6 Things to Look Out for When Purchasing a New Processor for a Desktop Computer

The processor is of the most important parts of a computer. It behaves like the "brain" of the computer, sorting out knowledge. Every key stoke, click or command is processed by the CPU (Computer Processing Unit) & sorted, sending resources to different parts in order to fulfill your instruction. When selecting a desktop computer the better the processor, the better the performance

Here are the main factors to think about when purchasing a used processor

1. Number of cores

Since the mid 2000's, Computer processors now contain multiple processing cores. The definition of a multicore CPU is a processor with or more independent cores that read & execute program instructions. To make use of an example, a standard single core processor is like a single lane road & a multiple core processor is like a motorway, allowing knowledge to be processed faster without any congestion (or knowledge waiting to be processed). The more cores your processor has, the faster your computer. At the moment, there is a lot of processor out there which have, or 6 cores such as the Intel I-Core & the AMD Phenom ranges.

2. Clock Speed

The clock speed (Measured in gigahertz) is the rate which a computer processor executes instructions. When selecting a used processor, the higher the speed, the faster the processor will perform. Most processors on the market today usually range between 2GHz to 3GHz. Apart from the number of cores in the processor; the clock speed is the most important thing to look out for when shopping for a used processor.

Other things to think about

1. Hyper Threading

Hyper threading is an Intel know-how which increases the performance of each processing core by allowing the Operating method (of the computer) to make use of virtual processors per core. This know-how, like Multicore processing, has been developed to improve the performance of the processor when doing multiple tasks directly. Purchasing a CPU with this know-how may run between 15-30% faster (according to Intel). Hyper Threading is available on the latest range of Intel processors such as the I-core range.

2. Cache Size

A computer processor cache is used to reduce the average time to access memory. Like RAM (Random Access Memory, another part in the computer) the cache stores copies of knowledge most often used by the processor to speed up the time it takes to method instructions. The larger the CPU cache, the more knowledge the processor can access faster meaning a faster computer.

3. Socket type

When purchasing a used processor for an upgrade or a used build, you will require paying attention to the socket type to permit it to fit inside your motherboard. For each brand or range of CPU, it will use a specific socket type that will match the brother board to permit it to fit & work correctly. This knowledge can be found on the product spec on the processor & motherboard. Purchasing a processor with a different socket style to the brother board (& visa versa) will leave you with something you won’t be able to make use of.

4. Overclocking

Overclocking is the method of increasing the work load capabilities of a computer processor to improve performance. Popular with game fanatics, overclocking is achieved by altering the computer bios to tell the processor to faster than the manufactures deem recommended. Disadvantage of overclocking your computer can be the increased heat output of your processor. To be positive you don't destroy your computer, you will require improved cooling & ventilation inside the case to be positive the CPU doesn't exceed to recommend operating temperature (set out by the manufacture). You also might void the warranty with the CPU manufacture.

To conclude, when looking to buy a used computer processor, you will require thinking about the points above. While all of the knowledge above is relevant, the most important factors to think about are amount of number of cores & the clock speed of the processor. In case you look for a processor with multiple cores & a high clock speed, you will be positive to buy a respectable CPU.

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