How to Select a Computer Processor
The computer processor controls the entire machine and its operations. The computer depends on the processor to run all software programs, and the efficiency of the processor directly correlates with how well the computer works. It is important to have the appropriate processor for your needs. For example, most processors that come in budget PCs would be unable to handle the needs of a gaming computer. Learn how to select the right computer processor to save you time and help your computer operate smoothly.
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Instructions
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1
Determine the needs of your computer. Will you be using it for simple tasks such as word processing and email? Or perhaps you need it for more intensive tasks, such as graphic design and gaming? When determining your needs, take into account the types of programs that you'll be running most often.
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2
Consider the type of computer you'll be using in terms of physical settings. Desktop PCs use much more electricity than laptops, and can thus use more powerful computer processors that eat up more energy. Most laptop manufacturers are intent on extending laptop battery life as much as possible, and the correlating computer processors are similarly low powered (both in terms of energy and processor speed).
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3
Account for future computer needs and how you intend to use the computer beyond its first few years of use. Also, determine how long you plan to keep this computer. Many budget PCs include low-cost, low-powered processors that can suitably run today's software but would struggle to run next year's upgraded programs. If you plan to continue to use this computer for more than 2 years, consider upgrading the processor to exceed your current needs in order to have a functioning computer in the future.
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4
Choose the computer processor manufacturer. The two major manufacturers are Intel and AMD. Both brands offer unique strengths. Each year, one manufacturer offers more innovation than the other and leapfrogs over its competitors, only to fall behind the next year. While AMD typically offers strong performance, Intel generally has a wider selection of low-powered processors that are good for laptops and budget PCs.
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Consult a computer technician or consumer review publication such as "Consumer Reports" magazine to get advice on how well the most recently released computer processors perform. Manufacturers release new versions of processors as often as once a quarter.
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Compare the advice you received in Step 4 to the opinions of a trusted review source such as CNet's online review website (see Resources below). CNet is one of the most trusted authorities on computers, and sends computer parts through rigorous tests to check their quality and performance.
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7
Select the processor family type, such as AMD Opteron or Intel Xeon, that best fits your needs and is given favorable reviews from your consultations in Step 4 and Step 5. These family types further subdivide the dozens of types of computer processors available to consumers. Within these family types are specific processors labeled categorically for their intended purpose.
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Tips & Warnings
Upgrade your processor to exceed your current computing needs if you plan to use your computer for more than 2 years.
The computer industry changes rapidly, and today's modern processor may quickly become outdated. Be wary of buying computer processors from used auction websites (such as eBay), as some of these parts are fake and will not perform as you wish.
