Quick check! See if your CPU is outdated!

Yesterday, someone asked Xiao Bian about the performance of their own computer and how long it might last, along with any upgrade suggestions. Recently, Xiao Bian has been organizing CPU data, so he decided to put together a comprehensive list of CPUs over the past decade for everyone to refer to. This will help users understand where their current CPU stands or guide those looking to build a new system on what models to consider.

Entry-Level: I'm Not Old, I Can Still Fight for Another Decade!

Due to the limited width of the WeChat image, Xiao Bian had to split the content into two pictures. Everyone can click on the images to scroll through and read them. Interestingly, there are still many older CPUs in the entry-level market, while high-end processors from over a decade ago are now considered basic options. It's worth noting that the current entry-level segment doesn't include Intel Coffee Lake or AMD Ryzen products. The former refers to the 8th generation Core Pentium, while the latter includes APUs. These are expected to be phased out by the end of this year or early next year, and Xiao Bian plans to update the list accordingly.

Mainstream: Price vs. Performance

Some mainstream CPUs are actually top-tier models. Xiao Bian has selected several options here, especially for upgrading older systems. For example, the i5-2500K is a budget-friendly and powerful choice. If you're planning to replace the motherboard on a tight budget (don’t forget that RAM prices have gone up), you might consider the 7350K, which remains competitive even after overclocking. Pairing it with a Z170 motherboard can further boost performance. Another great value is the Ryzen 3 1200, though it lacks overclocking capabilities.

High-End: Honest but Worth It!

At the high-end level, there are fewer CPU models available. Xiao Bian managed to compile them into one chart. If you're upgrading an old PC, the i7-2600K is a solid choice—reasonably priced and highly overclockable. For new builds, Ryzen 3 and Ryzen 5 are excellent options, especially those with an 'X' at the end of their model numbers.

Flagship: A Mix of Old and New

At the flagship level, the number of CPU models is even smaller. Intel still dominates this space, as AMD hasn't fully recovered in recent years. Some may question why the 8th-gen i5 and Ryzen 5 are placed here. The reason is simple: over the past few years, CPU performance improvements have been relatively modest, around 10% annually. However, this year marks a shift—AMD has made a strong comeback, and Ryzen 5 is now capable of competing with flagship models. On the Intel side, the 8th-gen Core i5 has seen a significant performance leap, making it comparable to previous i7 models.

Over the past ten years, CPU development has experienced two major breakthroughs. The first was the second-generation Core processors, particularly the Sandy Bridge series, which were highly praised. The second is the current 8th-gen Core and Ryzen series, which have delivered impressive performance gains. When asked what Xiao Bian is most excited about, he says he's really looking forward to the 8th-gen Core Pentium and AMD Ryzen APU models!