Do you know how to choose a processor?

What type of processor should you look for?

Do you know how to choose a processor when you have to upgrade or build a computer?

Most people decide only by choosing between AMD and Intel.

Really it is the first factor to consider but you should know that you have to consider more factors.

About AMD and Intel it is up to you to buy one or the other. This site has already showed you many tips to facilitate your choice.

Level of performance.

It is crucial to know what level of performance you need for your PC. This step fits naturally if you know how much you should spend by getting this level.

Three levels should guide you between many things to consider when choosing a processor.

•  Low-End system or budget processors.

You have opted for a slow processor certainly, but sufficiently powerful to satisfy your basic requirements of doing simple word processing, surfing the web, office applications, emailing or general computer tasks.

The cost for your cpu processor will be negligible but you'll find both AMD and Intel deals for this issue with speed rating between 1.0 GHz to 1.5 GHz approximately.

•  Mid-range processors.

This level has to run a CPU rated at 1.5 to 2.0 GHz and up to 2.5 GHz and will cost a bit more than the low-end processors. But, apart doing all applications as the low-end, these processors can be used for playing certain games, editing graphics, sounds and video.

•  High-end system.

At this level you should not think to go for anything less than 2.5 GHz and anything will be possible to do with this monster. But high-end cpu processors are really expensive and it is not necessary to buy one only because you want to have it.

If you have to do tasks in the first or second level, don't spend too much here. If you are hardcore gamers or have to perform high speed applications, then go for it.

Do you need CPU coolers?

You should know first that modern CPU consume 50 W to 100 W and then produce heat. It is the reason why your processor requires active heatsink/fan (HSF) units for striking out heat. Generally you have to use a small fan over the HSF, which is in close contact with the processor, to draw air to get the processor cold.

As HSF is not standard, you should opt for a retail package which contains the processor and the compatible HSF or CPU cooler.

Now you know how to choose a processor you can go for your motherboard, power supply and, if necessary, your memory card.