Processor This is also called CPU, or central processing unit. The processor is the component that interprets instructions and processes data (think of it as the brain of a computer). The processor is the biggest determinant of the speed of the computer, usually measured in Megahertz (Mhz) or Gigahertz (Ghz). Mhz and Ghz of a processor refers to its clock rate (think of RPMs in a car's engine). The faster the clock rate the faster the processing. Clock rate isn't a foolproof way to determine a processors speed as you will see in a minute. Right now there are two main companies that produce processors for consumer PCs; Intel and AMD.

Intel The oldest maker of processors. Intel makes several models of processors including: Pentium, Celeron and Core 2 Duo. The Celeron processor by Intel is considered a poor man's Pentium because it's usually cheaper, and slower, than its Pentium counterpart. The Core 2 Duo processors are the latest from Intel featuring a dual-core processor. Dual core means that the processor is capable of processing two sets of instructions independent of each other (in layman's terms; it's faster). The Core 2 Duo was designed to eventually replace Intel's Pentium 4 processors. To help you out you can see the entire list of Intel's processors here.

AMD AMD, or Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., came along and has attempted to compete directly with Intel in the computer processor market. They have made some headway with processors such as; Athlon, Duron, Opteron, Athlon64, Turion64, Sempron and other variations. AMDs are widely noted as a gaming processor due to its quickness and overclocking ability. Because AMDs processors are built differently than Intels, they are rated differently as well. AMD has decided to include a hypothetical clock speed to describe their processors that they sell. Whereas an Intel Pentium 4 running at 3.0Ghz is acually clocked at 3.0Ghz, a comparable AMD Athlon64 only clocks in at 1.8Ghz. Both processors are just as fast as each other when tested in a computer, it's just AMD gets more performance out of a lower clock speed because of the way it's built. So, in order to help consumers compare processors, AMD has included an Intel comparable clock speed to all of its processors that it sells. The same AMD Athlon64 running at 1.8Ghz, now becomes an AMD Athlon64 3000+. The 3000+ signifies that this processor would compare to an Intel processor running at 3000 cycles, or 3.0Ghz. I hope you're not confused. To help you out with the different processors from AMD you can see a list of them here.

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