The most important step, in fact the first you will take when building your computer, is to select a CPU. Virtually every authority on the subject will tell you this is so, and for a very good reason. The entire design of the system is based on this selection.
The CPU determines the socket type of the motherboard, gives you a good idea of the wattage requirements for the computer, and of course, the speed it is capable of. Different CPUs can be used effectively in different units. One that would be ideal for surfing the internet and word processing might be inadequate for use in a gaming computer. In the reverse situation, a gamer CPU would way overmatch the needs of a person wanting to build a basic PC. It would be like buying a Ferrari, when what you needed was a nice economical Toyota.
When deciding on a CPU, I recommend you ask yourself the following questions.
First, how fast does your computer need to go? The previous example of a basic PC can be met by chips that are going for dirt cheap prices, that of course are nowhere near the upper end of the speed scale. My advice is not to get the very cheapest, and very slowest chip out there, unless price is the main concern. Get something a notch or two faster, in case your needs grow later on.
Second, how much can you afford to spend? The very latest CPUs sell for many hundreds of dollars, yet chips that are very nearly as fast sell for only a fraction of that amount. It all has to do with the industry’s intense competition to bring new and better products to market. What was a company’s crown jewel a month ago, is now a discount item. There are great bargains to be had.
Third, does the chip have a reputation for running hot? This shouldn’t cause you to back off, particularly for heavy duty tasks like gaming, 3-D animation, and the like. But it will influence the design of the computer, perhaps guiding you toward a water cooled system.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.