The first operational IBM  PC hit the marketplace in 1981.

Since than, all PCs have been designed around the Intel Corporation CPU Chipset.

 The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is a removable component on the computer's system board,  also known as the motherboard.

When you turn your computer on, it runs a POST program (power-on self -test) which checks to see  if  all of the components of your computer are present and working. The CPU then loads your Windows Operation System and all of your installed application software packages, device drivers, and utilities and much more... 

AS you can see, the CPU is the most important hardware component in your PC. Nothing important can happen without it. The awesome power and magic you  control from keyboard is created  by the CPU with its supporting components.

Currently, the major manufacturer of Central Processing Units (CPU) are Intel And AMD.

The AMD CPU has shown that it has the reliability, power, speed and capability to process complex graphics and video editing with the same efficiency as the Intel Pentium class processors. But which one you choose to use will be your personal preference.

When you do decide to select your CPU, here are a few things to consider:

The Intel And AMD  are not interchangeable between motherboards.

If you choose the Intel or AMD you must stick with that choice unless you are willing to change the motherboard as well. Motherboards are designed to handle one type of socket( this is where you plug the CPU chip into the motherboard) and run at one bus speed.

The socket types and Bus speed determine which CPU we use in a particular motherboard.

The socket type will let you install either a Athlon and Durons, or a Pentium 4 and Celerons.

 Pentium 4s and the latest Celerons that run at speeds above 1.5GHz or higher and work in the same motherboard have different bus speeds. For example, the Celerons top bus speed  is 400MHz. While the two different versions of the Pentium 4 has a bus speeds of 400MHz and 533MHz.

The AMD's  budget Durons, and high powered Athlon XP also uses the same type of socket and motherboard.  But the Durons' top bus speed is 200MHz. While the different versions of the Athlon XPs can run at bus speeds of 266MHz or 333MHz.

So, you can see that if you are trying to increase the speed of your PC, you need to be sure that your motherboard's bus speed and CPU speed are perfectly matches.

Otherwise your CPU may run slower than expected. The BUS speed, is the speed  which the CPU uses to communicate with all of the other components attached to the motherboard.

Another tip to consider is the age of your motherboard.

If your motherboard was built before the CPU you are using to upgrade, you still may not get the increase in performance you expect.

Why? Because the components on your motherboard may not be completely compatible with  the new technology of your new CPU. Ever though,  the manual says it is supported. Supported doesn't always means the full use and efficiency of the CPU's capabilities.      

Be sure the CPU and BUS speed matches.

The speed of your budget CPU should be at or above 1.5GHz. Anything less will mean performance troubles sooner than later. To enhance the maximum benefit from your new CPU speed, your system should have at  least 256MB of ram memory or more.

 Why? Because when your PC does start running out of ram memory your operating system will automatically create space on your hand drive to process files. Which takes a much longer time than if it were using RAM memory. AS a result, the speed you gained by upgrading your CPU is now being lost because you don't have enough ram memory.    

Older PC systems and the new CPU voltages.

If you have an older system, be sure to check the CPU voltage. The older CPUs requires +5 volts. While the newer CPUs requirement is +3.3 volts and below. 

If the voltages are not correct, your processor will be damaged beyond repair. One place to determine the voltage of your processor is the label on your old power supply. Or you can check your CPU or motherboard manual.

 Advanced Computing.

If you plan to do advanced tasks such as gaming and video editing, you will need a powerful chip like the Pentium 4 or Athlon XP processor.

These are the  three CPUs I would choose for my budget, mid-range, and power systems.

 

Mid-Range Processor

The AMD Sempron 64 Processor is designed to meet the evolving day-to-day needs of the home and business PC users.   . Processor Speed SP 64 3400+ /2.0GHz .   . Processor Interface Socket 754 . Bus Speed 1600MHz .   . Is compatible with Microsoft   Windows XP Professional Windows XP Home Edition, Windows® XP, Window Me.  .   .   AMD Sempron 64 3400+ Processor SDA3400BXBOX - 2.0GHz, 256KB Cache, 800MHz (1600 MT/s) FSB, Palermo, Socket 754, Processor with Fan.  Click on the image for more information.

Low-Budget Processor

Celeron® D Processor is designed to meet the evolving day-to-day needs of the basic home  PC users.   . Processor Speed 360 / 3.46GHz, .   . Processor Interface Socket 775 . Bus Speed 533MHz .   . Is compatible with Microsoft   Windows XP Professional Windows XP Home Edition, Windows® XP, Window Me.  .   . A CPU cooling fan is not included with OEM CPUs, but may be added separately Intel Celeron D 360 Processor HH80552RE09951 - 3.46GHz, 512KB Cache, 533MHz FSB, Cedar Mill-512, OEM, Socket 775, Processor.

High-End Processor

The Athlon 64 FX is designed to meet the evolving day-to-day needs of the power home and business PC users.   . Processor Speed 1000MHz / 2.80GHz, .   . Processor Interface Socket AM2 . Bus Speed 1000MHz (2000 MT/s)     . Is compatible with Microsoft   Windows XP Professional Windows XP Home Edition, Windows® XP, Window Me.  .   .   AMD Athlon 64 FX-62 Processor ADAFX62IAA6CS - 2.80GHz, 2MB Cache, 1000MHz (2000 MT/s) FSB, Windsor, Dual-Core, OEM, Socket AM2, Processor.  Click on the image for more information.

For those of you who are looking for  budget CPUs, and there are plenty of them in the market place. You should carefully check the following items: Check the socket type on your current or new motherboard. Your manual will help here. Check the voltages because the older Processor Chips used +5v and the newer ones uses +3.3v. If these voltages are wrong you will destroy your processor.     Check the bus speed of both the CPU and the motherboard. The speed of your budget processor should be ok as long as it is at or above 1.5GHz. And if all else fails, you can get a CPU and Motherboard bundled package. Click here for more information

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