What is the CPU?

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is the central processing unit, the "brain" of your computer. It is the component responsible for executing every click you make, from opening a browser to calculating the most complex graphics in a game.

Today, the role of the CPU has evolved. Now, it's not just about speed, but about intelligence. Modern processors now incorporate:

• High-performance cores for heavy tasks.
• Artificial Intelligence Units (NPU) that accelerate the AI functions of Windows and your applications.
• Integrated graphics that in many cases eliminate the need for an additional graphics card.

In simple terms: a modern and powerful processor ensures that your PC will remain fast, "smart," and efficient for years to come. In this guide, we will help you choose the right one, avoiding technical pitfalls.

What are the most important elements of a processor?

1. Cores and Threads

• Cores: These are the independent processing units. Think of them as "workers." More cores mean that the PC can do many things at the same time (multitasking), such as gaming and simultaneous streaming or opening dozens of tabs in the browser.
• Threads: These are the virtual paths that allow a core to handle more than one task.

Note: While AMD continues to use SMT (Threads) technology, Intel in its new Core Ultra series focuses on optimizing physical cores, eliminating traditional Hyper-Threading for maximum energy efficiency.

2. AI Unit (NPU - Neural Processing Unit)

Now, the processor is not judged only by its GHz. The NPU is a specialized part of the processor that is exclusively responsible for Artificial Intelligence functions (such as background blur in calls, automatic photo enhancement, or Copilot), leaving the other cores free for other tasks.

3. Family

Manufacturers divide processors into "families" so you can immediately understand their power from the name.

• AMD: Uses the Ryzen series (Ryzen 5, 7, 9).

• Intel: Has moved to the new Core Ultra era (Core Ultra 5, 7, 9), replacing the old "Core i".

4. Generation

Beyond the family, generation is the factor that determines the "freshness" of your processor. A newer generation offers:

• AI Architecture: Better NPU units for future applications.
• PCIe 5.0 & DDR5: Full support for today's ultra-fast SSDs and memory.
• Less heat: More power with lower energy consumption.

The latest generations dominating the market are:

Skroutz Tip: A Core Ultra 5 of the current generation is often faster and much more efficient than an older Core i9 13th or 14th generation, while also offering the essential AI capabilities that older processors lack.

5. Processor Speed (GHz) & Performance

The speed (frequency) is measured in GHz and shows how many processing cycles a core can execute per second.

However, today pure speed is not everything. Overall performance depends on how speed, cores, and Cache memory work together.

How to choose based on your needs:

• Multitasking & Productivity: If your PC is a "workshop" where you run a browser with 50 tabs, Excel, Zoom, and AI applications at the same time, then prioritize the number of cores. More cores mean the system won’t "freeze" when tasks are distributed.

• Gaming & Response Speed: If your goal is Gaming or photo editing, you need high frequency (Boost Clock) and large Cache.

  Tip: In gaming, a processor with 3D V-Cache technology (like AMD Ryzen X3D) can perform better than a processor with more GHz, as the extra memory "frees up" the CPU in heavy games.

What to watch out for: Do not compare GHz between different generations or companies. A Core Ultra from 2026 at 4.0GHz is much more powerful than an old 10th generation Core i7 at 5.0GHz, because it can do more work in each clock cycle.

6. Compatibility with the Motherboard

For the processor to work, it must fit exactly into the socket (Socket) of your motherboard. In 2026, the choice of socket also determines whether you will be able to upgrade your PC in the future without changing the motherboard.

Intel now uses the LGA 1851 socket for Core Ultra processors (Series 2 and Series 3). Older motherboards (LGA 1700) are not compatible with the new processors.

The AM5 socket is AMD's choice. Its main advantage is longevity, as AMD has committed to supporting it with new processors (Ryzen 9000, 10000+) for at least one more year.

Do you have an older PC? See options for Processor Upgrade!

7. Integrated Graphics Support.

Integrated graphics are no longer just a "last resort" solution for office work. Modern iGPUs are so powerful that they can run popular games (such as e-sports titles or indie games) at 1080p resolution with excellent performance.

How to recognize them:

• Intel: Almost all Core Ultra processors feature integrated graphics (based on the Intel Arc architecture).

  • Note: If the model ends with "F" (e.g. Core Ultra 5 245F), it means it does not have graphics and a dedicated graphics card is required.

• AMD: Now, most Ryzen processors (7000, 9000, 10000 series) come with basic integrated graphics for your everyday tasks.

  • The "G" Series (APUs): If you're looking for a processor to play games without a graphics card, look for models with the letter "G" (e.g. Ryzen 7 8700G or 9000G). These have much more powerful graphics circuits (Radeon 800M/900M).

Why choose them?

• Save money: You avoid the cost of an entry-level graphics card.
• Lower power consumption: Less heat and noise in your PC.
• AI acceleration: Integrated graphics now work together with the NPU for faster AI processing.

Skroutz Tip: If you choose a processor with powerful integrated graphics, make sure you have fast DDR5 RAM (at least 6000MHz+), as the graphics "borrow" speed from it.

8. Overclocking

An unlocked processor gives you the ability to tweak its settings to achieve higher performance or save power consumption while maintaining the same speeds. This process is called overclocking. All AMD processors are unlocked, while Intel processors can be identified by the letter K in the model name.

However, as mentioned above, for your processor to work, it needs to be compatible with the motherboard. The same applies to overclocking capability, since if your motherboard does not support it, you will have bought an unlocked processor for no reason. Be careful though, do not attempt to overclock if you do not have the appropriate knowledge!

Why overclock? 

What you’ll need: A processor alone is not enough. Your motherboard must also support this feature.

Skroutz Tip: For Intel, you need a motherboard with a "Z" chipset (e.g. Z890).

• For AMD, motherboards with a "B" or "X" chipset (e.g. B850, X870) normally allow overclocking.
• Remember: Overclocking increases heat, so a good cooler or liquid cooling is essential!

7. Coolers

When you use your processor for demanding tasks, its temperature increases. To enjoy it for a long time, you should always have a reliable cooler, so that it does not exceed the permissible temperatures. If you are also into Overclocking, as mentioned above, then you definitely need a dedicated cooler or water cooling.

What should you choose?

• Air coolers: Ideal for mid-range processors (Core Ultra 5, Ryzen 5). They are reliable, affordable, and now very quiet.

• Water cooling (AIO): The only option for top-tier processors (Core Ultra 7/9, Ryzen 9) and for those who do Overclocking. A 280mm or 360mm water cooling system ensures that the processor will perform at 100% of its capabilities even under extreme heat conditions.

8. AMD or Intel?

The choice between these two giants is no longer about "which one is faster," but "which one fits your workflow."

Intel (Core Ultra Series)

The Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2 & 3) represent a radical change.

• Advantages: Top performance in productivity applications, content creation (Video/Photo Editing), and AI processes thanks to powerful NPU units.

• Power Consumption: Intel has managed to drastically reduce power consumption, making its systems greener and quieter than ever.

• Overclocking: Still the king of fine-tuning (for the "K" series), although now it requires Z890 series motherboards for full control.

AMD (Ryzen 9000 & 10000 Series)

AMD continues to dominate the hearts of gamers and power users.

• Gaming King: The X3D models (e.g. Ryzen 7 9800X3D) use 3D V-Cache technology and remain the fastest choice for gaming in the world.

• Upgradability: The AM5 socket is the most "honest" choice for the future. By buying an AM5 motherboard today, you know you'll be able to install processors that will be released even in 2027-2028.

• Integrated Graphics: AMD maintains the lead in graphics performance without a card (G-Series), ideal for budget gaming builds.

What to Prefer According to Use

1. Simple everyday use (Office & Home)

• What’s changing: Ryzen 3 and Core i3 are disappearing from the new generation, as 6-core processors are now the standard entry-level.

• AI: We add the need for basic AI support for Windows.

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Do you want browsing, social media, and 4K streaming? A Core Ultra 5 or a Ryzen 5 (8000/9000 series) is the ideal choice. They offer excellent multitasking and integrated graphics that will save you the cost of a graphics card. If your budget is very limited, a previous generation Ryzen 5 (e.g. 7000 series) remains an excellent "value" solution.

See all suggestions for Everyday Use & Office!

2. Gaming

• What changes: Per-core speed remains important, but L3 Cache is now the "king". Also, the "Bottleneck" (the phenomenon where the processor slows down the graphics card) is very pronounced with the new graphics cards.

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For Gaming, the "golden rule" is 8 cores.

• The Pro Choice: If you want the highest FPS, AMD Ryzen X3D processors (9000/10000 series) are the only way to go due to their huge Cache memory.
• The Balanced Choice: A Core Ultra 7 offers incredible speed and is ideal if you also do Streaming or have many programs open in the background.

See all options for Gaming & Streaming!

Attention here. If you buy a top graphics card from 2026, don't "pair" it with a weak processor. You will see your card underperform, waiting for the processor to send the data. Balance your budget: A mid-range processor (Ultra 5/Ryzen 5) matches mid-range cards, but for high-end gaming you definitely need Ultra 7/Ryzen 7 and above.

Find VFM suggestions for Casual Gaming!

3. Content Creation & Workstation (Video/3D/AI)

What’s changing: We’re no longer just talking about Video Editing, but also about AI Generation. The presence of an NPU and multiple cores is essential so your PC doesn’t “choke”.

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For casual creators (TikTok, YouTube Full HD), a Core Ultra 5 or Ryzen 7 is more than enough.

See suggestions for Casual Creators & Content Creation!

However, if your work involves 4K/8K Editing, 3D Rendering, or training local AI models, then you need the “heavy artillery”:

• Intel Core Ultra 9: Top-tier at handling multiple different workflows simultaneously (multitasking) thanks to its hybrid architecture.
• AMD Ryzen 9: The ultimate power in pure multi-core performance for rendering and compiling

In this category, investing in a latest-generation processor (Series 3 or Ryzen 10000) saves you real time (and money) on every export.

In Conclusion

Whether your goal is high-end gaming with 3D V-Cache technology, professional content creation powered by artificial intelligence (AI), or a reliable solution for your everyday needs, the world of processors offers more options than ever before.

At Skroutz, you can filter your search based on socket (AM5 or LGA 1851), the number of cores, or AI capabilities, to find the ideal processor that will be the heart of your computer for years to come.