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Choosing the best Processor

for your Custom PC

Hopefully you will find answers to all your questions regarding processors on this page and from the links provided.  The first few paragraphs and links are fine but the remainder is not for the faint hearted and is aimed primarily at the enthusiast and technically minded.  Don't forget, we are here to help and guide you and this information is in no way intended to replace that service!

The Main Processor Types:-

 

Intel Processing Family

AMD Processing Family

 

Click on the above links for technical information regarding each processor and links to the respective areas of the manufacturers websites.

Making the choice...

The selection of a processor is crucial to the performance of your Custom PC. Historically it was easy to know which was best and indeed, what to expect because the names of the processor included the speeds at which they ran, but that has all changed with advances in technology bringing faster processing power at lower speeds!

As a general rule of thumb, AMD represent good value at the low end range of the spectrum whilst Intel are favoured at the mid/top end. Intel is most certainly the choice of businesses looking for reliability, gamers seeking top performance and overclockers/enthusiasts looking to push their systems where none have gone before!

How to decide.  Well to be honest there is no better way than to compare graphically, the performances of each processor against one another, using a range of different applications.  There is no better place to see this than at Toms Hardware.  Simply click on the following link:- Processor Performance Charts. Tomshardware have been preparing charts of this nature for a long time and results are similar to those that we attain and can, in our opinion, be trusted.

Intel have produced a quick quick comparison wizard which you can access by clicking HERE (or, if looking for details about an individual processor use this link HERE). AMD provide a similar feature, to access click HERE.

Once you have determined which processors are likely to give you the best results, determine which one you can afford.  Don't forget to allow adequate money for RAM, motherboard and graphics card !

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Technical Specifications of Intel and AMD Processors

Intel Core™2 Extreme Processor

The Intel® Core™2 Extreme processor is the world's first quad-core desktop processor, delivering the latest in cutting-edge processor technology and unprecedented performance across a wide range of applications and benchmarks. The new Intel Core 2 Extreme processors QX9000 series are based on the industry-leading 45nm manufacturing technology, providing another giant leap forward on the road to multi-core and parallel computing.

This processor is designed for PC enthusiasts and gamers. Today's multimedia applications, such as 3D modeling, video/ audio editing and rendering, as well as the latest in realistic and immersive games, focus on threaded computing for performance and demonstrate amazing scalability with quad-core processors.

For the added technical flexibility experienced enthusiasts want, the processor bus ratio locks (overspeed protection) have been removed in the Intel Core 2 Extreme Quad-Core processor. This delivers the ability to tune the system, taking it beyond the specification limits†.

Multitasking monster

The Intel Core 2 Extreme Quad-Core processor is a multitasking monster, so users can do more in less time. Significant improvements in system responsiveness are possible because certain tasks can be off-loaded to specific cores. Users can now take on several tasks at once, such as rendering a video, playing a game, or working on basic productivity software, because additional processor resources are free to handle other tasks.

Intel® Express Chipset based platforms support the Intel Core 2 Extreme Quad-Core processor. This combination of processor and chipset offers an array of exciting capabilities including dual graphics, and delivers an impressive level of performance for demanding users.

Processor Number?CacheClock SpeedFront Side BusProcessIntel® Express Chipset Support
QX977012 MB L23.2GHz1600 MHz45nmX48
QX965012 MB L23.0 GHz1333 MHz45 nmX48, X38, P35
QX68508 MB L213 GHz1333 MHz65 nmP35
QX68008 MB L212.93 GHz1066 MHz65 nm975X/P965/P35
QX67008 MB L212.66 GHz1066 MHz65 nm975X/P965/P35

Fulldetails can be found on the Intel Website by clicking HERE

Back to List

Intel Core™2 Quad Processor

The Intel® Core™2 Quad processor is the world's first quad-core desktop processor, delivering the latest in cutting-edge processor technology and unprecedented performance across a wide range of applications and benchmarks. The new Intel Core 2 Quad processors QX9xxx series are based on the industry-leading 45nm manufacturing technology, providing another giant leap forward on the road to multi-core and parallel computing.

The unprecedented performance of the Intel Core 2 Quad processor is made possible by each of the four complete execution cores delivering the full power of Intel Core microarchitecture. More instructions can be carried out per clock cycle, shorter and wider pipelines execute commands more quickly, and improved bus lanes move data throughout the system faster. This quad-core processor represents Intel's continued leadership and drive of multi-core processing and more parallel computing.

The latest versions built on Intel's 45nm manufacturing technology take these benefits to a whole new level. This new technology uses hafnium-infused Hi-k transistors, enabling even more processor performance by doubling the transistor density, improving efficiency and speed relative to the previous generation, and increasing cache size by up to 50 percent. These new Intel Core 2 Quad processors deliver even more performance without using more energy.

Processor Number1CacheClock SpeedFront Side Bus
65 nm
Q955012MB L22.8 GHz1333 MHz
Q945012MB L22.66 GHz1333 MHz
Q93006MB L22.5 GHz1333 MHz
Q67008MB L222.66 GHz1066 MHz
Q66008MB L222.40 GHz1066 MHz

Comparison table

 Q9000 SeriesQ6000 Series
Manufacturing process45nm65nm
L2 shared cache112MB/6MB8MB
System bus1333 MHz1066 MHz
SSE instructionsSSE4, SSE3, SSE2, and SSESSE3, SSE2, and SSE
Intel® Express ChipsetIntel® 3 Series Express ChipsetsIntel® 3 Series and G955, P965, and 975X Express Chipsets

Fulldetails can be found on the Intel Website by clicking HERE

Back to List

Intel Core™2 Duo Processor

Built on the innovative Intel® Core™ microarchitecture, the Intel Core 2 Duo desktop processor delivers revolutionary dual-core performance and breakthrough processor energy efficiency. With Intel® Wide Dynamic Execution, Intel® Smart Memory Access, Intel® Advanced Smart Cache, and Intel® Digital Media Boost, this new processor is designed to do more in less time. Additional features, which support enhanced security, virtualization, and 64-bit computing, make the Intel Core 2 Duo the most impressive processor developed for an increasingly multimedia-centered, high-definition world.

Energy Efficiency
Design changes in the Intel Core 2 Duo processors that improve performance also increase processor energy efficiency by operating at lower frequencies that require less power to run. Intel® Intelligent Power Capability, a feature that optimizes energy usage of the processor cores, turns on computing functions only when needed. These more energy efficient processors support smaller, more capable, and quieter desktop PCs to conserve critical power resources.

Processor Number°CacheClock SpeedFront Side BusIntel® Virtualization
Technology (Intel® VT)2
45 nm
E85006 MB L23.16 GHz1333 MHz
E84006 MB L23.0 GHz1333 MHz
E82006 MB L22.66 GHz1333 MHz
65 nm
E68504 MB L23.0 GHz1333 MHz
E67504 MB L22.66 GHz1333 MHz
E67004 MB L22.66 GHz1066 MHz
E66004 MB L22.40 GHz1066 MHz
E65504 MB L22.33 GHz1333 MHz
E65404 MB L22.33 GHz1333 MHz
E64204 MB L22.13 GHz1066 MHz
E64002 MB L22.13 GHz1066 MHz
E63204 MB L21.86 GHz1066 MHz
E63002 MB L21.86 GHz1066 MHz
E46002 MB L22.40 GHz800 MHz 
E45002 MB L22.20 GHz800 MHz 
E44002 MB L22 GHz800 MHz 
E43002 MB L21.80 GHz800 MHz 

Fulldetails can be found on the Intel Website by clicking HERE

Back to List

 

Intel Pentium Dual-Core Processor

Go beyond everyday computing with the Intel® Pentium® dual-core desktop processor. Based on a new, energy-efficient microarchitecture, the Intel Pentium dual-core desktop processor delivers superior energy efficient dual-core performance.

Processor number1CacheClock speedFront side busIntel® 64F
65 nm
E22201 MB L22.40 GHz800 MHz
E22001 MB L22.20GHz800MHz
E21801 MB L22.00 GHz800 MHz
E21601 MB L21.80 GHz800 MHz
E21401 MB L21.60 GHz800 MHz

Fulldetails can be found on the Intel Website by clicking HERE

Back to List

 

Intel Celeron Dual-Core Processor

Take basic computing to new levels with the Intel® Celeron® dual-core processor. Based on an energy-efficient microarchitecture, the Celeron dual-core desktop processor delivers superior energy efficient dual-core performance.

Processor number1CacheClock speedFront side busIntel® 64F
65 nm
E1200512 KB shared L21.620 GHzz800 MHz

Fulldetails can be found on the Intel Website by clicking HERE

Back to List

Intel Celeron D Processor

The Intel® Celeron® D processor is an ideal solution for the value-minded PC buyer and can provide an affordable and reliable PC for the home or office. The Celeron® D processor with 256KB L2 cache, and 533-MHz front-side bus is able to handle everything from the Internet to educational programs. With proven technology from the leader in microprocessors, the Intel® Celeron® D processor is the exceptional choice.

For Celeron D processors based platforms in the LGA775 package a Thermally Advantaged Chassis (TAC) based on TAC version 1.1 is highly recommended to assist in maintaining a required internal chassis temperature.


Intel® Celeron® D Processor Features
ProcessorIntel® Celeron® D Processor
Processor NumberΔ365, 360, 356, 352, 347, 346, 341, 336, 331, 326350,345, 340, 335, 330, 325, 320, 315
Architecture90 nm process technology
L2 Cache256KB
Clock Speed3.46 to 3.20 GHz2.26 to 2.93 GHz
Front Side Bus533 MHz
Chipset  
SocketLGA775LGA775 or mPGA478
Intel® 64 ArchitectureφYesNA
Execute Disable Bit°YesNA
Features

 

  • Data Flow Analysis
  • Speculative Execution
  • Non-Blocking Level 1 Cache
  • Streaming SIMD Extensions 3
  • Dual Independent Bus (DIB)

Fulldetails can be found on the Intel Website by clicking HERE

Back to List

AMD Phenom™ 9000 Series Quad-Core

The ultimate megatasking experience. Featuring true multi-core design and award-winning AMD64 technology with Direct Connect Architecture, AMD Phenom™ 9000 Series processors deliver the ultimate megatasking experience by providing direct and rapid information flow between processor cores, main memory, and graphics and video accelerators. AMD Phenom™ 9000 Series processors have the technology to break through the most challenging processing loads. AMD Phenom™ 9000 Series processors feature low latency access to main memory for amazingly rapid response and phenomenal system performance. AMD Phenom™ 9000 Series processors were designed for megatasking—running multiple, multi-threaded applications. Surge through the most demanding processing loads, including advanced multitasking, critical business productivity, advanced visual design and modeling, serious gaming, and visually stunning digital media and entertainment.

 
AMD Phenom™ Processor
Infrastructure
socket AM2+
Process Technology
65 nanometer, SOI (silicon on insulator)
Number of Transistors
450 million
64-bit Instruction Set Support
Yes, AMD64 Technology
Enhanced Virus Protection**
Yes
System Bus Technology
HyperTransport™ technology up to 3600MT/s full duplex, or up to 14.4GB/s I/O Bandwidth
Integrated Memory Controller
128-bit + 16-bit ECC unbuffered PC2 8500 (DDR2-1066*); PC2 6400(DDR2-800), PC2 5300(DDR2-667), PC2 4200(DDR2-533), PC2 3200(DDR2-400)
Total Processor-to-System Bandwidth
HyperTransport technology: up to 3600MT/s full duplex, or up to 14.4GB/s I/O Bandwidth
Memory bandwidth: up to 12.8 GB/s dual channel memory bandwidth
Total: up to 27.2 GB/s
3D & Multimedia instructions
3DNow!™ technology, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, SSE4a
Chipset support
ATI: Radeon Series chipsets
 
NVIDIA: Nforce Series chipsets
 

 "Agena" (65 nm, B2, quad core) AM2 

Model Number
Frequency
L2-Cache
L3-Cache
Mult 1
Voltage
TDP
Release Date
Phenom 9500
2200 MHz
4 x 512 KiB
2 MiB
11x
1.1-1.25
95 W
November 19, 2007
Phenom 9600
2300 MHz
4 x 512 KiB
2 MiB
11.5x
1.1-1.25
95 W
November 19, 2007
Phenom 9600
Black Edition
2300 MHz
4 x 512 KiB
2 MiB
11.5x
1.1-1.25
95 W
December 19, 2007

Fulldetails can be found on the Intel Website by clicking HERE

Back to List

AMD Athlon™ Dual Core

Do more in less time with true multi-tasking.
Increase your performance by up to 80% with the AMD Athlon™ Dual-Core processor. Work or play with multiple programs without any stalling or waiting. Dual-core technology is like having two processors, and two working together is better and faster than one working alone.

AMD Athlon Dual-Core processors put the power of dual-core technology on the desktop. Dual-core processors contain two processing cores, residing on one chip, that perform calculations on two streams of data to increase efficiency and speed while running multiple programs and the new generation of multi-threaded software. For end-users this means a significant increase in response and performance when running multiple applications simultaneously.

 
AMD Athlon™ Dual-Core Processor
Infrastructure
socket AM2
Process Technology
90 nanometer, SOI (silicon on insulator)
65 nanometer, SOI (silicon on insulator)
Number of Transistors
90nm: 164 to 243 million (depending on cache size) 65nm: 221 million
64-bit Instruction Set Support
Yes, AMD64 Technology
Enhanced Virus Protection*
Yes
System Bus Technology
HyperTransport™ technology up to 2000MHz, full duplex
Integrated Memory Controller
128-bit + 16-bit ECC unbuffered PC2 6400(DDR2-800), PC2 5300(DDR2-667), PC2 4200(DDR2-533), PC2 3200(DDR2-400)
Total Processor-to-System Bandwidth
HyperTransport technology: up to 8.0 GB/s
Memory bandwidth: up to 12.8 GB/s
Total: up to 20.8 GB/s
3D & Multimedia instructions
3DNow!™ technology, SSE, SSE2, SSE3
Chipset support
NVIDIA: Nforce Series chipsets
ATI: Radeon Xpress Series chipsets
VIA: K8 Series chipsets
SiS: 75x Series chipsets or greater
Total Designed Power (TDP)
45W, 65W, 89W, or 125W

 

Dual-Core Desktop Processors

Athlon 64 X2 Socket 939 "Manchester" (E4, 90 nm)

Model Number
Frequency
L2-Cache
Mult 1
Voltage
TDP
Release Date
Athlon 64 X2 3600+
2000 MHz
2 x 256 KiB
10x
1.30-1.35 V
89-110 W
 
Athlon 64 X2 3800+
2000 MHz
2 x 512 KiB
10x
1.30-1.35 V
89 W
August 1, 2005
Athlon 64 X2 4200+
2200 MHz
2 x 512 KiB
11x
1.30-1.35 V
89 W
May 31, 2005
Athlon 64 X2 4600+
2400 MHz
2 x 512 KiB
12x
1.30-1.35 V
110 W
May 31, 2005

 

"Toledo" (E6, 90 nm) Socket 939

Model Number
Frequency
L2-Cache
Mult 1
Voltage
TDP
Release Date
Athlon 64 X2 3800+
2000 MHz
2 x 512 KiB
10x
1.30-1.35 V
89 W
August 1, 2005
Athlon 64 X2 4200+
2200 MHz
2 x 512 KiB
11x
1.30-1.35 V
89 W
May 31, 2005
Athlon 64 X2 4400+
2200 MHz
2 x 1024 KiB
11x
1.30-1.35 V
110 W
May 31, 2005
Athlon 64 X2 4400+
2200 MHz
2 x 1024 KiB
11x
1.30-1.35 V
89 W
 
Athlon 64 X2 4600+
2400 MHz
2 x 512 KiB
12x
1.30-1.35 V
110 W
May 31, 2005
Athlon 64 X2 4800+
2400 MHz
2 x 1024 KiB
12x
1.30-1.35 V
110 W
May 31, 2005

 

"Windsor" (F2 & F3, 90 nm) Socket AM2 

Model Number
Frequency
L2-Cache
Mult 1
Voltage
TDP
Release Date
Athlon 64 X2 3800+
2000 MHz
2 x 512 KiB
10x
1.30/1.35 V
89 W
May 23, 2006
Athlon 64 X2 4000+
2000 MHz
2 x 1024 KiB
10x
1.30/1.35 V
89 W
May 23, 2006
Athlon 64 X2 4200+
2200 MHz
2 x 512 KiB
11x
1.30/1.35 V
89 W
May 23, 2006
Athlon 64 X2 4400+
2200 MHz
2 x 1024 KiB
11x
1.30/1.35 V
89 W
May 23, 2006
Athlon 64 X2 4600+
2400 MHz
2 x 512 KiB
12x
1.30/1.35 V
89 W
May 23, 2006
Athlon 64 X2 4800+
2400 MHz
2 x 1024 KiB
12x
1.30/1.35 V
89 W
May 23, 2006
Athlon 64 X2 5000+
2600 MHz
2 x 512 KiB
13x
1.30/1.35 V
89 W
May 23, 2006
Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (F3)
2600 MHz
2 x 512 KiB
13x
1.30/1.35 V
89 W
 
Athlon 64 X2 5200+
2600 MHz
2 x 1024 KiB
13x
1.30/1.35 V
89 W
September 6, 2006
Athlon 64 X2 5200+ (F3)
2600 MHz
2 x 1024 KiB
13x
1.20/1.25 V
89 W
 
Athlon 64 X2 5400+ (F3)
2800 MHz
2 x 512 KiB
14x
1.30/1.35 V
89 W
December 12, 2006
Athlon 64 X2 5600+ (F3)
2800 MHz
2 x 1024 KiB
14x
1.30/1.35 V
89 W
December 12, 2006
Athlon 64 X2 6000+ (F3)
3000 MHz
2 x 1024 KiB
15x
1.35/1.40 V
125 W
February 20, 2007
Athlon 64 X2 6000+ (F3)
3000 MHz
2 x 1024 KiB
15x
1.30/1.35 V
89 W
August 20, 2007
Athlon 64 X2 6400+ (F3, black edition)
3200 MHz
2 x 1024 KiB
16x
1.35/1.40 V
125 W
August 20, 2007

 

"Windsor" (Energy Efficient, F2 & F3, 90 nm) Socket AM2 

Model Number
Frequency
L2-Cache
Mult 1
Voltage
TDP
Release Date
Athlon 64 X2 3600+
2000 MHz
2 x 256 KiB
10x
1.20/1.25 V
65 W
August 2006
Athlon 64 X2 3800+
2000 MHz
2 x 512 KiB
10x
1.20/1.25 V
65 W
May 23, 2006
Athlon 64 X2 3800+ (F3)
2000 MHz
2 x 512 KiB
10x
1.20/1.25 V
65 W
February 20, 2007
Athlon 64 X2 4000+
2000 MHz
2 x 1024 KiB
10x
1.20/1.25 V
65 W
May 23, 2006
Athlon 64 X2 4200+
2200 MHz
2 x 512 KiB
11x
1.20/1.25 V
65 W
May 23, 2006
Athlon 64 X2 4400+
2200 MHz
2 x 1024 KiB
11x
1.20/1.25 V
65 W
May 23, 2006
Athlon 64 X2 4600+
2400 MHz
2 x 512 KiB
12x
1.20/1.25 V
65 W
May 23, 2006
Athlon 64 X2 4600+ (F3)
2400 MHz
2 x 512 KiB
12x
1.20/1.25 V
65 W
February 20, 2007
Athlon 64 X2 4800+
2400 MHz
2 x 1024 KiB
12x
1.20/1.25 V
65 W
May 23, 2006
Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (F3)
2600 MHz
2 x 512 KiB
13x
1.20/1.25 V
65 W
February 20, 2007
Athlon 64 X2 5200+ (F3)
2600 MHz
2 x 1024 KiB
13x
1.20/1.25 V
65 W
February 20, 2007

 

"Windsor" (Energy Efficient Small Form Factor, F2, 90 nm) AM2 

Model Number
Frequency
L2-Cache
Mult 1
Voltage
T