Should I care about models of processors?

[fillee33]

First of all, I don't know anything about building a desktop. Just trying to learn so I can make good decisions in the future whether I want to buy a product or build...

Anyways regarding about the question, we see so many models of the same processor.
For instance, i7 - 3770, 3770k, 4770, 4770k, 4770s, 4771 and haswell, broadwell, skylake, etc.

Why are there so many different model of processors? Why do they make so many?
Should I compare models instead of purchasing the best/latest CPU that people ?

Thanks for your time!

 

[LookItsRain]

Each one is different.
In general, the first number denotes the generation, second, third and fourth are general clusterfucks, use intels ARK to compare them.

 

[PsyKhiqZero]

As processors improve they are given a new number. 3770K is the older 4770k. Processors that can be overclocked are given a special designation. Intel uses the letter "K" So a 4770 cannot be overclocked while a 4770 K can be. Different models in the same generation are a result of a process called "binning" Each chip is designed to run at the highest clock speed. Chips that fail to run at top speed are limited to a lower safer speed and given a new model number.

Which chip you buy will be defined by your budget and the purpose of the rig. A gaming for for example would be better off with a "lesser" i5 and a more power graphics card if the budget doesn't allow for both a i7 and a top end GPU.

 

[MarkW]

I3 mostly has 2 cores.
i5 mostly has 4 cores.
I7 has 4 cores with hyperthreading.

The first digit of the 4 digit part is the generation number.

Right now, the the newest model CPU's start with a 6. These are still in the process of being released. Code name Skylake CPU's. These CPU's require an 1151 socket, which is new for this release. DDR4 is supported on nearly all motherboards for this generation, although some DDR3LP (low power) support exists on a few motherboards.

The previous generation was known as Broadwell, and the desktop versions only came out in June. Their generation number is 5. It will be the last generation of CPU's that use a motherboard with an 1150 socket. This will be the final generation of CPU's that uses 1.5 volt and higher DDR3 memory.

And then there is Haswell. It used 4 to start its number. It has pretty much been king of the hill for 2 years now. This generation of CPU's also uses the 1150 socket, and regular DDR3.

And so on back in time.

Each generation seems to gain about 5% in performance. Some a little more than that, and some a little less than that.

 

[k1114]

You're better off just asking people here to help with picking parts. But if you want to learn, this can be a starting point.