Desktop CPUs

The CPU is the "brain" of the modern computer. It is the number one factor when it comes to computing speed and performance. The CPU market is very dynamic, with new chips and technological advances being introduced all the time. The information below was compiled in the Spring of 2008.

There are two main brands of CPUs that are widely available: Intel and AMD. Both companies produce excellent processors. Some of the differences are detailed below.

AMD

AMD has 3 lines of desktop processors: The Athlon 64, the Athlon 64 X2, and the Phenom processor.

Athlon 64 ChipsAthlon 64
The Athlon 64 is a single-core processor that was produced to compete with the Intel Pentium 4. It is faster than a Pentium 4 brand CPU, but falls behind the newer dual-core CPUs. These CPUs can be found for very cheap and are only recommended for budget computer systems.

Athlon 64 X2
The Athlon X2 is a Dual-Core variation of the Athlon 64. The two cores effectively double the performance in certain applications over the single-core Athlon. These CPUs can also be found for relatively low cost and are great for mid-range systems.

Phenom
The AMD Phenom CPU is the newest CPU released by AMD. The Phenom has 2 variations- the 8xxx Series Phenom, which has 3 cores, and the 9xxx Series Phenom, which has 4 cores. These newer CPUs have more cores which equal more performance in certain applications. Triple and Quad-Core CPUs offer the best performance and are found in high-end systems.

Intel

The product line from Intel is slightly more saturated than AMD. However there are three distinct levels of Intel CPUs.

Pentium 4/Celeron
The Pentium 4 and Celeron CPUs are the older variation of Intel processors.  These CPUs are single core, and make up for the lack in performance with their very low price.  Because of the low performance, only low-range systems include these types of CPUs.

Pentium Dual Core
The Pentium Dual-Core is a Pentium 4 with two CPUs, and provides greater speed in certain applications. As this is the older variation of the Intel Dual-Core, they are relatively low-cost and can be found in many mid-range systems.

Intel Core 2Core2Duo and Core2Quad
The Core2 series is the newest line of processors from Intel. They include the Dual Core Core2Duo, and the Quad-Core Core2Quad.  Within the Core2Duo Series, there are the E4xxx, E6xxx.E 7xxx, and E8xxx CPUs. The higher number, equals the greater the performance within the series.  The Core2Quad contains the Q6xxx series, and the Q9xxx series.  In this case as well, the higher the number equals the greater performance within the series.  The Core2 line is the best performing CPU in the market and are recommended for both mid and high-range systems.

 

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