Processors (CPUs)

The concept of good enough

These days, even low end CPUs are fast enough for word processing, email, surfing the Web, money management, etc. You'd barely notice the difference between a $250 and a $95 CPU for must uses. Spend your money on more memory instead. 2,048 MB is about right.

PC Marketing turned CPU speeds into a "horsepower race" at the beginning, because it is easy to pitch. (Anybody remember 16 cylinder Cadillac's?) Increased CPU speed was important when they were down around 0.8 GHz. Now GHz per watt is more important. [more]

Example of a pretty good computer

• CPU: Intel Core 2 Duo, or equivalent AMD processor. Note: These are not dual processors (two packages) -- they do have two CPUs integrated into one chip.
• Memory: 1,024 MB of DDR SDRAM
• Storage: 120 GB hard drive

A performance computer

If you want more performance, for whatever reason -- hedge against future needs -- really crisp performance -- you just *deserve* it -- whatever -- then get a computer as powerful as the one below (unless you're a "gamer", or somebody who needs even performance):

• CPU: 2.6 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, or equivalent AMD processor.
• Memory: 2,048 MB of DDR SDRAM at 500 MHz or better.
• Graphics: These days you want graphics that support Vista "Aero". You may need a plug-in graphics (video) card to get it. Look for one with at least 256 MB of memory.
• Disk Drive: 250 GB, 7200 RPM
• DVD/CD Burner

More on the Web

ExtremeTech has listed Ten Tips for Choosing the Right CPU. It's good food for thought, as they say.

Tom's Hardware has advice on how to choose a CPU for a laptop computer and most other PC hardware.

Go to ExtremeTech for the latest buzz on CPUs. Also learn about what CPUs are and how they work.