All three of these words actually refer to the same part in a computer. Definition: The electronic circuitry within a computer that carries out the instructions of a computer program by performing the basic arithmetic, logical, control and input/output (I/O) operations specified by the instructions. Yeah, how does that help you? I'll give you some explanation of more common terms you will come across regarding processors when considering a new computer that will hopefully help you make a better choice … for you.
As with most things, long ago computers were more simple and there were less choices. I remember Dick Lawless telling me he once worked on a computer that was built inside of a good sized room! Years later Allen Bloch was a sophisticated young accountant sporting one of the first portable computers … about the size of an old sewing machine. These days your cell phone has a ton more computing power than any of those early computers. With technology advancements moving faster and faster all the time, everything is getting smaller, faster and “smarter”. The main ingredient in all of this … The Processor.
Manufacturer
There are many different manufacturers of processors for many different equipment applications but for retail personal computers you will likely only come across two mainstream products: Intel and amd. This is truly a Ford vs Chevy situation where some people will swear by Intel while others will argue the benefits of AMD. You can find benchmark tests on websites that show a bunch of confusing statistics of each ones performance given a certain application. This tends to make the competition pretty fierce so each of them work to come out with a new model line seemingly with the changing of the season's. So what you end up with is a plethora of choices that can befuddle the typical laymen. Aye Yai Yai!!
Clock Speed
While there are other factors that affect the overall speed of a computer, this is where the rubber meets the road. The clock speed refers to how fast a processor can perform all of the operations listed in the afore mentioned definition. How does this help you? Well, the higher the clock speed is, the better the performance you will get out of your computer when comparing the same model processor. It will seem faster because it's actually processing faster. Clock speeds are shown as a decimal and generally range from 2.1 GHz to 3.8 GHz. Unfortunately, this high performance is always synonymous with higher prices as well. $$$$ So as any good manufacture should do, they each offer a budget class and a premium class. AMD's premiums are their A-Series, E-Series and FX and their budget class includes Phenom, Athlon and Sempron. While Intel has the “i7”, “i5”, and “i3” for their premium and Core 2, Pentium and Celeron for their budget class. Each one of these has multiple models with different specs and generations. A little Google research shows that the FX models are AMD #1 and the “i7” models are Intel's best. With Intel currently showing as the strongest in most current benchmarks.
Other Specs
You will also see 32 bit or 64 bit processors and possibly L1, L2 Cache. The bit rate essentially refers to how much RAM the processor is capable of utilizing. 32 bit is good for computers with 4 GB of RAM and less while 64 bit is good for 4 GB of RAM and more. It's important to point out that a 64 bit processor must be matched to a 64 bit operating system and a 32 bit to a 32 bit OS. But that will likely be taken care of for you. Also, software applications are written in 32 or 64 bit. A 64 bit computer can use 64 or 32 bit applications, but a 32 bit is restricted to only 32 bit applications. And finally, the L1, L2 Cache refers to what can be considered as the processors own built in personal RAM. Simply said, the more the better.
Summary
So as with everything else, what it boils down to is your own personal needs for computing and your budget. Sure, if money was no object I'd say go out and buy the most expensive and advanced computer you can buy. I'm sure you won't be disappointed. However, I believe the majority of us can't do that. Once again, think about what it is you want to do with your computer. Web browsing, emailing and general use does not warrant the best performing computer available. But at the same time an online gamer is going to be disappointed if they go with a bare bones budget computer. I'd say look at your needs, look at your bank account, and find the best deal that you can afford. Given the details I've shown in this three part article of course. 🙂
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