The following common questions crop up when people attempt to understand computer microprocessors.
"What does '[blank] or greater' mean when talking about a microprocessor?"
Computer hardware is always developed before computer software. To deal with the lag time, software developers take advantage of the fact that older PC microprocessors are compatible with the recent stuff. Software that ran on an archaic IBM PC with an 8088 microprocessor could still run today on a Pentium.
Because of this backward compatibility, and considering that the marketing folks like to ensure that their products are available to the widest possible audiences, software often advertises itself as requiring a "Pentium III or greater" microprocessor. That phrase means your computer needs at least a Pentium III CPU to run the software. Pentium 4, and anything else that came after the Pentium III or is compatible with those chips also applies.
- The term "386 or greater" is often used, even though it has been years since you could buy a computer with a 386 microprocessor. Ditto for "486 or greater."
- Technologically speaking, a Pentium is really nothing more than a very fast 386. Design-wise, the chips operate identically; the latest Pentiums merely sport various speed-enhancing additions.
"Are all Pentium processors the same?"
Generally speaking, yes. However, if the software specifically requests a certain microprocessor, you must go with it. If the software says "Requires a Pentium 4 running at 1.4 GHz or better," you must get yourself that microprocessor at a minimum.
Also note that if the software requires or can take advantage of a Pentium 4 with hyperthreading abilities, then getting such a CPU is worth your while.
"Should I buy an upgradeable microprocessor option?"
No. This was a fad for a while, but it never came to fruition. The problem is that newer microprocessors require newer chipsets, faster memory, and other upgrades that just make it cheaper to buy a whole new motherboard or a whole new computer as opposed to just a new microprocessor.
"Is the Celeron a good Pentium compatible?"
The Celeron is made by Intel, so it's the closest thing you can get to a Pentium without the Pentium name. Essentially, a Celeron is a slower Pentium with either no L2 cache or a very small L2 cache. This "lack of cache" subtracts significantly from its speed, but reduces the price enough to make it an attractive processor for home systems.
"Should I buy a non-Intel CPU if it saves me money?"
Absolutely. The days of flaky wannabe microprocessors are in the past. Any non-Intel microprocessor does the job and saves you some money. However, if buying an Intel microprocessor would make you sleep better at night, get one.
"Why not buy the biggest, baddest microprocessor on the block?"
Software! If the software you plan to run doesn't take advantage of a high-end microprocessor, you have just wasted a huge chunk of money.
"What's the 'heat sink'?"
Because the microprocessor runs so fast, it needs a way to help cool itself off. The computer console's fan just isn't up to the job, so scientists designed a heat sink to dissipate the heat generated by the CPU. The heat sink works like a fancy hat that sits atop the microprocessor chip, though without a sports-team logo.
Some CPUs have, rather than a heat sink, wee little fans attached to them to help dissipate the heat. The fan keeps the microprocessor cool.
"What is 'hyperthreading'?"
Hyperthreading is a new technology on Pentium microprocessors, which are typically flagged as Pentium HT. As with all hardware, however, the hyperthreading technology is good only for software that takes advantage of it. If the software you need can get a boost from Pentium HT technology, pay the extra dollar. Otherwise, don't bother.
"What is 'overclocking'?"
Various tests are made in order to get a microprocessor rated at a specific clock speed. The tests ensure that the microprocessor is as fast as or faster than the rated speed. Computer hackers take advantage of that "or faster than" part to make their computers' microprocessors run at higher speeds than they're originally rated. This practice is called overclocking because the hacker adjusts the microprocessor's clock speed to a value over its stated rating.
In some cases, the act of overclocking literally fries the microprocessor and voids the computer's warranty. If you want a faster computer, pay for one. Don't accept any shortcuts that may make you sorry later.
"Do computers with dual processors run faster than computers with single processors?"
Speed is relative. The advantage of a two- (or more) CPU computer is that the main (master) microprocessor can offload some duties to the companion (slave) microprocessors.
Again, the real power is in the software. Mac OS X runs on dual-processor G5 computers. Some versions of Windows, in addition to Linux and Unix, take advantage of dual-processor computers. Be certain that your software gets a boost from this type of situation before you make the hefty investment.
Note that having two microprocessors isn't the same as having a single microprocessor with dual-core technology. While dual-core technology is better than single core, it's not exactly the same thing as having two separate CPUs inside a single computer box.
