Guide to the right CPU

Well, as everyone knows, the CPU is probably the most important part of the system. Everything that we do or want to do has to be done by the CPU. Even in 3D applications. It’s the CPU that prepares the set to be distributed between itself and the GPU. So choosing the right CPU according to your need’s and budget becomes very essential. This small guide may help you to do so if you do intend to get a new one.

First you need to identify your necessity. By this I mean, you need to identify the most common job’s you need to do with the pc, like editing, gaming etc. etc. Be honest, and decide the most prior task you intend to do. This helps a lot in narrowing down the choices. Next you need to decide a budget. This should have been the most important, but I think now-a-days people don’t mind spending a few extra cash for a good overall buy. Anyway, once you have done these two essential things, here’s what you need to keep in mind:

Always keep a look for the technical specifications of the CPU. Don’t fall to stupid marketing strategies like high L2 caches, Clock Speeds etc.

Here is something you should look for
AMD : 128 KB L1 cache , 512 KB L2 cache
Intel :16 KB L1 cache , 1 MB L2 cache.

Clock speeds are not the most important factor behind CPU performance. So, don’t fall for something like “Intel Pentium4 2.8 GHz beats an Athlon64 2.0 GHz”. Intel states their clock speeds, while AMD’s use PR rating. That 2.0 GHz Athlon64 might turn out to be rated at 3200+.

If possible, identify the core the CPU uses while purchasing. This can turn out to be good, because the different core sometimes result in performance differences. You might be lucky to get your hands on a CPU with a very good core.

[LIST][*]All CPU’s get hot without proper cooling. So don’t go for things like “AMD run hotter than Pentium’s” or “PentiumD’s are running very hot”.[*]