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Processors & More 2. What you need to know when buying a new computer. Current CPU Features. Multiple cores for better multi-tasking High bus clocks between the CPU and all other devices Integrated graphics accelerators for video decoding
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Processors& More 2 What you need to know when buying a new computer
Current CPU Features • Multiple cores for better multi-tasking • High bus clocks between the CPU and all other devices • Integrated graphics accelerators for video decoding • Integrated memory controllers to reduce latency between RAM and CPU • Many MegaBytes in cache for storing common instructions • Low power consumption (as low as half a watt!)
Who’s making CPUs • Three players left… • Intel • AMD (Advanced Micro Devices) • VIA
Sooo, which is better, AMD or Intel? • This is one of the most common questions in a retail store. • The question is equal to asking “Which is better, Toyota or GM?” • The answer is some models are better than others. • Some have better price to performance ratio (Usually AMD) while some will give the best raw performance (Usually Intel). • These patterns change over time so it always depends on the current CPUs or the next on the roadmap.
Intel’s Current Lineup • Core Extreme Series • 6 Core, 8 Core • Core i Series • 2 Core, 4 Core • Intel Pentium • 2 Core • Intel Celeron • 2 Core, Single Core • Intel Atom • 2 Core, Single Core
AMD’s Current Lineup • FX Series • 8 Core, 4 Core • Phenom II X6, X4, X2 • Athlon II X4, X3, X2 • A4, A6 (Lliano) • 2 Core, 4 Core • Sempron • Single Core • E Series • 2 Core, Single Core • Turion • 2 Core
Is this laptop or desktop? • Product lines for desktop and laptop have merged over the years. • Laptop and desktop architectures are distinctly different. • AMD has different product lines for most Laptop CPUs (E series, Turion, A4, A6) • Intel Differentiates by code at end of model number (M, QM)
What’s the most common CPU • $200-299 Desktop • Intel: Atom dual core, Celeron, Pentium Dual Core • AMD: E Series Dual Core, Athlon X2 • $300-500 Desktop • Intel: Pentium Dual Core, Core i3 • AMD: A4, A6, Athlon II X3, Phenom II X4 • >$500 Desktop • Intel: Core i5, Core i7 • AMD: Phenom II X4, Phenom II X6, FX Series
What’s the most common CPU • $200-299 Laptop • Intel: Atom, Celeron • AMD: E Series Dual Core • $300-499 Laptop • Intel: Pentium Dual Core, Core i3, Core i5 (2 Core) • AMD: A4, Phenom II X2 (Mobile), Turion 64 X2 • >$500 Laptop • Intel: Core i5, Core i7 (2 Core, 4 Core) • AMD: A6, Phenom II X4
A Few Words on Sockets. • KNOW YOUR SOCKET! • The socket is the connection point on the motherboard where the CPU fits in to. • Your socket determines your future upgrade path for that system (or if the system is upgradable at all!)
A Few Words on Chipsets. • KNOW YOUR CHIPSET! • The chipset is the main control chip for all communication between the CPU and the rest of the computer. • While now a days the chipset is less a determining factor of CPU support, it is still relevant when choosing a platform.
How many cores do I need? • In general, the more cores a CPU has, the more powerful it is. • Power does not equate to speed, however. It simply means the CPU can do more and the system wont see a performance hit. • Some cores are more powerful then others.
How fast is my CPU, really? Check the charts! • There are several PC benchmarking software companies. • One of the most popular benchmark utilities is PassMark • http://www.cpubenchmark.net • You can check the charts for a comparison of your CPU to a broad spectrum of CPUs old and new.
Should I wait till the next generation CPU? • Depends… • All manufacturers release roadmaps for the next CPUs they have in development. • They are freely available on the web from many review sites (engadget, gizmodo, google search. Etc..) • Most manufacturers try to release new products during first or forth quarter, but not always • Most manufacturers have delays to their initial roadmap leaks before official press release of a set date.
