Choosing the right cpu

Intro

Choosing the right CPU today, is quite a difficult matter, with all these different options available.
This guide will provide you a simple approach on how to pick the right processor, based upon your computing requirements. Should it be an Intel or maybe an AMD? The two main manufactures provide a large range of products, Athlons, Semprons and Phenoms from AMD or E2 160, E4x00, E8x00 and QX9770 from Intel. Considering that the processor is the most significant factor determining the cost and performance of your PC, thus choosing the fastest processor within your means may not be the right choice.

Here below we shall evaluate the different scopes provided by both manufacturers and try to benchmark them.

AMD Processors

Though AMD processors are not as popular as the Intel's. The cost and performance factor is quite attractive. With an embedded HyperTransport technology, AMD processors, though running at a lower clock speed than Intel processors provide faster results.

HyperTransport technology

Invented at AMD, HyperTransport Technology provides a high bandwidth, low latency, point to point interconnection between integrated circuits in your PC, processor to processor, co processors, I/O, peripheral controllers, embedded systems. It also helps in reducing the number of buses in a system and provides an optimized use of system memory for high end multiprocessing activities.

AMD Compatibility constraints

Among the popular sockets used for AMD processors:
Socket AM2: Athlon 64, X2, FX and Semprons
Socket AM2+: Phenoms Triple-Core and Quad-core Processors
Socket F: Opterons processors (server)
It is very important that you check out if your processor and your processor are compatible. In depth benchmarking about these compatibility constraints can be found on AMD official website: http://www.amd.com. Check out the System Building and Compatibility section.

Choosing your AMD processor

AMD 64 platform uphold both 32 and 64 bit computing without any degradation in performance. Having an architecture where everything is directly connected to the Central Processing Unit, bottlenecks on the system a significantly reduced.
Athlon 64 series suits perfectly for desktop and notebooks.
Opteron processors are mostly use in workstations and servers.
Turion 64 mobile technology for notebooks
For desktop computing, as startup a 64x2 4200 should fit perfectly, a 64x2 6400 should be more than enough for medium gaming purposes. In the case of multi-core processing a Phenom Triple-Core will be fit perfectly for gaming purposes, an overclocking will boost its performance furthermore. Phenom Quad-Core can be used for advanced computing, multitasking applications and graphical purposes.

Intel Processors

Intel processors are slightly more expensive than AMD, but can perform certain tasks that AMD processors can’t. Not surprising why Intel is still maintaining the lead over AMD one’s.
First thing to consider before buying your Intel processor is to ensure that the FSB supported by your motherboard is equal or greater than the FSB of the processor.

Front Side Bus (FSB)

The FSB is the bus that allows data exchange between your CPU and the Northbridge (known as the Memory Controller Hub in Intel architectures). The FSB can simultaneously connect several peripherals over the logical and physical set.

Intel Compatibility constraints

Among the popular sockets used for Intel processors:
Socket 775: Core 2 Duo and Pentiums
Socket 771: Xeon processors

Choosing your Intel processor

For office use an E2160 be fine. Enhanced performance can be obtained using an overclocked E4X00 processor. Coupled with an 8600GT or a HD3650 graphic card, it will provide enough computing power and reliability for gaming purposes or you can choose an E8X00 for true gaming experience. For high end computing the QX977 will deliver spontaneous level of multitasking performance, running at 3.2 GHz, having 12Mb of L2 cache and a 16ooMHz front side bus, it will satisfy the most demanding needs. Note that cache memory is very important as it is used by the CPU to store instructions that are recurrently used to run applications, thus improving overall performance.

Conclusion

Office use: word processing, internet browsing, simple databases
Normally basic office use doesn't require a Multi Core processors, but for optimal performance an EX400 or a 64x2 4200 can de considered as reasonably priced equipment.

Gaming purposes:
A Dual core is more than enough for even the most demanding games, but the AMD Phenom Triple-Core can also be considered as suitable choice. Tips: my personal configuration for gaming purposes: having the lately released Intel's Skulltrail motherboard, capable of running two Core 2 Duo Extreme QX9775 and up to four ATI graphic card using CrossFireX technology.

High end computing: multitasking application, digital photography, video editing etc
The choice is simple, go straight for an Intel Quad-Core or a Phenom X4 for optimal performance.

Servers:
AMD Opteron or Intel Xeon which one is better? No matter the one you choose, both provides outstanding computing performances.

Note

• Define the scope and goals (computing requirements) for your system, before purchasing it.
• Another important factor, better opt for a system that can be easily upgraded, choose a hardware configuration that will be compatible with the latest technologies, especially for your motherboard.