CPU 101: Quick Guide on Choosing Your Next Processor
Buying computer parts or a new laptop, especially when you don’t consider yourself a techy person, seems daunting. There are times when salesmen provide terminologies you may not know anything about. One of the most basic computer specifications to look out for is the processor. High chances are you’ve heard of them: Intel i5, AMD Ryzen 3, and others.
Knowing what they mean and where they differ is essential if you care about how you want your computer to operate.
Guide On Choosing Your Next Processor
CPU, or processor, is known as the “brain of the computer” for a reason. Choosing one that’s built for your needs is very important because it’s responsible for executing instructions from computer programs.
Manufacturers Intel and AMD top the CPU market. They offer processors that emphasize a computer’s performance.
Generally, AMD processors have more cores. This means it’s advantageous to businesses, creatives, and productive workloads like art rendering, transcoding, and video editing. Meanwhile, Intel’s processors offer higher clock speeds. Gamers prefer them because of their focus on single-threaded workload.
Newer chips, series, and generations of processors offer more than their predecessors. But it doesn’t mean that you should go all out. Before choosing a specific CPU, consider your needs.
Entry-level, mid-range, and high-end CPU
For entry-level work like word processing and spreadsheets, an Intel Celeron, Intel Core i3, or an AMD Ryzen 3 would do. But take note that they don’t do much and you may experience hiccups now and then, especially after using your device for some time.
Mid-range productivity and basic gaming require an Intel Core i5 or an AMD Ryzen 5. A notch higher than entry-level processors, you can do much more with these as they give a smoother response and performance. However, you may experience difficulty with high-end tasks and games.
For a faster and more reliable system, investing in an Intel Core i7 or an AMD Ryzen 7 would allow you to work on heavier tasks. This usually includes media work or high-end gaming. Aside from being capable processors, this investment would also ensure that your device would last for a while.
Professionals, especially in the creative field, may need the latest and most high-end processors to render their outputs. Options include an Intel Core i9 and AMD Ryzen 9. If you wish to go for more, Intel Core X and AMD Threadripper would make sure that your computer can handle extreme multitasking.
Other Specifications To Consider
Of course, while having a powerful processor can be a game-changer, there are other specs to consider for a computer to provide your wanted performance. This includes RAM or memory, ROM or storage, and GPU or graphics, to name a few. Make sure to pay attention to those too!
