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A computer's central processing unit, or CPU, controls the action and data flow in the computer. Different types of CPUs are made by many different companies, for example, mobile devices and embedded systems. The major manufacturers of desktop and laptop computer processors are Intel? and AMD?, and more recently, Apple.   

• Intel was founded in the late 1960s and has dominated the personal computer market for decades, beginning with the Intel 4004 4-bit processor released in 1971. 
• AMD (Advanced Micro Devices) was founded in 1969 and has historically always had a lower market share than Intel, but in recent years it has grown its share of the processor market at Intel¡¯s expense. 
• Apple has always relied on other companies to design and produce its processors, beginning with Motorola, and then switching to Intel in 2006. In recent years, Apple has begun making its own computer CPUs, beginning with the M1 processor in the MacBook Air in 2020.  

Apple¡¯s M-series processors are only available in Apple devices and are not upgraded, so this article will focus on CPUs from Intel and AMD. 

The CPU is an essential component of a computer that is responsible for executing instructions and carrying out tasks that make a computer function. The processor communicates with RAM, computer storage, software, graphics, and all the other components of the computer.  

Computer processors can be designed in different ways. Some are faster than others, or have more cache memory, or multiple processor cores, as well as other features. Manufacturers can add or remove features and capabilities to processors to create different CPUs suitable for different tasks. The processor in your laptop will be fundamentally the same as a processor in a server farm, but they will be designed for different tasks.  

Some processors have built-in video capabilities, so a separate graphics card is not always required.   

Intel and AMD CPUs are software-compatible but not hardware-compatible. They can run the same software, but the CPU socket types of each chip are physically different, so you can¡¯t use an Intel CPU in an AMD-compatible motherboard.  

Find out more about building a PC with our guide. 

Outside of specialist server processors, both Intel and AMD offer budget, general, and performance models for their CPUs. Each one has different features and, of course, varying costs. 

These are designed to run basic computer tasks efficiently and cost-effectively. These CPUs will easily handle most office programs, web browsing, photo editing, and other general tasks. They won¡¯t run as fast as other CPUs but they are often an efficient choice for low-power systems.  

Budget processors have about 85% of the performance of a mainstream model. If you are upgrading your computer, a budget processor is more likely to be compatible with an older motherboard and slower memory.  

Examples of budget processors are the Core i3 range from Intel, or the Ryzen 3 range from AMD. 

Mainstream, or mid-range, processors can be physically larger and can handle higher-performance tasks such as 3D gaming, video editing, and other multimedia-intense applications more easily. They tend to use more power and include more processor cores and cache memory which can significantly improve performance for some tasks.  

Mainstream CPUs use more power and could have cores and caches that are not compatible with older motherboards and memory. If you upgrade your entire system, however, you will see a performance boost.  

Examples of mid-range processors include Intel¡¯s Core i5 and i7 CPUs and AMDs Ryzen 5 and Ryzen 7 processors. 

The fastest processors, known as extreme or high-end, are used for gaming, intensive graphics, creating and editing professional videos, and statistical analysis. They operate at faster clock speeds, and often have more processor cores, and more cache memory.  If you are upgrading an existing computer, pay special attention to the specifications for compatible components. High-end CPUs use more power and will often see more benefits from more system RAM because of the tasks they are doing. 

Examples of extreme performance CPUs are Intel¡¯s Core i9 processors and AMD¡¯s Ryzen 9 range.  

Read here for more information on gaming specifications, and our article comparing Intel and AMD for gaming. 

As all computer technology develops, cutting-edge technology is introduced on the highest-end parts, then moves downward. This holds true for processors, as well. The current trend is to introduce more and more cores on each CPU. This causes a performance increase in multitasking environments, for example, applications that use threading, such as a web browser. This increase in cores will trickle down to the mid-range and budget processors.  

Another technology breakthrough is integrated memory controllers, which increase system performance by reducing memory latency. Integrated memory controllers are usually compatible with only some types of RAM.  

The processor you select will depend on your budget and the other components of your system. Be sure to carefully check the compatibility of the CPU with all the other components of your system. 

The rate at which a CPU executes instructions is measured in GHz (gigahertz). Higher clock speeds generally mean faster performance for single-threaded tasks. 

Independent processing units within a CPU that can execute tasks simultaneously. More cores allow for better multitasking and performance in multi-threaded applications. 

The delay between a request for data and its delivery. Lower latency means faster access to data, which improves overall system responsiveness. 

A small, high-speed memory within the CPU is used to store frequently accessed data and instructions. It reduces the need to fetch data from slower main memory (RAM). More expensive CPUs will have more cache RAM. 

A GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is built directly into the CPU. It handles graphics tasks without the need for a dedicated graphics card, suitable for basic gaming and multimedia. 

The amount of electrical power a CPU uses, is typically measured in watts (W). Higher power consumption usually means higher performance but generates more heat. 

Here's a clear explanation of single-threaded vs multi-threaded processing: 

Single-threaded processing refers to executing one instruction or task at a time per core. The CPU focuses on a single sequence of tasks. 

Multi-threaded processing involves breaking down tasks into multiple threads that can be executed simultaneously across different CPU cores. This allows the CPU to handle multiple instructions concurrently. 

The physical interface on a motherboard where the CPU is installed. Different CPUs require specific socket types (e.g., Intel's LGA 1700 or AMD's AM5).