Computer Processors
The computer processor is quite possibly one of the most important considerations when building a computer. The processor will dictate the overall speed and efficiency of the computer when performing every task from checking e-mail to rendering 3-D applications. Learning what to look for when buying a computer processor not only teaches you about what's important in a processor but also different aspects of compatibility and computer interoperability.
Compatibility
The first consideration when buying a new computer processor is compatibility. The initial compatibility that one must meet is that of the motherboard CPU socket. There are many types of CPU sockets. It is important you check your manufacturer's documentation to see what specific CPU socket is on your motherboard. The CPU socket will dictate what processors are available to you for use with your computer.
Another compatibility issue is that of the computer's main system memory or RAM. If you have selected a processor first, before your motherboard, you must ensure that you can find a motherboard with the correct socket and that any RAM you purchase is compatible with your specific processor.
Budget versus performance
While it is easy to simply buy the most expensive processor, assuming it is the most powerful on the market, and build a computer around it, it is not the most prudent course of action and can lead to hundreds of dollars being wasted. If you will only be using your computer for activities such as Internet surfing and e-mail, it would behoove you to look for budget processors, as these activities do not require much performance. Acceptable processors for these types of activity, as of 2009, would be the entry-level Core 2 Duo offerings from Intel or the AMD Phenom I. Both of these processors have price points under $200.
However, if you intend to run processor-intensive applications such as 3-D content creation or demanding video games, you may want to consider a more powerful processor such as the Intel Core i7 quad core. The entry-level processor in this family, the 920, costs approximately $280 and provides exceptional performance across all benchmarks. The flagship processor in this family, the 965 EE, costs approximately $1,000 and is currently the market's most powerful processor.
Product market history
Before purchasing a processor, or any electrical items for that matter, it is important that you perform a thorough investigation into the performance history of any selections you might make. There are several syndicated publications and online resources that review, benchmark and stress-test virtually every processor released by Intel and AMD. These in-depth reviews provide a wealth of information concerning the maximum performance and price point of any specific processor you may be considering. Important topics to concern yourself with when selecting a processor include: MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures), cooling requirements, power supply requirements, and benchmark results, both synthetic and actual.
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