Some factors that are helpful to consider when comparing the two large brands are price, performance, life span, and overclocking potential.

• Price

Price differences between Intel and AMD are constantly fluctuating so this can only be a reliable factor to consider if you are actively following computer trends and developments

• Performance

CPU performance largely depends on the generation of the processor. . Intel is currently king when it comes to high-performance CPUs, especially with its newest technology: the Quad Core technology. AMD still offers high-performance CPUs but they are usually more expensive than their Intel counterparts. This could change in the near future

• Life Span

AMD processors usually build up a lot of heat when performing intensive user applications like games and multiple graphics software. Oftentimes, standard cooling features are not enough to protect AMD processors from damage due to overheating. Intel’s Core 2 Duo line of CPUs, on the other hand, show remarkable tolerance to heat even with a standard heat sink and fan. The life span of a CPU is not really such a big issue since the average computer user generally upgrades his or her computer every three or so years.

• Overclocking Potential

Only hardcore gamers and heavy multimedia users can relate with CPU overclocking. Overclocking involves running the CPU at speeds greater than its specifications. For example, it is possible to overclock Intel’s E6600 from 2.4GHz to 3.2GHz. That is a whopping speed increment of 800MHz! Generally speaking, overclocking a CPU can increase overall system performance. For now, many Intel processors have greater overclocking potential than AMD processors.

As mentioned before, you have to keep up with the latest updates from Intel and AMD to get the best processor in the market. The moment either CPU manufacturers release a new product, you can expect a big drop in the prices of the displaced line of CPUs.

A computer processor is in charge of analyzing data and controlling the flow of data in a computer. Also called the CPU or central processing unit, it is considered to be the brain of the computer since it performs the actual data processing. A computer processor is packaged as a small microchip which is designed to fit a socket of a motherboard. With speeds ranging between 2.66 and 3.66 gigahertz, there are different types of computer processors available.

Computer processors or central processing units (CPUs) are what execute programs on computers. A powerful CPU can get more things done than a slower processor. There are two leading CPU manufacturers in today’s computer market: AMD and Intel.

Intel computer processors – exclusively designed by Intel, the latest and most popular models of these computer processors include the Pentium 4 processor, Pentium 4 processor with HT Technology, and the Celeron Processor. As for functions, the Pentium 4 model is a powerful processor that’s capable of handling demanding applications like 3D gaming, DVD authoring, and other multimedia applications, while the Pentium 4 with HT Technology is made to run efficiently with lesser response times even though multiple applications are running simultaneously. The Celeron processors, on the other hand, is ideal because it is compatible with all software and computer hardware brands.

AMD computer processors – providing excellent value and performance, these processors are exclusively made by AMD or Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., compatible as well with most off-the-shelf applications and programs. Some of these computer processors are also programmed to include their own anti-virus protection. The most popular models are the Athlon 64 and the Athlon XP. The Athlon 64 is made for more advanced computers, particularly those running 64-bit programs, allowing complex games and other software to be used, while the Athlon XP enhances XP applications with better images and graphics.

The different types of computer processors available in the market today all have a particular function that they’re good at. As such, understanding what you require will help you in figuring out the right one for you. If your budget will also allow it, go for the latest models so you don’t have to upgrade frequently

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The Central Processing Unit, or CPU. A lot of people like to call the entire computer case the CPU, but actually, the CPU is a tiny chip connected directly to the motherboard, with a big fan connected directly to it. Without the fan, the CPU would burn up very quickly.

The CPU of a computer is the main lynchpin of the computer system. It is a small slab of silicone about 10mm (3/8ths of an inch) square and about 2mm thick, which has been etched and doped microscopically to form circuits, switches, transistors and other electronic components: hundreds of millions of these components are embedded in this tiny space. The rest of the physical size of the CPU is taken up by little connecting wires from these circuits to the 100 plus pins on the underside of the CPU chip, a couple of external components, and with heat transfer fins and fans which are needed to cool that little slab of silicone, which is doing 2800 million operations per second! (That’s for an average off the shelf 2.8GHz computer)

The CPU is mainly a calculating unit, and can do complex arithmetic functions. But the CPU is actually made up of a number of distinct modules with different functions, like ultrafast short term storage called cache, traffic control to control the data flows, like a traffic light, and arithmetic units to do the sums

There are two primary brands of CPU on the market right now, Intel & AMD. A better of the two is hard to state, but you can check Toms Hardware for more in depth hardware reviews

A CPU’s speed is measured in Megahertz or Gigahertz, ie 1 million operations per second (MHz) or 1000 million operations per second (GHz) Thus a 3.0GHZ CPU will be able to handle 3000 million operations per second. Bear in mind that a calculation or some takes quite a large number of “operations” to complete

One major misconception regarding CPU’s is that the bigger the number (the megahertz/gigahertz), the faster the CPU. While this is generally true, there are several other factors that effect the overall speed of the CPU.

Front Side Bus – Regulates the speed of communication between the Ram and the CPU

Onboard Cache - Comparable to Ram, except used strictly by the CPU to speed up calculations

So the next time you’re shopping for CPU’s, remember to not only look at the CPU speed, but check out the other factors most people don’t generally notice

One thing to note about CPU’s is that you can’t just slap any CPU into any Motherboard. The Motherboard must support your specific CPU, which can make upgrades very hairy, so typically, if you’re going to upgrade one, it’s a good idea to upgrade the other. See more on Motherboards on the Motherboard page.

See another guide on computer desktops