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Overview
This guide aims to provide a clear, succinct, unbiased view on choosing a processor for your PC.
You may have noticed that all processors have a “clock speed”. This tells us how many cycles a CPU can do over one second.
Many people will tell you to go for a faster “clock speed” processor. As a general rule of thumb, this is possible to do, but make sure you only do it for same brand processors.
All processors are manufactured differently. You may have noticed that AMD processors have a lower clock speed compared to similar priced Intel counterparts. This does not mean that they are worse processors, it just means they have different clock speeds to their Intel matches.
Why?
The way that Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) have manufactured their processors means that their processors have a slower clock speed, but do much more work in one cycle. Intel processors, however, do less work per cycle – but do more cycles.
This means that an AMD processor; such as a Sempron 3000+, which has a clock speed of 1.8Ghz; has a comparable overall processing speed to an Intel 2.4-3ghz processor, meaning that they are very close in processing power.
Which one is right for me?
Generally, because of the way they are made, AMD processors are said to be better for gaming purposes. Intel processors, however, excel at processing office work, and crunching numbers. An Intel processor will excel at virus scanning and similar office tasks, whereas an AMD will excel at gaming and graphical processing.
Reminder...
Remember, when choosing a computer you should make sure you tell the business what you are using it for, so they can recommend the appropriate configuration.
If you are unsure about what you want or need in a computer you can contact myself, or one of the other friendly computer retailers on eBay. Just make sure you contact somebody with good industry experience, or they will not give you accurate information.
Legal
This guide is not affiliated or associated with the above brands in any way. Intel, AMD, Pentium, Sempron are all trademarks of their respectable parent companies.
This guide aims to provide a clear, succinct, unbiased view on choosing a processor for your PC.
You may have noticed that all processors have a “clock speed”. This tells us how many cycles a CPU can do over one second.
Many people will tell you to go for a faster “clock speed” processor. As a general rule of thumb, this is possible to do, but make sure you only do it for same brand processors.
All processors are manufactured differently. You may have noticed that AMD processors have a lower clock speed compared to similar priced Intel counterparts. This does not mean that they are worse processors, it just means they have different clock speeds to their Intel matches.
Why?
The way that Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) have manufactured their processors means that their processors have a slower clock speed, but do much more work in one cycle. Intel processors, however, do less work per cycle – but do more cycles.
This means that an AMD processor; such as a Sempron 3000+, which has a clock speed of 1.8Ghz; has a comparable overall processing speed to an Intel 2.4-3ghz processor, meaning that they are very close in processing power.
Which one is right for me?
Generally, because of the way they are made, AMD processors are said to be better for gaming purposes. Intel processors, however, excel at processing office work, and crunching numbers. An Intel processor will excel at virus scanning and similar office tasks, whereas an AMD will excel at gaming and graphical processing.
Reminder...
Remember, when choosing a computer you should make sure you tell the business what you are using it for, so they can recommend the appropriate configuration.
If you are unsure about what you want or need in a computer you can contact myself, or one of the other friendly computer retailers on eBay. Just make sure you contact somebody with good industry experience, or they will not give you accurate information.
Legal
This guide is not affiliated or associated with the above brands in any way. Intel, AMD, Pentium, Sempron are all trademarks of their respectable parent companies.
Guide created: 11/07/06 (updated 14/10/09)
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