Desktop Processors

                In many ways, the processor is the most important component of your computer. It can be likened to the human brain in its capacity to take given input (in this point mathematical and logical operations) and process it, returning with a logical output. When you think about the “work” which your computer is doing, the processor has a direct role in handling those operations. Whereas the storage provides a physical location for data, and the memory provides the processor working space, the processor is really doing all of the thinking. Thus, when people begin to experience slowness from their desktop computer, one of the most common upgrades they pursue is an enhanced processor. A better processor is one of the most direct and effective routes to improved computer performance. But how do you know if your current processor is slowing you down?

Desktop Performance Issues

A desktop processor is able to perform only a certain number of processes per unit of time. This measurement is commonly marked in hertz, the primary clock speeds of today’s processors falling into the gigahertz range. As you engage more applications on your computer, and as your processor begins to execute more processes per second, it will approach the cusp of its working clock speed. As you pass up the maximum limit of the CPU, you will begin to see a bottleneck of data, and your system’s performance will most definitely be affected. Common symptoms of overtaxed processing units includes slow, sluggish performance, freezing systems, and random shutdowns.

What to Look For

As you begin your hunt for a new processor, you will be looking for a processor which can exceed your current processor’s clock speed and handle the increasing demands of your computer’s workload. As a general rule for a desktop processor, you ought to look for a unit which has a clock speed no lower than two gigahertz. Many processors today have clock speeds which come in at two to three gigahertz but are able to be overclocked for additional clock speed should the need arise. Single core processors have also gone by the wayside – depending on the demands of your computing, a dual core processor is a minimum requirement. If you will be engaging in multiprocessing applications, invest in a quad or hexacore processor.

Popular Processors

In the world of computer processors, you will encounter two primary manufacturers: AMD and Intel. You are most likely familiar with Intel, as they control a majority of the processor market. AMD is their main competition. Many people maintain a devotion to one or the other, or (on the other end of the spectrum) insist that there is no difference between the two. The truth is somewhere in between. If you are working on a budget, you can find a comparable AMD processor for a considerably smaller amount than an Intel processor. However, for multithreading and high performance computer applications, Intel’s processors are much more efficiently overclocked and have a wider range of multithreading potential. Just remember that desktop processors are an investment; take time to find the best model for your specific needs.