Computer Processors: 6 Things You MUST Know
In this article, we’ll be covering the basics of computer processors which will definitely help you in your decision making process when purchasing a new laptop or desktop.
Introduction: What’s a Computer Processor?
Short for Central Processing Unit (CPU), a computer processor is essentially the brains of a computer. All input and output of instructions are processed here by he processor.
In other words, a desktop or laptop with a better processor will be able to process tasks quicker. Nonetheless, complementing components such as the RAM and Hard Disk are equally important, as a brain can only process information as quickly as information is being channeled to it.
The three major processor manufacturers are Intel, AMD and Apple. Most laptops and desktops are powered by either one of these manufacturers.
There are 6 key terms you’ll need to familiarize yourself with prior to comparing and deciding which computer processor is best for you:
1. Cores
A computer processor can have anywhere between 2 to 32 cores. Each core functions as an independent brain which allows it to process multiple tasks or applications at the same time. The higher the number of cores, the more tasks and applications a processor will be able to process concurrently.
When it comes to choosing the right processor with the right number of cores, it really boil back down to the usage. It is recommended to aim for a quad-core processor as it is common for most users to run 3 to 4 applications simultaneously. Nevertheless, if you find yourself on a tight budget, a dual-core processor is still great. You’ll just need to avoid running too many applications simultaneously.
Lastly, while a hexacore (6 cores) or an octacore (8 cores) will outperform, it is a little bit of an overkill for most regular users.
2. Clock Speed (Hz)
Most commonly measured in Gigahertz (GHz), the clock speed measures the rate a processor executes a task. For reference purposes, a clock speed of 3.2 GHz executes 3.2 billion cycles per second.
Although a higher number indicates faster processing speed, today’s processors are a lot more efficient in processing data. As such, when comparing clock speed, be sure to only compare amongst the same line of processors like Intel core i3, i5 or i7. Here’s a great explainer video by Intel to help you better understand.
3. Turbo Boost / Turbo Core
Turbo Boost is unique to Intel’s processor while Turbo Core is unique to AMD processors. Nevertheless, they both serve a similar function which is to provide a performance boost when the operating system requests for the highest processor performance.
In essence, the processor is intelligent enough to allocate more processing power taken from an idle core(s) to a core that is handling a heavier load. This is done while maintaining within the power, temperature, and specification limits of the thermal design power (TDP).
4. Multithreading
Multithreading is the ability for an application to be processed by multiple cores rather than depending on a single core for processing. This however, depends also on how a game or application is being coded. Many of the older games are coded to only depend on a single core’s processing power. In those situations, you will not see the benefits of the multithreading technology.
5. Simultaneous Multithreading / Hyperthreading
Simultaneous Multithreading in simple terms is the ability for a single physical core to act as two logical cores. In other words, a dual-core processor with simultaneous multithreading technology can behave like a quad-core processor by boosting itself to 4 logical cores. Here’s a video by Intel to help you better visualize it.
With that being said, a quad-core processor will still outperform a dual-core processor with hyperthreading technology.
6. Memory Cache
Cache is a short-term memory storage similar to a computer RAM. It is used to store information for any repetitive task. By storing these information in cache, the processor will be able to execute these tasks more efficiently. Similar to RAM, a higher cache is preferred.
The following is a simplified table to help you understand the main categories of popular processors. These processors are used in a majority of laptops in the market today.
| Processor | Physical Cores | Cache Size | Clock Speed | Turbo Boost | Hyperthreading |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Intel Core i3 | 2 | 3MB | 3.4-4.2GHz | No | Yes |
| Intel Core i5 | 2-4 | 3MB-6MB | 2.4-3.8GHz | Yes | No |
| Intel Core i7 | 2-4 | 4MB-8MB | 2.9-4.2GHz | Yes | Yes |
| AMD Ryzen 3 | 4-8 | 16MB | 3.1-3.5GHz | Yes | No |
| AMD Ryzen 5 | 6-12 | 32MB | 3.2-3.6GHz | Yes | No |
| AMD Ryzen 7 | 8-16 | 32MB | 3.0-3.6GHz | Yes | No |
Within each category, you’ll find a long list processor models that vary slightly in number of cores, cache size and clock speed. But with your new found knowledge, you’ll be able to decide which processor serves you best.
Note:
If you come across Accelerated Processing Units (APUs), they are basically processors with built-in/integrated graphics manufactured by AMD. While integrated graphics are not as effective as dedicated graphic cards, they make for a great option for cost-saving gaming laptops.
