Central Processing Unit The CPU essentially functions as the brain of the computer.

Manufacturers Intel and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) are the two largest manufacturers of CPU’s. Intel and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) are the two largest manufacturers of CPU’s. Intel is substantially larger than AMD but they both make CPU’s found commonly in computer systems. Intel is substantially larger than AMD but they both make CPU’s found commonly in computer systems.

Intel Intel currently manufactures the fastest CPU’s on the market and their CPU’s are often more expensive than those made by AMD. Intel currently manufactures the fastest CPU’s on the market and their CPU’s are often more expensive than those made by AMD. Intel’s CPU’s use names such as Pentium, Celeron, Core2 Duo, Core 2 Quad, Core i3, Core i5, and Core i7. Intel’s CPU’s use names such as Pentium, Celeron, Core2 Duo, Core 2 Quad, Core i3, Core i5, and Core i7.

AMD AMD’s CPU’s are found in the same spectrum of computers which use Intel CPU’s, but they are often less expensive. AMD’s CPU’s are found in the same spectrum of computers which use Intel CPU’s, but they are often less expensive. AMD CPU’s use names such as Sempron, Athlon 64 X2, Athlon II, Phenom X2, Phenom X4, and Phenom II. AMD CPU’s use names such as Sempron, Athlon 64 X2, Athlon II, Phenom X2, Phenom X4, and Phenom II. Intel and AMD both develop innovative technologies that lead to advancements in the field. Intel and AMD both develop innovative technologies that lead to advancements in the field.

PGA Pin Grid Array CPU’s have pins on the CPU that plug into a motherboard socket.

LGA Land Grid Array CPU’s have Pins on the motherboard and contact points on the CPU.

Installation Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing CPU’s. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing CPU’s. As with other electronic components, always take steps to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) from damaging the CPU and motherboard. As with other electronic components, always take steps to prevent electrostatic discharge (ESD) from damaging the CPU and motherboard. Antistatic wrist straps and antistatic mats help to prevent ESD. Antistatic wrist straps and antistatic mats help to prevent ESD.

Installation Continued When applying thermal paste to the CPU, apply it evenly across the surface of the CPU. When applying thermal paste to the CPU, apply it evenly across the surface of the CPU. Some heatsinks come with thermal paste pre-applied. In this situation, do not apply additional thermal paste to the CPU. Some heatsinks come with thermal paste pre-applied. In this situation, do not apply additional thermal paste to the CPU. Only use heatsinks that are designed to work with specific CPU’s and socket types. Only use heatsinks that are designed to work with specific CPU’s and socket types.

Factors that affect CPU price: Processor Speed Processor Speed CPU Interface (Motherboard Dependent) CPU Interface (Motherboard Dependent) Number of Cores Number of Cores Cache Cache Bus Speed Bus Speed Manufacturer Manufacturer

Which to Purchase? Both AMD and Intel make excellent CPU’s. Always perform research, read reviews, and make your decision based on the intended use of the computer and the allotted budget. Both AMD and Intel make excellent CPU’s. Always perform research, read reviews, and make your decision based on the intended use of the computer and the allotted budget.