Kristodian
New Member
Hello everybody! I heard that if you want to start building your own system, you need to begin from processor.
I will be creating discussions ( beginner friendly ) about every PC part, so any beginners are welcome to hop aboard! =)
I had a little research done to learn the basic knowledge about processors and how to pick them, but still got some unanswered questions. With forum members help, I would like to build the most logical way of choosing processor that will be accepted easily and with understanding even to people who start from 0.
I will start from what I know and then leaven some questions for you guys.
I have learned, from reading guides and other forums that the first thing to choose, if planning to build your own PC, is the heart - the processor because... well... It does the most important and biggest job of calculating sequences! The speed of those calculations counts in GHz , the more, the better (obviously). To speed up things, processors are getting built with different amounts of channels that the calculations will pass through, they are called "cores". I know that with Intel manufacturer the amount of cores from the product can be learned from the title by looking at representing characters i3 (2 cores) / i5 (2-4 cores) / i7 (4-6 cores). There is a common though that the more cores your processor has the faster your computer will be (faster games and programs) , but it is not always true, as some developers are not optimizing their products to use those cores ( so they basically stand without work ). Programs that use all the cores are usually graphical programs like 3Dmax and many other graphical programs. If you would like to play modern games I would recommend using not less than i5.
I have also heard that there is something that virtually doubles the processor cores but sadly my knowledge of processor cores is limited here.
There is one more important thing about processor speed quality that Ive learned on other forum, it is the architecture it self! Guys there convinced me that Intel architecture is best. My knowledge on AMD is minimum because of that.
Edit (31/08/15) (Beginner important !!!)
It is important to know what kind of socket your chosen processor uses on the motherboard, because if it will not be the same, you may have to get a refund/change of the motherboard.
This knowledge about sockets is enough for not making a mistake while building your own PC. More advanced knowledge is not relevant for building a stable system.
If you are looking to know more advanced info you can always search online for frequency and bus frequency.
Edit (07/09/15) (Beginner friendly)
While I don't know how common this mistake is, at first I thought that the term "processor" is applied towards the chip + heatsink + fan. This could be a problem for me building my system. But thanks to some helpful tips and guides I've realized that I was so foolish . As the processor/CPU it self is only the flat chip that is put in the sockets, on the motherboard, that I've mentioned earlier . (In the future I will create a separate thread about cooling).
There are 2 types of available for purchase processors:
Boxed = The CPU comes with manufacturer added cooling (usually comes in colorful packages with logos on it)
Tray = OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) products are meant to be purchased by others companies that build their own systems or other related businesses. (usually comes in not too exciting packages, like polystyrene trays) Most of the times sold in numbers.
The price difference of the same CPU, boxed or tray, will be not that big... Approximately 5-10 $ not more. Of course the more CPUs you buy (from the manufacturer him self!) the bigger discount you will get, but if you are not planning to build 10+ systems it is not worth it, and even for your own PC, 5-10$ will not be worth the headache if you are an unexperienced builder.
There is an exception! Sometimes stores do discounts that could drop the price of a boxed CPU lower then the manufacturer tray CPU, because they buy lots of them for 15-30 % and sometimes sell boxed processors cheaper then their tray brothers. It is wise to browse store websites or call them to ask if any discount is available for your chosen CPU.
You should also know that you will not get a full warranty for a tray processor (you can get a short warranty from the store/lab which is measured by weeks/months only. But this is still very optional and needs to be confirmed before purchase) like you will get for a retail/boxed one. (usually between 1-5 years) + tech support.
Also notice that the fans that usually come with a boxed CPU greatly fit all the CPUs needs. BUT... If you are planning to overclock your CPU, you should think of purchasing a more effective fan or water cooling. Replacing boxed CPUs fan may result in ending of your warranty! For us, beginners, it is obvious which product we should choose.
Be very cautious if you are buying your hardware while on travels or second-hand. Also if ordering online, look for warranty and contact details of the merchant (It is recommended to contact the merchant before the actual purchase).
p.s. I will edit , add or remove things based on my progressive studying.
1)How do processors work? (Answer found)
2)Should I learn more about AMD manufacturer? (even if I'm not limiting my budget, if it is worth my time)
Edit (31/08/15)
3)What are sockets? (Answer found) All the needed information you need about processor sockets for system build is in the edited main text.
4)What is the difference between boxed and tray processors? (Answer found) All the needed information you need about the purchasing options for processor is in the edited main text.
I will be creating discussions ( beginner friendly ) about every PC part, so any beginners are welcome to hop aboard! =)
I had a little research done to learn the basic knowledge about processors and how to pick them, but still got some unanswered questions. With forum members help, I would like to build the most logical way of choosing processor that will be accepted easily and with understanding even to people who start from 0.
I will start from what I know and then leaven some questions for you guys.
Main Text
I have learned, from reading guides and other forums that the first thing to choose, if planning to build your own PC, is the heart - the processor because... well... It does the most important and biggest job of calculating sequences! The speed of those calculations counts in GHz , the more, the better (obviously). To speed up things, processors are getting built with different amounts of channels that the calculations will pass through, they are called "cores". I know that with Intel manufacturer the amount of cores from the product can be learned from the title by looking at representing characters i3 (2 cores) / i5 (2-4 cores) / i7 (4-6 cores). There is a common though that the more cores your processor has the faster your computer will be (faster games and programs) , but it is not always true, as some developers are not optimizing their products to use those cores ( so they basically stand without work ). Programs that use all the cores are usually graphical programs like 3Dmax and many other graphical programs. If you would like to play modern games I would recommend using not less than i5.
I have also heard that there is something that virtually doubles the processor cores but sadly my knowledge of processor cores is limited here.
There is one more important thing about processor speed quality that Ive learned on other forum, it is the architecture it self! Guys there convinced me that Intel architecture is best. My knowledge on AMD is minimum because of that.
Edit (31/08/15) (Beginner important !!!)
It is important to know what kind of socket your chosen processor uses on the motherboard, because if it will not be the same, you may have to get a refund/change of the motherboard.
This knowledge about sockets is enough for not making a mistake while building your own PC. More advanced knowledge is not relevant for building a stable system.
If you are looking to know more advanced info you can always search online for frequency and bus frequency.
Edit (07/09/15) (Beginner friendly)
While I don't know how common this mistake is, at first I thought that the term "processor" is applied towards the chip + heatsink + fan. This could be a problem for me building my system. But thanks to some helpful tips and guides I've realized that I was so foolish . As the processor/CPU it self is only the flat chip that is put in the sockets, on the motherboard, that I've mentioned earlier . (In the future I will create a separate thread about cooling).
There are 2 types of available for purchase processors:
Boxed = The CPU comes with manufacturer added cooling (usually comes in colorful packages with logos on it)
Tray = OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) products are meant to be purchased by others companies that build their own systems or other related businesses. (usually comes in not too exciting packages, like polystyrene trays) Most of the times sold in numbers.
The price difference of the same CPU, boxed or tray, will be not that big... Approximately 5-10 $ not more. Of course the more CPUs you buy (from the manufacturer him self!) the bigger discount you will get, but if you are not planning to build 10+ systems it is not worth it, and even for your own PC, 5-10$ will not be worth the headache if you are an unexperienced builder.
There is an exception! Sometimes stores do discounts that could drop the price of a boxed CPU lower then the manufacturer tray CPU, because they buy lots of them for 15-30 % and sometimes sell boxed processors cheaper then their tray brothers. It is wise to browse store websites or call them to ask if any discount is available for your chosen CPU.
You should also know that you will not get a full warranty for a tray processor (you can get a short warranty from the store/lab which is measured by weeks/months only. But this is still very optional and needs to be confirmed before purchase) like you will get for a retail/boxed one. (usually between 1-5 years) + tech support.
Also notice that the fans that usually come with a boxed CPU greatly fit all the CPUs needs. BUT... If you are planning to overclock your CPU, you should think of purchasing a more effective fan or water cooling. Replacing boxed CPUs fan may result in ending of your warranty! For us, beginners, it is obvious which product we should choose.
Be very cautious if you are buying your hardware while on travels or second-hand. Also if ordering online, look for warranty and contact details of the merchant (It is recommended to contact the merchant before the actual purchase).
p.s. I will edit , add or remove things based on my progressive studying.
Questions
1)How do processors work? (Answer found)
2)Should I learn more about AMD manufacturer? (even if I'm not limiting my budget, if it is worth my time)
Edit (31/08/15)
3)What are sockets? (Answer found) All the needed information you need about processor sockets for system build is in the edited main text.
4)What is the difference between boxed and tray processors? (Answer found) All the needed information you need about the purchasing options for processor is in the edited main text.
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