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

Intel Core™2 Extreme Processor
Intel Core™2 Quad Processor
Intel Core™2 Duo Processor
Intel Pentium Dual-Core Processor
Intel Celeron Dual-Core Processor
Intel Celeron D Processor

AMD Processing Family

AMD Phenom™ 9000 Series Quad-Core
AMD Athlon™ Dual Core
AMD Sempron™ Class

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 !

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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^? Cache Clock Speed Front Side Bus Process Intel® Express Chipset Support
QX9770 12 MB L2 3.2GHz 1600 MHz 45nm X48
QX9650 12 MB L2 3.0 GHz 1333 MHz 45 nm X48, X38, P35
QX6850 8 MB L2¹ 3 GHz 1333 MHz 65 nm P35
QX6800 8 MB L2¹ 2.93 GHz 1066 MHz 65 nm 975X/P965/P35
QX6700 8 MB L2¹ 2.66 GHz 1066 MHz 65 nm 975X/P965/P35

Fulldetails can be found on the Intel Website by clicking HERE

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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 Number¹ Cache Clock Speed Front Side Bus
65 nm
Q9550 12MB L2 2.8 GHz 1333 MHz
Q9450 12MB L2 2.66 GHz 1333 MHz
Q9300 6MB L2 2.5 GHz 1333 MHz
Q6700 8MB L2² 2.66 GHz 1066 MHz
Q6600 8MB L2² 2.40 GHz 1066 MHz

Comparison table

Q9000 Series Q6000 Series
Manufacturing process 45nm 65nm
L2 shared cache¹ 12MB/6MB 8MB
System bus 1333 MHz 1066 MHz
SSE instructions SSE4, SSE3, SSE2, and SSE SSE3, SSE2, and SSE
Intel® Express Chipset Intel® 3 Series Express Chipsets Intel® 3 Series and G955, P965, and 975X Express Chipsets

Fulldetails can be found on the Intel Website by clicking HERE

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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° Cache Clock Speed Front Side Bus Intel® Virtualization
Technology (Intel® VT)²
45 nm
E8500 6 MB L2 3.16 GHz 1333 MHz
E8400 6 MB L2 3.0 GHz 1333 MHz
E8200 6 MB L2 2.66 GHz 1333 MHz
65 nm
E6850 4 MB L2 3.0 GHz 1333 MHz
E6750 4 MB L2 2.66 GHz 1333 MHz
E6700 4 MB L2 2.66 GHz 1066 MHz
E6600 4 MB L2 2.40 GHz 1066 MHz
E6550 4 MB L2 2.33 GHz 1333 MHz
E6540 4 MB L2 2.33 GHz 1333 MHz
E6420 4 MB L2 2.13 GHz 1066 MHz
E6400 2 MB L2 2.13 GHz 1066 MHz
E6320 4 MB L2 1.86 GHz 1066 MHz
E6300 2 MB L2 1.86 GHz 1066 MHz
E4600 2 MB L2 2.40 GHz 800 MHz
E4500 2 MB L2 2.20 GHz 800 MHz
E4400 2 MB L2 2 GHz 800 MHz
E4300 2 MB L2 1.80 GHz 800 MHz

Fulldetails can be found on the Intel Website by clicking HERE

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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 number¹ Cache Clock speed Front side bus Intel® 64^F
65 nm
E2220 1 MB L2 2.40 GHz 800 MHz
E2200 1 MB L2 2.20GHz 800MHz
E2180 1 MB L2 2.00 GHz 800 MHz
E2160 1 MB L2 1.80 GHz 800 MHz
E2140 1 MB L2 1.60 GHz 800 MHz

Fulldetails can be found on the Intel Website by clicking HERE

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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 number¹ Cache Clock speed Front side bus Intel® 64^F
65 nm
E1200 512 KB shared L2 1.620 GHzz 800 MHz

Fulldetails can be found on the Intel Website by clicking HERE

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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
Processor Intel® Celeron® D Processor
Processor Number^Δ 365, 360, 356, 352, 347, 346, 341, 336, 331, 326 350,345, 340, 335, 330, 325, 320, 315
Architecture 90 nm process technology
L2 Cache 256KB
Clock Speed 3.46 to 3.20 GHz 2.26 to 2.93 GHz
Front Side Bus 533 MHz
Chipset
Socket LGA775 LGA775 or mPGA478
Intel® 64 Architecture^φ Yes NA
Execute Disable Bit^° Yes NA
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

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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

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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
TDP
Release Date
Athlon 64 X2 3800+
2000 MHz
2 x 512 KiB
10x
1.025/1.075 V
35 W
May 23, 2006

"Brisbane" (Energy Efficient 65W, G1 & G2, 65 nm) AM2

Model Number	Frequency	L2-Cache	Mult ¹	Voltage	TDP	Release Date
Athlon 64 X2 3600+	1900 MHz	2 x 512 KiB	9.5x	1.25V/1.35V	65 W	January 2007
Athlon 64 X2 4000+	2100 MHz	2 x 512 KiB	10.5x	1.25V/1.35V	65 W	December 5, 2006
Athlon 64 X2 4200+	2200 MHz	2 x 512 KiB	11x	1.25V/1.35V	65 W	2007
Athlon 64 X2 4200+ (G2)	2200 MHz	2 x 512 KiB	11x	1.325V-1.375V	65 W
Athlon 64 X2 4400+	2300 MHz	2 x 512 KiB	11.5x	1.25V/1.35V	65 W	December 5, 2006
Athlon 64 X2 4400+ (G2)	2300 MHz	2 x 512 KiB	11.5x	1.325V-1.375V	65 W	October 8, 2007
Athlon 64 X2 4800+	2500 MHz	2 x 512 KiB	12.5x	1.25V/1.35V	65 W	December 5, 2006
Athlon 64 X2 4800+ (G2)	2500 MHz	2 x 512 KiB	12.5x	1.325V-1.375V	65 W	October 8, 2007
Athlon 64 X2 5000+	2600 MHz	2 x 512 KiB	13x	1.25V/1.35V	65 W	December 5, 2006
Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (G2, black edition)	2600 MHz	2 x 512 KiB	13x	1.25V/1.35V	65 W	September 25, 2007
Athlon 64 X2 5000+ (G2)	2600 MHz	2 x 512 KiB	13x	1.325V/1.375V	65 W	October 8, 2007
Athlon 64 X2 5200+	2700 MHz	2 x 512 KiB	13.5x	1.25V/1.35V	65 W
Athlon 64 X2 5200+ (G2)	2700 MHz	2 x 512 KiB	13.5x	1.325V-1.375V	65 W	October 8, 2007
Athlon 64 X2 5400+ (G2)	2800 MHz	2 x 512 KiB	14x	1.325V-1.375V	65 W	January, 2008

Fulldetails can be found on the Intel Website by clicking HERE

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AMD Sempron™ Processor

Affordable performance for everyday computing
Get to fun, faster, with a system that boots and loads applications quickly and easily. Enjoy reliable, responsive performance on thousands of software applications—including those that let you communicate with family and friends.

Fulldetails can be found on the Intel Website by clicking HERE

AMD Sempron™ Processor
Socket/Technology	Model Number	Frequency	L2 Cache	Thermal Design Power
Socket AM2/90nm SOI	3800+	2200 MHz	256KB	62W
	3600+	2000 MHz	256KB	62W
	3400+	1800 MHz	256KB	62W
	3200+	1800 MHz	128KB	62W
Socket AM2 Energy Efficient / 65nm SOI	LE-1250	2200 MHz	512KB	45W
	LE-1200	2100 MHz	512KB	45W
	LE-1150	2000 MHz	256KB	45W
	LE-1100	1900 MHz	256KB	45W

Features
AMD Sempron™ Processor
(Socket AM2)
Processor-To-System Bandwidth
System Bus: up to 6.4 GB/s
Memory Controller: up to 10.6 GB/s
Total: up to 17.0 GB/s

3D and Multimedia Instructions
3DNow!™ Professional technology,SSE, SSE2, SSE3
L2 Cache
L2 cache: 128KB or 256KB
Total effective cache: 256KB or 384KB
L1 Cache (Instruction + Data)
128KB (64KB + 64KB)
Process Technology
90 nanometer SOI technology
65 nanometer SOI technology

Fulldetails can be found on the Intel Website by clicking HERE

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Processor Archive

Intel Core™2 Duo Processor

Intel Celeron D Processor