6. Processors

Short for Central Processing Unit. This is the processor; the brain of the computer. Everything in the computer is controlled from here. There are two major manufacturers of processors in the personal computer (PC) market – Intel and AMD. Intel processors are considered to be the best and most reliable in the market; however AMD’s processors are almost as good at a lower price. Other manufacturers in the market produce processors for various other electronic products like mobile phones, servers and supercomputers. Every electronic component has a microprocessor that acts as a brain.

Between the two (Intel and AMD), I personally have problems choosing myself. So to keep it simple, I look into my wallet. The processor is the costliest of all the components inside the computers and AMD processors generally save you 20% to 40%. On the other hand, most programmers, game developers and graphic designers would often opt for an Intel over their competitor on any day of the week. If you are reading these articles, then processing power and computing algorithms are as alien to you as durians are to a Caucasian; therefore either processor would do the task. So, do as I do, look into your wallet.

So how do you choose a CPU?

Let’s look at the numbers. With computers, numbers tell a lot. Generally, the higher the better. You’d typically find a description of the CPU in the details or specifications of a computer brochure. Here’s an example:

Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor E4600 (2MB L2 Cache, 2.40GHz, 800MHz FSB)

The first word is obviously the brand of the processor. The words that follow after tell you which generation of processor it is. Below is a simplified list of processors currently in the market starting from the latest down.

Intel

Year

Clock Speed

FSB

Pentium Core 2 and Quads	2006	1.06 GHz to 3.20 GHz	Up to 1333MHz
Pentium Dual Core	2005	1.44 GHz to 2.6 GHz	800MHz
Pentium 4	2000	1.3 GHz to 3.8 GHz	400MHz
Pentium III	1999	450 MHz to 1.4 GHz	100 MHz to 133 MHz
Pentium II	1997	233 MHz to 450 MHz	66 MHz to 100 MHz

AMD

Year

Clock Speed

FSB

Phenom X3 and X4	2008	Up to 2.4GHz
Athlon 64 X2	2007	2.6GHz to 3.2GHz	1000MHz Hypertransport
Athlon 64	2005	1.6GHz to 3.0GHz	500 to 800MHz
Athlon XP/MP	2001	850 MHz to 2.7 GHz	133MHz
Athlon Classic	1999	500 MHz to 700MHz	100MHz and 133MHz
K6	1997	166MHz to 300MHz	66Mhz

Within each generation of processors, manufacturers will develop various models each with its own characteristics to suit the needs of a user. The model number E4600 is only useful if you want to go to the manufacturer’s website to look at its specifications. Most vendors would readily provide it; in this case they are in the bracket that follows. However there are vendors who may want to lure you with a price tag. Such vendors would package the computer with a lower grade processor and simply leave the model number. Unsuspecting buyers would fall for the low price and later discover their processor has been removed from the market. Generally this is not much of a problem until you require an upgrade, in which case the vendor will tell you that the only option is to spend almost the amount of a brand new unit. This is because they would replace most of the vital components in your computer with new parts.

Now let us look at the number.

2Mb L2 Cache

This is the internal memory of the processor. The cache reduced the time it takes to access the computer by retaining certain programs in it. It works pretty much how your memory works. What you remember is faster to access than for you look up a book or the internet. L2 simply means Level 2 which is faster than L1 cache. 2Mb is the size of the cache. Remember, bigger is better.

2.40GHz

Also referred to as the clock speed, this is the speed at which the processor is capable of working. When comparing, pay close attention to the measurement. 1 GHz is 1000 MHz. I have actually encountered sales persons who pointed out that their processor speed at 800MHz is a bigger number than the catalog I had in my hand.

FSB

The number that follows after that is the Front Side Bus (FSB) speed. What is a bus to you? A transportation device or vehicle, right? That is exactly what this is. The FSB is responsible for carrying or transferring data from the processor to the motherboard. Once again an 800MHz FSB is slower than a 1333Mhz FSB.

Multi Core

Since 2006, we have seen the birth of a whole new breed of processors. These core based processors are basically like having more than one CPU built into a single unit. By building more CPU cores into one unit, the processor runs with just that many times the speed of one CPU. Although most consumers still go for dual core processors, mostly due to price, we will see the quads taking over the market in a year or two at most.

Sockets

Another thing that you would need to know about processors is the socket type. I will explain this in the topic on motherboards, however you only really need to know this if you intend to pick each component yourself.

5. Language Lesson

From here on in, we are going to learn what makes up a computer and what all those words in the computer catalogue mean. So before we proceed, you will need to learn some basic computer jargon. Please note that not all the descriptions here are accurate. I had purposefully done so for the benefit of computer illiterate readers.

CPU
The brain of the computer. Also called the processor

Memory
This is where the computer stores data and information temporarily before sending it anywhere else.

Motherboard
The main circuit board where everything is connected to. It’s like your nervous system.

RAM
(See Memory) there are different types of RAM which we will cover in detail later.
DRAM, SDRAM, VRAM

PC
Personal Computer – desktops, laptops and notebooks

LAN
Local Area Network.

Cache
Pronounced “cash”. A very high-speed memory built into a processor unit.

FSB
The data transport system from CPU to memory (RAM)

Video Card
The component that controls your visual on the monitor

HDD
Hard Disk Drive. A solid component inside the computer that stores all your data for later retrieval.

FDD
Floppy Disk Drive.

ATA
Advanced Technology Attachment. The technology that enables communication between a drive and the motherboard to the CPU.

SATA
Serial-ATA. This is the successor to ATA.

Hardware
Anything (visible and non-visible) that you can physically touch.
E.g. : HDD, FDD, memory units, CPU, monitor, keyboard, printer, etc

Software
Non-physical items stored inside the computer.
E.g. : Operating System, application software, programs, web-browsers, etc

Driver
An interpreter software that enables components from different manufacturers to communicate with your CPU.

Bluetooth
A short-range radio technology that enables wireless connection between devices.

Wi-Fi
A wide-range radio technology that enables computing devices to connect to a network or the internet.

Bytes
Measure of data.

Kb
Kilobytes. Roughly 1000bytes per Kb

Mb
Megabytes. Roughly 1000Kb per Mb

Gb
Gigabytes. Roughly 1000Mb per Gb

MHz
Megahertz. Measure of processing speed per second.

GHz
Gigahertz. Measure of processing speed per second. Roughly 1000MHz per GHz

Computer Virus
Software designed to cause problems in your computer.

Anti-Virus
Software designed to counter the effects of computer viruses.

dpi
Dots per inch. A measure of image sharpness on a printout.

pixel
A single point in the image on your monitor.

Blog
Short for weB LOG. A public access journal on the internet.

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4. Desktop or Notebook?

Up until recently I had always been a desktop computing sort of person. However with today’s growing technology one does consider purchasing a laptop. But how do we choose?

Let me lay out the pros and cons of both options and you can decide what is important for you.

Notebooks

This range of computers is great for people who need to be mobile. Business, insurance and a variety of sales people would very commonly require mobility in the course of their daily activities. Coupled with today’s growing network of wireless broadband services, it enables a person to utilize faster internet services from the conventional home dial-ups and ADSL services. Notebooks are light, the average weighing just short of three kilos. They are especially useful on trips as an entertainment center.

The problem with notebooks is that once you have purchased it there is very little room for upgrades. The average notebook becomes redundant after a couple of years. Newer software and operating systems may force you into buy another notebook. You also have to change the batteries every couple of years and after four or five years your notebook’s battery maybe hard to come by. Another drawback with notebooks is that most cannot take much knocking about unless you fork out another RM800 or so for a hardy built. Most brands today are able to sell notebooks at prices that nearly compete with desktop machines because they use cheaper and less durable chassis and casing. Also replacing parts in a notebook can be rather costly and difficult to get if your unit’s parts are phasing out. Most of the time you will have to leave your notebook computer at the shop for a few days to get it fixed. The disadvantage of a notebook computer that bugs me the most is that you only have two slots for your memory cards, so upgrading memory is limited and you’d sometimes have to waste the existing memory card to give space for new ones. Last but not least, you are limited with the screen size. If you want it small you have to sacrifice the size of the screen. Of course you can attach a screen to it but you still can’t bring it around with you.

Desktop

A desktop computer, commonly called the PC, is simply a computer that you cannot stuff into a briefcase or carry it around. So it has to sit on a table or desk (hence the name). A desktop computer has a casing that is internally spacious, which means that you can easily add components to your unit at anytime. Where a notebook computer can only have one physical hard drive, a desktop can have up to ten depending on the size of the casing. Most motherboards (the computer’s main circuit board) can cater for more memory cards; anywhere from 4 to 8 slots. Another advantage of a desktop is taht you can change your screen at anytime without having to send the whole unit to the shop. You simply go out, but a new screen, come home and plug it in. This is also known as Plug-and-Play. A notebook computer’s keyboard is compact and does not have an attached numeric keypad, whereas a desktop has a variety of keyboards available to suit your needs and just like the screen it’s Plug-and-Play. For the most part, if something breaks down in your desktop, you simply go to the shop and buy the latest model and replace the part.

I guess the most obvious disadvantage of a desktop is its mobility, or lack of. Also, a desktop uses more power compared to a notebook and the more components you add to it the more power it consumes. A notebook computer uses a battery so manufacturers have to design specific low-wattage components so they only run out of power after 2 to 4 hours. Another thing is, most desktop computers do not come with wireless connectivity, but for a few hundred ringgit you can easily add it.

In conclusion, the only real question is – do you really need your computer mobile?

Hybrids

Since there is a growing demand for mobility, the computer industry has developed a new breed of computers combining the notebook and the desktop computer. I don't know exactly what they will be called, but I refer to them as mobile-desktops. They weigh about 5 to 10 kilograms, comes with a full keyboard and screen size above 17 inches; so having the whole unit on your lap may not be as comfortable. These are basically computers that have most of the advantages of a desktop coupled with the latest in design to provide mobility;

the best of both worlds. Mobile-desktops have more room for more components. Some models come with detachable wireless keyboard, more than one hard drive and longer battery hours. They even come with cool sound systems coupled with sub-woofer and all. These machines won’t phase out nearly as fast as a notebook, as they are only packaged with the latest and the best in computer technology. This leads us the only disadvantage that this range of computers have – High Price Tags. You are looking at a starting price of around RM15,000.

The Dell XPS M2010 weighs just over 8kgs (18 lbs)

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Dell XPS 2010 Review by CNet.com


Dell XPS M1330 Tour

3. How much should I spend?

This is often the second question I’m asked and a tricky question to answer. What you need to do first is determine what you need the computer for and then consider what features you actually need. Understand that you will be paying more additional features and for mobility. You pay more for less weight and smaller footprint size. Basically, you pay more for less (just like mini-skirts). At the same time don’t be deceived by the price tag either. People often ask me why my quotations are higher than some vendors in the market. When we go through each component in a computer you will better understand this. For now I’ll just simply tell you that a computer’s casing is just that. It does not reflect what is actually inside the machine. I can sell you a fancy looking machine, remove a couple of components, replace a few more with cheaper parts and reduce the price significantly. I won’t do that because you will find your computer out of date very rapidly. Technology is moving at such a pace even vendors have a problem keeping up. I bought my first computer in 1990 and paid RM2500 for it. It was an 8088XT with no hard drive and a 16-colours CGA screen. At the same price today I can get a computer that is a hundred times faster, with a huge hard drive, a multi-coloured screen and features that didn’t even exist back then.

Like I said earlier, the features move the price. Sony Viao for instance has a range of cool looking laptops and you’d probably pay an extra RM500 just for it. It is the same for the Acer Ferrari, you pay several hundreds extra for the Ferrari logo and it isn’t even a chick magnet. Size is another factor, you’d find yourself paying about RM1000 extra for a 12.1” screen and a couple of hundred extra for a 14.1” screen as compared to a 15.4” laptop. The one thing that really brings the price up or down is the processor. Always read the specifications. An AMD Athlon XP will save you nearly a thousand whereas an Intel Core 2 Duo can set you back a thousand. We will cover more on processors later on but for now I’ll leave you with a list of processors that are still in the market with their general specification . Don't worry if it doesn't make sense to you yet. The basic rule is - the higher the number the better it is. So, the next time you read a brochure look at the figures next to the processor, they are important when you are doing a price comparison.

As a general rule, I normally advice a budget of around RM2000 for desktops and RM3000 for laptops (excluding software). You'll spend about another RM1000 for a Microsoft Office Pack and RM150 for a good Anti-Virus software.

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