How we choose the CPU
Quick review of CPU technology
Lots of CPU choices
It used to be easy to choose a chip, there wasn't much choice. Not any
more! CPU chip making companies Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Intel and
VIA Technologies offer multiple chip lines with any number of chips in each
line.
Different performance factors
Previously clock speed or frequency of the chip was everything and that
was the main number you needed to know. Now clock speeds, number of
cores, chip architecture, cache sizes, bus speed, power consumption and
overclocking potential are all important performance factors. Also chips with
an integrated memory controller, currently AMD chips and now Intel's Core
i7 and Core i5 lines, improve performance by reducing bottlenecks.
Two, three or four cores?
The main focus today on improving processing speeds is on placing more cpu
cores on a chip. This includes dual, triple and quad core chips. We believe
for those on a budget but still want a great computer, triple core chips
currently offer the best blend of performance and price. However with
prices falling on quad core chips and with more software apps being written
that benefit from multi cores, if you can spend on a quad core chip it's now
worth it. Video encoding, 3D rendering and virus scan software in particular
benefit substantially from triple and quad cores.
Clock speed is still important
With regard to clock speed or frequency, which is still an important factor,
we believe gamers should get as fast a clock speed as their budget will
allow. Computer enthusiasts can overclock these chips to get more speed
than just the rated speed.
What about Price?
For comparable chips from chip makers, price can become a deciding factor.
Our research shows AMD chips, as the brand underdog to Intel, offers
incredible performance for the price. You could be paying considerably more
for an Intel chip for similar performance. In some cases you can get a triple
core cpu from AMD for the price of dual core cpu from Intel.
Mainstream CPUs
We took a look at Atom, Intel's lowest priced chip, with a view to see if it
would power a mainstream desktop PC and not just netbooks and nettops.
An Atom chip would be fine on a desktop if all you want to do is run basic
office programs, web surf and email. However we want a mainstream PC to
do much more, so in this segment we prefer the more powerful AMD Athlon
II X3 Triple Core line and Intel's Pentium Dual Core line.
High end CPUs
At the higher end chip segment it's a different story. Intel's Core i7 line is
the fastest yet, but very expensive and so are their matching
motherboards. AMD's Phenom II X4 lines will get you a fast quad core chip at
a more reasonable price.
Sweet spot for high end CPUs
Intel's new Core i5 quad core chip brings Intel more into the picture now for
affordability. While the Core i7 processors and motherboards are an
extravagance for most, the Core i5 and their matching socket 1156
motherboards are more reasonably priced, but still at a premium to AMD.
The Core i5 performance approaches the Core i7 line and we don't think
you'll miss the difference. Lastly, the Core i5 line keeps the CPU upgrade
path open for Intel chips, something that was closed with their Core 2
Quads. With regard to AMD the Athlon II X4 620 chip in particular breaks
under the $100.00 barrier for a quad core chip. A very smart choice to go for.
Quick review of CPU technology
Lots of CPU choices
It used to be easy to choose a chip, there wasn't much choice. Not any
more! CPU chip making companies Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Intel and
VIA Technologies offer multiple chip lines with any number of chips in each
line.
Different performance factors
Previously clock speed or frequency of the chip was everything and that
was the main number you needed to know. Now clock speeds, number of
cores, chip architecture, cache sizes, bus speed, power consumption and
overclocking potential are all important performance factors. Also chips with
an integrated memory controller, currently AMD chips and now Intel's Core
i7 and Core i5 lines, improve performance by reducing bottlenecks.
Two, three or four cores?
The main focus today on improving processing speeds is on placing more cpu
cores on a chip. This includes dual, triple and quad core chips. We believe
for those on a budget but still want a great computer, triple core chips
currently offer the best blend of performance and price. However with
prices falling on quad core chips and with more software apps being written
that benefit from multi cores, if you can spend on a quad core chip it's now
worth it. Video encoding, 3D rendering and virus scan software in particular
benefit substantially from triple and quad cores.
Clock speed is still important
With regard to clock speed or frequency, which is still an important factor,
we believe gamers should get as fast a clock speed as their budget will
allow. Computer enthusiasts can overclock these chips to get more speed
than just the rated speed.
What about Price?
For comparable chips from chip makers, price can become a deciding factor.
Our research shows AMD chips, as the brand underdog to Intel, offers
incredible performance for the price. You could be paying considerably more
for an Intel chip for similar performance. In some cases you can get a triple
core cpu from AMD for the price of dual core cpu from Intel.
Mainstream CPUs
We took a look at Atom, Intel's lowest priced chip, with a view to see if it
would power a mainstream desktop PC and not just netbooks and nettops.
An Atom chip would be fine on a desktop if all you want to do is run basic
office programs, web surf and email. However we want a mainstream PC to
do much more, so in this segment we prefer the more powerful AMD Athlon
II X3 Triple Core line and Intel's Pentium Dual Core line.
High end CPUs
At the higher end chip segment it's a different story. Intel's Core i7 line is
the fastest yet, but very expensive and so are their matching
motherboards. AMD's Phenom II X4 lines will get you a fast quad core chip at
a more reasonable price.
Sweet spot for high end CPUs
Intel's new Core i5 quad core chip brings Intel more into the picture now for
affordability. While the Core i7 processors and motherboards are an
extravagance for most, the Core i5 and their matching socket 1156
motherboards are more reasonably priced, but still at a premium to AMD.
The Core i5 performance approaches the Core i7 line and we don't think
you'll miss the difference. Lastly, the Core i5 line keeps the CPU upgrade
path open for Intel chips, something that was closed with their Core 2
Quads. With regard to AMD the Athlon II X4 620 chip in particular breaks
under the $100.00 barrier for a quad core chip. A very smart choice to go for.
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Intel Core 2 Duo CPU
AMD Athlon 64 X2 5600+ CPU
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