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Guide to the latest desktop processors

Match the right processor to your computing needs

It's easy to get out of hand with splurging on the processor with the fastest clock speed. Both Intel and AMD charge a premium for their top-of-the-line CPUs. But for most general purpose users, we recommend scaling back a notch or two. You'll save a pocketful of change, while probably getting better bang for the buck with more memory.

For power users such as hardcore gamers, video editors and digital photographers, the sky's the limit when it comes to top-notch performance, limited only by the size of your wallet.

We'll help you navigate the many choices you have in this area with the table below.

Processor	Desktop Type	Pros and Cons
Intel Core i7	Performance	Currently the record holder for processor speed, the Core i7 is the first processor based on the latest Nehalem architecture. It is designed to speed up demanding tasks such as video editing, immersive games and other Internet and computer activities by up to a claimed 40 percent without increasing power consumption.
AMD Phenom X3 & X4	Performance	Launched to great fanfare at the start of 2008, the AMD Phenom comes in two flavors: The X3 for triple-core and the X4 for quad-core performance. While highly anticipated, the Phenom processors did suffer from initial problems, including a buffer error that could cause a system lockup in rare circumstances. However, the bugs have since been ironed out and the performance of the processors remains very impressive.
Intel Core 2 Extreme	Performance	If you turn your nose at dual-core processers and have cash to burn, take a look at this chip with four distinct cores. Its performance is probably second only to the Intel Core i7, and is ideal for gamers seeking a high-performance machine. Though there are hardly any major vendors offering this expensive processor in their desktops, you can check out some white boxes from smaller hardware retailers.
Intel Core 2 Quad	Performance	While this is Intel's most affordable quad-core processor today, it is still slightly more expensive than the dual-core chips. Most average users may not need a PC with a Core 2 Quad processor now, but our testing found that for applications and scenarios that will put it to the test, Intel's quad-core chip will deliver an absolute boost in performance.
Intel Core 2 Duo	Budget to performance	Intel's current mainstream line of CPUs is fast, power efficient, and relatively affordable. These chips are dual-core, 64-bit powerhouses that will run current apps with no problem. Users who want a system that's capable of handling most productivity tasks and some entertainment/multimedia apps will find Core 2 Duo systems more than sufficient for their needs.
AMD Athlon 64 X2	Budget to performance	Like the Athlon 64 FX chips, this former mainstream dual-core CPU of choice has been overtaken by Intel's Core 2 Duo chips. You can get them relatively cheaply now, which helps keep them on the consumer market.
Intel Celeron D	Budget	Like AMD's Sempron chips (see below), Intel's Celerons are expected to slowly disappear from the consumer market, although they might linger on in extremely low-end PCs. Intel's Core 2 Duo chips have come on strong in a broad swath of the mainstream, and Intel has said it will transition the Pentium name on lower-end chips. While Intel hasn't officially issued Celeron's demise, the superior Pentium D or even Pentium 4 CPUs have become so affordable, that it would be hard to justify paying for a Celeron-based PC.
AMD Sempron	Budget	While these single-core budget chips are still available in budget desktops, they won't last long in the consumer market as supplies dwindle. After recent price cuts, AMD's dual-core, 64-bit Athlon 64 X2 CPUs should be more readily available and is likely to take over the low-end spectrum, rendering the Sempron obsolete.