Computer Processors

Selecting a Computer Processor

One of the first things you'll need to decide on is the brand of processor you'll use. Since processors are not interchangeable between motherboards, which processor you decide to use will determine the type of motherboard you'll need to select. There are only two processor brands that you'll use for building your own computer: AMD and Intel. There are many arguments on both sides of the fence as to which one is better. Personally, I prefer Intel processors, but that just comes from many years of building computers. Way back in the ancient times (in the early 90's), Intel always used more L2 cache which made an Intel processor faster than an AMD processor of the same type and speed. This doesn't mean that this is still true today; it's not. There's no doubt in my mind that AMD is just as good as Intel, but it's just my preference to use Intel processors when I build a computer.

Glossary and Things to Consider when Choosing a Processor

L2 Cache	The size of 2nd level cache. L2 Cache is ultra-fast memory that buffers information being transferred between the processor and the slower RAM in an attempt to speed these types of transfers.
L3 Cache	The size of 3rd level cache, typically larger then L2. L3 Cache is ultra-fast memory that buffers information being transferred between the processor and the slower RAM in an attempt to speed these types of transfers. Integrated Level 3 cache provides a faster path to large data sets stored in cache on the processor. This results in reduced average memory latency and increased throughput for larger High-end Desktop workloads.
Memory Type	Random Access Memory (RAM) is fast but temporary data storage space. Each chipset supports one type of memory: SDR SDRAM, DDR SDRAM, or RDRAM. SDR (Single Data Rate) SDRAM and RDRAM (Rambus) are older memory technologies that are no longer supported by current Intel chipset's. DDR (Double Data Rate) SDRAM has two transfers for every one transfer with SDR SDRAM. Dual Channel DDR SDRAM transfers data four times for every one transfer with SDR SDRAM.
Front Side Bus	The speed of the bus that connects the processor to main memory (RAM). As processors have become faster and faster, the system bus has become one of the chief bottlenecks in modern PCs. Typical bus speeds are 400 MHz, 533 MHz, 667 MHz, and 800 MHz.
Socket Type	The socket type is the physical form factor that the processor uses to plug into the motherboard. The CPU socket type and the motherboard socket must match.

AMD Processors

AMD processors have three different socket types: 462, AM2, and AM2+ .

Phenom Family

There are five different types of processors in the Phenom family.

Phenom X3
Phenom X4
Phenom II X2
Phenom II X3
Phenom II X4

Athlon Family

There are three different types of processors in the Athlon family.

Athlon II X2
Athlon 64 X2
Athlon X2

For more information on selecting the right AMD processor for you needs, click here.

Intel Processors

Intel processors have been around for upwards of 30 years and forged the basis of the desktop processor. Intel processors have three different bus types: 478, 370, and LGA775. LGA775 is the most popular Intel socket type in use today.

Celeron Family

The Celeron processor is the entry level Intel processor. It is a lower cost version of the Pentium family of processors. If you're building a budget PC, look to the Intel Celeron processor to save you a few bucks but still give you acceptable performance. There are three types of processors in the Celeron family.

Celeron processor
Celeron D Processor
Celeron Dual-Core Processor

Pentium Family

The Pentium family of processor has been Intel's mainstream processor for many years. The pentium family provides superb computing power and reliability. There are five types of processors in the Pentium family.

Pentium Extreme Edition
Pentium Dual-Core
Pentium D
Pentium 4 with Hyper-Threading
Pentium 4 Extreme with Hyper-Threading

Core Family

Intel Core2 Processor One of Intel's newest families of processors is the Core family. These are some of the most robust processors available for handling the latest in gaming, multimedia, and stellar application processing. There are three types of processors in the Core family.

Core 2 Extreme
Core 2 Quad
Core 2 Duo
Core i7
Core i7 Extreme

For more information about selecting the right Intel processor for your computer, click here.