.9Hz, a little below the desirable rate for gaming. However, simply flick on Turbo Boost in the BIOS, and your max frequency hits highs of 4.1GHz. This should enable it to handle gaming at 1080p and 1440p, but you might have to tweak some settings at 1440p, especially if you’re running the game on high presets. However, you can pair this CPU with the best gaming RAM and give a boost to your overall setup.

One more minor downside to the entire F-Series is that they’re not unlocked, which means that they can’t be manually overclocked. So, if you’re a PC enthusiast looking to overclock their components and push their build to the extreme, this CPU will hold you back from doing so.

However, considering its performance and the price tag it comes with, it’s one of the best LGA 1151 CPUs to get your hands on if you’re putting together a budget PC.

What users had to say about the i5-9400F

Another verified purchaser of the 9400F had this to say on Amazon: "This is probably the cheapest processor on the market that won't bottleneck your graphics card. I did some early testing with an RX 5700 to see if there was any sign of bottlenecks caused by the CPU. What I found is that I was getting the same performance as tech sites were with the RX 5700 where they were using the i9-9900k processors. It's possible that perhaps an RTX 2080 might be too much for it, but even that I doubt, and if it were, the bottleneck would probably be minimal"

Best Budget LGA 1151 CPU

Our final CPU for LGA 1151 socket types is one of the best i3 units you can buy. It is not exactly stacked with hardware, containing only four single-threaded cores, but it has all it needs to supplant your old processor and keep you gaming on that LGA 1151 motherboard for at least a few more years.

What still impresses us about the i3 9100F is its clock speeds. It bottoms out at 3.6GHz, which is beyond the minimum requirement for some snappy gaming, and it can be boosted to an admirable 4.2GHz when you need some extra juice.

Burdened by that ‘F’ suffix, you won’t be able to tweak performance with any manual overclocking, so it’s by no means an enthusiast unit. However, if all you’re worried about is the capacity to run games, the i3 9100F is a fantastic budget option.

Much like our second-last pick, this i3 unit doesn’t include any integrated graphics facilities, but it does come with a cooling fan, so if you like to keep a chill, quiet case, it won’t disappoint.

What users say about the i3-9100F

One person who purchased this CPU back in 2020 had this to say on Amazon about the 9100F: "This processor is amazing. I did a lot of research on my son's computer. He is an avid Fortnite player, and likes, more like, loves performance!But, gee whiz, I can't afford to pop $1000 every time new games come out? Well, the current gaming computer wasn't horrible, but it's been like 8 years since it was majorly upgraded, and it makes a whirlwind of a difference!"

Is the LGA 1151 platform still good in 2024?

It's all well and good picking up a CPU to suit the socket, but how well does the LGA 1151 Socket fit into modern-day computing?

Although LGA 1151 was at the pinnacle of technology at the time, it has fallen behind the advancements of the modern day. While the 1151 socket does support DDR4, the official support speed is pretty slow, at 4000MHz max. You're also coupled with the lower-end PCIe GEN 3 version, meaning slower M.2 speeds and less support for higher-end modern GPUs. While these issues aren't too glaring right now, technology is advancing rapidly - it might become a much bigger issue shortly.

We advise not to build a brand new rig on the LGA 1151 socket, but if you already have a system and are looking to spend a minimal amount on the upgrade, a new LGA 1151 CPU might be your best bet. Here's how to pick the best LGA 1151 CPU.

How to pick the best LGA 1151 CPU

While the LGA 1151 socket supports CPUs that are from 2018, that doesn’t mean they don’t provide value, and simply throwing away your money on any CPU isn’t recommended. There are some factors you need to consider before choosing a CPU and to make things easier for you; we’ve listed some of them below.

Compatibility

The first thing you need to ensure is that the CPU you choose is compatible with the LGA 1151 socket. This is important as there are two LGA 1151 sockets: the first and the second. The first version is compatible with Skylake and Kaby Lake CPUs like Intel i5-7287U, while the second version (revision) supports Coffee Lake CPUs like Intel i7-9700T. So, make sure you’re choosing the correct CPU for the correct socket, and mismatching could damage the processor or the motherboard.

Overclocking

While most people won’t generally go for overclocking because it requires setting the fan curve, adjusting the voltage, and other technicalities that can damage the CPU, it is almost a given for hardcore gamers and creators who want to squeeze out every last bit of performance from their CPUs. That said, Intel processors denoted with “K” come unlocked from the manufacturer, making them easier to overclock. So, if you plan on overclocking to make the most of your system, you should go for a "K" version.

Cores and Threads

Another important aspect to consider is the cores and threads. The cores are responsible for all the processing, and each core could have multiple threads, which is called hyperthreading. This enables your setup to effortlessly handle various processes running in parallel. So, if you plan on running tasks requiring multi-core recruitment, go for a CPU with more cores and threads.

Other than physical differences, new architecture means a CPU is more energy-efficient, able to accommodate a greater number of cores, may have an enhanced thermal treatment, and even feature entirely new processes.

Multitasking

When they talk about multitasking in a computational context, people mean the CPU’s ability to run different software in parallel with full functionality in each application without the risk of crashing. For example, if you’ve got a handful of tabs open, you’re listening to music, live streaming, and playing games simultaneously; that’s multitasking.

As we mentioned earlier, hyperthreaded cores are fantastic at multitasking. They’re the jugglers of the tech world. The more threads you have, the more they can handle. Rudimentary multitasking is essential to everyone these days, but it is never as important as it is for content creators.

FCLGA 1151 and LGA 1151: What's the difference?

Although it sounds complicated, they're the same thing. FC just stands for Flip-chip, which is the sort of architecture for the socket. So don't be put off if you see the two different abbreviations floating around, they both mean the same thing.

FAQs

Our Verdict

The Core i9-9900K is the best LGA 1151 CPU in our book, thanks to its fantastic performance apart from it's age limitations, you're on for a winner if you can snag it at a lower price.

Technology is progressing at a rapid pace, but it doesn’t mean the older tech is out of commission as soon as new technology is introduced, and the LGA 1151 motherboards aren’t quite out of the race just yet, though they aren't far off. That said, the best CPU for LGA 1151 is the king of old, the Intel i9-9900K, and there are a handful of reasons for that. First, it has 8 cores and 16 threads which should make it a beast at handling parallel workloads as well as delivering top-notch in-game results.

On top of that, it has a turbo frequency of 5.00 GHZ, and it can be overclocked to go beyond that, which should ramp up its processing capabilities. To wrap things up, it has a large 16 MB L3 cache, which, combined with a fast SSD and good gaming RAM, should help it quickly work any task you put in front of it.

If you're someone who is always engaged in multitasking and has multiple applications open in the background, then you will benefit greatly from having a processor with a higher number of cores and threads. Some software also require you to have a processor with a specific number of cores, but how can you check that out?

Luckily, there are four methods that can help you learn how many cores and threads your CPU has, and we'll go through all of them in this guide.

How to see how many cores and threads your CPU has

Here are four different methods that can help you check the number of cores and threads your CPU has.

Using Task Manager

The best and quickest way to check the number of cores and threads is via the Task Manager.

Using System Information

Alternatively, you can use the System Information menu for the same purpose, but this will only tell you the number of cores.

Using the Command Prompt

Command Prompt can also be used to learn about the number of cores and threads your processor has. It may not present the information in a proper format, but it still gets the job done.

Using the official websites

If you want to check the number of cores and threads of your own or some other processor that you're planning to buy, you can simply visit the official AMD and Intel websites.

Is it better to have more cores or threads?

This will depend on your needs. For instance, having more cores is better for multitasking, while having more threads will improve the overall performance of single-threaded applications.

Does my CPU have enough cores and threads?

These days, having a CPU with 6 cores and 12 threads is considered a sweet spot, as it is great for gaming, multitasking, and other content-creation tasks. For the basic stuff, you'll be fine with a processor with 2 or 4 cores. In any case, if your CPU currently does not have enough cores and threads, then you may want to check these options out.

Conclusion

These were four methods that can help you find out the number of cores and threads your CPU has. The first three methods are useful for finding information about the CPU you currently have in your system, while the fourth method can help you learn about a processor you don't own.

According to a report by Bloomberg, Apple is hard at work in research and development towards AI processing with the M4 chips due to slower-than-expected sales of the company's chipsets to date. Despite only releasing the M3 chips a handful of months ago (inside of MacBooks and iMac desktop computers), the next generation is already nearing production, meaning we could see them roll out towards the end of the year as per the company's track record.

The report also alleges that the upcoming M4 chipset will also be available in three different versions, meaning likely to be an M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max to coincide with MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac Minis, and iMacs. At present, the company's flagship machines (the Mac Pros) are still running M2 Ultras, but we could see an M4 Ultra emerge further down the line.

The constant is that Apple is essentially having to catch up to AMD and Intel as Team Red and Team Blue have already made headway with dedicated NUPCs baked onto the chip. As Apple is now developing its in-house silicon, this will mean forging a custom-made NUPC that works with the ARM architecture. Should these chipsets emerge inside the refreshed hardware lineup this year, it would mark the quickest turnaround to date.

It remains to be seen exactly how Apple plans to integrate MacOS with AI functionality but it should mean more power efficient and faster performance in tasks which AI can help to bolster for work and creatives. This includes reduced rendering times for content creators, enhanced image editing tools, on-the-fly tweaks with webcam and audio functionality, and more. We'll be bringing you more on the story as it develops.

Demonstrated at the Intel Vision 2024 event, Intel Lunar Lake Core Ultra 200 processors are set to feature 100 AI TOPs with a projected 40 million processors shipped out by the end of the year as reported by Wccftech. Billed as the 'flagship SoC for Next Gen of AI PCs' this hardware is alleged to utilize up to eight cores of Lion Cove (P-cores) and Skymont (E-cores) with the next-generation Intel Arc Battlemage iGPU (built on the Xe2-LPG) architecture with up to eight Xe-cores.

In terms of just how much more powerful Lunar Lake will be in comparison to Meteor Lake, the former is set to feature 100 TOPs which is a 70% increase over the 30 TOPs currently being used by the latter. Taken as a whole, this means far more operations for the likes of the central processor, NPU, and iGPU. Speaking to the NPU itself, at 3x the performance, AI-accelerated tasks will be able to be done much faster and more efficiently.

Arguably, the implementation of the Battlemage iGPU could see sweeping graphical improvements and power efficiency. While unlikely to be a leading choice for gamers, it will mean more stable performance for GPU-intensive rendering tasks, as Team Blue has had years to innovate on its first-generation Arc-integrated graphics.

Then we get onto the Intel 20A CPU process, the Core Ultra 200 CPUs are the first to utilize this new die size. Specifically, 20A is built on a 2nm process which is much smaller than the competition. Intel has steadily been shrinking its silicon and 20A looks to be packing leading performance, as this process means even smaller transistors for more operations without overheating, meaning more power efficient than their larger predecessors.

We previously reported on how the earthquakes would surge chip prices but that's now unlikely to be the case. As reported by PC Gamer, it's been alleged that over 80% of production from TSMC was back up and running within 10 hours of the initial quake hitting the factories. This is likely because the country's semiconductor manufacturing plants are not located in the Eastern region where the earthquakes were at their strongest.

The overall damage has been said to be less than 1% according to TrendForce which also includes Micron, Nanya, and Windbond, all of which reportedly made a full recovery by April 8 (five days after the earthquakes hit). It's a similar story for Samsung and SK Hynix as well which saw its DRAM manufacturing initially halted but with minimal impact to production. That means we likely aren't going to need to shell out additionally for the best gaming RAM and the best SSDs for gaming.

How the earthquakes could have impacted chip prices

Were it not for the fast recovery from Taiwan's semiconductor manufacturers, we would likely have seen the prices of RAM, CPUs, and SSDs skyrocket as demand would have outstripped supply considerably. This is in contrast to the current state of these computing components which are seeing some of their largest discounts to date. Speaking to TSMC, who makes the chipsets for both the AMD Radeon RX 7000 and Nvidia RTX 40 series, any disruption could have seen GPUs increase, too.

That's very much a worst-case scenario but it could have been on the cards given the magnitude of the earthquakes which hit Taiwan. However, it's worth outlining that this is far from the most important thing when it comes to what's happened. According to Reuters, 16 people have unfortunately lost their lives and over 1,000 people are believed to be injured, as it's the strongest earthquake to hit the country in over 25 years. We hope those injured will make just as fast of a recovery.