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Computer Processors
News Flash!
See below for information on Intel's latest processors, the Core Duo 2 and Core Duo 2 Extreme models. |
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 favorite 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, clockspeeds and memory do as well. Its also important to note that with the release of Intel's Core Duo 2 processors, AMD has cut many of its prices, though the company is yet to offer a comparable processor of its own.
| Intel |
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64-bit
Pentium 4 processors generally range from about $150 to $800, depending on clock speed and features. One interesting facet of some Pentium 4 processors is hyper-thread capability. Hyper-threading simulates the capabilities of a dual-core processor to optimize multiple application use (though its effectiveness has been a point of debate). Pentium 4 processors use LGA775 sockets.
There are also high-end Intel Xeon  processors used in servers and workstations. Work servers utilizing Intel's Core Duo 2 technology now exist, as well. |
32-bit
If you don't plan on using your computer for anything more than word processing, Web surfing, basic audio and video playback and other light applications, then a Celeron Processor may be a cheap and sensible purchase. Depending on the model, Celeron processors work with either socket478 or LGA775 motherboards. Go with an LGA775-compatible model to preserve the opportunity to upgrade to a Pentium 4 in the future. |
| AMD |
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64-bit
AMD currently produces two different, though similar, Athlon 64-bit processors: the Athlon 64 and the Athlon 64 FX. The Athlon 64 FX models are marketed as premium chips. Both the 64 and the 64 FX utilize a technology that stops certain applications from running if security may be compromised by doing so. These 64-bit processors run from approximately $150 to $900. Most Athlon 64 and all Athlon 64 FX models need 939 socket motherboards.
There are also even more sophisticated 64-bit AMD processors known as Opteron processors. These are generally used in servers and workstations. |
32-bit
AMD Sempron processors are of comparable price to Intel Celeron Processors and perform similarly. Older Sempron's are compatible with socket 478 motherboards, while newer models work with socket 754. If you already have a motherboard with either of those socket models and your computing needs are not particularly intense, then an AMD Sempron processor is right for you. |
Dual-Core Processors
Dual-core processors are central processing units consisting of two processors. They were designed to increase productivity without increasing power requirements and heat output. If you like to perform tasks that require you to use several intensive programs at once (for example, processing database information while rendering a video), a dual-core processor may be right for you. Since these kinds of processors are relatively new, more models are in development right now and will be available on the market soon.
| Intel Core Duo 2 and Core Duo 2 Extreme |
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Intel's Core Duo 2 and the Core Duo 2 Extreme processors are the latest in processor technology and are currently generating mountains of hype, sending the abilities of computers up and the price of the competition's products down. The processors are built from a 65nm designer with extremely small circuitry. They have reduced power consumption and increased speed. The new processors, formerly codenamed Conroe and Merom, are intended for every area of the market, whether it be gamers, workstation users or laptop owners. |
| Intel Pentium 4 Extreme Edition |
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Newer Intel Pentium 4 Extreme Edition processors combine two Pentium 4 processors. Older models used a modified version of the Intel Xeon processor's core. In tandem with the hyper-thread capabilities featured in some Pentium 4 processors, the increased cache and processing power of the Extreme Edition should give applications an extra speed boost. Most Pentium 4 Extreme Edition processors feature 2MB of cache. These processors work with LGA775 sockets. |
| AMD Athlon 64 X2 |
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The AMD Athlon 64 X2 combines two AMD Athlon 64s into a single dual-core processing unit. It has all of the features of an Athlon 64 with the benefits of a dual-core processor. There are several models available, ranging from approximately $300 (the Athlon 64 X2 3800+) to $800 (the Athlon 64 X2 4800+). The low-end 3800+ clocks in at 2.0GHz, the mid-range models come in at 2.2 GHz and the high-end 4600+ and 4800+ come in at 2.4 GHz. Like most of their single processor counterparts, the AMD Athlon 64 X2s hook up to 939-pin sockets. Still, be sure your motherboard supports a BIOS that is dual-core processor compatible. |
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 an $800 dual-processing unit designed for complex multimedia professionals. You'll be spending money you'll never use. Conversely, if you play graphics-oriented games, run multiple memory-intensive 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. Mosey on over to the Motherboards section and read up on sockets if you need clarification.
32-bit Vs. 64-bit: Though it can't be completely felt yet, it's safe to say that 64-bit technology is well on its way to replacing 32-bit models. Wherein 32-bit processors can only handle a few gigabytes of data, 64-bit devices can handle up to 16 billion gigabytes. Current 64-bit processors offer a bit of longevity in an ever-evolving industry. They'll function fine with 32-bit operating systems and applications, but also with specially designed 64-bit software. As operating systems move into the 64-bit world, having a 64-bit 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, to "speed up" the capabilities of some processors. This technique is called "overclocking" because it involves running a processor at clockspeeds 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.
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