May 3, 2011

CPU Tutorials

How to choose a CPU/Processor for desktop

This is a small basic tutorial on how to choose a CPU/processor for your desktop PC.
First see what you will be using the desktop for. . . . . 
        Most people using desktop for internet using, some for MS word, some for sending emails, gaming etc. Having in mind what you will you be using the machine for helps you set a budget and also make sure the PC does not overkill. The CPU is the first thing the builder chooses while building the rig. If you will be using it only for internet and nothing else then you don't even need a dual core CPU, a single core is enough but a dual core is always future proof. If you are using it for gaming then a quad core CPU is recommended as not only it is future proof but it will help make your desktop extreme. Most games in 2011 utilize 2 to 3 cores, that is why a 4 core CPU is a must. Well a dual core CPU can easily handle games but it handle them for more than 2 years. 


Have a budget in mind. . . .
     Well everyone has a budget, but this is the main point because the budget many times decides what CPU you will finally get. If your budget for the whole desktop is 1000$ then you should get a CPU above 200$. If your budget is 500$ then you aim for a 100 to 150$ CPU. An i7-990x is 1000$ which is definitely not worth it mainly because of its price, but also because it 6 core. The extra two cores make it future proof but it won't really be utilized in the present. If you really want the 6 core CPU then I would recommend an i7-970 which is 600$ and really beats the 980x,990x in terms of price/performance.


What brand is it?
     Different people prefer different brands, the two main brands are Intel and AMD, both build very good CPUs but both also have their UPs and DOWNs. If you want a cheap prized CPU to save money and good performance then AMD is the way to go, but if you want to extreme and spend a little more for extra performance the Intel. Intel do have special features like Turbo boost technology and hyper-threading which increase their performance by 20 to 30% give them really good scores in the benchmarks. According to me its your personal choice on which brand to go for.


Finalize your CPU. . . 
     If you have finalized your CPU then check outs its benchmarks and reviews before buying it.


Which is the best CPU in terms of price, performance in the world for gaming purpose?
    The intel i5-2500k is the best CPU in terms of price/performance as it is quad core with 4 threads, 3.30 GHz base clock, 3.70 GHz turbo boost. The best thing about it is that it has an unlocked multiplier by which you can easily overclock it to speeds as high as 5.00 GHz. 


If you want to buy this CPU then I would recommend Amazon the link you can see it on the left side of the screen.

Intel i7 Notebook Processors

Intel i7 Desktop Processors

Intel i7-720QM Specifications


Essentials
Status
Launched
Launch Date
Q3'09
Processor Number
i7-720QM
# of Cores
4
# of Threads
8
Clock Speed
1.6 GHz
Max Turbo Frequency
2.8 GHz
Intel® Smart Cache
6 MB
Bus/Core Ratio
12
DMI
2.5 GT/s
Instruction Set
64-bit
Instruction Set Extensions
SSE4.2
Embedded Options Available
No
Lithography
45 nm
Max TDP
45 W
Recommended Channel Price
$364.00
Memory Specifications
Max Memory Size
(dependent on memory type)
8 GB
Memory Types
DDR3-1066/1333
# of Memory Channels
2
Max Memory Bandwidth
21 GB/s
Physical Address Extensions
36-bit
ECC Memory Supported
No
Graphics Specifications
Integrated Graphics
No
Expansion Options
PCI Express Revision
2
PCI Express Configurations
1x16, 2x8
# of PCI Express Ports
1
Package Specifications
Max CPU Configuration
1
TJUNCTION
100°C
Package Size
37.5mm x 37.5mm
Processing Die Size
296 mm2
# of Processing Die Transistors
774 million
Sockets Supported
PGA988
Halogen Free Options Available
Yes
Advanced Technologies
Intel® Turbo Boost Technology
Yes
Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology
Yes
Intel® Virtualization Technology (VT-x)
Yes
Intel® Virtualization Technology for Directed I/O (VT-d)
Yes
Intel® Trusted Execution Technology
Yes
AES New Instructions
No
Intel® 64
Yes
Idle States
Yes
Enhanced Intel SpeedStep® Technology
Yes
Thermal Monitoring Technologies
Yes
Execute Disable Bit
Yes