Computer buyers often wonder whether or not a machine is “fast enough.” I’ve got news for the shoppers out there, speed is relative.
Some of the common processors for retail computers are as follows: Celeron, Dual Core, Core i3 (i5, i7), Pentium, and Phenom II X2 (X4, X6). There’s a longer list but you’re not reading this post to have meaningless names thrown at you. Here’s what you, as a consumer, need to look at on specifications card.
(NOTE: I’ve organized the best types/speeds of processor by short profiles of what the typical owner would be using the machine for.)
For the New or Limited Users
Profile: Either this is your first computer and you’re not looking to do a lot or you’re and older user and you really just want to check your email. After basic internet browsing or Facebook-ing all you would use the unit for is music, keeping looking at photos, or playing solitaire.
Processors: Dual Core (Celeron or Pentium) or Core i3
Speeds: 1.7GHz – 2.5GHz
Why? Very little processing speed is actually required or these types of tasks. What is more important in your case is purchasing a machine that isn’t going to be obsolete next year. Processors in this range aren’t meant to be pushed too hard, so heavy photo editing softwares like Photoshop probably won’t do well. The processors above are new enough and quick enough so that your easygoing internet usage won’t be a big deal.
For the Students or Small Business Users
Profile: You’re in high school or college so your primary uses will be around research, internet use, and a lot of Microsoft Office use. Or you work for a business that requires a lot of computer use revolving around internet and Microsoft Office.
Processors: Athlon II X2, Intel’s Core i3 (or AMD’s Phenom II X2), Core i5 (Phenom II X4)
Speeds: 2.0GHz – 2.5GHz
Why?: The processors in this range will do 2-way or 4-way processing. Which is like having 2 or 4 hearts inside a bionic man just in case one of the hearts got too tired during a marathon. These machines will handle editing softwares much better if it’s necessary and the owner won’t want to chuck it out the window for slowing down after opening more than four programs.
The Designers or Gamers
Profile: You use your computer for many hours in a day and you require your machine to run programs with a lot of awesome-looking graphics. At any given point during your computer use there may be between 6 and 12 programs open.
Processors: Intel’s Core i5 or i7, AMD’s Phenom II x4 or II x6 (or anything newer/faster)
Speeds: 2.47GHz – and up!
Why?: You are expecting your computer to think as instantaneously as your own brain. You demand a lot so having 4-way processing (and up) is the best bet you have at staying sane with all the hours you’re logging on your machine. Also, for the gamers, the machines that can handle these processors are more likely to have your beloved graphics cards to give you the best picture possible.
The other side to this idea of having a “quick” machine is having the right amount (or type) or RAM. In most cases machines will have 4Gb of RAM or more, but the nice thing about RAM is that you can upgrade it whenever you want!
