Whether you are new to buying computers but want to understand all your options or are building a system from scratch for the first time, understanding the differences between the myriad of central processing units (CPUs) is crucial to getting the most bang for your buck. Here are some of the basic specifications you will find listed as you shop and compare.
Manufacturer
The two brands you will encounter are AMD (Advanced Micro Devices) and Intel. Which brand you choose will be one of the factors determining the CPU's compatibility with your motherboard.
CPU Type
This refers to whether the CPU in question is intended for use in a desktop, laptop or server.
Model/Class/Series
Think of this designation as a car model name. If you take the time to become familiar with current market, the model name will tell you if you are looking at a high- or low-end model and whether or not it will be compatible with your motherboard.
Socket Type
The socket refers to the point on the motherboard where the chip is attached. The PGA (pin grid array) and LGA (land grid array) are the most common forms, but even within these categories there can be a tremendous variety in pin counts and connection patterns. Check your motherboard specifications to see which chip sets it was designed for.
Speed
Also called the base frequency of the processor, the speed of a processor refers to the number of instructions per second that the processor can complete and is usually measured in gigahertz (GHz). In determining how fast a processor you need, look at the minimum system requirements of the most demanding programs you intend to run. For example, Starcraft II is far more demanding than Microsoft Word.
Number of Cores
The number of cores present on the chip doesn't change the speed of the processor from the listed GHz, but having more cores does improve the computer's ability to multitask without slowing down or losing performance. If you're a user who likes to have multiple windows open while downloading from the Internet and listening to music at the same time, you may want to consider at least a dual core.
Cache
Cache memory is a very small store of the data most frequently accessed by your CPU. It is far faster to access than the normal memory, and a large cache gives your computer a much faster response time for common tasks. The L2 and L3 references you will see in this category refers to these caches in order of distance from the CPU, with Level 1 (L1) cache being the closest, and so forth.
Memory Supported
Memory supported refers to the amount and type of RAM the CPU is designed to work with.
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