- On the Motherboard Overview
- Processor Overview
- Processor Basics
- Speeding Up Processor Operations Overview
- Cache
- Clocking
- Threading Technology
- Connecting to the Processor
- Multi-Core Processors
- Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)
- Virtualization
- Intel Processors
- CPU Sockets
- AMD Processors
- Processor Cooling
- Installing a Processor
- Upgrading Processors
- Overclocking Processors
- Installing CPU Thermal Solutions
- Troubleshooting Processor Issues
- Expansion Slots
- PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect)
- AGP (Accelerated Graphics Port)
- PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express)
- Chipsets
- Types of Motherboards
- Upgrading and Replacing Motherboards
- Motherboard Troubleshooting
- Soft Skills-Active Listening
- Chapter Summary
- Key Terms
- Review Questions
- Exercises
- Activities
- Labs
Intel Processors
Traditionally, Intel has rated its processors by GHz and people have compared processors based on speed alone. Now, Intel arranges its products by family numbers. In a family of processors, you can compare attributes such as speed and the amount of cache memory and other technologies. Table 3.3 shows Intel’s processor families. Figure 3.16 shows a close-up of a processor installed into the motherboard.
TABLE 3.3 Intel processor families
Processor family* |
Comments |
Core i7 |
Multi-core with cache memory shared between cores and on-board memory controller. Good for virtualization, graphic/multimedia design and creation, and gaming. |
Core i5 |
Midrange dual- and quad-core processor. Used for video, photos, and email, and Internet access. |
Core i3 |
Low-end desktop and mobile processor used for common tasks such as word processing and Internet access. |
Pentium |
Single- or dual-core desktop/laptop processor for general computing. |
Celeron |
Entry-level desktop or mobile device processor for general computing. |
Atom |
Mobile Internet device processor. |
*Intel is constantly upgrading processors. For more information, visit www.intel.com. |
Figure 3.16 Installed processor