What Kind of Processor Should I Buy?
The processor, or CPU, of a computer is the brain of the machine. There may come a time when your processor stops working or you simply want to upgrade your computer. You must consider several things before purchasing your new processor. Good computer processors cost hundreds of dollars (at least), so you'll want to be sure that you're getting a solid product. You also must be sure that the processor your purchase will work on your computer.
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Instructions
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Come up with a budget when buying a processor. A processor is a serious investment and thus will cost you a decent amount of money. Spending less than $100 on a processor isn't a good idea, unless you plan on doing nothing but browsing the Web and writing school papers on your computer.
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Think about what you will be doing on your computer. This will determine the speed of the processor you purchase. If you are using your computer for simple, everyday purposes (email, browsing the Web, watching videos, etc.), you can buy a processor with a speed around 2.0 gigahertz. Those who use their computers to play intricate games, though, should look for a speed of 3.0 or more gigahertz when picking a processor.
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Make sure the processor is compatible with the motherboard. Simply put, if the CPU won't plug into the motherboard, your computer won't work. If you're unclear about compatibility, call your computer manufacturer or take your computer to an electronics store and ask a specialist. Geek Squad at Best Buy will be able to answer a question such as this and do so at no cost. Most people actually purchase a brand new motherboard upon buying a processor.
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Buy a processor with a heat sink. Otherwise, your processor may cause the computer to overheat. This could damage and even ruin your computer.
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Tips & Warnings
Read reviews of different processors before you make any purchase. CNET offers free reviews of all computer processors out on the market. You can also find a great side-by-side comparison of Intel and AMD processors (see Resources below) on CNET. Remember to purchase more RAM if you are upgrading your computer's processor.
Don't short-change yourself when buying a computer processor. Buying a processor that is "just fast enough" for your needs will be fine but only for about a year or so. Going above and beyond what you need will double or possibly even triple the life of your computer. Don't become susceptible to advertisements. Anybody who's used a desktop is familiar with Intel processors. This doesn't mean Intel makes the best products, though. Many experts believe AMD processors have caught up to and even surpassed Intel processors.
