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Best Processor

Intel® Processor Ratings Help You Decide

  • To help you find the processor that best suits your needs, Intel has assigned each processor between one and five stars. Processors with more stars have greater features and increased capabilities. 1

What do the Intel® processor star ratings mean?


Value and reliability


Dependable and proven


Smart, fast, energy-efficient technology


Advanced intelligence, premium technologies, and speed help


Ultimate intelligence and breakthrough technologies

2nd generation Intel® Core™ i7 processor Extreme Edition

Intel® Core™ i7 processor Extreme Edition

  • Extra performance on demand2
  • Smart multitasking3
  • Built-in visuals4
  • Overclocking enabled5
2nd generation Intel® Core™ i7 processor

Intel® Core™ i7 processor

  • Extra performance on demand2
  • Smart multitasking3
  • Built-in visuals4
  • Higher frequency and greater cache size
2nd generation Intel® Core™ i5 processor

Intel® Core™ i5 processor

  • Extra performance on demand2
  • Smart multitasking3
  • Built-in visuals4
2nd generation Intel® Core™ i3 processor

Intel® Core™ i3 processor

  • Smart multitasking3
  • Built-in visuals4
Intel® Pentium® processor

Intel® Pentium® processor

  • Intel® dual-core technology
  • Great desktop performance
  • Enhanced virus protection
Intel® Celeron® processor

Intel® Celeron® processor

  • Low-cost mobile computing
  • Robust wireless security
  • Exceptional value

Product and Performance Information

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1. Intel® Processor Rating is based on a combination of features: cores, GHz, cache and other technologies. More stars indicate greater features and increased capabilities compared to other Intel processors.


2. Requires a system with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology capability. Intel Turbo Boost Technology 2.0 is the next generation of Intel Turbo Boost Technology and is only available on select Intel® processors. Consult your PC manufacturer. Performance varies depending on hardware, software, and system configuration. For more information, visit www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/architecture-and-technology/turbo-boost/turbo-boost-technology.html.


3. Available on select Intel® Core™ processors. Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology (Intel® HT Technology) requires an Intel® HT Technology-enabled system. Consult your PC manufacturer. Performance will vary depending on the specific hardware and software used. For more information, including details on which processors support Intel® HT Technology, visit www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/architecture-and-technology/hyper-threading/hyper-threading-technology.html.


4. Built-in visual features are not enabled on all PCs, and optimized software may be required. Check with your system manufacturer. Learn more at www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/architecture-and-technology/visual-technology/intel-visual-technology-consumer.html.


5. Warning: Altering clock frequency and/or voltage may: (i) reduce system stability and useful life of the system, processor, and other system components; (ii) cause the processor and other system components to fail; (iii) cause reductions in system performance; (iv) cause additional heat or other damage; and (v) affect system data integrity. Intel has not tested, and does not warranty, the operation of the processor beyond its specifications. Intel has not tested, and does not warranty, the operation of other system components beyond their industry standard specifications. Intel assumes no responsibility that the processor and other system components, including if used with altered clock frequencies and/or voltages, will be fit for any particular purpose.