Part One: The CPU

When you looking to purchase some new computers for your business, making sure that you are targeting the right hardware is critical. To educate people on what they should be looking for in a new computer, we have created a multi-part series detailing the different parts of a computer. In part one, we will take a look at the CPU.

Establish the Computer’s Role

Before you get too far into the specifications, you should know exactly why you are buying new hardware.  Upgrading the systems in your office? Need new systems for a startup enterprise?  Just looking for one computer to do some very specific task? Comprehending why you are purchasing a system can dictate your priorities in regard to specific hardware. 

The CPU

The CPU is how your computer processes all the actions and data that you need it to. The processor--actually microprocessor--is the core component of a computer’s CPU. Most CPUs feature microprocessors created by one of two companies - Intel or AMD. Now, a look at the processors you may find in a new PC:

Intel 

Intel is the biggest processor manufacturer in the world. It has recently started to tier the processors they created, offering consumers an easier-to-understand menu of processors to choose from. Here are the newest products:

• Intel Core i3: Perfect for low-end work, such as editing documents, checking email, and browsing the Internet. The latest generation of Core i3 should also be able to stream video on YouTube and Netflix.
• Intel Core i5: The i5 processor is a little more powerful than your average i3; it can handle some light photo editing and gaming. It’s a solid choice for your average office workstation.
• Intel Core i7: i7 processors are more high-end for video editing and gaming.
• Intel Core i9: i9 is a tier that has only just recently appeared. For the average business’ needs, its overkill, but it’s ideal for 3D animation, rendering, gaming while streaming, scientific calculations, etc. The price tag is just as steep as you would think.

AMD

California-based AMD may be dwarfed in market share but has taken advantage of Intel’s inability to keep up with demand and has amplified its market share with its Ryzen line of processors. AMD has also begun to tier their options, giving consumers a general idea of what processors will fit their computing requirements. Options include:

• AMD Ryzen 3: Basically this is AMD’s version of the Intel Core i3 processor, capable of editing documents, surfing the web, and… that's about it.
• AMD Ryzen 5: The Ryzen 5 is about on par with the Intel Core i5, and while you might pay a bit more for it, the performance of your desktop will be upgraded substantially.
• AMD Ryzen 7: The Ryzen 7 is similar to Intel’s Core i7; this is where you’ll start to see costs increasing quite a bit.
• AMD Threadripper: This is where the overkill starts. The Threadripper is capable of handling heavy loads like 3D animation, gaming while streaming, and other intense computing that your average desktop doesn’t need to do.

How Much Does the GHz Matter?

The speed of a CPU is measured in Gigahertz (GHz). Until the manufacturers started tiering their products, consumers had to keep an eye on the speed of the device. While you still find some higher-end commercial processors clocked lower than you’d expect, you still can be confident that if you are shopping by tier, you are getting the right product for your needs. 

Do the Number of Cores Matter?

The cores of a CPU represent how many separate processing tasks can be accomplished with that card. If you have a dual-core processor, there are generally two microprocessors that share all system resources permitting for users to do twice as many tasks as a single processor. These days you usually see quad-core or octa-core CPUs. The more cores you have, the more separate things your processor is going to be able to process at once. 

If you would like more information about the CPU, or tips on purchasing hardware and software for your business, don’t hesitate to call Macro Systems at 703-359-9211 today.