Processors Buying Guide
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The central processor is the brain of a computer. All of the information running on a computer goes through a central processor, is manipulated based on instruction and is then routed to the correct storage or display location. When you click to play your favourite MP3 or video game, your processor follows a complex series of instructions that initiate the sound blasting through your speakers and the display glowing on your screen.
Major Manufacturers
There are two major manufacturers of processors, Intel and AMD. Both companies release a handful of different processors. Though AMD and Intel processors for any given price range have many fundamental similarities, they are not exactly the same. Also, keep in mind that for any given series, as price escalates, clock speeds and memory do as well.
Dual-Core Processors
Dualcore processor may be right for you.
Buying Tips
There are a few pivotal concerns when choosing a processor. Remember that the overall capabilities of your entire computer will be dependent in part on the speed of your processor. Here are some tips to guide you through the purchasing process ...
'''Buy What You Need: '''As with any PC component, it's most important to determine how you plan on using your computer before deciding what processor to purchase. If you only use your PC for office applications, basic music and video playback and other light functions, there's no need to buy a pricey dualintensive programs at one time or do video rendering, going with the cheapest memory card will leave you with a slower system and compromised capabilities.
'''Know Your Motherboard:''' Certain motherboards do not work with certain processors. It's important to buy a motherboard that works with your processor or a processor that works with your motherboard. Matching a motherboard with the specifications you want (number of expansions slots, memory capability, RAID compatibility, etc. etc.) to the processor you want can be confusing for the first-time components buyer.
'''32bit processor now may prevent you from having to ditch your system later on.
'''Understand Cache:''' Processors come equipped with onboard memory referred to as "cache." Without cache memory, a processor would always be required make a long trip (in computer terms) to get the particular memory required to open a program. There are three levels of processor cache ...
* L1: L1 cache contain very little memory and thus can search that memory very quickly. If the memory you need is in the cache, it will find it fast.
* L2: L2 cache is accessed if the required data was not stored in L1. L2 cache have more memory than L1s. The extra time it takes for the CPU to finish searching through this larger supply of memory is mitigated by the time it takes for the computer to check on L1.
* L3: L3 cache has historically been reserved for server, but some of the high-end PC processors, like the Intel Pentium 4 Extreme Edition, offer it. L3 cache is significantly larger than L1, with upwards of 2MBs.
Overclocking
There exists a risky, but sometimes incredibly lucrative, method to "speed up" the capabilities of some processors. This technique is called "overclocking" because it involves running a processor at clock speeds it is not expressly intended to run out. Overclocking can sometimes result in overheating, but if you're careful, and have enough know-how, you can make it work without significantly damaging the life of your processor. For users looking for more information on overclocking, here's a link to Neoseeker's comprehensive
guide. Changing clock speed first requires understanding of your motherboard's BIOS, so if you're already scratching your head this section is probably not for you.
