Processors

What is a CPU and How to Choose it in 2025

Of all of the hardware components that a PC comprises, the CPU or Central Processing Unit is the most important part, dubbed as the brain of the computer and responsible for performing arithmetic, logic, control, and input/output operations to process data and control the functioning of the entire system.

Given the centrality of CPUs in determining the performance of any desktop or laptop, users must understand this vital hardware component. This write-up serves this purpose precisely, allowing users to understand the working, types, and importance of a CPU so that they can choose the most suitable CPU for the unique working conditions of the United Kingdom.

Let’s get the ball rolling!

What is a CPU?

Simply speaking, the Central Processing Unit or CPU is an electronic circuitry that helps all of their PC components to function. It is designed to take instructions from the program, operating system, and other PC components, interpret, and execute them.

CPUs comprise one or more processing cores, each is capable of executing instructions independently. In this way, when multiple cores work simultaneously, they enhance the overall processing power of your system.

Types of Central Processing Unit or CPU:

CPUs come in various types, designed for specific end-uses. For instance:

• Mobile Processors:

As the name indicates, mobile processors are designed for smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. They prioritize performance optimization and energy efficiency so that smartphone users can enjoy long battery lives.

Qualcomm Snapdragon, Apple A, and Google’s Tensor chipsets are some examples of smartphone processors.

• General-Purpose CPUs:

These CPUs are designed and incorporated into everyday desktops, laptops, and most workstations. They provide sufficient processing power to perform everyday tasks.

For instance, Intel Core series and AMD Ryzen series are some examples of general-purpose processors. 

• Embedded Processors: 

These are specialized processors designed for integration into embedded systems such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices, industrial equipment, consumer electronics, automotive systems, and the like. 

For example, ARM Cortex-M and Intel Atom processors.

• Server Processors: 

These are high-end CPUs, designed specifically for high-performing computing tasks in server environments. They come with multiple cores, higher cache sizes, and support for multi-threading and virtualization. 

Examples of server processors are Intel Xeon and AMD EPYC processors.

• Graphics Processing Units or GPUs: 

Normally, graphics processing units are built for rendering graphics in gaming and multimedia applications. However, nowadays, they are also designed to perform processing tasks, taking some tasks away from CPUs, and enhancing overall performance. For instance, they are used in general-purpose computing tasks, such as machine learning, scientific simulations, and data processing.

For instance, NVIDIA GeForce and AMD Radeon GPUs are some notable examples in this regard. 

• Workstation CPUs:

They are similar to general-purpose central processing units; however, they feature higher core counts, larger cache sizes, and support for error correction code (ECC) memory. They are therefore ranked as optimized for professional workstations for processor-intensive tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, and computer-aided design (CAD) applications.

For example, Intel Xeon W is one such workstation CPU.

How To Choose a CPU in 2025:

In order to select a CPU that is tailored to your needs in the UK, you need to keep these factors in consideration. 

1. CPU Core Count:

Simply speaking, you can take cores as an individual processor, capable of performing specific tasks. With each extra core, you can experience added capability of your CPU to perform multitasking, as each is responsible for performing a specific task. 

Nowadays, multi-core processors are the norm because modern software and programs are developed to take advantage of the multi-core performance of CPUs. The cores can be as high as 64 and as low as 2, providing you with a large variety of options to meet your specific processing needs. 

How many cores do you need? 

• Dual-Core or 2-core CPUs are recommended for streaming video, email, web browsing, and work processing.

• 4-core or Quad-Core CPUs offer better performance, and they are suitable for multi-threaded applications such as light gaming, basic photo and video editing, and multitasking with everyday gaming.

• 6-8 core central processing units are recommended for competitive gaming, 3D rendering, professional editing, and running virtual machines. Intel 6-8 CPUs are more suitable for single-threaded applications such as gaming, whereas AMD CPUs are suggested for multi-threaded applications.

• 10 + Core CPUs are high-end processors recommended only for professional 3D rendering, scientific simulation, running several virtual machines, high-end gaming, and streaming.

2. CPU Speed:

The speed of the CPU is measured in GHz, and it is termed as clock speed. Clock Speed indicates the rate at processor works. The higher the clock speed, the faster your CPU. For instance, a CPU with a 3 GHz clock speed is capable of executing 3 billion instructions within a single clock cycle.

How much clock speed do you need? 

• 1.6 GHz to 2.5 GHz is generally sufficient for everyday tasks.

• 3.5 GHz to 4.0 GHz or higher is recommended for gaming.

• A 4.0 GHz and above clock speed is recommended for content creators, data analysts, and professionals working with heavy workloads.

3. Threads:

Similar to cores, the number of threads also influences the performance of Central Processing Units. The number of Threads shows the tasks that a core can perform. Modern CPUs come with more threats than the number of cores, implying that cores are capable of performing more than one task at a time. 

In short, multi-threading or hyperthreading enables cores of CPUs to perform two lines of execution at a time, improving the performance of the CPUs. Therefore, it is good to have a CPU with a higher number of threads.

The Best CPU You Can Buy in the UK:

Here is the top pick when it comes to the best CPU available in the UK market.

1. AMD Ryzen 9 7900X:

Featuring 12 Cores, 24 threads, 5.6 GHz Boost Clock speed, 4.7 GHz Base Clock speed, 64 MB L3 Cache, and 170 W TDP, AMD Ryzen 9 7900X is ranked as the best available previous-generation CPU for high-end tasks. 

2. Intel Core Ultra 9 285K:

Supporting 24 Cores, 24 Threads, 5.7GHz Boost Clock speed, 3.7GHz P-cores/3.2GHz E-cores Base Clock Speed, 36 MB L3 Cache, 125W base/250W max TDP, Intel Core Ultra 9 285K is often dubbed as the best Intel CPU for pairing up other PC components for the citizens of the UK and beyond. 

3. AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D:

If you are looking for a mid-range CPU, go no further than AMD Ryzen 7 7800X3D. It is provided with 8 Cores, 16 Threads, up to 5 GHz Boost speed, 4.2 GHz Base speed, 96 MB L3 Cache, and 120W TDP, making it a decent choice for building a PC for both gaming and high-end workload.

4. AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D:

Featuring 8 cores, 16 threads, 4.7 GHz Base Core speed, up to 5.2 GHz Boost core speed, 120 W / 162 W TDP, and 5600 MT/s DDR 5, AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is capable of delivering the best gaming performance and excellent value for money at MSRP. It also comes with Turbo mode, allowing enthusiast gamers enhanced performance in some titles.

5. Intel Core i9-14900K:

It is provided with a 24 (8+16) core configuration, 32 threads, 5.8GHz (boost) 3.2GHz (base)  core speed, 4.4GHz (boost) 2.5GHz (base) E-core speed, 125W base 253W PL1 & PL2 TDP, and 5600MHz DDR5 support. This processor is recommended for high-end GPUs because Intel Core i9-14900K delivers strong game performance and robust multi-core performance, and it is perfectly suitable for even cost-effective motherboards as well.

6. AMD Ryzen 5 7600X:

This AMD Ryzen processor is dubbed the best budget CPU, combining cos-effectiveness and top-notch features such as an impressive 5.3GHz boost clock, excellent single-core performance, PCIe 5.0, and DDR5 memory. You can thus meet your processing needs at a competitive cost.

7. Intel Core i5-13600K:

Similar to the above-mentioned AMD Ryzen 5 7600X CPU, the Intel Core i5-13600K also comes with an impressive array of features, helping users build a cost-effective gaming PC for AAA-titled games. It is equipped with 6 performance cores and 8 efficiency cores for a total of 14 cores and 20 threads, allowing users to multitask as well as have a robust gaming experience. In addition, an impressive 5.1GHz clock boost speed and PCIe 5.0 help you enjoy stunning visuals of top games.  

8. AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D:

Featuring 8 cores, 16 threads, 5.2GHz Boost Clock speed, 4.7GHz Base clock speed, 96MB L3 cache, and 120W TDP, AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D is recommended as the best CPU for excellent gaming performance and incredible power efficiency.

9. Intel Core Ultra 7 265K:

It is provided with 20 (8P/12E) cores, 20 threads, 5.5 GHz Boost Clock speed, 3.9GHz P-core/3.3GHz E-core Base Clock speed, 30MB L3 Cache, and 125W base/250W max TDP. This cost-effective CPU is known for offering robust multi-core performance. It is one of the best available options for multi-threaded workloads in the UK.

Final Words:

You need to choose CPUs carefully because they play a key role in supporting digital systems, determining performance and speed of your PC, facilitating in execution of instructions, driving multi-tasking, dictating system compatibility, and encouraging innovations and advancements.

In this regard, you need to pay attention to core counts, speed, threads, and the like features of your intended CPUs. In this article, we have discussed the ins and outs of central processing units and suggest our top picks as well, so that you can choose the best CPU as per your needs in the UK and beyond.