CPU Processsor Reviews and Buying Guide:

Computer talk is either too boring or confusing for most people to follow and they get intimidated when looking to buy a new PC. The first thing to get past is - What does CPU stand for? CPU is short for Central Processing Unit. The CPU is really the core of your computer as it handles the flow of data and the processor sends the data to the correct place. A processors speed is what most manufacturers try to sell to the public. You may have heard the terms like Quad Core, Dual Core, L1/L2/L3 Cache, GHz, and 64-bit. The CPU processor price will vary depending on the brand and product line. This is an area that Intel processors dominate with close to 90% of the market. AMD (Advanced Micro Devices) is the only other player with any significant market share and they are fighting a losing battle it appears against Intel. The high end computer processors are about $500+ while the budget cpu processors are under $100. When you order a computer from Dell or HP you have the option to pick the processor you want in the computer. The more speed and performance the CPU processor has, the higher the price and the faster your computer will be able to handle data. The vast majority of computer users don't need the latest processor to do their daily tasks but the manufacturers are always seeking better technology so we all get pulled along whether we need it or not.

In terms of reviews, we found the buying guides on PC World and TomsHardware.com to be the most informative with definitions of terms that you come across when purchasing a new computer. It's a good idea to read up on what all the various items refer to so you can make an informed decision on what is best for you. CNET also carries a great desktop computer section on their website with direct CPU processor comparisons based on speed and performance factors. You'll learn about "amd athlon 64 x2 cpu", "core 2 quad q6600 cpu" or "dual core cpu". The Pentium processor from Intel is perhaps the most famous while the Phenom and Athlon are the big winners for AMD. We found the best cpu processor reviews online at Amazon.com - the feedback from actual computer owners was better than just reading a computer technicians opinion on the new product lines from Intel or Advanced Micro Devices. On Amazon, Intel dominates with 7 out of the top 10 best selling processors and they own the first 4 spots. In terms of customer satisfaction levels, it appears that all the processors receive great scores from owners and experts. Are you looking to upgrade your cpu processor? That's what most personal computer users consider at some point. I have a 3 year Dell with an older processor and I don't use much more than web browsers, EXCEL, photo software, Microsoft Money, Quickbooks, and a few others. I wanted to find out about upgrading my processor to a mid-range Intel product like the Intel Core 2 Quad Q9550 Quad-Core Processor, 2.83 GHz, 12M L2 Cache, 1333MHz FSB, LGA775. The important thing is finding out how the motherboard and other features on the computer will handle the change. The local computer repair shop was perfect in discussing the various processor options I had and which one would fit my system the best. RECOMMENDED - We suggest researching processors online at Amazon.com. They carry 100's of processors and have reviews you can read on the top rated models. You can browse their top selling cpu processors from Intel and AMD here. Check out specs, prices, and get feedback from other buyers.

Best CPU Processor:
RECOMMENDED - The life of a processor in the computer world is fairly short lived as technology is always pushing the limits and every few years people are offered faster processors with more capabilities than the products before them. Intel continues to lead the way and some of their new processors with a hyper-threading turbo boost are ideal for gamers or those working with advanced software packages. Most of the top rated Intel processors on Amazon sell for $100 to $300. At this point you can select between the dual core processors and the more advanced Quad-core line which truly delivers on speed and performance. We suggest browsing the most popular Intel processors on Amazon.com here. Prices constantly change as newer models arrive in stores. The consumer ultimately wins in the processor price wars that exist between AMD and Intel as we get faster computers at a cheaper price.

AMD Processor:
We actually feel sorry for AMD a bit. They do make great processors and have at times caught up with the technology that Intel uses, but then they fall behind before you know it. AMD processors have been in budget computers for years and will probably remain that way in the near future. The new Phenom II processors from AMD are priced under $200 while the Athlon 64 X2 still costs below $100. You can view the entire inventory of AMD processors online here. We found that Amazon carries almost all the current models with a few exceptions. In terms of pricing, it's hard to beat Amazon, but definitely scan a few other websites since electronics and computer items are always discounted in todays market.

AMD vs Intel Processors:

We get the question all the time whether AMD or Intel processors are better. In terms of performance, they both do quite well in testing and from what we could find online customer feedback from those with computers that have their processors is quite positive. Intel definitely has a better name brand but that doesn't always equate to superior performance for the price. You will pay slightly more for many of the Intel processors compared to the AMD ones. With the massive amounts of money that Intel throughs into R&D with their chip lines, it's fair to say that they will almost always be the first to market with their technologically innovative processors, but AMD usually catches up and then brings on a price war. Let's hope that AMD or another chip manufacturer stays on the radar screen so that Intel doesn't completely own the processor industry and raise prices even more. Like anything with electronics these days, if you wait 4 or 5 months there is a newer, faster product on the market and you feel like the one you just bought is already outdated. Experts thought that the upgrade cycle on personal computers would stay steady but it has dropped off recently and now it's a much harder sell to push a new processor on folks that are perfectly happy with their computers speed and overall performance.

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