How to buy the best new CPU
 Not too long ago, comparing PC processors was as straightforward as sizing up car engines: A higher-megahertz CPU would yield a faster PC, just as a V8 with more horsepower would make for a speedier car. All a PC shopper needed to know, for instance, was that a 400MHz processor was faster than a 333MHz chip. As processor speeds progressed into the gigahertz range, naming schemes became increasingly inscrutable. And the situation got even more complex when multicore chips hit the scene. Today, comparing processors is no longer a matter of simply finding a CPU with the highest clock speed. You need to weigh specs like the number of processing cores, system bus speed, and the amount of Level 2 (L2) cache, as well as determine whether you'll want 64-bit processing capabilities or need to overclock your CPU. Whether you're gunning to upgrade your processor or looking for a brand-new desktop with the right CPU for your needs, this guide will help you understand all of today's options. This story first appeared in ComputerShopper.com |
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