Learn About Desktop CPUs

What is it?

It stands for central processing unit (CPU). You can think of it as the brain of the computer. Simply, getting a faster CPU means your computer can think faster. The CPU is one of the most important parts when deciding on a computer.

How does it work?

CPUs work by doing the following (over simplified) steps:

1. Retrieve program from memory
2. Execute program
3. Store results in memory

Look for

• General Benchmarks

  Check out general benchmarks so that you can get a feeling of how the CPU performs

  One example of such benchmarks is Geekbench

• Specific Benchmarks

  Check the benchmarks that are specific to the software that you will be using

  Let's say you only play 1 game, and that is the only thing you do on your computer, then only check how the CPU performs specifically to the game you intend on playing. If you found a CPU runs your game to your desired level, then no need to over spend on a faster CPU.

• Compatibility

  Check socket, BIOS, and power compatibility with the Motherboard.

• Platform

  Check the CPU platform

  Platforms depend on the CPU and the Motherboard chipset. So when choosing a CPU keep in mind the platform that it is a part of. Platforms dictate the ports, PCIe, network, storage interfaces the computer will have.

• Power Consumption

  Choose a CPU with the best performance per Watt for your requirements

  Less power consumption mean less money paid on electricity bill. It also makes cooling the CPU easier and quieter.

Avoid

• Future Proofing

  Do not buy an overpowered CPU for your needs just for future proofing

  Let's say you got the top-of-the-line CPU X today for $1000, and it performs 20% more than the mid-range CPU Y that cost today $500. The price of CPU X is 100% more then CPU Y, yet only 20% faster. Later next year, the mid-range CPU Z performs the same as the top-of-the-line CPU X from last year with newer features yet costing half at $500. This would make your CPU X depreciate in value considerably. If you were to get the mid-range CPU every year it would still cost the same or less (if you happen to sell your old CPU for a good price since it will depreciate less) and you will have access to newer features. In short, your performance/$ is much less (diminishing returns) if you buy top-of-the-line. However, if top-of-the-line is what it takes to cover your needs, then you have no choice but to get it.

• Overclock

  Avoid overclocking your CPU

  For the most part, overclocking your CPU will give you negligible results, while increasing power consumption dramatically and could void your warranty.

• Spec Comparisons

  Do not compare CPUs based on their specs

  Every CPU is based on an architecture, and every architecture is designed differently. For example, a 2 Core CPU can be twice as fast as a 4 Core CPU, hence, it is pointless to say that the 4 is more than 2, so it must be better. Same thing with L2 cache size, and any other metrics. The best thing to do is check the benchmarks and real world use cases.

• Clock Speeds Comparisons

  Do not compare CPUs based on their clock speeds

  All modern CPUs adjust their clock speeds based on usage and power/cooling headroom to save on power and maximize performance. As a result, if you have a fast CPU clocked at 4GHz, but your power/cooling headroom is only enough for it to run sustainably at 2GHz, then it will run at 2GHz, even though it is a 4GHz CPU. Also, a CPU from architecture X with clock speed of 2GHz can out perform a CPU from architecture Y running at 3GHz. Instead, you should check out how much your CPU power/cooling headroom is.

• Bottlenecks

  Make sure there are no bottlenecks with other PC parts

  Let's say your primary use for your computer is gaming, and you need to upgrade. It is very important to get a CPU that is fast enough to keep the GPU fully utilized.