What is a CPU? - CPU stands for central processing unit. It is also known as a processor. Think of it as the brain, it does the majority of the number crunching.
Do I need a CPU? - Yes, a computer won't work without one.
Can you use my old CPU? - No, it won't fit into a new motherboard.
What brand of CPU should I get, AMD or Intel? - AMD.
Why AMD? - If all you care about is who make's the fastest gaming CPU, you'll have to check. Often it's AMD, but once in a while Intel will make a slightly faster and very expensive CPU. AMD simply costs less, and they have a much lower failure rate than Intel. AMD does more per cycle, runs cooler, uses smaller quiet cooling fans, and their multi-core processors communicate directly with each other rather than having to rely on slower external system buses like Intel does.
What speed should I get? - That depends on what you want to do with the computer, and your budget. Get as fast a processor as possible, that way it will perform better, and more time will pass before it becomes obsolete.
Warranty - We provide a 1-year depot replacement warranty (parts and labour) on all new processors we install. Most of the processors we use also have a 3-year manufacturer's warranty. Please see our Warranty page for more details.
AMD vs. INTEL:
Why do you prefer AMD over Intel? - AMD multi-core processors are designed better, and they nearly always out-perform similar Intel processors. People buy Intel because they know the name, but most know very little about CPUs. A faster clock speed does not always mean better performance.
What makes AMD's design better than Intel's? - AMD has an integrated memory controller and an integrated HyperTransport interface. This design allows each core to directly communicate with the other cores within the die. This also means data doesn't have to travel over a slow external system bus like Intel does. AMD also uses both halves of each clock cycle, whereas Intel only uses half of each clock cycle, so AMD does more per clock cycle. AMD is also a very capable performer when it comes to both integer and FPU operations.
What about clock cycles? - Intel still hypes the numbers and uses raw clock speeds as an effective marketing tool to feed consumers' misconceptions. Most people aren't aware of the fact that Intel's Pentium 4 was inferior to their Pentium III, and both were inferior to AMD's Athlon XP. A 2GHz Athlon XP would blow away a 2GHz Pentium 4. Even today, on a clock-for-clock basis, and in most bench mark tests, AMD continues to outperform the well marketed Intel.
Are there any other benefits? - Yes, running at lower clock speeds means less heat, which means less thermal failures, and quieter CPU fans. It also means a more stable computer. Think of an overheated car. You turn the key and the engine barely turns over, yet the electrical system is fine. The problem is that the wires are hot, so they won't conduct electricity very well.
What about cost? - AMD is nearly always cheaper and faster than similar Intel counterparts, plus you can upgrade from a socket AM2+ to a Phenon II without any other purchases. If you upgrade to an AM3 socket Phenom II, you can use your existing DDR2, and maybe even your motherboard.
What about AMD's GPU's? - Shortly after AMD aquired ATI, they released graphics cards that by far out-performed anything nVidia produced, and they priced them at hundreds of dollars less. They've had my vote for years.
|