The CPU or central processing unit is the brain of your computer. It does all of the processing of data and of applications running on your system. The CPU is the most important chip in your Computer so care should be taken in choosing the one that most suits your needs. Our Interactive Buyer’s Guide will help to make you a savvier consumer and help you navigate the through the wide array of CPUs available today. We will guide you step by step through important aspects of choosing a CPU most suitable for your needs. Becoming a savvy shopper begins with knowing your budget and asking yourself the right questions. Here are some questions to keep in mind as you read through our buyers guide:
What is my budget?
What type of Mother Board do I have?
What is the highest level task that I plan to “throw” at my computer in the next 6 months?
Step 1: Determine Your Budget
The best way to narrow your search is to have a clear notion of how much you want to invest. As will most things in life: the more you invest the better the quality and number of features. Before determining what features and specifications to look for, you should establish a clear budget for your CPU purchase. With over several hundred models to choose from, the best way to narrow your search is to have a clear notion of how much you want to invest. As will most things in life: the more you invest the better the quality and number of features.
Step 2: Determine the Clock Speed
The Clock Speed, measured in Gigahertz (GHz) determines how fast the CPU can execute instructions, the higher the clock speed the better your computer will perform.
o 1GHz – 2GHz – Entry Level CPUs
o Sending and receiving email
o basic word processing
o web surfing
o 2GHz-3GHz- Mid Range CPUs
o streaming online video
o Playing MP3s
o Light multitasking
o Web conferencing
o 3GHz and Higher – High End CPUs
o Video/sound editing
o Power Gaming
o Heavy Multitasking
Step 3 Determine your Front Side Bus Speed (FSB)
The front side bus carries all data that travels between the CPU and other devices of the system such as system memory and graphics. A faster front side bus can increase performance and responsiveness by transferring data faster.
o 400MHz-800MHz – Entry Level CPUs
o Sending and receiving email
o basic word processing
o web surfing