______________________________________________________________________________________________

NOTES TO CONTRIBUTORS TO THE GUIDE
 
First, those who would contribute are informed that this guide is for the individual who has no knowledge of processors. As such, Fanboy drivel, emotional favoritism, overclocking techniques/how tos, and proposed processors (those not currently available in retail sales) will not be included.
 
That said, the guide is open and everyone is not only invited to contribute, but requested to do so. Please feel free to point out errors and corrections, note missing content or suggest/add content for inclusion. Valid contributions and updates will be incorporated into the guide itself.
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Contributors to the Guide
 
Thanks to the following for their input:
caamsa  
chiadog
endyen
DirtyDrummer
grieve
navvara
Shadow703793
uguv
 
Special thanks to Spitfire_x 86 for creating the original guide, some of which is carried through in this guide
______________________________________________________________________________________________
Updates
12 Feb 08: Added processors to recommendations. Added notes to overclocking. Typos
14 Apr 08: Added definitions, pictures.
15 Apr 08: Minor reorganization. Updated recommendation chart. Typos, grammer
16 Apr 08: Added top Picks, Geek stuff.
10 May 08: Added section 3.2, updated for release of Tri core, updated info on E8XXX series
______________________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________________
 
 
SOME NOTES BEFORE BEGINING:
 
-It is not necessary to read the entire guide. Read it all, pick and choose, or skip to the end...your choice, however, you should read all of these notes before proceding
 
-While there is a variety of information in this guide, it is not even remotely all inclusive.  
 
-There are different ways to approach building or upgrading a system. This guide is intended for the first time builder, with no significant knowledge of CPUs, not the ‘enthusiast’ who already knows what they want.  
 
-A computers performance is not 'soley' based on CPU capability. A computer is a system, a collection of components working in concert to produce the results the user requires. It is not uncommon for the first timer to focus all their attention on the CPU, however, this is a mistake as even the fastest CPU will perform poorly when supported by inadequate motherboard, video card, RAM, PSU etc.  
 
-The true corner stone of a system, the very foundation itself, is the motherboard. When deciding what system to build, or upgrading, you can start with the motherboard as the 'known' or you can choose a CPU and build a system based on that CPU. It depends on what capabilites you want you computer to have.  
 
-This guide will focus on only stock CPUs, and and will not cover how to overclock a CPU. Where a CPUs overclocking potential is known, it will be noted for the purpose of purchase decision factors. To learn about overclocking check out the overclocking sections of the forums.  
 
Link to Toms Hardware Forumz Overclocking Guides
 
-There are a staggering number of different CPUs available at this point in time. This guide is not intended to "rate" every CPU out there, rather to give some basic knowledge and recomendations to help in making a choice.  
 
-It is important to note that if your concern is performance in gaming, the specific game or games you intend to play may be much more GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) dependant than CPU dependant, meaning a faster CPU may not help you, but a faster video card may.
 
-Perhaps most important of all, Caveat Emptor: Let the buyer beware. The explosion of users on the internet has created severe problems with the reliability of information. Many people have or will read forums, blogs etc, take information contained therein as fact, and spread those false facts. In short, be careful of what you read, and always, always look for facts from multiple reliable sources!!
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THE GUIDE
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Table of Contents
 
1.0.....Terms
1.1.....Pictures!!
2.0.....Software Considerations
2.1.....Multithreading
3.0.....Performance and value
3.1.....How many cores do I need?
3.2.....A note on tri core CPUs
4.0.....Motherboard Sockets
4.1.....Motherboard considerations
5.0.....A few words about overclocking
6.0.....CPUs to avoid
7.0.....Recommendations
8.0.....Top Picks
9.0.....Geek stuff
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
 
1.0.....Terms
 
Bellow are the definitions of some of the terms, in alphabetical order, that will be used in this guide,  
 
AGP:Accelerated Graphics Port. An older video card interface used on motherboards
 
Benchmark: A test or series of tests to determine how well a CPU performs for comparative purposes. Benchmarks may use either real applications, or synthetic applications.  
 
BIOS: Basic Input Output System. The fundemental firmware (EPROM memory) which coordinates hardware funtions of a computer.
 
Cache: Dedicated memory physically integrated into a CPU die. Like RAM, this memory is used to speed processing by holding critical instructions, data and memory addresses within the CPU itself, where it can be accessed with minimal latency
 
Chipset: The motherboard system chips which controls/regulates communication (data flow) between the hard drives, RAM and CPU etc. Consists of a "North Bridge" and "South Bridge"  
 
Clockspeed: Also known as frequency. The number of cycles per second the CPU can execute.  
Unit=Hertz (Hz)
1 Hz = 1 cycle per second
1 KiloHertz = 1000 cycles per second
1MegaHertz = 1 million cycles per second
1GigaHertz = 1 billion cycles per second
 
Core: The actual processing unit
 
Core Count: The number of processing units (cores) on the die.
 
CPU: Central Processing Unit. The complete ‘package’ of die, Heat Spreader, contacts, interconnects and PCB. Components are assembled permanently and cannot be changed.
 
Die: The semi conductor containing the core(s)
 
DTPC: Desk Top Personal Computer.  
 
Erratum: Plural = Errata. A correction to an error(s). In the case of CPUs an erratum (fix) indicates a flaw exists. ALL current production CPUs contain flaws and errata. Usually, a flaw can/is addressed by Operating System, BIOS or software workarounds. Major flaws are usually permenantly fixed in subsequent steppings
 
Firmware: BIOS, operating instruction set, or other programs generally used to control specific hardware devives. Usually stored on the device itself, in flash or EPROM memory.
 
HSF: Accronym for the Heat Sink, Fan.  Used to dissapate heat directly from the CPU.
 
IMC: Imbedded Memory Controller. A memory controller which is physically intergrated into the die of the CPU. Currently used by AMD. Intel, as of this date uses an "off die" memory controller. Each approach to memory controllers has benefits and detriments.  
 
IPC: Instructions Per Clockcycle...the number of 'instructions' completed(retired) per clock cycle. An obsolete term, still referenced to illustrate that more than one command is being executed per CPU cycle and compare the efficiency of processors. See SIMD.
 
Latency: The time delay between a request for data and the data's 'delivery'
 
LGA: Land Grid Array…A type of interface (contacts) used for socket 775
 
Lithographic Node: Commonly refered to as "node". The die thickness the CPU is manufactured on. Current nodes are 90nm(nano meter), 65nm and 45nm.  
 
Memory:
-RAM: Random Access Memory. Volatile memory (volatile = stored memory dumps when powered off) used (in PCs) to temporarily store data for fast access.  
-ROM: Read Only Memory. Fixed, non volitile memory which cannot be altered
-EPROM: Electrically Programable Read Only Memory. Rom memory which can be programed by the user. The type of memory employed by BIOS, and other hardware components for firmware.
-EEPROM:Same as EPROM
-Flash: Same as EPROM
-HDD: Hard Disk Drive. Used to store large amounts of data long term. Much slower than RAM, data needed by a specific prgram will be copied from the HDD to RAM for faster access.  
 
Multi core: A CPU whose die has more than one processing unit (core)
 
Multithreading: A program or 'application' designed to use more than one core
 
Multitasking: Running multiple programs or applications simultainiuosly
 
NorthBridge: That "chip" of the chipset which controls data flow between the the Front Side Bus, Memory Bus, southbridge, and video (either AGP or PCIe(16)) bus  
NOTE: Different generations of chipsets swap handing of the PCIe(non video) between the north and south bridges  
 
OEM:: Original Equipment Manufacturer. A "white box" processor, identical to the retail version, but comes in plain packaging, without a HSF, and usually has a shorter (1 year) warrenty,
 
Overclocking: The practice of taking a CPU and adjusting the performance settings, either through the BIOS or software to increase the frequency above the factory rated speed to increase performance…..’free performance’
 
PCI: Peripheral Component Interconnect. An expansion component interface used for modems, sound cards, etc.
 
PCI e: Peripheral Component Interconnect Express. An udated version of the PCI expansion component interface. Currently there are 2 prevalent forms. PCIe(16) used primarily for video cards (replacing AGP) and PCIe(1) which is slowly replacing the standard PCI interface
 
Pins: A type of interface (contacts) used for socket A, 939, AM2, AM2+
 
Retail Box:Also refered to as Retail Box Processor and "retail". Typically more expensive than the OEM SKU, but usually comes with a factory HSF and 3 year manufactures warrenty.
 
SSE 2, 3, 4: Streaming SIMD Extensions. See SIMD
 
SIMD: Single Instruction, Multiple Data. A method of calling/conditioning data simultainiuosly. Anywhere the same fuction is to be performed to mutliple data sets, SIMD (via SSE) allows all of those data sets to be conditioned in parallel (simultainiously) vs in series (one at a time) greatly reducing the time for a CPU to perform functions.  
 
Socket: The receptacle, or physical interface between the motherboard and the CPU
 
South Bridge: That "chip" of the chipset which controls the frow of data to and from the hard drives, PCI expansion cards, onboard audio(if equipped) USB ports, LAN etc.  
NOTE: Different generations of chipsets swap handing of the PCIe(non video) between the north and south bridges  
 
Stepping: The revision 'number' of a CPU. The first character indicates major changes, the second character indcates minor changes. For example, a B2 stepping indicates the second minor revision of the second major revision. A B3 stepping indicates the third minor revision of the second major revision.  
 
Value: Value is generally accepted as being the price to performance ratio of a CPU
 
Virtualization: NOTE: This is a simplified definition, as virtualization is application dependant. Virtualization is a practice of simulating or emmulating different hardware than actually present in a system. For example, a single quadcore system used in such a manner that it emulates multiple singlecore systems. Used primarily in servers, and not generally a concern in DTPCs.    
________________________________________________________________________________________________
 
1.1.....Pictures!!
 
CPU "components"
 

 
Difference between Pin type and LGA(Land Grid Array) type CPUs
 

 
Typical Motherboard Layout
 

 
Visual breakdown of chipset communications paths
 

 
 
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2.0.....Software Considerations
 
Before you can decide which type of processor is best for you, you have to know what it is you are going to use it for. A few examples of uses are:
Web Browsing,
Email
Word processing
Gaming
Graphics rendering
Video editing
Ripping (converting CD tracks to MP3 files, DVDs to MPEG2/4, AVI etc)
Compiling
Compressing
 
What you can use your computer for depends on which software you have installed. Not all software is created equally, nor does all software ‘load’ the processor equally. It is true that software or ‘programs’ will run faster on a ‘faster’ CPU, but at some point, the processor may exceed the demands of the software.  
 
For example, Email and web browsing don’t place heavy demands on a CPU, and if that’s all you intend to do, there is little point in spending over $1000 on a top of the line quad core processor. A $60 single core CPU will be ample, and your money would be better spent on memory (RAM) and a high speed internet connection rather than a faster processor. Conversely, if you are planning on editing video, the faster the processor the better.  
 
MultiTasking:
 
What ist it? Multitasking is simply running multiple applications(software programs) simultainiously
 
Do you multi task? If you run any modern OS (operating system), then you are already multi tasking. Your operating system is running multiple applications and managing them simultaneously, "behind the scenes". Windows XP (both Pro and Home) and Windows Vista manage the applications automatically and assign an 'affinity' (preference for a core) when the system uses a multicore processor. Affinity can be manually assigned by the user, but is best left to the OS. Running a multicore processor will not automatically improve performance in multi tasking. If the tasks you are executing are light, such as MS Solotaire, Word, and a web browser, then you will see no improvement. Heavier tasking on the other hand, which pushes the cores to their limits, will see benefits from a multicore processor. As such, this plays an important role in which processor is best for you.
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2.1.....Multithreading
 
Another factor to consider concerning software when deciding which CPU to purchase is multithreading. Today, the majority of new desk top CPUs available are multicore, meaning they have more than one core, or processor, on the die. Mores cores can improve processing speed, however, the vast majority of software currently available is single threaded….meaning it can only run on one core. As such, with most software, more cores will not offer a significant advantage.
 
There are 3 basic types of software multi-threading: Course, Fine and Hybrid
 
Course multithreading is an instance where a program is specifically written to use multiple cores. It is the most effective type of multithreading, but it is also the most difficult and time consuming to write. It is also the most limited in terms of core scaling. If you have a program written for 2 cores, going from a dual core CPU to a quad core CPU will not provide an appreciable increase in performance. It will add some small increase, as backround applications can be run on a third core, but even though you have doubled the cores, it will not ‘double’ the performance. Conversly, if you are using course threaded software optimized for 4 cores, running it on a dual core will limit the speed of the program to ½ its maximum potential.
 
Fine multithreading is multi threading that uses loops. Any where a repetitive process occurs within a program, which does not have to call for data or provide data during the process,  the loop can be assigned to its own core. The number of cores this type of multi threading can use is limited by the number of independent loops within the software,  so this software will scale relative to the number of cores better than course multi threading, but it is not as efficient as course multithreading.
 
Hybrid multithreading is a combination of Course and Fine multi threading.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
 
3.0.....Performance and value
 
Performance:  
 
CPUs tend to be separated into 3 unofficial catagories
 
High End
Mid Range
Low End (Entry level)
 
 
In the ‘old’ days, clockspeed was the fundamental measure of a CPU’s performance, and how CPUs were divided into those catagories.
 
As CPU design has advanced and instruction sets have changed, the accuracy of clockspeed as a measure of performance has diminished. While it is still important,  clockspeed alone can no longer be used as the sole determinant of a CPUs performance. Efficiency (the obsolete IPC) and core count must now be considered as well. There is no need to go into a long explanation of the relation of clockspeed, IPC and core count, since the single easiest way to determine a CPUs performance is by looking at benchmarks. CPUs are benchmarked by many internet sites such as Toms Hardware Guide.  
 
Toms Hardware Guide CPU Benchmarks
 
Benchmarks are a tool, and like any tool, must be understood to be used properly. Benchmarks can be broken into 2 catagories: Synthetic and actual.
 
Synthetic benchmarks are those benchmarks which provide performance data addresing specific metrics, such as memory bandwidth, floating point calculations, interger calculations etc. While these benchmarks are nice for "mines bigger than yours" arguments, they dont really tell you how a CPU will actually run a program.  
 
Actual benchmarks are those which provide comparative performance data using actual programs. These benchmarks are the ones which tell how well a CPU actually performs an application.
 
When using benchmarks to choose a processor, stick to actual benchmarks as a measure of value, unless of course youre building a system purely for bragging rights.  
 
Value:
Value is determined by comparing a range of CPU's performance to their cost. Performance is determined by benchmarking. Cost, as noted, may vary on an almost daily basis, so value changes as well.
 
Value within the unofficial ranges varies, and can be slightly misleading. Prices on some older processors, no longer in production, have fallen so much as to make them appear to be exceptional values, but given lack of support, these older parts may not be the best options.
 
THGs price/perfromance index in the CPU benchmarks offers a look at relative value
 
Price/Performance Index
________________________________________________________________________________________________
 
 
3.1.....How many cores do I need?
 
Currently there are 4 "flavors" of processors available: Single core, dual core, quad core. Additionally AMD has recently began to ship a tri core processor.
 
As noted in the software section, which CPU is best for you depends on what software you will be using.
Most enthusiasts will automatically recommend a quad core CPU. If you have unlimited funds and want the greatest potential, a quad core is a strong option. If you are on a budget, a quad core may not be the best option. Currently, there are thousands of programs available, well over 2000 of which are games. The vast majority of that software (including games) is single threaded. As this relates to performance and CPU choice, more cores is not always better, and if you are on a budget a quad core CPU may divert funds away from other important components such as memory, video card, power supply etc.  
 
As an example of quad core vs dual core performance, we will compare an Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6800 (Quad core) to an Intel Core 2 Extreme X6800 (Dual core) both running at the identical stock clock speed of 2.93GHz
 
Toms Hardware Guide provides the following results.
 
Results in red indicate a significant improvment in performance using a quad core CPU
Results in blue indicate no significant improvment in performance using a quad core CPU
 
DATA HANDLING
 
AVF Anti Virus 7.5 ystem scan (time in minutes)
Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6800 (Quad core): 1.06
Intel Core 2 Extreme X6800 (Dual core) : 1.06
 
Conversion Powerpoint to PDF 115pgs HQ(time in minutes)
Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6800 (Quad core): 1.54
Intel Core 2 Extreme X6800 (Dual core) : 1.53
 
WinRAR 3.7  (time in seconds)    
Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6800 (Quad core): 2.11
Intel Core 2 Extreme X6800 (Dual core):  2.31
 
 
GRAPHICS RENDERING/ENCODING
 
Cinema 4D scene render (time in minutes)
Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6800 (Quad core): 2.06
Intel Core 2 Extreme X6800 (Dual core) : 3.46
 
3D Studio Max 9 scene render (time in minutes)
Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6800 (Quad core): 0.39
Intel Core 2 Extreme X6800 (Dual core): 1.11
 
Photoshop CS3 filtering 69mb tif (time in minutes)
Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6800 (Quad core): 1.39
Intel Core 2 Extreme X6800 (Dual core) : 1.40
 
 
VIDEO ENCODING
 
Clone DVD Conversion from dvd9 to dvd5 (time in minutes)
Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6800 (Quad core): 7.04
Intel Core 2 Extreme X6800 (Dual core):  7.06
 
Divx 6.61 DVD encoding (time in minutes)
Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6800 (Quad core): 1.19
Intel Core 2 Extreme X6800 (Dual core)  1.42
 
Mainconcept H.264 Encoder
24 seconds of HDTV 1920x1080 to MPEG2 (time in minutes)
Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6800 (Quad core) : 0.58
Intel Core 2 Extreme X6800 (Dual core) . 1.38
 
Pinnacle studio MPEG 2 encoding/rendering to MPEG2 DVD(time in minutes)
Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6800 (Quad core): 1.21
Intel Core 2 Extreme X6800 (Dual core): 1.30
 
 
AUDIO ENCODING
 
i Tunes Audio CD encoding @ 160kbps(time in minutes)
Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6800 (Quad core): 1.07
Intel Core 2 Extreme X6800 (Dual core): 1.07
 
Lame 3.98  CD encoding to MP3  (time in minutes)
Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6800 (Quad core): 2.27
Intel Core 2 Extreme X6800 (Dual core): 2.27
 
 
GAMES
 
Quake IV game (Frames Per Second)
Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6800 (Quad core):127.3
Intel Core 2 Extreme X6800 (Dual core):   124.7
 
Serious Sam  (Frames Per Second)    
Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6800 (Quad core): 162.1
Intel Core 2 Extreme X6800 (Dual core):  160.0
 
Unreal Tournament 2004 (Frames Per Second)    
Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6800 (Quad core): 89.3
Intel Core 2 Extreme X6800 (Dual core):  88.3
 
Prey  (Frames Per Second)    
Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6800 (Quad core): 121.4
Intel Core 2 Extreme X6800 (Dual core):  118.7
 
Supreme Commander  (Frames Per Second)    
Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6800 (Quad core): 55.7
Intel Core 2 Extreme X6800 (Dual core):  48.9
 
As clearly demonstrated above, more cores does not always equal better performance. In the cases where the quad and dual core perform equally, a higher clocked dual core will outperfrom the quad core. If you are on a budget, then this is a factor to be considered when deciding where to spend your money: more cores or higher clockspeed.
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3.2.....A Note on Tri Core CPUs
 
AMD has recently released its family of Phenom X3 Tri core processors. Niether Intel nor Via produce a Tri Core. The AMD Tri Core processors are Phenom X4 (quad core processors) with a single core, either defective or functional, disabled. There is no way for the consumer to dicern whether the disabled core is defective or functional, nor is there any known way to reactivate the disabled core.
 
As noted in the above section, with any multicore processor, the benefit of more cores depends on what software you run. 3 cores offers  a potentially significant advantage over dual cores where the software used is written for dual core, as the third core can assume the load of the OS and backround applications. Additionally, the cost of the Tri Core, being lowwer than that of a Quad Core, offers the user the optimal compromise where dual threaded applications are used, since the extra costs of a Quad Core is money spent for no gain.
 
However, it is again important to note that the vast majority of applications currently available are only single threaded and as such will see no appreciable benefit from any processor over 2 cores
 
________________________________________________________________________________________________
 
4.0.....Motherboard Sockets
 
AMD
 
Slot A  (obsolete)
Socket A  (obsolete)
Socket 754 (obsolete)
Socket 939  (obsolete but New Old Stock still available)
Socket 940 (server)
Socket AM2 (Desktop, current)
Socket AM2+ (Desktop, newest)
 
Intel
 
Slot 1 (obsolete)
Slot 2 (obsolete)
Socket 370 (obsolete)
Socket 478 (Current, but antiquated)
Socket 603 (server)
Socket 604 (server)
Socket T (LGA 775) (Desktop, current)
 
Server CPUs will not be considered.
 
 
Desktop CPU sockets
 
AMD
 
Socket 939
AMD has officially ended support for socket 939. As a result, the CPU options for this socket are limited. If you already own a high end 939 dual core, there is not much you can do for your system beyond updating the video card, adding ram, or overclocking. If you are considering a new system, you can get 939 parts cheaply, but you will be unable to upgrade in the future.
 
Socket AM2
Currently AMDs most prolific series. With motherboard manufacturer support for the BIOS, capable of using any AM2 or AM2+ (and future AM3) CPU, but can not access all the features of AM2 or AM3 CPUs. Also of import to note is that the motherboard manufacturers have been extremely reticent (for whatever reason) in updating current production motherboards to take AMDS AM2+ CPUs
 
Socket AM2+
AMDs newest desktop socket. Uses the same physical socket as AM2, but adds new features. Will accept AM2 CPUs
 
Intel
 
Socket 478
Some Core 2 Duo upgrade options, but for the most part a dead end now. If you have a Celeron (not Celeron D) system and want a cheap performance boost, then a sub $80 P4 2.8 GHz (preferably Northwood core)can be an option (your must have a motherboard with 533 MHz/800 MHz FSB support). It should provide reasonably good gaming performance, if you have a decent graphics card.
 
Socket T (also known as socket 775 or LGA)
Not all existing LGA 775 motherboards support dual core Pentium D and Core 2 Duo processors. Motherboards based on Intel 915 and 925 chipsets don't support dual core CPUs at all. Intel 865, 945, 955, 975, Radeon Xpress 200, nForce4 SLI Intel edition, VIA PT880, PM880 based motherboards supports dual core CPUs. But some motherboards based on these chipsets may not support Core 2 processors, because all Core 2 Duo processors require a newer voltage regulator module (VRM11). And you may also need BIOS update for using Core 2 Duo or Core 2 Quad processors.  
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
 
 
4.1.....Motherboard considerations
 
As obvious as it may seem to the experianced builder, many first timers may not know this: not all CPUs will work in any motherboard. Even though you may have a socket T (LGA 775) motherboard, it does not mean any socket T CPU will work in it.  It is imperative that you check your motherboard manufacturer's website for processor support to see which CPUs your motherboard can support. Also beware of 'special' deals and bargains which may be trying to dispose of obsolete products.
 
That said, depending on what you what to do, and what features you want your system to have, it may be in your best interests to choose a motherboard first, then choose a CPU that will work with that motherboard. Thwn again, you may still want to pick the CPU and then select a motherboard that will support it. This goes back to knowing exactly what it is you want to do. Depending on your budget, you may have to make compromises.  
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
 
5.0.....A few words about overclocking
 
As stated, we will not cover overclocking in this guide, but as pointed out by the contributors, its importance does demand that it be given more than a cursory explanation.  
 
Overclocking is free performance. For example, you could spend $270 on a Intel  Q6600 2.4 GHz 1066FSB quad core CPU, and overclock it to 3.0GHz , nearly the equivalent of the $910 Intel QX 6850 3.0GHz 1333MHzFSB CPU. A savings of over $500.  
 
While this sounds great, and is if you know what you’re doing, overclocking is neither easy nor foolproof. Nor is an attempt to overclock guaranteed to succeed.  In fact, overclocking voids your CPUs warranty, however, with improvements in software, motherboard and CPU technology, overclocking is getting easier and more reliable every day.
 
None of this is not to say you should not attempt to overclock your processor. Many enthusiasts do and have done so with great success,  but the requirements of overclocking demand greater knowledge and understanding than offered here. All CPUs do not overclock equally, there are limits to overclocking, and the system components including RAM, motherboard, cooling and power supply must be selected with the over clock in mind. A great overclocking CPU wont overclock if the motherboard does not support overclocking. For the individual who wants a fast system, but wants to use the system rather than spend time tinkering with it to optimize speed settings, the extra money spent on faster stock components may be well spent.
 
For more information on overclocking, visit the CPU overclocking section of Toms Forumz here:
Toms Hardware Guide Forumz CPU overclocking section
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6.0.....CPUs to avoid
 
 
Pentium 4
Extremely power hungry, nothing special in terms of performance.  
 
Pentium D  
(except the 805 model)  
Extremely power hungry (especially the 8xx series), poor performance compared to Athlon 64 X2 and Core 2 Duo  
 
Athlon 64 FX
Solid performers, but poor price/performance ratio.  
 
Phenom Quad Core: Two Steppings B2 & B3
General: Attractive price, especially for a quad core, but has/had know problems and inconsistant performance.'Unverified'...purchase at your own risk
 
B2 Stepping: Known to be subject to the TLB "bug"-Translation Lookaside Buffer. This problem MAY occur during maximum loading of all cores under virtualization  
AMD offers a fix, or workaround, which inccurs a 10~20% decrease in perfromance
 
B3 Stepping: Second retail production stepping of the 'Phenom' series of AMDs. This stepping was created/released to addresss the TLB Bug and correct it. Currently, inconsistant reports regarding the success of B3 in correcting the TLB bug, along with reported problems of 'core 2'  place this processors in the "Buy at your own risk" catagory.  
As these chips filter into the market, and more unbiased user reports appear, this chip may very well find its way to the 'highly recommended' catagory, but for now, it is too new for its reliability to be proven.
 
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
7.0.....Recommendations
 
NOTE: THESE RECOMMENDATIONS ARE BASED ON PRICES AT THE TIME THIS POST WAS WRITTEN. BECAUSE OF THE CPU MANUFACTURERS ‘PRICE WAR’, SUPPLY AND DEMAND, DIFFERENCES IN PRICING INTERNATIONALLY, CPU PRICES CAN CHANGE ON AN ALMOST DAILY BASIS. CHECK YOUR SUPPLIER FOR CURRENT PRICES.
 
Recommendations fall into 3 catagories based on price range/perfromance, and known reliability. The catagories are:
 
Entry level (low price)
Mid range
High end
 
The recommendations will be presented in chart format, however processors of questionable or unverified reliability will not be included in the chart, but presented seperately. Furthermore, there are many more processors available that fall between the extremes and should be considered based on need and budget.  
 
 
 
Entry level: Both AMD and Intel offer attractive entry level processors. These processors are more than adequate for home use: web browsing, word processing, Excel, email, MP3 ripping and light gaming  
 
Mid Range: These processors are a step above the entry level in both performance and price. In addition to perfroming the same tasks the entry level processors will perform (faster in the case of MP3/DVD ripping) these processors will handle all but the most complex of games at acceptable levels, and provide good perfromance in both graphics rendering and video processing using the latest software. The AMD/Intel entries are roughly comparable in performance  
 
High End Everything midrange does and then some. If you want to edit video, or render imersive 3D graphics using the latest software as fast as possible, or, you just want bragging rights and arent concerned with a budget these processors are for you.  
 
NOTE:The Intel E8XXX series has been removed for the CPUs to avoid catagory.  UPDATE:
FINAL UPDATE Rumours of problems with the temperature sensors of the Intel 8XXX series stemmed from abnormal, inconsistant and 'frozen' temperature readings however, these rumours were never confirmed. Now, enough information and testing has come forth to demonstrate that the problems observered were the results of certain brands of motherboard (most notably ABIT) and the software used to monitor the temperatures. As such, the 8XXX series is now considered reliable.
 
 
 

 
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
8.0.....Top Picks
 
Entry level, overclockable
 
AMD Athlon X2 3800 (90 nm)
 
The good:  
The least expensive of AMDs dual cores since AMD dropped the X2 3600  
Dated, yet still a capable processor.  
Because it is 90 nm, it leaves the platform open for experimentation with overclocking, with potential for good results
Athlon X2 family. Proven perfromance and reliability
Socket AM2 - it leaves the system open for future CPU upgrades.
 
The bad:
90 nm. Runs hotter than AMDs 65 nm products.  
One of the slowest of the entry level dual core CPUs in production.
 
Entry level, non overclocking
 
AMD Athlon X2 4800+
 
The Good
Under $80
Dual Core
65nm with a TDP of 65 watts
Athlon X2 family. Proven perfromance and reliability
Socket AM2 - it leaves the system open for future CPU upgrades
 
The Bad
If you do decide to try and overclock, there is not as much headroom as a 3800.
 
 
Mid grade overclockable
 
Intel E4500
 
A tough choice. Too cheap to be a mid range processor, but to expensive for entry level, still, in terms of performance, potential overclocking and price, this CPU is a very strong player.
 
The Good
At $120(USD) cheaper than the true "mid range" entries.
Overclocks easily, with very good results
Proven Core 2 Duo performance
 
The Bad
Only 2MB of cache
At stock speeds, slower than than the true mid range CPUs
The end of socket 775s life is in sight. Socket 775 will remain viable for several years to come, with upgrades in both 65 and 45nm available, but unlike socket AM2/AM2+/AM3, future Intel sockets will not be backwards/forwards compatable with 775 (socket T) CPUs
 
 
Mid grade non over clocking
 
AMD Athlon X2 6400+ (90 nm)
The Good.
At 3.2GHz, the fastest of the X2 family and a good performer
Athlon X2 family. Proven perfromance and reliability
Socket AM2 - it leaves the system open for future CPU upgrades.
$60 less than the E6600, and $25 less than the E6750,  its closest proven competitors from Intel.  
 
The Bad:  
The 6400+ runs warm
Little overhead for overclocking. Should you decide at some point that you would like to try and overclock,you are not going far with this CPU
Until AMD gets Phenom under control, or delivers its 45nm processors, (whichever comes first) you are not going to be getting anything significantly faster in socket AM2  
 
 
Top End
 
Right now, Intel owns the top end. See chart
 
 
Best Bang for the Buck
 
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600
 
The good:
Top honors as the one of the best all time CPU values.  
Proven Core 2 Duo performance in a quad core package.  
Although clocked at only 2.4GHz, it currently costs only $5 more than the E6600 dual core, and like the E6600, it can easily be overclocked to 3.0+ GHz, placing its potential performance on par with processors costing over twice as much.  
 
The bad:  
Runs hotter than dual core.
Severe lack of software available which makes full use of quad core capacity place this CPU into the 'overkill' catagory.
 
The end of socket 775s life is in sight. Socket 775 will remain viable for several years to come, with upgrades in both 65 and 45nm available, but unlike socket AM2/AM2+/AM3, future Intel sockets will not be backwards/forwards compatable with 775 (socket T) CPUs
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
 
9.0.....Geek stuff
 
Just some stuff that you dont need to know
 
9.1......Manufacturing trickery and how people came to get more for less.
 
In general terms, manufacturing a CPU is much like manufacturing other products, cars for example. Like auto manufacturers, Intel and AMD start with a single ‘model’ CPU, and use “options” to make different models.  
 
The difference is where auto manufacturers start with a base model, on a single production line and add options/changes to make more expensive models, CPU manufacturers start with the most expensive model and de-rate it to make slower, cheaper models. Why? With a car, you can “bolt” on a different grill, trunk lid, offer different trim/paint options and add a leather interior to turn a Ford Crown Victoria into the more expensive Mercury Marquis, or the next step up, the yet more expensive Lincoln Town Car. Doing this costs the auto manufacturer a little more money.  
 
CPUs are different. Once the die is etched, you cant add to it. Like a board of plywood, once its cut, its cut and that’s what you have. You can always take away from that board, but you can never add to it. And it always costs the same to make the board.
 
Like an auto manufactuer, Intel does not have a different production line for each model CPU. As an example, lets look at the early Core 2 Duo series of CPUs. Early in production, To make an E6300, E6400 or E6600 CPU, Intel started with a wafer of the ‘better’ E6700 or X6800s. Not all those CPUs were sold as X6800s. Through a process called “binning” CPUs are assigned their different ratings. Binning is a process of sorting CPUs based on testing various properties, such as speed, memory error rate, etc. Each CPU from a wafer will be tested at the maximum design specs, then sequentially, down through the spec ranges.  
 
NOTE: The numbers in the following explanation are purely arbitrary, for illustration purposes only.
 
To illustrate, lets take an imaginary wafer containing 100 Core 2 duo CPUs, manufactured to “Extreme” X6800 CPU specs. The dies are ready for binning, so you test them. Due to material or manufacturing flaws only 20 of those 100  meet the 4MB cache minimum error requirements AND functions acceptably at 2.93GHz AND meets TDP to be X6800s, so only those 20 can be sold as X6800 CPUs. That leaves 80 of the CPUs from that wafer ‘wasted’. 80% is an unacceptable waste rate. Rather than waste those 80 CPUs, you test them at the next lower level of specs, those specs being for the E6700. Lets say that out of the remaining 80 CPUs,  40 meet specs for the E6700. That leave of 40 of the wafers original 100 CPUs remaining. 40% is still too high a waste rate, so you test them again at lower specs, and wind up with a yield of 20 E6600s, leaving 20 dies. You test again at E6400 specs, and 10 of the remaining 20 dies test good, leaving 10 dies. You test one more time, at E6300 specs, and 5 of the remaining 10 dies test good. That leaves 5 dies which failed to bin at any usable spec.  
 
So, from the original 100 dies, you wind up with
20 X6800
40 E6700
20 E6600
10 E6400
5 E6300
5 unusable.
 
The specs are minimums. What. that means is that a die that bins as a X6800 will work as an E6300, but a die that bins as an E6300 will not function properly as a X6800. Another way of looking at the results of the binning is that out of 95 good CPUs:  
95 can be sold as E6300  
85 can be sold as E6400
80 can be sold as E6600
60 can be sold as E6700
20 can be sold as X6800
 
So, those are products Intel has available to sell. Lets talk money now. Again, these numbers are purely arbitrary, for example sake only. Lets say it cost Intel $5000 to manufacture the wafer of 100 dies. Thats $50 per die.
Lets look at Intels charge to the retailers, their profit or margin per CPU, and what a retailer might charge
 
        Intels cost........Intels Price……….Intels profit……..Retail price
X6800: $50.................$700............……..$650……………...$800
E6700: $50.................$500……..............$450……………...$600
E6600: $50.................$200……..............$150……………...$300
E6400: $50.................$100……..............$50…………….....$150
E6300: $50.................$70………..............$20……………....$100
 
Since each CPU cost the same to manufacture, the higher each CPU can bin, the more profit it nets Intel. So it would make sense to maximize profits by selling each CPU at the highest rating it can bin at. But a CPU makes Intel no money if it doesn’t sell, and demand is what drives the market. So while it seems logical to try and get the most profit you can per CPU, the market determines what Intel will get. This is where the marketing department comes in.
 
Now lest say the market department informs managment that based on retailer feedback and OEM/market projections, per 100 Core 2 Duos sold, there is a demand of.:
X6800.....5%  
E6700.....10%
E6600.....60%
E6400.....20%
E6300.....5%
 
So if you try to sell they dies as they bin, you wind up with the following (remember your 5 CPUs short to start due to binning)
 
               Binned....demanded.......sold..........remain........demand
X6800........20.............05..............05.........15 unsold........filled
E6700........40.............10..............10.........30 unsold........filled
E6600........20.............60..............20..........0 remain........40 short
E6400........10.............20..............10..........0 remain........10 short
E6300........05.............05..............05..........0 remain.........filled
 
If you sell the CPUs as they bin, you wind up having 45 sitting on a shelf collecting dust, with an unfulfilled demand for 50 more (there that 5 that didnt make the cut) Now, you can lower the price of the high end products to increases demand for those products and thus increase sales, but if you lower the price on the top end models, you de-value all the lesser CPUs. There is little point to doing that since each of those CPUs that is capable of meeting higher specs can be sold as a lower spec CPU. By selling higher binned products as lower CPUs, you fill the demand across the board, while keeping the prices/margin structure stable. So rather than marketing those 20 CPUs that are capable of meeting the highest specs as X6800s, you make 5 of them X6800s, 10 of them E6700s and the remainder E6600s. All those CPUs that can be E6700s you market as E6600s and so on down the line, until you distributed the CPUs based on demand, rather than potential.
 
What al this means is that if you buy a E6600, you may actually be getting a processor that binned out at the level of an X6800.  
 
So how does Intel make a X6800 into an E6600? In the old days it was done with interconnects. When you had a CPU which you wanted to bin as a ‘lesser’ product, lines of circuit on the CPU PCB were laser etched at the factory to ‘lock’ off features, pins were set differently etc. Clever individuals discovered that you could reconnect these lines of circuit/short pins/etc using various methods including conductive paint, lead pencils, solder, etc, thus unlocking those features, be they a higher multiplier, more cache, whatever. In these days, the manufacturers use internal ‘fuses’. To lock off cache, or a multiplier, the manufacturer simple overvolts that ‘fuse’, burning it irreparably.    
 
The tricks of shorting pins and reparing connections are lost, but people still get more for less through overclocking. Manufacturing quality control has improved so much that with many CPUs, there is a good chance you can force it to run faster succesfully.

No one has any input, recommendations, or disagrees? No critisism about the layout/organization. No one? On this forum? Youve got to be kidding....I though at least the fanboys would be bashing me for including the Phenom and Intel 8XXX processors in the CPUs to avoid catagory

Sorry Turpit ...we are all trying to cover our stock options

You need a Wolfdale in the Midrange...

 
 
This is totally minor...
Everyone knows LGA775... I didn’t even know it was socket T, could write it differently. I noticed this throughout the column.
 
** When a 'noob' buys a processor at the store the boxes don't say Socket T they say LGA775
 
 
**edit**
this is what im refering too:
Intel  
 
E6850  
Core 2 Duo  
Socket T  
Dual Core  
3.0 GHz Clockspeed  
1333 MHz FSB  
Price: Approx $270 (USD)  
 
QX6850  
Core 2 Quad  
Socket T  
Quad Core  
3.0 GHz Clockspeed  
1333 MHz FSB  
Price: Approx $910 (USD)  
 
QX9650  
Core 2 quad  
Socket T  
Quad Core  
3.0 GHz Clockspeed  
1333MHz FSB  
Price: Approx $1050 (USD)  
 

^Agreed.
You should also mention the OCing ability (ie. C2D's OC better than X2's,etc) and how much they can be OCed. Also mention the TLB errata for the Phenoms and this:
http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/ [...] w=0&nojs=0

I think the e4500 should also be included in the intel midrange for the potential it offers at the price level (124.99$ newegg),
 
Also the 5200 black edition might deserve a place on the midrange list also. 99$ procy + 30 cooler = 130 or so on the cooler and you *should* be able to get lose to 6400 perfornance.

Why no OCing?
 
Many people that visits here are hardware enthusiasts who wants to OC or knows how to OC or will OC in the future. I think it will be beneficial if a section about good OCing cpus is made, while putting the link to the OCing guide.
 
*Close eyes and cowers in fright for mentioning OCing*

turpit good start. You have the Intell E2140 down twice. I think you meant to have the E2140 and then E2160.

I would end all your sentences or statements with a period.  

E8XXX series. Attractive price/performance ratio, but unverified rumours of temperature/temperature sensor problems make these CPUs  (What)? dangerous/attractive/good for your ego? Plus check your spelling (rumors) not rumours.

I would expand on the cpu section and add some more. Intell has a hell of a lot of offerings. Which is considered the best stock chip, or the best over clocked, same for AMD.

Just some thoughts, will add more later.

So far so good.