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.

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