how to build a pc | Page 9

2MB (=2048 kB)
Other Spec: HT technology
The consumer logic for processor speed may be misleading becaus e many consumers think that
clock speed, which is measured in gigahertz (GHz) or megahertz (MH z) is equal to system
speed. While the higher the clock speed the CPU is able to do cycle s more frequently and it
does have a fundamental effect on speed, it is not the sole factor as the number of calculations
per cycle is different for each different manufacturer and model.
Intel classifies its CPUs using a series of numbers. 3xx, 4xx, 5xx, 6xx and 7xx of which 7xx
being the highest end products. Generally, the higher the number, the fa ster the CPU and the
more expensive. usually, models and ratings correspond.
· 3xx Series: Intel Celeron (L2-128KB)
· 4xx Series: Intel Celeron D (L2-512KB)
· 5xx Series: Intel Pentium 4 / Celeron D (L2-1MB)
· 6xx Series: Intel Pentium 4 / Pentium 4 XE (L2-2MB)
· 7xx Series: Intel Pentium 4 XE
· 8xx Series: Intel Pentium D
· 9xx Series: Intel Pentium D
the number followed by suffix J signifies XD technology

15
eg.
Intel Pentium 4 3.0GHz L2-1MB with HT --> Intel Pen
tium 4 530J
AMD CPUs are even more confusing in classification. The AMD Athlon CPU rating are NOT
of the actual clock speed but rather the equivalence bench mark per formance corresponding to
a comparason to the AMD Athlon Thunderbird 1.0Ghz. The conversion Table is as follows,
AMD Athlon 1500+ = Actually runs at 1.33 GHz
AMD Athlon 1600+ = Actually runs at 1.40 GHz
AMD Athlon 1700+ = Actually runs at 1.47 GHz
AMD Athlon 1800+ = Actually runs at 1.53 GHz
AMD Athlon 1900+ = Actually runs at 1.60 GHz
AMD Athlon 2000+ = Actually runs at 1.67 GHz
AMD Athlon 2100+ = Actually runs at 1.73 GHz
AMD Athlon 2200+ = Actually runs at 1.80 GHz
AMD Athlon 2400+ = Actually runs at 1.93 GHz
AMD Athlon 2500+ = Actually runs at 1.833 GHz
AMD Athlon 2600+ = Actually runs at 2.133 GHz
AMD Athlon 2700+ = Actually runs at 2.17 GHz
AMD Athlon 2800+ = Actually runs at 2.083 GHz
AMD Athlon 3000+ = Actually runs at 2.167 GHz
AMD Athlon 3200+ = Actually runs at 2.20 GHz
In choosing different manufacturers and models, the CPU would generally be dictated by the
way you intend to use your computer. AMD CPUs are generally less expensive than Intel CPUs
of the same clock speed but there are great differences in the CPU architechture. Intel Pentium
4 is specifically designed to optimise clock speed while the number of calculations per cycle is
reduced. Therefore, benchmark tests of the speed of the AMD Athlon XP 3000+ is
approximately the same as Intel Pentium 4 3.2GHz. Most gamers pre fer AMD CPUs because
of cheaper price for a faster speed, however, graphic designers and professionals prefer Intel
CPUs due to their Hyper Threading technology.
You may wish to purchase a high end AMD64/emt64 processor, which provides s upport for
64-bit operating system (eg. Windows XP Professional 64-bit Edition). A 64-bit system is very
efficient in handling large amounts of RAM. A 32-bit system effi ciency drops beyond about
512 to 864MB of RAM, and becomes significantly less efficient beyond 4G B of RAM. Most
processors for gaming range in about the 2.8Ghz-3.2Ghz
A 64-bit processor is currently an expensive investment as most appl ications run on the 32-bit
system. However, there is no doubt that the 32-bit system would gradua lly be replaced by the
64-bit system when the prices fall over a few years time. It is unlikely that the 64-bit