Processors
Simply put the processor or CPU (Central/Core Processing Unit) executes all programs and calculations on your computer. Overall the quality of your CPU probably plays the largest factor in your computers performance. CPU's are mainly developed by two different companys, one being Intel and the other being AMD. Neither of them is particularly better than the other overall, although the majourity of computers I have built have used AMD processors.
Processors now come in single core, dual core, tri-core, and quad core. Basically, each core is like having another whole processor. So if you have a 2.0ghz dual core processor, your really getting 4.0ghz in performance. When looking into a computers processor you can judge the overall speed pretty well by just figuring out the total speed (number of cores X clock/ghz).
What Names Mean (Intel):
Pentium 4: Old/slow Single core CPU
Core 2 Duo: Dual Core CPU, 64-bit
Core 2 Extreme: Faster Dual Core CPU, 64-bit
Core 2 Quad: Quad Core CPU, 64-bit
What Names Mean (AMD):
Sempron: Single Core, 64-bit
Athlon 64 X2: Dual Core CPU, 64-bit
Phenom X3: Tri-Core CPU, 64-bit
Phenom X4: Quad Core CPU, 64-bit
How fast of a processor do I really need?
There are few questions you need to ask yourself when determining how fast of a processor you need. Number one being what do you plan on doing with your computer? If you just wanna surf the internet and check your email you can probably get away with a total processor speed of 2.5ghz. If you plan on doing much gaming, video editing, or other demanding multimedia software you will probably want anywhere from a total processor speed of 4.0ghz to 10.0ghz.
Why use waynepc?
We offer all of our services at very low prices and rates. We are experienced at what we do and can help you much faster than other shops. We will help you find the best solution for what you really want. Best of all were not just out to make a quick buck, we really want what's best for you and that's why we will never try to sell you any thing you don't need. That's also why weve taken the time to build the quick and easy learning center. In the learning center you can find simple information on what computer parts actually do, how they effect performance, and what to know about them, so you will be better equipped the next time you are looking to buy a computer.