CPU: Speed ​​is not all

CPU is the first component you care about when buying a new PC. But to get the right processor, you need to care about many things, not just speed.

All of us, PC enthusiasts, are often obsessed with the speed of the CPU, the previous unit of measurement is megahertz (MHz) and now is gigahertz (GHz). However, the speed of the processor (processor) does not represent the highest value you get from the money.

The latest generation chip, Sandy Bridge of Intel, has been used extensively on desktop and laptop sets. And now is the best time to equip yourself with a new PC.

So, what you need to know before making a decision with the most important component of the new computer set. Carefully read the answers to the 6 basic questions below to draw conclusions for yourself.

Is the CPU manufacturer important?

The answer depends on the period, several years. Two processor makers, Intel and AMD, competed very aggressively, and none of them were in the lead. Currently, Intel's new generation i3, i5 and i7 chips (with Sandy Bridge architecture) outperform AMD's high-end chips. But in the mainstream, AMD's chips are a better choice, especially in case you want to save money. AMD will release new high-end chips in the next few months, and the race will continue.

Is Intel's new chip really better than the old one, or is it just a marketing tactic?

Dean McCarron, Mercury Research senior analyst, who has closely watched the chip sector and their design for more than 20 years confirmed, new chips are better. He said: 'The new architecture offers much higher performance for the new generation of chips compared to its predecessors '. But he also acknowledged how much faster the new chip ran.

What does a better CPU mean?

Better CPUs mean more efficient, which means more work done in the same amount of time. CPU speed is similar to clock speed. More speed means the clock runs faster. The chip processes the instructions, the math algorithms translate into languages ​​that tell the computer what to do. Often faster is understood as better.

The speed of the processor used to have a great meaning, and computer manufacturers often use this parameter to promote their machines. But after a while, increasing speed no longer leads to increased efficiency. As the chips run faster, they will use more energy and produce more heat, so no more work is done. In terms of speed, Intel and AMD have all reached their peaks, and began to look for other ways to increase their chips' efficiency.

In order not to go into too much detail, it can be summarized that the new generation of chips does more work in each clock cycle, McCarron said, and that's what you need to care about - along with the ability. rendering of graphics.

What about graphics?

Personal computers are now equipped with graphics in two different ways: integrated (on the processor or on the main board), or can be separated from a discrete graphics card. If you are a gamer, or specialize in doing heavy graphic tasks such as using CAD to deploy technical drawings or video editing, then spending money on discrete graphics is a informed investment decision. Yes, McCarron advised.

But if you are an office user, only daily using computers to surf the web, use Office applications and watch videos online, integrated graphics are a reasonable choice. However, some chips with integrated graphics are better able to handle than other chips, and this is their strength, Sandy Bridge, McCarron said. On average, the graphics performance of the new chip line is about twice as high as the previous generation, different enough to appeal to users.

So, do you need to care about chip speed like advertising or emphasis?

Retailers often allow you to choose a computer configuration when you buy. Spending more on a slightly faster processor is unnecessary. If you want to invest a little more, focus on boosting RAM and choosing hard drives with faster rotations (7,500 rpm instead of 5,500 rpm), the system will definitely for better performance.

How do I identify the right chip to buy?

There is a bit of trouble here. The chips we are talking about are the latest generation of Intel's core processor family, and they are called i3, i5 and i7. This causes a bit of trouble, because the previous generation is also called core i. So you will need to look carefully.

The new generation uses a four-digit number that represents the model, for example i3 2310M (M stands for mobile, represents a mobile device chip) or i5 2520M. The old version named with 3 digits. In the long run, older chips will no longer be installed in new computers, so this problem will go away. But now, you should check the model number for sure.

Finally, you need to remember that i5 has higher performance than i3, but lower than i7.