computer processors


www.mindbites.com Overview In this lesson, we’ll cover both Intel and AMD CPU Processors, what features and specs to look for when shopping, and how much you can expect to pay. The processor or CPU is the brains of the computer and does the majority of the PCs work. There are currently 2 major CPU makers, Intel and AMD. Intel has three families of processor, Celeron at the low end, Pentium in the middle and at the high end, the latest processor family, called Core. AMD also has three product families, Sempron at the low end, Athlon in the middle and Phenom at the top. Intel and AMD CPUs require a motherboard made specifically for them. The processor you buy will determine the type of motherboard you need for your system. See the motherboard component lesson coming up next for more on choosing a motherboard www.mindbites.com CPU’s connect to the motherboard through the cpu socket. Choose socket LGA 775, also called socket T for Intel and socket AM2, or AM2+ for AMD. Intel introduced a new socket type in November of 2008 called LGA1366, or Socket B. This new socket supports the new Core i7 CPU from Intel. AMD will introduce its new CPU socket, the socket AM3 in early 2009. Socket AM3 will support AMDs new CPU family that will compete with Intels Core i7 CPU. This lesson is part of a comprehensive series of lessons created by Home PC Builder that will guide you through the process of building your computer (from the selection internal and external components through …