Fortunately, there are really only two fundamental choices you have to make where a CPU (or Central Processing Unit) is concerned: AMD or Intel.
As you may know, the CPU is the brains of any computer system: It interprets commands you give it, it performs calculations, and it makes the computer “work.” A more power processor lets you work on more things at once or work on one thing really fast.
In the past, it’s been a challenge to figure out which “brain” to buy, from what manufacturer, and in what configuration.
The battle has almost always been Intel’s to lose. AMD is an up-and-comer in the market place, and because of this, they don’t have the pricing power that Intel has.
What does this mean?
It means that if you want the best “bang for the buck” you buy a computer with an AMD chip.
However, there are far fewer differences between the two companies’ processors than either of their marketing departments would have you believe.
Two things to consider: If you want to buy a Mac, your only choice is an Intel Central Processing Unit. End of story.
If you are open to buy a PC, then you will have a choice. It is our recommendation when buying a PC that you consider the entire package, rather than the chip, or chip speed.
After all, what you’re interested in is in the productivity that your computer affords you, and the simple fact is that the chip, nowadays, doesn’t matter. A few years ago, it might have mattered.
Now, if you’re a hard-core gamer, it will matter. Many of you will want to overclock your PC to wring all of the performance and speed possible. But to the rest of us, those of us using our computers to find things online, or do bookkeeping or word processing,
It doesn’t matter. Stick to your budget (a CPU should consume no more than about 20 percent of your overall build cost), buy what fits your particular needs from either AMD or Intel, and buy the best possible components to round out your computer build.
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