Intel or AMD CPUs Dual Core, Triple Core and Quad Core Processors to choose from for your system.
Every PC has a Central Processing Unit (CPU) this acts as the brain of your system. It connects to the Motherboard and works alongside the other components processing many instructions at the same time between the different hardware and memory systems.
Advancements in CPU technology now mean systems typically come with Dual Core, Triple core or Quad Core processors (on one single chip) instead of the traditional one core per chip. Now the total number of Cores can slot into a socket as before and a single heat sink and fan can keep everything to the right temperature.
Current Intel or AMD CPU Prices using our feed pages
Intel and AMD are the two companies who dominate the PC Processor market. Both have been around for decades and have become the main Chip suppliers for the home and business markets.
Both companies have fierce rivalry and they file and counter file court cases against each other all we care about is that they have near identical chip products on the market at the same time as they compete for the fastest chip and share of the market.
The competing products are very close to each other and really only the techies compare the benchmarks before choosing.
My personal view is there is little difference between using both makes and have run many stable and fast systems using both makes. The AMD processors do tend to run hotter than the Intel versions, but with a suitable fan this is easily kept under control.
Intel products have in my experience always been more expensive typically £20 more than the AMD equivalent. Throughout my use and builds find the AMD nearly always more affordable as often Intel's products extra price is a result that they are available more in retail packaging rather than cheaper OEM.
If you are looking to upgrade just the CPU of your system, then you need to check what type of socket your Motherboard uses and then check if there is a speed limit on the processor. If not then you need to check if you can buy a new processor for your existing Motherboard.
My advice would be to always look at the whole range of CPUs available as sometimes a small bit extra can get you a significant jump in the speed.
Of course if you are buying a new or barebones systems then you should check both Intel and AMD unless you have a major preference, don’t forget the compatible motherboard and maybe a memory upgrade.
If you can research the type of processor you are buying you may be able to gauge if it is soon to be replaced for a newer series or if you buy one of the first that in time your system could support later released processors.
If you are buying an older Processor series or if a new range has been announced the prices typically drop to make room for the newer stock.
