Almost every detail in the computer is extremely important, and if you deprive the motherboard of one or another component, you can ultimately find a completely non-working computer, even if some little thing has been removed. This is especially true for the processor, because this seemingly insignificant detail PC is the brain of any computer, although not everyone understands the purpose of the processor correctly.
First of all, choosing such components, you should pay attention to the speed of tasks, because depending on the power of this element, the processing speed and execution of various commands will directly depend. But initially, you should generally understand what the purpose of the processor is and what it is.
What it is?
The central processor is intended for processing program code. In other words, the purpose of the processor is to perform all operations associated with data processing, as well as control the operation of various peripheral devices. Among the main characteristics of this element it is worth highlighting:
- clock frequency;
- bit depth;
- performance.
It is these characteristics that directly affect the cost of this device, but we should not forget about such a factor as the brand, because often it is also quite important.
What does each parameter affect?
Performance is responsible for how many operations can be performed every second, and since the purpose of the central processor is to process data, this is extremely important for him. Clock frequency is measured in MHz. The time interval between two pulses is equal to one clock cycle, as a result of which, the more productive the processor model you will use, the less clock cycles will be required in order to perform certain actions. The maximum allowable amount of data that a microprocessor can process and transmit at one time is bit depth.
What are they like?
Initially, the processors were single-core. That is, when several procedures were started simultaneously on the computer, it seemed that the processor was engaged in all these actions at the same time, but in reality all the actions were carried out alternately, it took just a few fractions of a second for each operation.
The main purposes of the processor with two cores have already been significantly expanded, since all tasks were solved simultaneously, not to mention how productive today devices with four or six cores are. However, do not be mistaken, considering that the number of cores directly affects the power and speed of your computer, since you should not forget that other processors can also depend on other parameters. The characteristics of the clock frequency and bit depth are also quite important parameters that you should definitely pay attention to when choosing such devices.
In addition, modern processors are distributed among themselves by manufacturers. For decades, battles have been going on between fans of devices from Intel and AMD, however, none of the companies to date has been able to prove that its brand is by far the best.
Also, considering what the purpose and types of processors have, it is worth highlighting software systems, which are also referred to in this way. In particular, we will focus on text and table utilities.
Text
The purpose of a word processor is to write or subsequently modify various documents, as well as layout text layout. Also, these utilities are used to preview documents in the form in which they will be printed.
It is worth noting the fact that the purpose of the word processor these days is significantly different from what features these devices had only a few years ago. Indeed, before they could just type and print texts, while today they can format fonts and paragraphs, check spelling, create tables, and also insert a variety of graphic images.
The best known type of processor is Microsoft Word. The purpose of the Word processor lies in typing, as well as improving it and checking spelling. Due to the widest functionality, as well as the fact that the utility was originally installed in the Windows operating system, it is so popular today.
Tabular
The purpose of a table processor is to work with various spreadsheets. Initially, such utilities provided for the processing of exclusively two-dimensional tables filled with various numerical data. However, over time, various utilities began to appear, which in addition to the tables also included graphic, text and a number of other multimedia elements that expand the main purpose of the table processor.
As in the previous case, the most widely used program is Microsoft Excel. The purpose of the Excel spreadsheet processor is to perform a whole range of tasks, however, primarily with the help of such software various kinds of calculations are performed. Since ancient times, the predominant majority of calculations are carried out precisely in tabular form, in connection with which such programs to this day are extremely popular.
The diverse purpose of the table processor is ensured by the fact that modern software uses an extremely wide range of tools, which includes a variety of mathematical functions that allow for extremely complex financial, statistical and other calculations.
How to choose?
So that you are not mistaken and buy a really good device that could fully satisfy your needs, you should consider parameters such as:
- high clock speed;
- Number of Cores;
- system bus frequency;
- size of the system cache;
- cooler type.
Depending on the number of cores, the likelihood that your processor will be able to pull some latest-generation games or the most advanced utilities designed to work with various 3D models varies. The frequency of the system bus directly affects the performance of the equipment, and the size of the system cache is equally important, since it stores program code and all the information the user needs. Thus, the faster the memory is, the more productive the device itself will be.
It is equally important to pay attention to the quality of the installed cooler, because by acquiring the latest CPU models, but not providing them with the necessary cooling, in the end you risk not only not getting pleasure from modern games, but also running into a quick replacement of this component, which will start with a permanent shutdown of the computer.
Which manufacturer?
If you are interested in the predominant majority of cases, a variety of video games, then in this case, you should make a choice in favor of AMD processors, as they are much more compatible with modern graphics cards. It should be noted that the cost of such devices with the same characteristics is an order of magnitude lower compared to devices from a competing company.
If you are interested in multitasking, then in this case you should pay attention to offers from Intel. Since the processors from this company operate an order of magnitude faster and more efficiently, and also have a higher clock speed than previous ones, users often give preference to them. But in fact, do not forget that the cost of such components is approximately 40% higher compared to offers from AMD, which have similar characteristics.
Intel Core i3
Intel Core i3 is a processor whose purpose and capabilities were an order of magnitude ahead of similar models of its time. It was a new generation dual-core processor designed for entry-level PCs. The device was equipped with a built-in memory controller. It is worth noting that in such processors there is a built-in controller PCI Express 2.0 x16, and it is due to it that the graphics accelerator can directly connect to the CPU. For all models of this type, the standard clock frequency is 133 MHz.
Intel Core i5
This series of processors is characterized by advanced intellectual performance, which increases significantly if there is a need to implement various resource-intensive applications. Such devices can fully automatically distribute available power between processes, depending on the tasks and needs of the user.
It is worth noting that in this series, in addition to dual-core, quad-core models of the latest generation also appeared, and the devices themselves are actively used to this day in mid-range PCs. The processors use a built-in dual-channel RAM controller, the voltage of which is only 1.6 V. As in the previous case, this processor uses the exact same built-in controller, and the video card in x16 mode can be connected directly to the chip in those models where there is an integrated graphic GMA HD core. In order to ensure the optimal launch of demanding applications, in this line of processors decided to implement Turbo Boost technology , which automatically increases the clock frequency if necessary.
Intel Core i7
This series of processors includes quad-core and six-core devices. This equipment is the latest generation of processors that are used in personal computers of the highest class.