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Review of Intel Processors - Inside a Central Processor Unit (CPU) ================================================
In this second series of building your own DIY PC computer, we are going to delve more in
depth into the main component of a computer which determines the level of performance: i.e the CPU (Central Processor Unit)
There are many models of CPUs in the market, and there are also pros and cons to each. Every often, a certain model of processor will require a corresponding compatible type of motherboard to support, so this is the first thing to take note when choosing the motherboard and the CPU. These 2 have to be compatible. i.e: AMD processors go with AMD compatible motherboard and Intel processors go with Intel compatible motherboard.
Although there are two major CPU manufacturers (AMD and Intel), in this article, we will be looking mainly at Intel processors although discussion for AMD processors will also be of similar nature.
For Intel, their processors are categorized into 3 main groups: namely notebook processors, desktop processors, and Internet Device Processors.
Since majority of "build your own DIY PC" enthusiasts are aiming for desktops upgrades, it is great time to explore more on Intel Desktop processors currently in the market in this article.
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Intel Desktop Processors Selection
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Different needs call for different products. Be it the need for web surfing, or entertainment/gaming or managing team projects, there is some suitable processor which can handle this task for you.
4 main processors have been created by Intel:
i) Intel Core2 Duo
ii) Intel Core2 Quad
iii) Intel Core2 Viiv
iv) Intel Core2 Extreme
v) more...
These names sure sounds exciting, lets find out more details on the basic terminology within the CPU chip, and then what differentiates the different type of processors.
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Basic Terminology
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Processor models mainly vary according to number of cores, Front Side Bus, Cache size, Clock speed, RAM speed and chip technology.
Different needs call for different specifications. For example: For gaming, streaming video or watching movies, a high clock speed and FSB is recommended, while for resources-intensive programs, the more L2 Cache available the better. If focus is on multi-tasking activities, more processor cores are preferred for better seamless parallel operation.
Great but what does each of these terminology mean to us? Lets check out more next.
Small Note: Intel processor numbers are not a measure of performance. Processor numbers differentiate features within each processor family, not across different processor families.
Cores
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For higher efficiency, multi-core processors are introduced which consists of two or more distinct processors in the same integrated circuit. Each core can work separately or together on one large task. With threading introduced, instructions passed by programs can now be concurrently processed by more than one processor. This technology enables the user to perform several multi-tasking tasks at one go, saving you time and costs in the long run.
Clock Speeds
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Simple: Higher clock speed = Higher Processing SpeedClock speed measures how fast a processor performs an activity. It is expressed in gigahertz (GHz) which means the number of billion cycles per second.For example: A 2.66GHz computer is expected to perform faster than a 2.4GHz computer, but other factors also need to take into consideration such as front side bus, number of cores, speed of memory chips etc...you get the idea: these components are interdependent.
Front Side Bus
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This acts as the data transfer interface between the CPU and the memory. The higher the Front Side Bus (FSB) values, the faster the data transfer rate, and better computer performance. A point to note is that the FSB values should be matched to that of the processor for maximum efficiency.
L2 Cache
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Cache works like a storage bank. It stores the information most often used and accessed, and retrieves them very fast when needed. More cache means less system lag. More advanced systems are even talking about L3 Cache as well. So Cache is also an exciting area of development in processors.
Chip Technology
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This part of knowledge may not so important to a typical computer user, but it is cool to know the technology that is driving the miniaturizing of dies and hence the increase in processors performance either through more cores, or higher clock speed, FSB, cache or improved data communication and transmission.
Technology Transition for recent years have gone from 65nm to 45nm. Benefits appears in more densely packed transistors, with innovative material used which leak less energy, produce less heat, and switch faster hence providing higher efficiency and processor performance.
After understanding the backbone of processors, it is also exciting to know that there is a dedicated group of software and hardware developers to support ever-growing technology needs, so there is definitely something for everyone.
Next, we take a look at the different type of processors developed by Intel, and their core benefits and usage.
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Differentiation between the different type of processors ==============================================
Different CPU has different benefits, so the key benefits have been listed below (Quoted from Intel Website www.intel.com )
Intel Core2 Duo Benefits
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The Key Benefits using Core2 Duo as highlighted from Intel Website is as follows:
Energy-efficient performance -->Enjoy increased overall performance without increasing power consumption with Intel® Intelligent Power Capability built in.Mega multitasking -->Game, download music, run a virus scan and edit photos—all at once—with next-generation Intel® Core™ microarchitecture. Intel® HD Boost delivers up to 70 percent higher performance when encoding high-definition memories from your HD video camera.Protect yourself -->Get an advanced level of hardware-assisted security and maintenance technologies built in with Intel Core 2 Duo processors.Rich video quality -->Intel® Clear Video Technology, a built in feature of the latest Intel® Graphics Technology, lets you enjoy an enhanced video experience with smoother playback. With new Intel® HD Boost, you’ll experience up to 70 percent faster performance when encoding high-definition memories from your HD video camera.The ultimate Windows Vista* experience -->With Intel Graphics Technology, you can enjoy the full spectrum of visual advancements offered by Windows Vista* Home Premium edition.
Intel Core2 Quad
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The Key Benefits using Core2 Quad as highlighted from Intel Website is as follows:
Do more of everything at once -->Experience revolutionary desktop computing powered by four cores of pure performance.Empower your need for speed -->Encode HD video over 50 percent faster with Intel® HD Boost built into Intel® Core™2 Quad processor.Edit, alter, and create faster -->Run a multitude of demanding HD multimedia applications with up to 12 percent more speed for photo editing, retouching, and publishing.Prepare for the future -->Enjoy performance in the games and software of today while being prepared for the multi-threaded applications of tomorrow.
Intel Core2 Viiv
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The Key Benefits using Core2 Viiv as highlighted from Intel Website is as follows:
Sensational high-definition experience -->Discover sharper images, smoother playback, and unbelievable processing performance.Multitaskers, meet your processor -->Watch HD video while running compute-intensive applications like virus protection in the background without slowing down.Outstanding surround sound -->Experience stunning audio for movies and music with support for up to 7.1 surround sound with Intel® High-Definition Audio (Intel® HD Audio).Vibrant visuals -->With Intel® Graphics Technology, enjoy 1080p video playback for movie clips, media streams, and the latest generation of HD video cameras.Need a boost? -->With an Intel® Core™2 Duo processor inside, gain 70 percent more performance when encoding HD footage from your video camera with Intel® HD Boost.
Intel Core2 Extreme
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The Key Benefits using Core2 Extreme as highlighted from Intel Website is as follows:
Almost too real -->Get stunning realism on immersive multi-threaded games with advanced artificial intelligence (AI), particle systems, dynamic physics, and texture generation engines with four cores of pure performance.Expect everything—and get it -->Get the ultimate engine for advanced multimedia with Intel® HD Boost (Intel® HDB) built into the Intel Core 2 Extreme processor. It delivers up to 40 percent higher performance for intensive multimedia applications like HD video encoding.Take control -->With overspeed protection removed, you can tune your system for maximum performance to go where no gamer has gone before.Get it done fast -->Maximize your system performance with the latest in cutting-edge processor technologies.
To conclude, we have taken a more insightful look into the "heart" of a computer system i.e: the CPU processor without delving too much into the technical details.
More importantly for DIY PC Enthusiasts, we have looked at the 4 major categories of processors created by Intel, the basic terminology behind the processors architecture, and the benefits of different processors as quoted from Intel.
Stay tuned to my next exciting info sharing by Subscribing to my feeds. With that, BEST WISHES AND GOOD LUCK TO DIY PC ENTHUSIASTS ==> "BUILD YOUR OWN DIY PC COMPUTER" today !!
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