Desktop Processors: Multi-Cores and OverClocking

Being the so-called “computer’s brain” which executes all applications, the processor is obviously the most vital component of the PC. Distributors highlight the processor on top of the specs sheet because of its impact on the over-all performance of the PC system.

Fast Facts

• CPU - The PC processor called the CPU (Central Processing Unit). To avoid confusion, the “CPU” term tends to be dropped in the market because it also refers to the CPU package that includes all components inside the case. Current video cards also feature processors which is called a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit).
  
  
• Clock Speed - Clock speed is a processor rating that measures a certain number of information processed per second. 2.0GHz means 2 billions of data processed per second. Current applications require millions of data to run so the higher clock speed means faster processing. Multi-core processors are just making this impression a lot more complex as we see lower clock speeds compared to single cores. Logically, a dual-core processor with each running at 1.5GHz should be equivalent to a 3.0GHz single-core. This will not work if applications designed for single-cores are executed on multi-cores.
  
  
• FSB - The Front Side Bus (FSB) serves as the processors’ connection to the system memory. FSB data transfer speed allows better the processor performance.
  
  
• L2 Cache - The cache enables the processor to speedily access recently used information. Current processors operate on Level 2 (L2) cache which provides faster data transfer between the processor and main system memory.

Top-of-the-line
Here are the current most powerful and most also most expensive processors in the market. You might want to grab one of these if you want to get the best performance for your PC.

• Intel Core 2 Extreme Quad-Core Q9000 series
  Processor Numbers: QX9775, QX9770, QX9650
  Architecture: 45 nanometer technology
  L2 Cache: 12 MB
  Clock Speed: 3.20 GHz (QX9775, QX9770), 3 GHz (QX9650)
  Front Side Bus Speed: 1600 MHz (QX9775, QX9770), 1333 MHz (QX9650)
  Slot/Socket Type: LGA771- DX5400 (QX9775, QX9770), LGA775 (QX9650)
  
  
• AMD Phenom X4 Quad-Core 9000 series
  Model Number: 9950
  Frequency (MHz): 2600
  L2 Cache Size (KB): 512
  Manufacturing Tech (CMOS): 65nm SOI
  Socket: AM2+
  System Bus (MHz): 4000
  
  
• AMD Phenom X3 Triple-Core 8000 series
  Model Number: 8750
  Frequency (MHz): 2400
  L2 Cache Size (KB): 512
  Socket: AM2+
  Manufacturing Tech (CMOS): 65nm SOI
  System Bus (MHz): 3600

Overclocking
Overclocking is the term used in pushing a processor (CPU or GPU) to operate higher than what is officially rated by its vendor. It is claimed that overclocking enables the system to extend its capabilities by more than 25%, definitely a high boost to computer performance.

It is widely assumed especially by PC gamers who are hungry for more computing power, that out-of-the-factory processors are usually underrated by manufacturers for increased reliability. The processors bit rating determines the largest number of information that a processor can handle depending on the clock speed. A processor clock cycle is measured at 2 to the power of the bit rating so 32-bit can handle up to 232 or about 4.3 billion processed information per cycle. In turn, 64-bit can execute 264 or about 18.4 quintillion. Clock speeds are said to be lower than the maximum number of information that many tech buffs would like to get hold of the extra unrated power of processors without spending more and take the system a further step higher in its class.

• Caveat!
  While there are overclocked processors that can actually take smooth operation, a user should have the necessary technical know-how in forcing the processors to its limits because hitches may result such as increasing heat dissipation, reducing lifespan or completely wrecking the component.

Multi-Core Processors
Initially designed to serve the server market, multi-core processors are now finding its way to personal computing with the new generation of software that require higher speeds and processing power.

Multi-core design integrates multiple physical processors on a single chip dividing the applications between the processors to allow the system to function faster by running multiple threads. Multi-tasked applications generate multiple threads or streams of data. A processor can only handle a single thread at a time. This means that the more applications are executed the slower a thread is processed.

A multi-core processor enables the system to handle more than one thread at a time by switching the threads between the cores to provide faster information processing.