Intel Processors

Intel Celeron

They do have a very small amount of Level 2cache at just 512KB. Compare this to say an E8400, our current favorite at PC Tips and Tricks with 6MB!

Still, do not overlook these beauties if your requirements are not too demanding.They are very frugal on power requirements and if you mate them with a motherboard capable of overclocking then they can be overclocked by up to 75 to 100%!

A couple of examples of whats on offer

Celeron E1400 Socket LGA775 2.0GHz 2 core FSB 800MHz

Both of these have 2 x Level 1 cache at 32KB and Level 2 cache at 512KB

Intel Pentium

These processors are dual core with twice or more Level 2 cache of the Celeron. Again, these are very good value and are capable of being overclocked for great performance at a low price.

There is a bigger range available here with operating frequencies from 2 to 2.5GHz and these may be overclocked by up to 50% with a suitable overclocking motherboard.

The E5200 is probably the best value as it has 2MB of Level 2 cache and can be overclocked if you should wish giving the Core 2 Duo range a run for its money!

A few examples of what's on offer

Pentium E2200 Socket LGA775 2.2GHz 2 core FSB 800MHz

Pentium E2220 Socket LGA775 2.4GHz 2 core FSB 800MHz

Pentium E5200 Socket LGA775 2.5GHz 2 core FSB 800MHz

All of these have 2 x Level 1 cache at 32KB and Level 2 cache at 1MB or 2MB for the E5200

Intel Core 2 Duo

These also use the LGA775 socket motherboards and are now based on a 45nm process giving great performance but using a lot less power than the older E6000 series which was based on a 65nm process.

Even when overclocked these processors can be cooled very easily with an after market cooler in place of the stock heatsink and fan.

These processors are perfect for playing games without breaking the bank.

The next worthwhile step up would really be the Latest Intel i7.

Some examples of what's on offer

Core 2 Duo E8400 Socket LGA775 3.00GHz 2 core FSB 1333MHz

Core 2 Duo E8500 Socket LGA775 3.16GHz 2 core FSB 1333MHz

Core 2 Duo E8600 Socket LGA775 3.33GHz 2 core FSB 1333MHz

All of these have 2 x Level 1 cache at 32KB and Level 2 cache at 3MB for the E7300 and 6MB for the rest.

Intel Core 2 Quad

There is a large range of quad processors available with the range now moving over to the 45nm process just as the Core 2 Duo range has before it.

The comparative AMD Phenom X4 four core processors are more power hungry and slower than Intels offerings, but the AMD Phenom II X4 series is catching up.

If you want to overclock then the older 65nm Q6600 is the one to go for as the newer 45nm quads don't overclock so well with the exception of the Q9650.

There are more games available now making use of four cores and if you do a lot of video editing and multitasking as well then these babys could be a great choice.

Core 2 Quad examples

Core 2 Quad Q8200 LGA775 2.33GHz 4 core FSB 1333MHz 2 x Level 1 cache at 32KB and 2 x Level 2 cache at 2MB

Core 2 Quad Q8300 LGA775 2.50GHz 4 core FSB 1333MHz 2 x Level 1 cache at 32KB and 2 x Level 2 cache at 2MB

Core 2 Quad Q9300 LGA775 2.50GHz 4 core FSB 1333MHz 2 x Level 1 cache at 32KB and 2 x Level 2 cache at 3MB

Core 2 Quad Q9450 LGA775 2.66GHz 4 core FSB 1333MHz 2 x Level 1 cache at 32KB and 2 x Level 2 cache at 6MB

Core 2 Quad Q9500 LGA775 2.83GHz 4 core FSB 1333MHz 2 x Level 1 cache at 32KB and 2 x Level 2 cache at 6MB

Core 2 Quad Q9650 LGA775 3.00GHz 4 core FSB 1333MHz 2 x Level 1 cache at 32KB and 2 x Level 2 cache at 6MB

Intel Core 2 Extreme

These are four core processors and the range boasts a Front Side Bus of up to 1600MHz.

These processors are extremely expensive and the new i7 would be the one to go for being cheaper and faster.

Core 2 Extreme examples

Core 2 Extreme QX9770 Socket LGA775 3.20GHz 4 core FSB 1600MHz 4 x Level 1 cache at 32KB and 2 x Level 2 cache at 6MB

Intel Core i7

It has phenomenal stock performance and can be easily overclocked if you should wish.

Unfortunately it is also fairly expensive especially once you have factored in the X58 motherboard and triple channel memory required to run this beast!

This processor incorporates an integrated memory controller for increased speed and the use of triple channel memory for mega bandwidth!

With the i7, intel has returned to the use of Hyper-Threading allowing each of its four cores the ability to process a second thread when soare resources are available.

The processor requires a differerent socket format so you will require a motherboard with the Socket LGA1366 using the Intel X58 chipset.

The processor also requires the use of expensive DDR3 memory meaning the overall price compared to a Core 2 system is a lot more, but boy, what performance you get!

For most people the Core 2 Duo E8000 series or Core 2 Quad Q6600 or Q9650 is a less expensive and adequate choice for gaming etc but if you want the ultimate and intend on doing more than just gaming and want the very best then this is the one for you!

Core i7 examples

Core i7-940 Socket LGA1366 2.93GHz FSB 1333MHz 4 x Level 1 cache at 64KB, 4 x Level 2 cache at 256KB and Level 3 cache at 8MB

Core i7-965 Socket LGA1366 3.20GHz FSB 1333MHz 4 x Level 1 cache at 64KB, 4 x Level 2 cache at 256KB and Level 3 cache at 8MB

Return from Intel Processors to PC Tips and Tricks Homepage