Comparing Computer Processor Speeds
When you want the best computer configuration for your computing needs, you need to be extremely discerning when choosing the CPU or computer processor. The choice of the processor has a direct impact on the performance of the computer as it's the central decision-making component of the computer. Just like the neuron firing in our brain powers our thinking, the processor powers and executes every computing task. Ergo, it's essential that one knows how to compare computer processor speeds when choosing a configuration for a new laptop or desktop computer.
About Computer Processors
Let me provide you with a short introduction to computer processors before we talk about comparing their speeds. Every modern computer chip is a silicon wafer with billions of nano-size transistors etched on it. They are the most complex integrated circuits ever created and constitute the brain of the computer. Every processor is designed to fetch instruction, decode them into parts, execute the code and then provide output.
Every piece of computer code written by programmers is executed at the machine level in the computer chips. Naturally, the speed of a chip is determined by the number of tasks it can execute in a given period of time.
Tips on Comparing Computer Processor Speeds
There are many features that come into play, to make high speed computer processors. In the following lines, I provide you with information about the four most important features that need to be compared to determine overall processor performance.
Compare the Clocking Frequency
The clocking frequency or the clocking rate of the processor is supposed to be the single most important parameter, which decides the computer processor's speed. Like every electronic IC, a clocking frequency signal is supplied to computer chips. The clocking frequency has a direct relation with the number of tasks that can be executed by the processor within a second.
Higher the clocking frequency, greater are the number of tasks the can executed sequentially by the processor within a second. Modern computer processors manufactures by Intel and AMD have their clocking frequencies, quoted in Gigahertz (GHz) or Megahertz (MHz). Go for chips with high clocking frequency if your work demands high speed performance. Here are four of the best Intel processors compared, according to clocking frequency.
| Processor Name | Clocking Frequency (in Ghz) |
| Intel Core i7 990X | 3.46 GHz (up to 3.73 GHz with Turbo Boost) |
| Intel Core i7 980X | 3.33GHz (up to 3.6 with Turbo Boost) |
| Intel Core i7 975 | 3.33GHz (up to 3.6 with Turbo Boost) |
| Intel Core i7 965 | 3.2 GHz (up to 3.46 GHz with Turbo Boost) |
Check out the Number of Cores
Today's computer processors have more than one cores, unlike the old chips like Pentiun 4, which only had one. You will find chips with two, four and even six cores now. A dual or quad core processor doesn't double or quadruple the computer's performance speed, but certainly enhances the speed substantially. A quad core processor can certainly execute more functions, compared to a dual core one. So going for more cores will provide you with better performance.
Compare L2 & L3 Cache Size
The L2 and L3 cache of a computer chip constitute its temporary working memory. The processor cache is the place where data is temporarily stored during execution of instructions. Greater L2 and L3 cache size provides more working memory to the processor, to execute complex algorithms in lesser time. Higher the cache size, faster will the chip perform. For example, Intel core i7 980X, which is the best computer processor on the planet as of now, has a L3 cache size of 12MB!
Check Out FSB Frequency
The Front Side Bus (FSB) is the network of channels through which the computer chip retrieves data from the memory. Higher the FSB operation frequency and greater its data bandwidth, the processor can deliver faster performance. A greater FSB frequency (in Hertz) and greater bandwidth in (usually specified in GigaBytes/Second or Megabytes/Second) are indicators of a chip with high performance potential.
Remember the four key features described above, which are the clocking frequency, number of cores, cache size and FSB frequency, while comparing two or more processors. The best processor will have the best combination of overall features which include, a high clocking frequency, greater number of cores, higher cache size and a phenomenally high FSB frequency.
Many computer magazine websites and hardware retailers provide benchmark test results, by actually running various programs on a range of computer chips. Checking out such benchmark test results tells you whether the on paper specifications of a processor are converted into real world performance. Hope this article has eliminated all doubts from your mind, about how to choose a computer processor.
