Only applications such as games, videos and image editing and 3D rendering can use the power provided by high-end processors.
The CPU is the central processing unit of the computer. You will not be able to see the difference between a high-speed processor and a low-speed processor when using an office software suite, but for gaming, video and image editing, and 3-D rendering, a high-end processor can be five to 10 times faster than a low-end one. As of late 2010, Intel processors use socket 1,366 and 1,156 and AMD processors use socket AM3.
Intel LGA 1,366
At $1,000, the i7-980X is a six-core processor running at 3.33 GHz. It requires a motherboard with a socket LGA 1,366 that supports a 130 W processor. The i7-980X has the hyper-threading option that allows it to be seen and used as a processor with 12 cores by the operating system. The i7-980X has an unlocked core multiplier to allow for better overclocking.
Intel LGA 1156
The LGA 1,156 is the mainstream socket by Intel. It does not have access to the six-core processors. The Intel i7-875K is the most powerful processor available for the 1,156 socket. At $330, it uses four cores with hyper-threading. The K series by Intel has an unlocked core multiplier allowing for easy overclocking of the processor.
AMD AM3
AMD offers the AM3 processor for mainstream users and enthusiasts, leaving the low end to the older but compatible AM2 and AM2+ sockets. The Phenom II X6 1090T is a six-core processor costing $270. AMD does not have an equivalent to hyper-threading as of 2010. When using software that does not use all the cores, the 1090T can deactivate three cores and raise the other three cores' frequency to 3.6 GHz. The motherboard must allow 125 W processors. The Phenom II X6 1090T has an unlocked core multiplier to allow for better overclocking.
Tags: core multiplier, unlocked core, unlocked core multiplier, allow better, allow better overclocking