Choosing a cpu: Выбор процессора, 2022 год + ТОП-5 цена-качество

How to Choose a CPU

Every computer needs a motherboard, and every motherboard needs a CPU. The CPU, which stands for Central Processing Unit, determines how much data a computer can handle at one time and how quickly it can handle that data. The main things to consider when buying a CPU are the number of cores needed, what the computer will be used for, the type of software to be run, processor compatibility, and the speed of the CPU.

Today’s CPU Choices

When purchasing a CPU, a number of options are on the market. Here you will find a summary of the types of CPUs available.

Desktop CPUs

Desktop CPUs were created for desktop computers. While the CPUs for desktops basically perform the same functions as CPUs for mobile devices (such as laptops) and servers, desktop CPUs are built a little differently to handle the needs of desktop computer users. For example, one advantage that desktop CPUs offer is that they are able to offer a higher thermal tolerance. Desktop processors are also more compatible with overclocking.

Mobile Processors

Mobile processors are created for laptops and mobile devices such as smartphones. Mobile processors tend to be slower and have less power than desktop processors, mainly to conserve battery power. However, many do offer features that desktop processors do not, such as Wireless Display technology (WiDi). This technology allows the wireless transmission of media files to a television, for example.

Server Processors

Server processors are built for high reliability. When these processors are tested, they are put through stressful conditions such as higher temperatures and high computing loads. If your desktop processor fails, the entire computer becomes inoperable. Server CPUs, however, have “failovers” – where standby equipment automatically takes over when the main system fails – such as dual CPU servers. They are also designed to operate at much higher frequencies, enabling them to process more data.

Features to Consider

After considering the different types of processors, the next step is to get familiar with the specifications and features that the various processors have to offer. Not all processors are created equal! It is important to understand which specs and features matter and how they pertain to a computer’s usage. Below is some discussion on what to focus on when purchasing a CPU.

Cores

Less than a decade ago, all processors came with a single core. Nowadays single-core processors are the exception and not the rule. Multi-core processors have become more popular as their availability has become increasingly common and software has been designed to utilize multi-core technology. From dual-core to eight-core processors, there are a number of options to choose from. When deciding how many cores are needed, first it is necessary to understand what “multiple cores” means.

When processors were running on a single core, that one core was responsible for handling all the data sent to the processor. As more cores are integrated into a processor, those cores are able to split up the processor’s tasks. This makes the processor faster and more efficient. However, it is important to remember that a processor can only perform as well as the existing software running it. If the software is only able to utilize three of the eight cores, then five cores are going to be unused. To maximize cost and use, it is best to match system requirements with core availability.

Cache

A processor’s cache is similar to the memory of a computer. A processor’s cache is a small amount of very fast memory that is used for temporary storage. This allows a computer to retrieve the files that are in the processor’s cache very quickly. The larger a processor’s cache, the more files it will be able to store for that quick retrieval.

Socket Compatibility

Socket compatibility is a primary concern when it comes to buying a processor. The socket compatibility enables the interface between a motherboard and its CPU. If a motherboard has already been acquired, make sure that the processor installed is compatible with the motherboard’s socket. Alternately, when building a computer around the processor, make sure that the motherboard is compatible with the existing processor.

Integrated Graphics Processing Units (GPUs)

Many of today’s processors have integrated graphics processing units, which are designed to perform the calculations related to graphics. If a processor does not have an integrated GPU, the computer can still display graphics if a separate graphics card is present or if the motherboard offers onboard video. If the computer will be used for graphics-intensive software and programs, then a CPU with an integrated GPU will likely not perform as needed.

Frequency

The frequency of a CPU, measured in hertz (Hz), is the speed at which it operates. In the past, a merely faster frequency equaled better performance. This is not necessarily the case any longer. In some cases, a CPU running at a lower frequency may actually perform better than a processor running at a higher frequency due to the infrastructure of the CPU. It is important to look at a CPU’s “instructions per clock” in addition to the frequency of the CPU. While frequency is still a good indication of how quickly a processor can perform, it is no longer the only factor that impacts the actual speed of a processor.

Thermal Design Power

Processors generate heat. The thermal design power specification assigned to a CPU explains how much heat the processor is going to give off. This will directly affect the type of cooling device needed for a CPU. If the CPU does not come with a cooling device or if the cooling device provided is not used, a device must be installed that can cool the system sufficiently. Overheating is a primary danger to a computer’s componentry.

Which Specifications Pertain to Me?

When selecting a CPU, some specifications and features will be more important to you than others. The specifications and features to look for will vary depending on your personal computing needs. For example, a computer used for intensive gaming will need a different processor than one only used to surf the Web.

Which CPU Is Best for Me?

Below, the most common CPU purchasing groups are generalized to help you narrow down the options for the CPU that will best serve your needs. If you identify with more than one of these consumer groups, don’t worry. Simply find a CPU that covers what is needed for both purchasing groups.

Home Users

  • Socket Compatibility
  • Integrated GPU
  • Frequency

Home users’ needs are very different from the needs of business users and gamers when it comes to a CPU. Fortunately, because a home user’s processing needs are not usually as intensive as other purchasing groups, most common and moderately priced CPUs can easily handle your needs.

The first thing to do is ensure that the CPU under consideration is compatible with the existing motherboard. This means looking at the socket compatibility. Alternately, if the CPU is selected first, a compatible motherboard must be selected.

When purchasing a CPU, consider a model that has an integrated GPU. Since graphics-intensive applications are not likely to be run, a GPU that is integrated into the processor will suffice for common computing needs. This will eliminate the need to purchase and install a separate GPU. This will save time and money as graphics cards can be costly.

Also consider the frequency when selecting a CPU. The higher the frequency, the faster the computer will perform. The average user’s computing needs will not likely be intensive. This means you don’t need a very high speed CPU. For basic computing needs, speeds of 1GHz or higher will be adequate.

Home Office Users

  • Cores
  • Memory
  • Frequency

If you run an office out of your home, your CPU needs will be a bit different from the needs of the average home consumer. First, identify the processors that can adequately handle your computing needs on a daily basis, while keeping purchase price within budget.

Consider the number of cores needed. Most home business users do well with a quad-core processor. With that being said, if the computing needs are more intensive, such as with programming and graphic design, research how many cores are required by the software being used. When running software that can make use of eight cores, consider investing in an eight-core processor.

The amount of memory your CPU supports may also be a factor. Your motherboard and the type of operating system you are running will also dictate how much RAM can be supported. Make sure all of your components are compatible before investing in the hardware.

Frequency is another factor to take into consideration. While frequency is not the only thing that determines the speed of a processor, it does have a significant impact. The software used will impact how much speed is needed. For example, when using Adobe CS 6 on a regular basis, a CPU with a speed of at least 2GHz will serve best.

Small Business Users

  • Cost
  • Compatibility
  • BGA or LGA

The CPU needs of a small business can be significantly different than the needs of a home user. When purchasing a CPU, focus on the cost, the compatibility, and whether or not the CPU has a BGA or LGA socket.

Most small businesses must adhere to a set budget when it comes to purchasing computer equipment. Because of this, cost is one of the primary factors to consider when purchasing a CPU. Newegg offers a host of CPUs for various needs. Check for special sales and consider signing up for our email blasts and/or mobile device notifications to get great prices on CPUs.

When purchasing a CPU for a small business computer, also take compatibility into account. Make sure that the CPU chosen is compatible with the computer’s existing components: the motherboard, socket, and system memory. Incompatibility will stop a build before it starts.

In addition, consider whether the socket connections are BGA connections or LGA connections. If you would like the option to replace your CPU at any point in time, a CPU with an LGA connection will be necessary. This is because BGA connections are soldered, making them almost impossible to replace. LGA connections, on the other hand, are pin-type connectors which can be plugged and unplugged when needed.

Corporate Users

  • Cores
  • Frequency
  • Thermal Design Power

The needs of corporate users are also unique when it comes to CPUs. Here, a CPU is needed that can handle all of the tasks of a business’s computing needs; in other words, a CPU designed for a heavy workload. When looking into which CPU to select, look at the number of cores the CPU will need. Remember, however, that more cores are not always better. The software being used will determine this – if an eight-core processor gets installed but the software can only utilize four of those cores, it will not be an efficient or cost-effective solution.

In addition, consider the frequency of the CPU. The exact frequency to look for will depend on what the business uses its computers for. Some businesses can get away with a frequency of 2GHz or less. Others will need frequencies of 4GHz or more. When shopping for a CPU, look at the requirements of the software that the company routinely uses and be sure to purchase one with a well-matched frequency.

Thermal Design Power (TDP) is another factor to take into consideration. As a business’s computing needs may be very intensive, the CPU may generate high heat. Be sure to check the TDP of the CPU that to be sure that the cooling system is able to adequately handle the level of heat that is generated. This will prevent overheating in the computer, damaging the components.

Gamers

  • Cores
  • Frequency
  • Thermal Design Power

The needs of gamers are very specific when it comes to the processing power of a computer. If you don’t want to experience lag while gaming, you need a CPU that can effectively handle all of the data that it must process.

The first thing you need to consider is how many cores your CPU will need. While gamers do need powerful CPUs, more cores do not necessarily equate to more gaming power. The number of cores a gamer needs will be determined by the number of cores the gaming software can utilize. As a result, extra cores may not be necessary.

In addition to the number of cores a processor has, gamers will also want to pay attention to the frequency of the processor. If your processor is operating at too slow of a speed, it will reflect in your gaming performance. For some gamers, a frequency of 3.8 Ghz or greater will be needed. For gamers whose needs aren’t as intensive, a lower frequency may be adequate. Check the suggested hardware specifications for the games that you play and match up the frequency suggested to that of the CPU that you purchase.

Gamers also need to pay attention to thermal design power of a CPU. This is because gaming software can be pretty demanding, causing your CPU to heat up rather quickly and consistently. You need to be sure that you have a cooling system that can adequately handle the needs of your CPU to ensure that your components don’t overheat.

Servers

  • Cores
  • Thermal Design Power
  • Threading

Server CPUs tend to be the workhorses of the CPU world. They are required to process a lot of information in a short period of time. Because of this, when shopping for a CPU for your server, you have to take the needs of your server into consideration.

First, you need to look at the number of cores you need. When shopping for a CPU for a server, the server is likely going to have to handle multiple tasks at once. With more cores, the server can handle more commands.

CPUs thermal design power must also be considered. Most server CPUs do not come with cooling units. This means that a cooling unit must be purchased separately. Look for the thermal demand of the CPU. This can be found when looking at the thermal design power spec of the CPU.

When shopping for a CPU for a server, also take the CPUs threading abilities into account. While cores determine how many threads of information the CPU can handle, the threading technology of the CPU will determine exactly how much data the CPU can process at any given time. Ideally, one should look for a CPU that offers hyper-threading capabilities. This will deliver more processing power than the cores alone can provide.

Mobile Users

  • Cores
  • Socket Compatibility
  • Frequency

It used to be that mobile CPUs were all single-core. This is no longer the case. Now there are even cell phones that have multi-core CPUs. When shopping for a processor for a mobile device, consider the number of cores the processor will need. Exactly how many processors your device can utilize will depend on the software you are running, but you want to make sure that you purchase a processor that has as many cores as your software can handle.

Socket compatibility is another factor to consider when shopping for mobile CPUs. Many mobile CPUs are of the BGA variety. This means that they are soldered onto the motherboard. To upgrade this kind of CPU, a BGA model will make it impossible. Ensure that the CPU is LGA. LGA CPUs connect to the motherboard via pins, making them easier for a consumer to swap out.

As with most other users, mobile users must also consider the frequency of the CPU they are buying. If the CPU has a low frequency, it likely isn’t going to perform up to expectations. A higher frequency means higher speed, which means the user won’t be waiting forever for applications to load and execute.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does Hz Mean?

Hz stands for hertz. The Hz ratings that are given to CPUs are measurements of speed. One hertz is one processor cycle per second, one kilohertz (1kHz) is 1,000 hertz per second, and one megahertz is 1,000,000 processor cycles per second. Therefore, a speed of 500MHz would mean that the processor is able to cycle data at a rate of 500,000,000 processor cycles per second.

Why is my Laptop’s Frequency Lower than What Was Advertised?

Notebooks and other portable devices are designed to run at lower speeds to preserve battery power and prevent overheating. Intel and AMD are the two main manufacturers of CPUs. Both of these companies make CPUs that have power management features built-in. A result of this power management is a lower frequency. This means that the CPU will often run at a speed that is lower than the advertised speed. When you perform critical functions, however, the frequency of the processor will usually speed up.

What Does the Data Bus System Have to Do with My CPU?

A computer’s data bus is the channel in which data is transferred among peripheral components. This allows data to travel between the CPU and the memory of a computer. Hard drives need this bus in order to load data into the memory. Due to the fact that each peripheral can operate on a different speed limit, one computer is very likely to have multiple bus systems.

How Many Cores Does My Processor Need to Have?

How many cores needed in a processor will depend on particular computing needs. For example, a six-core processor simply running Microsoft Office applications will not increase speed or performance of a computer. This is because Office applications cannot utilize all six of the cores that the processor contains. Because of this, consider the software normally used to determine how many cores are actually needed and select a CPU accordingly.

How-To Guide

How to Install a CPU

When installing a CPU, first double-check compatibility with the motherboard. If the socket is not compatible, the CPU will not fit properly. To add a CPU to a motherboard, extract the motherboard from the computer. If the motherboard already contains a CPU, remove the old CPU from the motherboard noting its placement. Once the old CPU is removed, install the new CPU in the same fashion as the previous one. Make sure not to “force” the pins when attaching the CPU. Once the CPU is affixed to the motherboard, put everything back into place as before and test the system.

How to Disable a Core

Windows: Sometimes it may be necessary to disable one or more of the cores in a CPU. This is because some software applications are not compatible with multi-core processors. When operating in a Windows system, disable the core through the system configuration window. To do this, open the “Start” menu and click on “Run.” Then type “msconfig” and click “OK.” In the system configuration window, click on the “Start” sub menu and the “Advanced Options” button. In the next window that appears, you will be provided with an option for enabling and disabling processors. Select the number of processors that should be enabled or disabled, and then restart the computer to put the settings into effect.

Mac: This may vary depending on the specific computer and on the OS/version being used. Start by installing the “CHUD” or Developer Tools from the Apple website (if this has not already been done). The Processor preference pane is located in the “Developer/Extras/Preference Pane” folder. Install the developer tools by double-clicking the Processor Pane icon in “Finder”. System Preferences will launch and you will have options for users’ installation. By opening the Processor folder, the maximum number of cores can be set. This may require a reboot to take effect. An option to “Show control in menu bar” can be selected for a quick change from the homescreen.

How to Find Your Current Processor’s Speed

When considering upgrading a CPU, you’ll need to know the speed at which the current CPU is running.

Windows: To do this, go to the Control Panel. Click on “System and Security”; click on “System.” You should now be able to find the type of processor installed and the speed of the processor. You may also be able to find this information by opening “File Explorer” – locate and right click on the “Computer” option, and then select the “Properties” option. This will bring up general information about your system including the type of processor that you have installed and the speed of the processor.

Mac: Follow the directions from the previous question here. Select “Show control in menu bar.” Once the menu option is available, select “Show Processor Palette” for a graphical interface with active CPU function information.

How to Keep Your CPU from Overheating

CPUs generate heat. The amount of heat that is generated by a CPU will be defined in the processor’s Thermal Design Power specification chart. To keep your CPU from overheating, make sure a cooling system is in place that is able to effectively dissipate the amount of heat generated. A cooling system that cannot do this puts the system at risk of overheating. Overheating can cause permanent damage to the components of any computer.

Techie Stuff

Overclocking Your CPU

Note: Newegg does not endorse overclocking any CPU as this can void the warranty. Overclock at your own risk.

Overclocking a CPU allows an increase in the clock frequency of the CPU without spending money on upgrades. The most popular way to overclock a CPU is to raise the Front Side Bus (FSB) from within the BIOS of the computer. Regardless of the type or brand of CPU, the process will be the same. The CPU must be unlocked, however, in order to overclock it. To overclock an unlocked CPU, enter the BIOS during system startup. Locate the setting for the FSB and increase the number to increase your CPU’s speed.

Disabling CPU Throttling

CPU throttling is common in laptops. This helps save battery power. Since maximum output is not usually necessary when using a laptop, throttling reduces the energy the CPU uses to save battery power. There are times, however, that throttling is not desired, such as when several game or intensive applications windows are open.

Windows: To disable throttling, open the “Power Control” panel. There will be a number of options to choose from. These will usually include a recommended setting, a power-saver setting, a high-performance setting, and a balanced setting (or similar). To stop the throttling of the CPU, select a “high-performance” setting and click “Apply Changes”.

Cores and Threads

There are a number of CPU options on today’s market. Almost all modern CPUs have more than one core. However, cores are not the only things that affect the performance of a CPU. The threads in the CPU are also important. A thread is an ordered sequence of instructions which tell the computer what to do. Multi-threading or hyper-threading allows a CPU core to work on more than one process at a time. For example, Intel has processors that have hyper-threading. This virtually doubles the amount of cores in the CPU because each core can handle two different streams of data at a time. Therefore, in a four-core processor with hyper-threading, the CPU achieves the equivalent threading of an eight-core processor.

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How to Choose a CPU


August 08, 2022




Article


8 min

This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know to choose the best CPU and make sure it is compatible with your PC.

What’s Inside



  • What is a CPU?




  • What CPU Specs You Should Care About




  • What Do You Want to Do with Your CPU?




  • Types of CPUs




  • How to Choose Your CPU

This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need to know to choose the best CPU for your needs.





What is a CPU?


A central processing unit, or CPU (also called a processor or central processor), is electronic circuitry that allows for all the other PC components to function. The CPU interprets binary signals and executes the instructions given to it from programs, your operating system, and other PC components, performing calculations, making logical decisions and completing input/output operations.

Instead of taking in punch cards with vacuum tubes like the olden days of computing, CPUs today have billions of transistors that allow modern devices such as laptops, tablets and smart devices to function.





What CPU Specs You Should Care About






Core Count


You can think of cores as individual processors. Each extra core adds significant performance to the CPU and an increased ability to multitask seamlessly. Having more cores helps the processor multitask because each core can be focused on a specific task. CPUs with numerous cores have become the new norm as modern software and games begin utilizing multiple core CPU technology to increase performance drastically.

Most CPUs you’ll find today have between two and 64 cores, with anything beyond 32 cores being useful to only the most advanced use cases, including AAA gamers who are also streaming, 3D video rendering and editing, and other demanding tasks. At least four cores are highly recommended for modern users, and six to eight cores should be enough for most users outside advanced use cases.

Many programs can’t utilize all the cores and it will not make a difference in your system’s performance to increase cores further. Be sure to check on the software you want to run and the optimal number of cores for it.





Threads


If cores are the individual processors in the CPU, then threads are the number of tasks that those cores can perform at any one time. This is important to know because modern CPUs will often have more threads than cores. This means that each core can perform more than one task at a time. Adding threads is not as powerful as adding cores but does increase the CPU’s overall performance.

Multithreading or hyperthreading allows for a core to perform two lines of execution simultaneously, which the operating system interprets as two logical cores. When comparing two CPUs with the same number of cores, the CPU with more threads offers greater power, although the additional threads do share the same resources.





Clock Speed


Measured in gigahertz (GHz) in modern CPUs, the clock speed is the rate at which the processor operates. For example, a clock speed of 3.0 GHz means the CPU can handle up to three billion cycles a second, or instructions the CPU can execute within a single clock cycle, or the time between the opening and closing of the billions of transistors within the CPU.

Typically, the faster the CPU runs, the better it performs, but that is not always the case. Factors previously mentioned, such as core and thread count, can also significantly impact performance. When determining CPU power, it is essential to consider all three of these specs. A slower CPU with more threads or cores could easily outperform a high-speed processor with less threads or cores.





Max Clock Speed – Should You Overclock?


You’ve probably noticed CPUs and computer specs often include max clock speed. Some users, particularly gamers, choose to overclock their CPUs, meaning they crank up the clock speed higher than the manufacturers intend.

Note that not all CPUs can be overclocked and not all motherboards allow for overclocking. All AMD CPUs can be overclocked but only Intel CPUs ending in “k” can be overclocked. If you choose to do this, make sure you have a cooling solution in place to account for the additional heat that will build up in your case from overclocking.





TDP (Thermal Design Power)


The TDP of a processor is how much heat it’ll give off and the amount of power a processor needs to function optimally. This number is important because it lets you know just how much cooling you are going to need for that CPU as well as what wattage of power supply your computer may need (in addition to knowing the TDP and power draw of your other PC components). Some processors come with cooling options that can help save money on your overall budget.

There are many options when choosing how to cool your CPU, so make sure you know exactly how cool your processor needs to be. Overheating a processor can result in catastrophic PC failure and cost you unnecessary time and money.  

A CPU’s cache functions like that of a computer’s memory or RAM. The cache is a small, segmented section of memory that stores temporary files, and this data can be accessed extremely quickly. Processors with a larger cache size can store more data for rapid retrieval and processing. It mostly comes in handy for multitasking





Generation


Like all tech, CPUs are constantly releasing new versions and upgrades. New generations often showcase cutting edge technology that can have a drastic effect on performance. Sometimes, expensive new features may not be needed for your build — so purchasing an older generation could save you money. Keep in mind that as new generations come out, so does new software that utilizes that generation’s technology, which may be needed to run programs optimally.





Socket Compatibility


Nothing is more frustrating than going through all the steps to choose a CPU just to find out that it doesn’t fit in your build or is incompatible with your motherboard. The enclosure on a motherboard that holds a CPU is called a socket. They come in many different shapes and sizes, so it is essential to know what type of socket your CPU uses and what’s compatible with your motherboard.

For example, various CPU manufacturers can require different sockets, making them compatible only with specific motherboards. For instance, AMD CPUs use the same AM4 platform for every consumer CPU and APU they offer. Some motherboards may need a BIOS update to be compatible with AMD Ryzen CPUs.





Integrated Graphics Processing Units (GPUs)/Accelerated Processing Units (APU)


Some computers have their GPUs integrated into their CPUs on a single die. In these computers, the GPU shares system memory for graphics and video with the CPU. Combining the CPU and GPU uses less power and generates less heat, increasing device battery life. They also cost less than a separate, also known as discrete, CPU and GPU.  The graphic performance of devices with integrated GPUs is often less than a device with a discrete CPU and GPU, but not always. You’ll most commonly find integrated GPUs in small form factor devices like laptops, tablets and smartphones.

AMD coined accelerated processing unit (APU) in 2011. APUs contain the GPU and CPU on a single die, much like integrated GPUs, and serve a similar role. APUs are performative chips used in modern gaming consoles and some budget friendly gaming laptops. Some APUs can even outperform budget discrete GPUs and with lower power consumption.





What Do You Want to Do with Your CPU?


Knowing how you will be using your PC is crucial in choosing the best CPU for you. Knowing just how much power you need can help balance your budget to other areas of your build.

The first step in building any computer is to determine what that PC’s primary use will be. Knowing your needs will allow you to prioritize where to spend when purchasing your CPU. If you’ll only be using your machine for basic office work or browsing the web, for instance, you can save some money on your CPU because you will not necessarily need high performance.

Other tasks, however, require a more powerful processor, such as 3D rendering and 4K video editing. Some devices such as servers, desktops or mobile devices may also require specific processors to perform their best. Here are a few specific use cases for CPUs and what we recommend for each.

If you’re mostly using your computer for browsing the web, word processing, and checking your email or social media, you don’t need anything beyond a basic CPU.

For AMD, a Ryzen 3 processor should be more than up to task. In fact, you could probably save some cash and purchase a laptop with an APU or Athlon series, or A-Series CPU.

For Intel, the equivalent would be an Intel i3 processor on the high end of home user needs. To save, you could investigate PCs with integrated GPUs, or the Intel Celeron or Pentium Gold, Silver or Xeon series.

A CPU with a clock speed over 2.0 GHz is most likely overkill for this use case.





Small Business & Enterprise


What kind of CPU needed for small business users depend on the role of the individual user. Someone who is a copywriter or social media manager wouldn’t need as powerful of a PC as the web designer or video editor. If users are mostly using word processors and basic spreadsheets or presentations, an Intel i3 or AMD Ryzen 3 should be more than enough to get the job done, and you may be able to get away with the same CPUs as home users.

For users in design or creative editing roles, or number-crunching large databases, you should consider an i5 or Ryzen 5 CPU, and possibly an i7 or Ryzen 7 for 3D rendering/modeling, video editing, or simply future-proofing your systems.

If you want to get a more precise idea of what CPU your individual team members need, check out the specifications of the software they’ll plan on using to learn how many cores are needed to run the software optimally. Clock speed also comes into play—for instance, Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom require a 64-bit CPU with a clock speed of at least 2.0 GHz.





Gaming


For most AAA titles like Elden Ring or Resident Evil 3, an AMD Ryzen 5 or Intel i5 processor is about the baseline for smooth gameplay and preventing the dreaded lag. If you’re looking to also stream on the same PC, you’ll need a stronger CPU.

However, for most gamers, you’re best off getting the required CPU for whatever title(s) you’re looking to run as well as minimum cores/clock speed and focusing on purchasing a powerful GPU. Particularly for streamers, at this level you should consider a CPU cooling solution beyond a simple fan.





Types of CPUs


There are several types of CPUs out there. Knowing your budget and workload are key in determining what type of processor is best for you. Narrow down your choices first by determining which type of CPU you need.





Mobile CPU


Designed with mobile devices and laptops in mind, these CPUs tend to be slower than their desktop or server counterparts. On the other hand, they are generally more compact so they can fit within these devices. 





Server CPU


Rigorously tested and built to run 24/7, server processers are the powerhouses of the CPU world. These components are tested in high-temperature and high-stress simulations to ensure that no matter what, your server can keep running optimally. Server processors are ideal for hosting multiple applications, maintaining regular backups or processing mass amounts of data. These processors are by far the most powerful option, but they come at a much higher cost.





Desktop CPU


Like other CPUs, a desktop processor’s job is to process data, but with a desktop user in mind. These processors are not designed to run a heavy workload non-stop but instead focus on other user needs. Desktop CPUs are more affordable than their server counterparts and can excel at tasks like gaming or internet browsing. These processors can also be used for overclocking, allowing users to push their components to the utmost limit. There are many different desktop CPUs out there, so it’s important to know what specifications to pay attention to when shopping.





How to Choose Your CPU


Now you know everything you need to to choose the best CPU for your machine. Here’s a quick summary to help you decide:

  • Determine PC Workload. After determining your PC’s expected workload, you’ll know just how powerful your CPU will need to be.
  • Budget. You can balance your budget for your CPU, being careful not to overspend or purchase a processor that is unable to meet your needs.
  • Review Specs. By paying attention to vital specifications like core and thread count, clock speed, and more, you can compare your top choices to make your selection.
  • Match Motherboard Socket. Before finalizing any purchases, make sure to check that your motherboard has the right socket shape for your CPU.
  • Match Motherboard Chipset. Ensure that your motherboard’s chipset is compatible with your CPU so you can make full use of all your CPU and motherboard features.  





Find the best CPUs on CDW.com


We hope this guide on how to choose a PC has helped you narrow your options down. If you’re ready to shop, explore the CPU selection at CDW now.







Shop CPUs now on CDW.com.



How to Choose a CPU

There are few components in your system as important as the central processing unit (CPU). From generating game logic to running demanding applications to handling seemingly mundane computing tasks, your CPU handles most of the actual computing your computer does. That’s why, if you’re in the market for an upgrade, knowing how to choose a CPU is important.

Contents

  • AMD vs. Intel
  • CPU labels and generations
  • Cores and threads
  • Clocks and IPC
  • Integrated graphics
  • Power and thermals

Buying the right CPU can be confusing, though. Cores, threads, clocks, and cache are all numbers that we have ready access to, but making sense of them needs a little know-how. By the end of this CPU buying guide, you’ll know how to choose a CPU, what to look for, and, just as crucially, why.

Further reading

  • The best AMD processors
  • The best Intel processors
  • The best processors for gaming

AMD vs. Intel

Intel Newsroom/Intel Corporation

There are two main CPU manufacturers when it comes to desktop PCs and laptops: AMD and Intel. Until 2017, unless you were going ultra-budget, Intel was the only real choice, but today, whether you opt for an AMD or an Intel CPU, as long as you buy the right one for what you want to do with your new system, you’ll have a fantastic experience.

That’s not to say that there aren’t instances where we’d likely recommend one company’s products over the other, but the difference isn’t as important as it once was, and there are other factors that may be more important for you (read our dedicated AMD versus Intel guide for more).

One important note, however, is that if you are planning to build a computer (here are some helpful tips on how), you must buy compatible components. An Intel motherboard will not work with an AMD CPU, and vice versa.

You can use an Intel solid-state drive in an AMD motherboard or an AMD graphics card in an Intel PC, but when it comes to CPUs and motherboards, you need to buy what’s compatible.

CPU labels and generations

You can figure out a lot about a processor simply by knowing the generation it’s from and the tier it sits in within that generation. AMD and Intel have different naming schemes for their processors, and being able to decode them is important. Newer processors are usually better, and as we’ll explain throughout this guide, being able to discern processors on an individual basis will allow you to pick out what’s relevant and what isn’t.

The latest AMD processors are part of the Ryzen 5000 series. The first number notes the generation, while the second number notes where the processor sits in that generation. For example, the 5600X and 5800X both come from the Ryzen 5000 series, but the 5800X is a faster, more capable processor within that generation.

Unfortunately, the numbers themselves don’t mean much. You’d be forgiven, for example, for assuming that the Ryzen 5000 processors are the fifth generation of Ryzen processors. But that’s not the case (it’s actually the fourth generation of Ryzen processors and only the third architectural change). Similarly, the 5800X is labeled with the Ryzen 7 tag and the 5600X with the Ryzen 5 tag, while the 5900X has a more fitting Ryzen 9 tag.

The numbers themselves aren’t important. It’s how they compare to each other. A Ryzen 5900X comes from a more recent generation than a 3900X, and a 5800X and 5600X are from the same generation, but the 5800X is faster.

Intel’s naming scheme is similar, using the first number to note the generation and the second number to note the place within that generation. Like AMD, Intel also categorizes its processors into tiers (Core i7 and Core i9, for example). Knowing that, we can pick out the Intel 10900K as a 10th-generation processor that’s in the i9 tier. Again, higher is better here.

Nothing is simple when it comes to CPU naming, though. Like AMD, Intel also breaks from its naming convention. The 10400 and 10600K, for example, are both 10th-gen i5 processors. Higher is still better, though, so the 10400 will generally perform worse than the 10600K.

Intel also adds a suffix to most of its processors that notes certain functionality (or the lack of such functionality). There really isn’t any reasonable explanation for the suffix letters and what they mean, so we’ll just list them instead:

  • G1-G7: Graphics level
  • E: Embedded
  • F: Requires discrete graphics
  • G: Includes discrete graphics
  • H: High performance optimized for mobile
  • HK: High performance optimized for mobile, unlocked
  • HQ: High performance optimized for mobile, quad-core
  • K: Unlocked
  • S: Special edition
  • T: Power-optimized
  • U: Mobile power efficient
  • Y: Mobile extremely low power

Thankfully, you won’t encounter most of the suffixes when shopping for a processor. The important ones to remember are F and K for Intel desktop processors. For mobile, HK and U show up the most.

Cores and threads

Dan Baker/Digital Trends

If you want to know how to choose a CPU, you need to consider cores and threads. Cores are like individual processors of their own, all packed together on the same chip. Traditionally, they can perform one task each at a time, meaning that more cores make a processor better at multitasking. Modern software is far better at taking advantage of more cores at once to do the same job, so more cores can make some software run faster, too.

Threads are the number of tasks that a CPU can conduct at any one time. Many modern processors feature simultaneous multithreading (called hyperthreading on Intel CPUs), which lets processors leverage spare core performance for additional tasks. That’s why you’ll often see a CPU listed with four cores and eight threads or six cores and 12 threads. These additional threads aren’t as fast as the cores themselves — as they are effectively leveraging parts of the CPU that are underused — but they do typically improve performance by a noticeable margin.

Some software can leverage more cores and threads than others, making the number of cores and threads that your CPU has a big indicator of potential performance. Having more cores than you need doesn’t speed things up beyond the limits of what the software can handle, and it can lead to your individual cores not being as fast as those in chips with smaller numbers.

If you just want to answer emails, browse the internet, and watch Netflix, a dual-core will suffice, though you’ll find your experience quicker with four cores, especially if you like to multitask on your system. Budget six-core CPUs are worth considering, too — especially if they have simultaneous multithreading, like AMD’s low-end hexacore designs.

If you’re a gamer, you want at least a quad-core CPU and preferably one with support for eight threads. There are benefits to going with a six-core CPU, and some games can be made moderately faster by going for eight cores. Beyond that, you’ll see very diminishing returns. For example, the eight-core Ryzen 7 5800X performs as well as the 16-core Ryzen 9 5950X in most games (and costs around half the price).

If you’re a video or audio editor, transcode video, or work with large databases, then the sky is almost the limit with how many cores you can leverage — though as you move beyond eight cores, you won’t see such great leaps in performance. Still, AMD’s 12- and 16-core Ryzen 5900X and 5950X CPUs are two of the best multithreaded CPUs in the world, showing that cores can really help if you’re looking to do a lot of work.

There are even CPUs with as many as 64 cores out there, but they are inordinately expensive and only worth considering for professionals.

Clocks and IPC

AMD CEO Dr Lisa Su details the Ryzen 3700X performance.

Another major consideration with CPUs is clock speed. This is the megahertz (MHz) and gigahertz (GHz) rating and represents how many collections of tasks a processor can perform each second. It’s a fair representation of the speed of individual cores, though it doesn’t tell the whole story. If two processors from the same generation have the same number of cores, but one has a higher clock speed, it will perform faster.

Since higher clock speeds mean individual cores run faster, that can make chips with higher clock speeds but fewer cores perform better in certain applications that can’t make use of higher core and thread counts. That’s why a 10-core processor like Intel’s i9-10900K is comparable with a 16-core processor like AMD’s Ryzen 9 5950X in many benchmarks. The 5950X has more cores, but the 10900K has faster cores, which could be a good thing depending on what applications you’re using.

CPUs also have different instructions per clock (IPC) ratings. That’s the number of tasks it can perform in each clock cycle (each second, noted by the clock speed), and it’s dependent on the underlying architecture. Using the 5950X and 10900K again, the 5950X leverages AMD’s Zen 3 architecture, which has a higher IPC rating than Intel’s 10th-gen design. That means when a 10th-gen Intel core and a Zen 3 AMD core are running at the same speed, the Zen 3 AMD core will be faster. Given the same speed, it can complete more instructions per clock cycle.

While this might seem a little confusing, it highlights the importance of looking at individual reviews for processors. Head-to-heads, where two CPUs are pitted against each other in comparable tests, are also a great way to see how they perform in the real world.

If you want a good rule of thumb, CPUs with higher clock speeds and newer architectures are faster at just about everything, but for productivity tasks, a modern one with more cores will usually be quicker.

Integrated graphics

CPUs can also include integrated graphics chips on the same die, making them capable of operating independently of dedicated graphics cards. Intel CPUs with the F designation (such as the 9900KF) don’t have onboard graphics, but most others do in some form. They aren’t typically powerful, but an entry-level integrated graphics chip like the UHD 620 can do between 30 and 60 frames per second in older e-sports games like CS:GO. You’ll want to keep the settings low to avoid stuttering frame rates during intense action or when heavy smoke is deployed.

Intel’s 11th-generation graphics chips (found in 10th-generation Ice Lake processors) come in Iris Plus configurations and do offer reasonable gaming performance. In Anandtech’s testing, a 64 execution unit GPU, onboard the Core i7-1065G7 in a Dell XPS 13, managed over 43 fps in DotA 2 at enthusiast detail settings at 1080p. We found it more than capable of playing Fortnite at 720p and 1080p. This is a big improvement over what we’ve seen with Intel onboard GPUs in recent years.

However, an even larger improvement came with Intel’s 12th-gen Iris Xe graphics, first featured on 11th-gen Tiger Lake chips. Testing the top-of-the-line i7-1185G7, we were able to average 45 fps in Civilization VI and 51 fps in Battlefield V at 1080p with Medium settings. Fortnite struggled in our testing, however, managing just 34 fps at 1080p with Medium settings.

Still, Intel’s Iris Xe graphics remain the most compelling integrated graphics solution available today. It’s still a far cry from a dedicated GPU but a huge step up from previous generations of integrated graphics.

AMD’s processors typically don’t include onboard graphics on desktop, though there are some accelerated processing units (APU) that do. They’re more comparable to Intel’s 11th-generation graphics, offering reasonable performance in entry-level and e-sports gaming settings.

All of AMD’s mobile CPUs include onboard Vega graphics, and in some configurations, they can be decent for gaming. We found the RX Vega 10 on a Ryzen 7 3700U-equipped laptop to be more than capable of comfortable frame rates in Diablo 3 and Half-Life 2. You’ll need to check reviews of individual CPUs to see how capable they are, as there are other factors that can affect gaming performance, but know that a higher number of graphics cores typically leads to greater graphical performance.

Power and thermals

A Digital Trends staff member installing an all-in-one CPU watercooler. Bill Roberson/Digital Trends

Performance is the most important factor for most CPU purchases — after all, if you can’t do what you want with your new chip faster than you could before, what’s the point in upgrading? If you’re looking to have a quiet PC, an efficient PC, or one that’s particularly compact, power and thermal demands are important considerations, too.

Unfortunately, neither AMD nor Intel give particularly clear data on the power and thermal demands of their processors, instead resorting to bundling the two together into a rating of Thermal Design Power (TDP). This is expressed in wattage, and it gives you a rough idea of how much power the CPU will require from the power supply and how capable a cooler you’ll need to keep it within safe operating temperatures.

Low-power laptop CPUs work within just a few watts and max out around 45W in the most robust gaming devices. On the other hand, desktop processors can stretch to a maximum of 125W in some circumstances, although they usually fall somewhere between 65W and 95W.

In certain situations, TDP can also be a slack guide to the status of a processor’s underlying silicon, where more proficient CPUs are ordered in the more leading TDP levels due to their capacity to manage extra power. This depends on each specific case, though, and there’s really no guarantee of a more high-grade chip. It’s also only especially suitable for overclocking.

You’ll want to examine individual processor reviews to determine how much power and cooling they actually need, but if you’re on the market for higher TDP CPUs that require almost 100W, larger and more proficient coolers would be a reasonable option if you want a quiet PC.

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The laptop processor is one of the main computing elements. The full name is the central processing unit, abbreviated CPU (CPU). The processor is part of the laptop hardware and is responsible for executing certain commands and operations sent by the software. Visually, the processor is a small microcircuit or chip. That is why these processors are called microprocessors. Although initially (before the advent of integrated circuits) the process of creating processors was a rather long and difficult task, since at first processors were created not in a serial stream, but once for a specific computer system. Therefore, they were rather complex devices capable of processing commands from only one program. Subsequently, this method was abandoned and switched to serial production. Serial production began at the time of the first computers (mainframes, minicomputers and others).

The history of Intel processors

In the history of the improvement of processors, it is worth highlighting two development paths, or rather, the development of processors from two companies: Intel and AMD. The development of Intel processors is divided into seven generations. Intel released its first microprocessor back in 1971. It was called Intel 4004 and had 2300 transistors. The first generation includes the 8086 processors, as well as the 8087 math processor. Actually, the 8086 processor became one of the first sixteen-bit processors. The second generation of processors was represented by the Intel 80286, as well as the 80287 coprocessor. This processor already had a twenty-four-bit address bus. Third-generation Intel processors, in particular, the 80386, were already thirty-two bits. Starting with the fourth generation of Intel processors, they stopped releasing the math coprocessor separately. Now it was inside the main processor. This generation includes Intel 486 processors, which already have an internal cache memory. The fifth generation includes the Pentium 60 and Pentium 66 processors, which can work with 64 bits of the data bus. Although they still remained thirty-two bit. For the sixth generation processors, power consumption was reduced, which made it possible for the processors to work without overheating. There were other small changes that improve the performance of the processors. The sixth generation includes Pentium 75, 9 processors0, 100, 120, 133, 150, 166 and 200. These processors have significantly increased the frequency of operation. The latest seventh generation includes modern processors: Pentium MMX, Pentium Pro, Pentium II, III and others. The external frequency of these processors is already much higher than that of previous versions. Subsequently, more powerful processors were also released, in particular processors such as Core Duo, Core 2 Duo and, of course, Core Solo.

AMD Processor History

As with Intel processors, so with AMD processors, the development process can be divided into several generations, each of which is distinguished by fundamentally new solutions in development. The development of AMD processors dates back to 1982, when AMD released its Am 286 processor with Intel permission. This processor was somewhat similar to the Intel processor, but still had some advantages. The next step was the release of the Am 386 DX and Am 386 SX processors, which already had a higher frequency. By the way, the Am 386 SX processor is a modified version of the Am 386 DX processor, so it has lower specifications. Subsequently, with the development of technology, Am 486 DX, DX2, DX4 processors began to appear, which can be attributed to fourth-generation processors, in which the number of transistors has already increased to a million, and the clock frequency was about 100 MHz. Fifth generation AMD processors include fundamentally new technologies that were not available in Intel processors. In particular, these are Am 586, K5 (SSA5) and K5 (5k86) processors. Then a number of K6 series processors were released, including a mobile processor. From 1999, the legendary Athlon processors and their modifications began to be produced. Subsequently, the AMD Duron processor was released, after which the Athlon family of processors was only developed.

Comparison of processors

Since Intel and AMD processors are currently the most popular, it is worth considering the types of these processors. The Intel processor lineup includes Celeron, Pentium, Pentium Mobile, Core Duo, Core 2 Duo, and Core Solo processors. Celeron is much cheaper than its older comrades, but at the same time it also has a lower operating speed. Consequently, the Pentium is much faster, but also costs a little more. Pentium Mobile is designed for mobile devices. Core Duo series processors are dual-core processors that offer superior performance over Pentium and Celeron. Thus, the newer the version, the more powerful the processor itself. Evolution. The types of AMD processors are quite similar to those of Intel, in particular, they include Athlon, Duron, Athlon Mobile, Turion and DualCore. The specs of the Athlon are slightly lower than those of the Duron. Athlon Mobile, like Intel Pentium Mobile, is designed for mobile devices and has similar characteristics. DualCore is already a dual-core processor.

Despite the fact that AMD and Intel processors are very popular among laptop manufacturers and, therefore, occupy leading positions in sales, there are significant differences both in processor architecture and in their interfaces. In general, when working in the office or during home use, the differences in processor architecture do not affect performance in any way. In this case, the AMD processor is more profitable due to its lower cost. But the core frequency of Intel processors is higher, so for advanced users who demand maximum performance from a laptop, or for professional work with audio and video files, AMD processors leave much to be desired. Here, too, one feature must be taken into account. If we compare the capabilities of AMD and Intel processors of approximately equal cost, but, of course, different series, then the leadership branch will belong to AMD for obvious reasons. Along with this, it is worth highlighting the significant advantage of Intel processors directly in use, since they have a mechanism to prevent processor overheating. At a critical moment, the processor resets the frequency to a certain threshold value. AMD processors do not have such a mechanism. However, it is necessary to ensure that the laptop has a high-quality processor cooling system from both AMD and Intel built in to avoid overheating. It is also worth noting that Intel processors generate significantly more heat than AMD processors. In this aspect, AMD have an advantage. In addition to all this, it is necessary to raise the issue of performance. There are quite a few different tests that have been conducted at the present time, during which it was found that the performance of AMD processors is significantly higher than the performance of Intel processors. The studies were carried out on identical computer assemblies.

Conclusions

When comparing processors from Intel and AMD, there are several important factors to consider when choosing one or another processor. Firstly, it all depends on the purpose of the purchase, that is, on what this laptop will be used for. Secondly, it is necessary to draw a conclusion based on their financial considerations. Therefore, it is impossible to say unequivocally which of the processors is better, since this conclusion will be different for each person.

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Processor for server: selection criteria

The CPU allows the server to process user data and requests. The number of processors and the number of cores affect the performance of the system, but installing powerful hardware does not always lead to an increase in performance.

In any system there is a «bottleneck» that slows down the growth of productivity. This may be the speed of disks, lack or insufficient speed of RAM, a large number of working users, and incorrect configuration of the operating system. Before purchasing or upgrading a processor, test your system to determine the bottleneck. You may not need to replace the processor.

Most servers run on Intel Xeon processors. Advantages: high speed, reliability, low heat and power consumption. Buy a server with an Intel processor — purchase a system that meets the requirements for performance and reliability.

When choosing a processor, do not rush to the cheapest model, constant crashes and application slowdowns will not please your employees. Do not take powerful equipment without reason — it will stand idle. Optimal processor performance depends on the amount of information being processed and the connected users. Leave 30% capacity for emergency situations and future expansion of the company.

Processor Selection Criteria

Number of Cores
Modern processors come with up to 24 cores for faster performance. The number of cores affects the number of simultaneously processed requests. But mindlessly increasing the nuclear power is not worth it, consider the type of tasks performed. With a large number of single-threaded tasks (using only one core of one processor), it is better to increase the frequency, rather than the number of cores.

Cache
The processor cache is a small amount of ultra-fast memory. It is used to store operational information and affects performance. It is better to buy a server with an Intel Xeon processor with a large cache, which will increase the speed of applications. The optimal cache size is 8-16 MB.

Socket
The socket type affects processor compatibility with the server motherboard. Make sure the socket is compatible, otherwise the processor will not work. Damaged or defective sockets lead to unstable operation of the processor and reduce performance.

Clock frequency
Clock frequency refers to the number of calculations performed per second. Focus on it with a large number of single-threaded tasks. Otherwise, look at the number of cores and cache size. The speed of multi-core processors is determined by the architecture and the number of instructions executed per clock.

Heat dissipation
The amount of heat generated depends on the processing power and cooling system. With insufficient cooling, the processor overheats, slows down, and may fail. With the Intel Xeon processor, such problems rarely occur.

How to choose a processor

Before buying a server based on Xeon processors, decide on your requirements: the number and type of work tasks, the number of connected users.

Number of users up to 20
2-4 core processors with a clock frequency of 2 GHz are enough for a small office. When working in 1C or performing complex calculations on terminal servers, stop at 8 cores. The amount of cache is not important, but make sure you get a good price/performance ratio. Purchase a server with an Intel Xeon processor E3-1230 v5.

Number of users 20-200
Medium enterprises don’t care about individual processor characteristics, but about overall server performance. With a processor cost of 10-20% of the total budget, it contributes up to 50% to performance. A good solution would be to buy a 2 processor system with a large cache and 8-16 cores. High-speed performance in multi-threaded applications will be increased by Hyper Threading technology. We recommend buying a server with an Intel Xeon E5-2630 v4 processor.

Over 200 users
For large companies, the speed of work in multi-threaded applications is important, a reasonable choice would be to buy a server on 2-4 E7 Intel Xeon processors with 16-24 cores. These models feature Hyper Threading technology. A good choice would be a server with an Intel E7-4850 v4 processor.

Think of the future

After choosing a processor, don’t waste your money and get a higher class model. This is due to constantly growing loads on computing systems (an increase in the amount of information processed, new versions of the applications used will use more resources, an increase in the number of users on your network). Therefore, a situation is possible when the purchased equipment has not yet exhausted its resource, and its performance is no longer enough. Make a 30% performance headroom for the future, because the overall budget will increase slightly.

You can buy a server with an Intel Xeon processor from Aurora Technologies. A wide range of processors will allow you to choose the right model. Our managers will talk about the advantages of various models of Intel processors and offer a balanced system.

2.2.1. Processor selection. Computer tutorial

2.2.1. Processor selection

2.2.1.1. Intel

processors

Currently, the following Intel processors can be found on the market: Celeron J, Intel Core 2 Duo, Pentium IV (IP4) LGA 775. All these processors are installed in the Socket LGA 775. The cheapest among them (and therefore the least fast) — Celeron J. Its frequency does not exceed 3.4 GHz (it seems to be quite a lot), but its internal bus[2] operates at only 533 MHz.

The Pentium IV (IP4) LGA 775 processor is faster — its frequency also does not exceed 3.4 GHz, but the bus frequency is 800 MHz. And the internal cache[3] is larger — up to 4 MB, while the Celeron J has only 512 KB (and the cheapest versions have only 256 KB).

Intel’s highest performing processor to date is the Intel Core 2 Duo processor. Its main difference is duality. The internal bus frequency has been raised to 1066 MHz, and the amount of cache memory (for the Intel Core 2 Duo Extreme processor) is up to 8 MB.

And now the most interesting part. Now we will find out why we read all these technical details. Let’s assume that you don’t want to buy a pre-configured computer, but want to assemble it yourself. Don’t worry, you don’t have to connect anything yourself. You will only need to choose from the price list those components that you want to see in your car. You will have your own individual configuration! Then you can even brag to your friends that you completed the computer yourself.

When choosing a processor, you need to take into account its technology, clock frequency, internal bus frequency, cache memory size, and, of course, price. Our task is to choose the optimal processor. You can, of course, buy the most expensive processor — in any case, it will be the best. But is it advisable? If you buy a $200-$300 processor, you will lose $70-$100 in half a year, and if you buy a $1,100 processor, then in six months you will find that it costs about $350-400 less. Therefore, I will not dare to advise you to purchase the most expensive processor.

So, let’s start choosing a processor. The cheapest, Celeron, can be purchased for $50. Frequency — 2.5-2.8 GHz, bus frequency 533 GHz, cache is only 256 KB. Such a processor is unlikely to give you pleasure. It is optimally suited for the «workhorse» — an office computer. Documents, the Internet, movies, and if you take a more or less good video card, you can also play toys. But for the home, when you (or your child) want to install the most modern toy (and this may not happen now, but in six months), it turns out that the processor is not a sprinter at all. If there is no money, but you need to buy a computer, then I advise you to pay attention to the Celeron J processor with a frequency of 3 GHz and a 512 KB cache. The difference will be 10 dollars (it is 10-15 dollars cheaper than the cheapest Celeron), but the increase in clock frequency, and especially in cache memory, will be felt. The most expensive Celeron J costs (at the moment — don’t forget!) about $75. But you shouldn’t buy it, it’s no different from a $60 processor, just a little higher frequency. It’s better to buy the cheapest Pentium IV for $78 — the same 3 GHz, 533 MHz on the internal bus, but 1 MB of cache.

And now let’s try to find the optimal processor. We will take into account that you are ready to spend from 100 to 250 dollars on it. More will not be required — after all, in addition to the processor, you need to buy a lot of other things.

Let’s start with the maximum amount — for $ 250 you can buy a dual-core Intel Core 2 Duo processor, its frequency will be 2. 13 GHz (dual-core processors run at a lower frequency, so don’t be confused by the numbers), with 2 MB of cache and an internal bus at 1066 MHz. Great choice. If you want to save money, then you can buy the same processor for about $ 210, but with a frequency of 1.86 GHz. Buy the cheapest dual-core processor (just over 19$0) is not worth it — it has an internal bus frequency of only 800 MHz, like the Pentium IV. You can either add another $20 and buy a full-fledged dual-core processor with a bus frequency of 1066 MHz, or for $100 you can buy the most powerful processor from the Pentium IV line. You’ll get a 3.4GHz processor with 800MHz bus speed and 2MB cache.

If you really want a dual-core processor (but at the same time save money!), then for $ 150 you can buy a dual-core Intel Pentium D processor, which we have not talked about yet, operating at a frequency of 2.8 GHz, with a bus frequency of 800 MHz and cache memory 2+2 MB (2 MB for each core). A great solution if you need a modern and fast computer based on an Intel processor. Although tests show that Intel Core 2 is still better, so if funds allow, it is better to buy it.

Conclusion: if you have money, then it is better to buy Intel Core 2. If funds are limited, then Intel Pentium D is the best choice (you will save about $100), and if funds are very limited, then the usual Pentium IV.

But do not rush to buy an Intel processor — there are still AMD processors.

This text is an introductory fragment.

Java XSLT processor usage

Using the Java XSLT Processor
To work with a Java-based XSLT processor, just download and unzip it and it’s ready to go. Read, of course, the accompanying instructions; but usually only two steps need to be taken. First,

is needed

AS/400 processor implementations

AS/400 processor implementations
The first RISC processors used in the AS/400 supported only active tag mode and only the AS/400 I/O structure. So they ran applications, but not operating systems written for the standard PowerPC processor. Any other

1.5.2 Processor interrupt levels

1.5.2 Processor interrupt levels
The kernel is sometimes required to prevent interrupts from occurring during critical operations that could corrupt information if interrupted. For example, during the processing of a list with pointers, a disk interrupt occurs for the kernel

Processor selection

Processor selection
Since the performance requirements of Asterisk are mainly due to the large amount of mathematical calculations performed, it is natural to choose a processor with a powerful FPU. For signal processing performed by Asterisk from the CPU

6.20.3 CPU resources

6.20.3 CPU resources
Processing datagrams does not result in a large load on the central processing unit (CPU). Header parsing is quite simple. No complex software is required to handle timeouts and retransmission. Due to

Processor cache

Processor cache
The hardware we all program and run applications on uses an in-memory cache. So, for example, the computer of the author of this book uses a high-speed cache memory of 512 KB between the processor and its registers and main memory (capacity

Processor messages

Processor messages
By and large, we have no control over the conversion process. The processor itself can choose how and in what sequence it will execute certain patterns — these are the features of declarative programming. However, we are

2.2.2.1. Choosing a motherboard for the Intel

processor

2.2.2.1. Choosing a Motherboard for an Intel Processor
Today, for Intel processors, you can buy motherboards based on the following chipsets: 865G, 915PL, 945*, 965*. If you chose a Core 2 processor (or Pentium D — also dual-core), then you only need the 965th chipset. At the very last

2.2.2.2. Choosing a motherboard for a processor from AMD

2.2.2.2. Choosing a Motherboard for an AMD Processor
When choosing a motherboard for an AMD processor, you need to consider the same factors as when choosing a motherboard for an Intel processor. First of all, we look at the presence of the necessary socket for the processor (let me remind you, the sockets for AMD are

CPU and cooler installation

Installing the processor and cooler
Before inserting the motherboard into the case, you should install some components on it, otherwise it will be inconvenient to do it later. It is logical to start with the processor. When buying a processor and motherboard, of course, you need

Processor failure

Processor failure
The central processing unit (Fig. 1.5) is the most demanded computer device. The overall speed of the entire system depends on the speed of the processor.
Rice. 1.5. ProcessorThe processor is the result of the hard work of many specialists and

Processor failure

Processor failure
The central processing unit (Fig. 1.6) is the most demanded computer device. The speed of the entire system largely depends on the speed of the processor. The processor is the result of the painstaking work of many specialists and represents

3.2. Installing the processor and RAM

3.2. Installing the processor and RAM
The assembly of the computer begins with the installation of the processor and RAM, since while the motherboard is not attached to the case, you have free access to it

Installing the processor and connecting the cooler

Installing the processor and connecting the cooler
In this section, you will learn how to install the processor and connect the cooler.