Community Newsletter: Q&A: Ugh! I need help deciphering all those PC processor names and speeds
- 7/20/07 11:31 AM
Well...
by Gringras - 8/20/07 6:00 PM In reply to: Not particularly helpful by rhythmace1Considering the problem this person was having, I'd have to say he's a "non-geek". Therefore, he probably just wants a machine that will work for most normal applications. Therefore, get a Mac. It just works, it's not very demanding, in that you won't need a degree in computer science to learn to use it well. So, yes. I was really being helpful. I am one of the new Apple converts. I have used Windows for years and never got any better with it. I usually couldn't use many of the programs on my machine and I was afraid to delete anything-after the First time I tried that.
So, hey man! Get a Mac and relax!
Which processor?
by bluffarmer - 7/7/07 5:56 AM In reply to: Ugh! I need help deciphering all those PC processor names and speeds by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Fredrica,
All those names are surely confusing but they are just that. Names given by the manufacturer.
My choice would be the Athlon 64 Duo Core. That simply means you are getting an AMD Athlon series Processor. Actually two processors with a 64 bit configuration. Should be very fast and handle multitasking very well to boot. It should also handle Windows Vista or any other operating system easily. Of course I have preference for AMD processors. My old Athlon Barton 2500+ XP processor is an older one but is still able to handle anything i throw at it!!
Decide first what it is that you want to do with your computer and then ask your sales person (they should be knowledgeable) and have them suggest a machine and processor that suits your needs. AMD or Intel either should serve you well.
Switch!
by richardbwilson - 7/7/07 6:14 AM In reply to: Ugh! I need help deciphering all those PC processor names and speeds by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Fredrica,
If simple is what you reeeeeally want, switch from PC to Mac. I made the change four years ago and computing became truly amazingly simple and sweet. Mac can do it better!!
CPU speeds
by Themisive - 7/7/07 6:53 AM In reply to: Ugh! I need help deciphering all those PC processor names and speeds by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I see your point, and agree that the market is extremely complex, however there ae certain things you can do to determine what you need as far as CPU tye is concerned:
1 Waht is your Operating System (O/S) clock speed?
2 Do you run a 32 bit or 64 bit O/S?
3 Do you play a lot of games?
4 What type of O/S do you have?
5 How much and what typ of RAM do you have?
1 If your motherboard clock speed is 2MHz (you'll find this from your motherboard manual), you should aim for a CPU speed of 2GHz minimum.
2 Next the type of O/S, 32 bit or 64 bit - again you can determine this from the manual, and you can usually get away with a single core CPU for these - 3 unless you play the more recent high-end games, where you will need to use a dual core CPU on 64 bit at least.
4 The type of O/S you have also determines the CPU speed, usually ones for Vista and XP tend to be bigger and faster, the ones for Vista sometimes need dual core as well.
5 The amount and type of RAM is not only determined by what applications you use, but also what motherboard you have, and what O/S you have. For instance, older O/S's don't use much RAM, XP needs around 512Mb RAM whilst Vista needs about 2Gb! And that's only the O/S, if you use office only applkications, apart from graphics programmes, you can get away with another 1Mb RAM, graphics and games need ANOTHER o.5 to 1 Mb RAM!
Also, some motherboards have a capability of using matched RAM for stability - mine does, but be careful, it's expensive, and go for DDR RAM or whatever you motherboard manual reccomends.
buying a new one
by brfinn - 7/7/07 7:39 AM In reply to: Ugh! I need help deciphering all those PC processor names and speeds by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
decide first on the job the computer is likely going to be doing. the most common being email, pictures and music. then look at how long you want the computer to last. the technologies will change of course- certainly the three year to five year span should do it. buy a dual core because it will do all things faster, get 2 gb of ram and a 250 gb hard drive. add a video card of 256 mb at least. so the specs would look like this.
am2 motherboard, amd am2 dual core chip- 4600, 2 gb ram, 25o gb hd, dvd burner, case with at least a 500 watt power supply. done
brian
Buy an Intel Core2 Duo
by RDO CA - 7/7/07 8:39 AM In reply to: Ugh! I need help deciphering all those PC processor names and speeds by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
After reading all the benchmarks at sites like anandtech.com and others I believe that the Intel core2 duo is the only one to choose at this time. They are faster and use less power which is important on a notebook. The faster the more costly so you choose. More on chip L2 cache is good and Vista likes lots of ram so get 2GB. Also I think that you need a dedicated vid card with min. of 256MB of mem. and not use the integrated vid on the motherboard.
Core 2 duo
by jaflady - 7/7/07 9:37 AM In reply to: Ugh! I need help deciphering all those PC processor names and speeds by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
If I am buying a system today I go for a Core 2 duo. Fast and stable and price has dropped since it has been out a while. I major upgraded a system last January (it needed new MOBO) and have been delighted with the Core 2 duo and 2 Gig of RAM. Nice, fast, stable system.
Also just helped my sister buy a new rig in April and opted for Core 2 duo on it over any other options. Also shoot for major RAM - every program you use today eats RAM. And don't forget a big, major brand power supply (PSU).
I'm not a gamer so a really good 2 step back from the top Video card from Nvidia is my choice. I do lots of photos but sound but not video or games. If you do the latter you should get the best card you can afford. It won't usually be what comes in a premade - in the store - system. So either have one made at a local shop or order from an online where you can build what you want and have it shipped. Depends on your comfort level and own computer knowledge if there is a problem. I have always had good luck with locally made whiteboxes from stores that have been around a while. Saves me the trouble of dealing with any component which might be faulty but gives me a lot of control over what gets put in.
I must admit that even though I think their service really went south I have bought a number of systems from Dell over the years and they are all still running. Some have been revamped and upgraded -and of course have had to reinstall various OS's over time but the hardware generally has kept on ticking better than any from any other makers. (That includes white boxes, hp, compaq, IBM, Gateway,Polywell, Acer and NEC - I'm dating myself) For personal service in getting a build I enjoyed talking with Polywell the most. And a 6 year old Polywell is still going strong but has required several tinkerings.
I do recommend a medium large very fast hard drive for your programs and OS (C) like a WD 10,000rpm. Then a very large 7500 from WD or Seagate for your data drive and if you can afford it and like photos and music etc then an external drive as well for very constant backup. I absolutely do not recommend any RAID configuration even as mirrored backup. I have had nothing but problems with them on several systems and so unless you really like computer fixing yourself as a hobby - give it a pass.
Enjoy! There is nothing so much fun as a brand-new not yet mucked up at all, computer.
jaflady
Rishabh here
by Rishabh_610 - 7/7/07 11:25 AM In reply to: Ugh! I need help deciphering all those PC processor names and speeds by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
you can take a intel daul core processer with speed of 3.5 ghz
its fast
tere r other processers also but i think its the best.celoron d is a worst one for me
Not all processors are equal nor are all processing environs
by POE.. EDGAR ALAN - 7/7/07 12:14 PM In reply to: Ugh! I need help deciphering all those PC processor names and speeds by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Just looking at the processor speed is only part of the story when looking to get speed out of a processor. In addition to looking at the characteristics of the processor, you also need to look at the frontside bus, RAM and to the speed of the disk drives.
First look at the processor. Beside the processing speed, you need to look at the L2 cache that is contained in the processor. In the computer the processor is the fastest item and it frequently outpaces the rest of the hardware. A processor needs data and instructions to work and often must call this from other parts of the computer such as RAM or the Hard Drive - which takes valuable time. With out this data and instructions, the processor sets idle. This L2 cache is a storage for the recently used data and processing instructions. It is contained inside the processor so that it is close by the processor which helps the processor to keep processing - thus permitting you to utilize its speed and enable it so that it can work more efficiently.
So now you have bought your fast processor with lots of L2 cache ... there is more you need to look too. Your frontside bus (FSB) needs to be matched to your processor. The FSB transports data to and from the processing environment. If it is slow your fast processor must wait for the delivery of data across the bus. The faster FSB run 800 to 1050 range.
Additionally you should be looking to the RAM (Random Access Memory)in your machine. RAM stores data retrived for processing by the CPU and acts as an data store in addition to the L2 cache contained in the processor. The general rule has been buy all the RAM you can afford with this being a truth when doing graphics, games or music ripping.
Finally matching the hard drive to the unit should be examined as well. All of your data is in the hard drive. A hard drive that has slow seek times and data transfer rates will slow processing as well. Many of your better hard drives have additional cache built in the hard drive to speed along the preformance of the hard drive
As you can see, you need to not just focus in on one part, but on the whole system if you want to use the speed of your processor.
I hope this is helpful
Edgar Alan Poe
Buying a New Computer
by Vince53 - 7/7/07 1:20 PM In reply to: Ugh! I need help deciphering all those PC processor names and speeds by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
At this point in time (early Vista) POWER is the name of the game. Even low-end computers have dual-core processors, but I would go with a quad-core.
Don't even think of getting less than two gigabytes of RAM. You don't need a quad-core and 2 megs yet, but you will within a few years.
dontrealy on clocks
by Mike MacFarlane - 7/7/07 1:47 PM In reply to: Ugh! I need help deciphering all those PC processor names and speeds by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
2GHz will not always be slower then a 2.4 GHz. only compair the clocks on the same type of prossesor eg. a 2.4 GHz Athlon 64 X2 will be faster then a 2Ghz Athlon 64 X2. I have a 2.6GHz AMD Athlon 64 FX-60 and its about 8x faster then my P4 at 2.8Ghz. You also might want to look at core count. 2 2GHz cores will run faster then 1 say 3GHz core. personaly i would go with the AMD Athlon 64 X2 try and get one at about 2.4 or 2.6 Ghz, about 2 gb or ram and you will not be disapointed, if you have a gamer in the house it might be worth while to buy a good video card like a 8600 GT it will suport DX-10 and you can get them relitivly cheap about $200. for AMD there modles are from low to high. Sempron, Athlon 64, Athlon 64 X2, Athlon 64 FX. Intel Celeron, Pentium 4, Pentium D, Core Duo, Core 2 Duo.
If you can get the modle numbers of the prossesors like Athlon X2 5400+ or Core 2 Duo E6700 and put them in google and look at the benchmarks.
buying a new computer
by cwrbeach - 7/7/07 4:25 PM In reply to: Ugh! I need help deciphering all those PC processor names and speeds by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Everybody will have a different opinion.
The correct answer is based on what you are doing on your computer.
If you receive and send e-mails only, you can easily do with a low-speed processor (aka much less cost), as long as your vision is acceptable (i.e. not an older person with less than perfect eye-sight). This could be a single processor running at 2.4 GHz.
If you have multiple e-mail accounts (like me) and want to download large files while doing Microsoft Office things or searching for things on the Internet (like me), you need more power - such as a laptop dual core Centrino type processor running at over 2GHz with at least a 1280x768 display. You could, if you do not require portability, go for a less expensive desktop dual core processor running at 3 or more GHz with a LCD 20" display.
If you are into games and donloading large files or into CAD/CAM type processes, you need top of the line 3.6 GHz dual-core or quad processors. If you do these things, you know what you need.
For the rest of us, check Best Buy or The Source and be sure to get a 3 or 4 year in-home warranty.
The problem with any computer is as soon as you buy it, there is a cheaper price available.
My advice is to find something you like and commit to it ... but check that company's sales flyers for the next 30 days for something equitable and cheaper. After that, be happy with your purchase.
Dual or quad core is best as it multi-processes operations you may be doing at the same time (unless you just send/receive e-mails).
New Computer Choice
by Zouch - 7/7/07 5:38 PM In reply to: Ugh! I need help deciphering all those PC processor names and speeds by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Hi Fredrica,
There are really two parts to your question, selecting a PC specification and then the more specific detail of what the Manufacturers' processor model designations. The first of these is more important, since you are buying a new PC to improve your work or games or communications or store your data or photographs or manage your media collection or many other things or more likely, some combination of all these. As an extreme example, if you wanted to create a backup copy of all your family photographs, it would be useless to buy a PC with the latest Intel four core processor and a 10 GB hard disk! Likewise, if you wanted to play World of Warcraft, a Celeron with a basic on board graphics chip would be a poor choice!
What you need to do is analyse the workloads you want to run on the PC and try to identify what their resource requirements are. If you are going to run heavy compute jobs, the processor will be important; if you want to store large volumes of data, the size of the hard disk and its backup options may be more significant; if you are into heavy gaming, then the graphics card will be near the top. Trying to do this without any previous data can be complex but you imply you are replacing a PC, so make a list of the workloads you are running and note what problems (if any) they have that are causing you to consider replacement. This should allow you to rank the requirements for CPU, Memory, Graphics, Sound, hard disk speed and capacity, communications (modem, Ethernet, WiFi), external medis (DVD Writer, USB Flash drives) etc.
Then make a list of the PCs you are considering, based on your budget, your personal preferences, recommendations, etc. Do include both branded machines and white boxes. Do read the reviews of the machines you are considering in the archives of CNET and the other IT newsletters - they are great for identifying both the "must have" and the "don't touch with a barge pole" options!
If you've ever done any formal decision analysis, use those techniques - I've found they work very well and bring a useful element of objectivity to your decision. You might also search the CNET archives for advice on PC selection, I recall they have produced such articles in the past.
OK, on to your specific question on CPU model numbers. First, do NOT rely on cycle times (GHz) - they are not reliable. For instance the Processors included in the Intel Centrino package had about half the cycle time of an Intel Pentium 4 for approximate equivalent performance. So a 1.5 GHz processor in a Centrino package was roughly equivalent to a 3 GHz Pentium 4. AMD processors almost always had a lower GHz rating for equivalent performance. Issues such as cache design, cycles per instruction, pipelines, chipsets and a myriad of other factors are responsible for this and the worse news is that reliable objective benchmarks are hard to come by.
That said, within model type, the GHz rating is generally proportionate, so a 3 GHz Pentium 4 is roughly 1.5 times the performance of a 2 GHz Pentium 4 but don't compare this with Core Microarchitecture or the AMD machines.
As we are in a time of transition, Intel have migrated from Netburst to Core Microarchitecture and AMD are about to transition from Athlon and Opteron to a new design codenamed Barcelona, the range of processors is very confusing. To get the full picture, you can refer to the manufacturers' roadmaps on their web sites but a simpler rule of thumb is to stick to the current processor models unless you are really strapped for budget, when there are some bargains to be had in the previous model but, of course, don't expect to be able to upgrade them later. But let's assume you can run to a current model.
Intel are the current performance leaders since the introduction of the Core Microarchitecture but they may lose the crown when AMD's new ranges hits the streets. Wait for CNET's actual reviews of this, when they've had time to compare the new models. And, of course, both manufacturers keep continuously enhancing their products.
Intel: Current models are all designated "Core 2" - if it doesn't say Core 2, ignore it and that includes the Core (without the 2). There are a couple of oddball processors, with Pentium and Celeron designations which are actually based on Core 2 but I suggest you ignore them and stick to the Core 2s.
The Core 2 comes in two basic forms, a Duo and a Quad. The Duo has two processing cores on the same silicon chip. This improves performance of a twin processor machine quite dramatically over two separate motherboard sockets. The Quad is described as a 4 core processor but in reality is two Core 2 Duos mounted on a Multi Chip Module which fits in the same CPU socket. So look for a Core 2 Duo or Core 2 Quad, depending on whether you want two or four processors.
Remember that to use a multi core processor, you need a workload that can run on more than one "engine". This might be a single application, written with multiple threads or may be separate applications that can run side by side, for example a word processor and a web browser.
The Core 2 Duo CPUs have a 5 digit code number, one alpha and 4 numerics. The ones beginning T are notebook CPUs the rest are primarily for desktops. Q signifies a quad core and an additional X signifies an eXtreme processor, primarily for gaming. The four numerics relate to processor speed, cache sizes, etc. and the bigger the number, the faster the CPU.
AMD: The current AMD consumer (as opposed to server) desktop chips are the Athlon 64, for general purpose applications and the Athlon 64 FX for gaming. There are several versions of these chips and the current ones use the AM2 motherboard socket. Previous versions use the 754 or 939 sockets - I recommend you ignore them and go for AM2. Athlons are either single core "Athlon 64" or dual core "Athlon 64 x2". They use a 4 digit number after the type and the bigger the number, the faster the CPU.
For notebooks, AMD have a more energy efficient chip, the Turion 64, available in the single processor and x2 configurations. If you are looking for an AMD notebook, look for the Turion 64 x2 CPU.
AMD also have a lower cost chip called the Sempron, which is also 64 bit capable. These chips are aimed at a price point, rather than performance but if that suits your workload, you might want to consider them. Personally, I'd go for the Athlon but your mileage may vary.
Later this year and early next, AMD will be replacing the Athlon with the Phenom range, which use a new technology (to AMD) and will be higher performance, including a genuine Quad core with four cores on the same chip. They are expected to be compatible with the AM2 socket.
I hope this very brief explanation helps sort out some of the confusion for you but do remember, far the most important consideration is what you want to do with the machine, rather than the individual components.
Sav. M. In the U.K.
Thanks
by xtremegt2 - 7/13/07 11:00 PM In reply to: New Computer Choice by ZouchThat was so horribly helpful. I've run off the higher Ghz is everything motto for so long. I just stopped myself from buying a new laptop literally 10 minutes ago, because I checked my e-mail and read your response. You just opened the world to me. And here I thought I knew computers.
Processors
by sallyduncan - 7/14/07 1:15 AM In reply to: New Computer Choice by ZouchDefinitely the clearest description provided. A little technical perhaps, but it includes everything a buyer needs to know. Thanks.
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