By choosing the right processor for your computer you can save money without sacrificing on your computing needs. We offer a quick guide to help you pick the right processor amidst the confusing variety of choices in the market.
STEP 1: Before you leave home
Before you even begin the hunt for the right processor, consider the following:
UPGRADE: Processor is the heart of your computer. Unlike the human heart it is difficult to transplant, i.e. upgrade. Choose one with your future needs in mind
USAGE: What will you use the computer for — just Net surfing and word processing or hard-core gaming and multimedia editing as well.
TIMEFRAME: A new processor will be out within weeks of your buying computer. If you plan to upgrade your machine once every two years or so, you don’t have to buy the best and the most expensive.
STEP 2: At the shop
There is more than one factor that decides the performance — and prices — of a procressor. Here are the four most important ones:
CHIP ARCHITECTURE: This determines the speed of computing. An advanced architecture means better multitasking (playing films, upgrading virus and downloading from the Net—all at the same time) faster performance, efficient cooling and power savings. Buy the latest (say Core 2 duo) only if you have heavy multi-media use.
CLOCK SPEED: Clock speed is instructions processed per second. For the same family of processors, such as Core 2 Duo, higher speeds mean better performance. It is measured in hertz (Hz).
CACHE SIZE: Also referred to as L2 cache, it means the memory available to the processor for immediate data storage.A higher cache memory means the machine need not often fetch information from the disk memory. If you perform several operations at a time, go for a processor with a bigger cache size.
FRONT SPEED BUS (FSB) SPEED: It determines how fast the processor fetches information from the memory. Among other things, a faster FSB means quicker booting (start) when your computer is in a standby or hibernate mode.
STEP 3:
High-end, high-price...
Plain computing or gaming and television too? Here are three options for desktops and laptops:
Core Duo
CLOCK SPEED: 1.66-2.33GHz
CACHE: 2 MB
FSB SPEED: 667 MHz
PC PRICE: Rs 35,000 (L)
Dual core processors have two processors packed in a single packing. The double power lets you multitask. This could soon become the entry-level Intel processor.
Core 2 Duo
CLOCK SPEED: 1.83-2.33GHz
CACHE: 2-4 MB
FSB SPEED: 667 MHz
PC PRICE: Rs 45,000 (D, L)
Claimed to be 40% faster than Core Duo, it is offered in both desktop and mobile configurations and is the highest-end process from Intel stable — as yet.
Turion
CLOCK SPEED: 1.66-2.33GHz
CACHE: 2 MB x 2
FSB SPEED: 1600 MHz
PC PRICE: Rs 37, 000 (L)
The dual core from AMD is not popular in India. Used mainly for laptops; its scores over Intel processor in FSB speed. Value for money — unless you are an Intel loyalist.
...Lower-end, lower price but not...
... necessarily lower performance. For plain computing usage, go for these lower-priced processors and invest in more expensive peripherals.
Pentium 4
CLOCK SPEED: 2.4-3.6 GHz
CACHE: 2 MB
FSB SPEED: 800 MHz
PC PRICE: Rs 23,000 (D)
A popular basic desktop processor which works on a hyper thread technology which lets a single core processor act as two logical processors working in tandem.
Pentium D
CLOCK SPEED: 1.66-2.33 GHz
CACHE: 2 MB x 2
FSB SPEED: 800 MHz
PC PRICE: Rs 30,000 (D)
Now used only in desktop, this basic dual core processor supports multi user functions and has a dedicated cache for each of its core processor.
Celeron M
CLOCK SPEED: 0.8-2 GHz
CACHE: 512 KB - 2 MB
FSB SPEED: 400 - 533 MHz
PC PRICE: Rs 29,000 (L)
The power behind some of the least expensive laptops in the market today; but aren't likely to be available for long. Consider Core duo instead if you can shell out a bit more.
Athlon 64 x 2
CLOCK SPEED: 1.9 - 3.0 GHz
CACHE: 1-2 MB
FSB SPEED: 2000 MHz
PC PRICE: Rs 19,000 (D)
One of the earliest 64-bit processors is now available in dual core. Good value for money processor that works well for basic computing needs.
