Purchasing a processor is an important consideration when
building or buying a computer. Below we have listed several considerations
and additional information about what to ask and look for when purchasing
a processor directly or already installed into a computer.
TYPE
The type of the processor can be a very important
consideration for users who are building a computer. The type of the
processor is not as important as the compatibility with the
motherboard. Today, there are three main processor manufacturers: AMD, Cyrix
and Intel. Each of these companies have good and bad reviews, and really
each of them are very close in compatibility and reliability. When
considering any of the above company's product, ensure that a motherboard
that is compatible with that product is also purchased. For example, if an
Intel motherboard is purchased or currently installed into the computer,
you will want to consider an Intel Processor. Below is a listing of the
other considerations to look at when purchasing the processor once the type
of the processor has been determined.
It is highly recommended that all
processors have a heat sink. The heat sink helps to allow for the
processor to remain cool and therefore run more efficiently. A
computer processor with a missing, bad or failing heat sink will
cause the computer to lock up, cause errors or encounter other
issues.
When looking at a processor, also consider the heat sink that will
be attached to that processor and ensure that the processor being
purchased is compatible with that heat sink.
Additional information and help on computer heat sinks can be
found on our heat sink page.
Interface
Today, there is a wide availability of
types of interface the CPU may connect to. Below is a listing of
each of the interfaces and a brief description on each of them.
Slot
Slot A
The slot was first used and
introduced by Intel when they released the Pentium II
processors. This slot was designed to allow users to
install the processor easily into the computer. However, because of
the additional cost considerations, Intel has now gone back to
the Socket what is now known as the FC-PGA socket. Computers
that have the Slot are the Intel Pentium II and early versions
of the Intel Pentium III.
The AMD processors use the Slot A interface
Socket
FC-PGA
Flip Chip
Coppermine
The socket is overall the most
commonly used and found type of interface today. The socket
has been used in all Intel processors preceding the Intel
Pentium II and is now being used for the Intel Pentium III and
above processors with the name FC-PGA, which is short for
Field-Programmable Gate Array. The FC-PGA is a socket and not
a slot processor and is also known as the Intel Coppermine or
the Flip Chip.
Slocket
Slocket, which is a slot card,
can be used to connect a socket or FPGA processor. This is
not an actual interface but can be an option for users who
have a slot adapter with a computer that supports speeds of a
socket or FPGA processor.
When looking at the interface of the CPU, it must match that of
what is on the motherboard unless it is possible to use a Slocket.
Additional buying tips on computer motherboards can be found on our motherboard
buying tips page.
Names
The names of the processors can be very
confusing and are generally used as a method of helping to sell a
computer or computer processor. Below is a listing of some of the
more commonly used names and a brief description on each of them.
Intel family names:
Pentium - The 80586, or P5, the Pentium is the
generation above the 486 processor line. Pentium Pro - Chip designed to help speed up Windows 32-bit
software
Pentium with MMX - Processor with additional 57 new
instructions and enhanced speed to graphics and multimedia
software. MMX is now included in all Intel processors that have
been released after this processor. Pentium II / III - The first of the Intel processors to
include the Slot adapters. These processors were the next
generations of the Intel Pentium processor. Intel Coppermine - The Socket (FC-PGA) version of the Intel
Pentium III / IV. Intel Flip Chip - Another name for the Intel Coppermine. Intel Celeron - The low end Intel processors designed to
help lower the prices of the computers by reducing or at first eliminating
the level 2 cache. Pentium IV - The next generation of Intel processors, these
processors were over 1GHz and were the FPGA processors.
Additional information and diagrams of each of the above can be
found on our CPU help page.
AMD family names:
AMD K6-2 - Socket 7 processor with the 3DNow! technology
and first to have the 100MHz bus. AMD K6-3 - K6-2 chip with Level 2 cache memory that runs at
the speed of the CPU. AMD Duron - Like the Intel Celeron, the AMD Duron is an
affordable solution processor allowing for the price in the
overall computer to drop. AMD Athlon - AMD generation with features such as the
200MHz bus speed AMD Thunderbird - The latest AMD processor, this processor
is the socket version.
Speed
The speed of the processor is an
important consideration as it is what will rate the speed of the
computer and help the computer run faster overall.
When looking at the speed of processors available, we highly
recommend that you do not purchase or consider purchasing a
processor that has just been released. The price of the processor
will be at a premium price and if you give that processor 2-4 months
it will drop in price dramatically.
AFFECTS
Upgrading the computer
processor may have the below effects on the computer.
Allow for programs that may require steeper processor requirements to be run.
Help the computer or
computer programs speed in load and opening time. Note: In many cases
this may not be noticed or will not be dramatic.
CPU INSTALLATION
Additional help and information about installing a computer
processor and other computer hardware can be found through our Installation
section.
