REFERENCE FILE
CPU
The system's brain — and its most common bottleneck excuse.
Processors decide how fast the system thinks: gaming frame-times, compile times, export queues. We evaluate class, platform and value — not just core counts.
WHAT WE CHECK
- Core / thread configuration
- Single-thread burst performance
- Sustained multi-core throughput
- Platform and socket longevity
- Power draw and cooling demand
EXAMPLE COMPONENTS
CPU — REFERENCE UNITS
Demo reference entries showing how PPHU ABC reads a component: specs, class, value signal, thermal behavior, upgrade position, concerns.
Ryzen 7 9700X
CLASS: UPPER-MAINSTREAM · VALUE: STRONG
359 credits
ARCHITECTURE
Zen 5
CORES / THREADS
8 / 16
BOOST CLOCK
5.5 GHz
TDP
65W (88W PPT)
SOCKET
AM5
CACHE
40 MB
THERMAL NOTE
Runs cool for its class — a good tower air cooler is sufficient.
UPGRADE POSITION
AM5 platform supports future CPU generations — strong runway.
CONCERNS
- · X3D variants lead in pure gaming
- · No included cooler
Ryzen 7 9800X3D
CLASS: GAMING FLAGSHIP · VALUE: FAIR
529 credits
ARCHITECTURE
Zen 5 + 3D V-Cache
CORES / THREADS
8 / 16
BOOST CLOCK
5.2 GHz
TDP
120W
SOCKET
AM5
CACHE
104 MB
THERMAL NOTE
Needs a strong tower cooler or 240mm AIO under sustained load.
UPGRADE POSITION
Top of the AM5 gaming stack — buy for the frame-times.
CONCERNS
- · Premium pricing at launch
- · Productivity uplift vs 9700X is modest
Core i5-14400F
CLASS: MAINSTREAM · VALUE: STRONG
199 credits
ARCHITECTURE
Raptor Lake Refresh
CORES / THREADS
10 (6P+4E) / 16
BOOST CLOCK
4.7 GHz
TDP
65W
SOCKET
LGA1700
IGPU
None (F-series)
THERMAL NOTE
Easy to cool; stock-class cooling is adequate.
UPGRADE POSITION
LGA1700 is end-of-line — plan the platform accordingly.
CONCERNS
- · No integrated graphics
- · Dead-end socket for future upgrades