When it comes to computer components, the processor is perhaps one of the least understood elements of a personal computer. Many of us are amazed at the latest processor technology and wonder how much computer manufacturers are able to bring the latest processors to the market at such low costs for most consumers. Processors are, of course, an important part of any computer system – but have you ever noticed how many of the newest computers with state of the art processors don’t seem to work any more efficiently than some older models?
Low Cost with New Processor Technology
There is a reason for the low cost with which manufacturers are able to bring new processor technology to market, and that reason also explains why faster processors don’t always translate into faster computer systems. The fact is that many companies produce some of their new computers with old computer components – such as the motherboard – and the latest processors. The problem with that is that the processor is only able to operate at the highest speed the motherboard’s bus speed will support. The processor can only process as much data as the bus’s speed will permit – which is why so much processor capacity is wasted in many of the newer computers.
Evaluating Each Following Elements When You Have Selected The Motherboard
It behooves you then, when building your own computer, to ensure that the motherboard will handle that top of the line processor you plan to use. If the bus’s speed will not allow the processor to operate at its full potential, then find one that will. When you have selected the motherboard and are prepared to purchase the processor and other computer components, evaluate each of the following elements:
1. Processor clock speed
2. Cache, or number of lines of data in the chip
3. Front Side Bus, or total cache that can be transferred at once
Of course, there is far more to the processor than can be discussed in the space provided here, but you get the idea. Do your homework before buying, and make sure you plan carefully so that your processor works smoothly with other computer components in your system.
