Top 6 Desktop CPUs

1/1/06 - There are a large number of desktop processors available and this list was generated to point out the three major categories of processors for both the Intel and AMD product lines. The three categories listed are the top performance processors, best value processors (<$250) and best budget processors (<$100). This allows users to select the CPUs best suited to their budgets.

#1) AMD Athlon 64 FX-57 Processor:

Even with the release of the AMD Athlon 64 X2 dual core processors, most software still does not take advantage of multi-processors. Because of this, the single core Athlon 64 FX line of chips still offer the best overall performance. The new Athlon 64 FX-57 is based on a new core design that gives it a speed boost over the previous FX-55 and improves the memory controller. This is definitely the best processor currently available for playing PC games on the market.

#2) Intel Pentium Extreme Edition 840 - 3.2GHz Processor:

While it doesn't have the highest clock speed compared to the single core 600 series Pentium 4 processors, the Extreme Edition 840 offers a dual core processor with Hyper-Threading that enables it take advantage of those who multitask or use mutlithreaded applications. This processor is particularly strong for those looking to do a large amount of multimedia applications such as desktop video.

#3) AMD Athlon 64 3700+ Processor:

With AMD's push into the dual core processors with the X2 line, the prices on their single core Athlon 64 line have dropped dramatically. This has pushed the fairly high performance Athlon 64 3700+ into the value category. While not as high a clock speed as some other Athlon 64 processors, this one features a large 1MB cache to boost its performance. This is a very strong performance processor particularly for those looking to do PC gaming.

#4) Intel Pentium D 820 Dual Core Processor:

Many people may not realize that they are actually multitasking when they use their computer. For example, Antivirus programs are always running in the backgroudn of a computer. This is what makes dual core processors valuable as those background programs are less likely to interrupt the users main program. Thankfuly, Intel's Pentium D 820 makes dual core processors affordable for the average consumer.

#5) AMD Sempron 3100+ Processor:

Unlike the Intel budget processors, the AMD Sempron 64 3100+ is based off the Athlon 64 processors that makes it compatible with the future 64-bit operating software. This may not seem like much for now, but eventually Microsoft and other companies will move to the 64-bit code. The big drawback is that it uses the Socket 754 motherboards that AMD has limited to budget systems which limits the future upgrade potential. Its still a fine processor for general purpose computing.

#6) Intel Celeron D 340 2.93Ghz / 256K Cache / 533 FSB / Socket 775 / Processor:

Intel's Celeron line of budget processors has always done fairly well, but performance has been somewhat lacking. Clock speeds are getting up to the same levels as the Pentiums, but the performance is lower due to the limited cache and bus speeds of the processor. The new Celeron D 340 is the latest version that offers a higher bus speed to help improve performance.