Processors

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Processors More 2

• What you need to know when buying a new computer

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Current CPU Features

• Multiple cores for better multi-tasking
• High bus clocks between the CPU and all other
  devices
• Integrated graphics accelerators for video
  decoding
• Integrated memory controllers to reduce latency
  between RAM and CPU
• Many MegaBytes in cache for storing common
  instructions
• Low power consumption (as low as half a watt!)

3
Whos making CPUs

• Three players left
• Intel
• AMD (Advanced Micro Devices)
• VIA

4
Sooo, which is better, AMD or Intel?

• This is one of the most common questions in a
  retail store.
• The question is equal to asking Which is better,
  Toyota or GM?
• The answer is some models are better than others.
  
• Some have better price to performance ratio
  (Usually AMD) while some will give the best raw
  performance (Usually Intel).
• These patterns change over time so it always
  depends on the current CPUs or the next on the
  roadmap.

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Intels Current Lineup

• Core Extreme Series
• 6 Core, 8 Core
• Core i Series
• 2 Core, 4 Core
• Intel Pentium
• 2 Core
• Intel Celeron
• 2 Core, Single Core
• Intel Atom
• 2 Core, Single Core

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AMDs Current Lineup

• FX Series
• 8 Core, 4 Core
• Phenom II X6, X4, X2
• Athlon II X4, X3, X2
• A4, A6 (Lliano)
• 2 Core, 4 Core
• Sempron
• Single Core
• E Series
• 2 Core, Single Core
• Turion
• 2 Core

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Is this laptop or desktop?

• Product lines for desktop and laptop have merged
  over the years.
• Laptop and desktop architectures are distinctly
  different.
• AMD has different product lines for most Laptop
  CPUs (E series, Turion, A4, A6)
• Intel Differentiates by code at end of model
  number (M, QM)

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Whats the most common CPU

• 200-299 Desktop
• Intel Atom dual core, Celeron, Pentium Dual Core
• AMD E Series Dual Core, Athlon X2
• 300-500 Desktop
• Intel Pentium Dual Core, Core i3
• AMD A4, A6, Athlon II X3, Phenom II X4
• gt500 Desktop
• Intel Core i5, Core i7
• AMD Phenom II X4, Phenom II X6, FX Series

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Whats the most common CPU

• 200-299 Laptop
• Intel Atom, Celeron
• AMD E Series Dual Core
• 300-499 Laptop
• Intel Pentium Dual Core, Core i3, Core i5 (2
  Core)
• AMD A4, Phenom II X2 (Mobile), Turion 64 X2
• gt500 Laptop
• Intel Core i5, Core i7 (2 Core, 4 Core)
• AMD A6, Phenom II X4

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A Few Words on Sockets.

• KNOW YOUR SOCKET!
• The socket is the connection point on the
  motherboard where the CPU fits in to.
• Your socket determines your future upgrade path
  for that system (or if the system is upgradable
  at all!)

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A Few Words on Chipsets.

• KNOW YOUR CHIPSET!
• The chipset is the main control chip for all
  communication between the CPU and the rest of the
  computer.
• While now a days the chipset is less a
  determining factor of CPU support, it is still
  relevant when choosing a platform.

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How many cores do I need?

• In general, the more cores a CPU has, the more
  powerful it is.
• Power does not equate to speed, however. It
  simply means the CPU can do more and the system
  wont see a performance hit.
• Some cores are more powerful then others.

13
How fast is my CPU, really?

• Check the charts!
• There are several PC benchmarking software
  companies.
• One of the most popular benchmark utilities is
  PassMark
• http//www.cpubenchmark.net
• You can check the charts for a comparison of your
  CPU to a broad spectrum of CPUs old and new.

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Should I wait till the next generation CPU?

• Depends
• All manufacturers release roadmaps for the next
  CPUs they have in development.
• They are freely available on the web from many
  review sites (engadget, gizmodo, google search.
  Etc..)
• Most manufacturers try to release new products
  during first or forth quarter, but not always
• Most manufacturers have delays to their initial
  roadmap leaks before official press release of a
  set date.

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Live Demonstration