Choosing a CPU

This is how to choose your CPU.
First of all what can i tell you about a CPU. (for the ones not familiar with hardware)
A central processing unit (CPU) or processor is an electronic circuit that can execute computer programs.
The processor you choose usually determines which motherboard you select: Motherboards are designed to work with specific CPUs, indicated by the type of socket that the processor fits into. For example: Socket A, Socket 939, and Socket 940 are designed to work with Athlon processors, while Socket 478 and the new LGA socket 775 are for Intel CPUs. Many resellers offer bundles consisting of a processor, a motherboard, and memory; these can be a good way to save some money, and make the selection and compatibility process vastly easier.

Now there are many types of processors and you need to know what kind of computer you want to build. If it's a gaming or image editing computer, quad-core is your best choice. For any other utility besides gaming or image editing,a dual-core should do the trick.

Before buying a cpu you need to know some important factors, like the clock speed of the cpu, the socket type and the fsb (front side bus). Obviously i will explain in detail every aspect of this factors.

The clock speed: The clock speed is the fundamental rate in cycles per second (measured in hertz) for the frequency of the clock in any synchronous circuit. Meaning that it's the speed of the CPU. How fast can it go. Ex: 3.0 GHz ,2.0 GHz. This means that the cpu speed is 3.0 GHz (or any other speed) GHz is giga hertz. So 3.0 GHz is 3000 hertz.

The socket type: A Cpu socket or Cpu slot is an electrical component that attaches to a printed circuit board and is designed to house a CPU. It is a special type of IC socket designed for very high pin counts. A CPU socket provides many functions, including providing a physical structure to support the CPU, providing support for a heat-sink, facilitating ease of replacement (as well as reducing cost) and most importantly forming an electrical interface both with the CPU and the PCB. CPU sockets can most often be found in most desktop and server computers, particularly those based on the Intel x86 architecture on the motherboard.

Front side bus or (FSB):In personal computers , the Front Side Bus (FSB) is the bus that carries data between the cpu and the northbridge. Or in other words, it's how fast a cpu can "communicate" with the rest of the computer.

Now that you know and understand better some aspects of a CPU, Choose your CPU,and it's time for the motherboard, which will be my next post, so make sure you are tuned.