I.

Purpose/Overview
The purpose of this document is to demystify the role that the processor plays in popular consumer electronics, especially laptops and desktop computing systems. Further, this
document offers a breakdown of the current state of the processor market—particularly, highlighting the companies, Intel and AMD and how their current product lines size up against
each other. Though the emphasis of this document is desktop computing, the spike in relevance of the smartphone and tablet makes mention of mobile processors useful, hence,
ARM—a leader in mobile processing is profiled as well. Also provided is a chart that classifies these processors for the purposes of helping you decide on a system appropriate for
your needs. Finally, we provide a section dedicated to demystifying some of the technical/marketing jargon that is tossed around as companies introduce new product lines.

II. Why Does the Processor Matter?

The microprocessor—or commonly, the CPU or just processor—is the brain of a computer. It performs many calculations behind the scenes, ultimately allowing you to complete tasks
as trivial as composing an e-mail to tasks as intensive as data analysis and modeling. Processors are encountered in many forms of consumer electronics. Most familiar to many are
notebook and desktop computers as well as mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. Though the processor is just one of the many physical components that comprise these
products, it is arguably the most central to determining their overall "usefulness" into the future as software requirements become increasingly demanding.

Unlike other components of a notebook computer, the processor is a fixed component. This is in contrast to RAM and hard disk storage which can be upgraded in many cases.
Therefore, another consideration is the fact that the CPU you choose will be the same throughout the life of the system. This implies that as applications and operating systems become
more sophisticated, the computer's ability to handle them will be directly affected by the purchase decision made all that time ago. This choice may mean the difference between a
system that is useful for another year or two versus one that is not. A final consideration in choosing a CPU is the suggested or minimum requirements of the important software to be
used as well as any academic department recommendations as a guide as to the relative kind of computing performance expected for a particular field of study.

III. Companies
i.

If there was a single semiconductor chip maker the average consumer is aware of it would likely be Intel. If not for the famous Intel "chime" as heard in many television commercials
throughout the years then definitely for the fact that it would be difficult not to encounter its technologies in some form whether at work, school or otherwise. Intel is the premier chip
maker for personal computers—companies such as Apple, Dell, HP, Samsung, and Sony have product lines that depend on the processors that Intel produces. Intel's processors
generally offer the best performance for all-around usage. This has been especially the case the last several years with the introduction and evolution of Intel's Core series product
line. Currently, Intel's flagship consumer product line consists of mobile and desktop-grade Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 processors now in their second generation (dubbed "Sandy
Bridge"). The third and latest generation of these processors (dubbed "Ivy Bridge") began to roll out for release late April 2012. The biggest difference between these two generations
amounts to a moderate improvement in all-around computing performance but a substantial improvement in integrated graphics performance. Another significant feature Ivy Bridge
adds is native USB 3.0 support, overtaking USB 2.0.

ii.
Though not considered the behemoth in the personal computing space as Intel, AMD is a decisive runner-up—and arguably the only true competitor Intel has in this domain. After
spending much of the early to middle 2000's as being the performance and value leader with their Athlon 64 line of personal computing processors, AMD—unable to mimic this success
in more recent years, has shifted their focus towards both enthusiast and budget-oriented system configurations. As a result, AMD is considered to be a viable alternative to Intel.
Their current offerings are flanked by the Phenom series processors and Fusion APU processors. The Fusion APU (AMD A-Series) is a relatively new platform (as of 2011 and
ongoing) that attempts to merge high-end graphical capabilities on the same chip as the processor. This means if your work or play requires a powerful graphics card, then AMD can
potentially offer a cost effective alternative.

iii.

The increased need for mobile productivity and entertainment has given rise to a relatively new class of devices: smartphones and tablets. ARM is well-known for the design of mobile,
power-efficient processor designs. In recent years it has seen its technology used in the products of many prominent electronics companies. Apple's A4/A5/A5X, Nvidia's Tegra,
Samsung's Exynos and Texas Instruments' OMAP products all integrate ARM processors into what is known as a system-on-a-chip (SoC). SoCs merge many of the essential
components of a computer (such as the CPU, RAM, ROM etc.) on a single chip which allows devices that utilize them to be lightweight and compact. These SoCs have gone on to be
implemented in blockbuster products such as Apple's iPhone and iPad or Samsung's series of Galaxy phones. ARM's presence as the CPU and architecture of choice on many mobile
devices cannot be understated as estimates put their numbers in the billions.

IV. Processor Comparison Table

This section offers a breakdown and comparison of the different product lines within Intel's/AMD's offerings. The processors are divided by the companies making the processors (Intel
and AMD) then within those companies, a general ranking and purpose is offered for the kinds of processors each is offering. That is, some will be far better suited for doing advanced
tasks such as data/statistical analysis, modelling, and mulltimedia creation where at the other extreme (toward the bottom of the Intel and AMD charts below), these products will not
be able to handle much more than web browsing and e-mail. In between those extremes are processors that can usually handle a little bit from the top and bottom ends of the spectrum.
The kind of performance implied by these processors is typically enough and recommended for most users; e.g. the Core i3 or i5 processors on the Intel side or the Phenom II or A-
series from AMD's offerings.

Intel Comparison Table

Last
Number Additional
Generation
Recommended For of Notable Features Product Product Commentary
Released
Cores Information
(Codename)

Core i7
(1) Hyper-Threading
The Intel Core i7 represents the company's most feature robust
(2) Turbo Boost
Enthusiasts, Superior All- processor offering. They are Intel's flagship series of processor,
(3) Quick Path
Around Performance, Multi- 2012 ("Ivy 2 or 4 achieving the greatest levels of relative performance. As an excellent all-
Interconnect
tasking, Multimedia Creation, Bridge") and Intel around processor, the i7 is ideal for enthusiasts, gamers, power users
(4) Tri-Gate (3D)
Advanced Productivity and upcoming and content creators alike. They are available for both desktop and
Transistors
Advanced 3D Graphics notebook platforms. The current generation of i7 (as well as i3 and i5)
(5) Intel HD Graphics
processors is Ivy Bridge as of Mid-2012.
(6) 64-bit
 (1) Hyper-Threading
(on i5 Mobile Dual-
Core i5 Core only, not The Intel Core i5 is a class of high-performance processor just a notch
available on Quad- beneath the i7. Though they generally possess same features as the i7
All-Around Performance, Multi- Core desktop version) with some exceptions (see Features), they have less cache (L3) memory
2012 ("Ivy
tasking, Advanced Productivity, (2) Turbo Boost which amounts to similar, but lesser all-around performance. Like the i7
Bridge") and 2 or 4 Intel
Multimedia, Advanced 3D (3) Quick Path and i3, the i5 features Intel's high performance integrated graphics in the
upcoming
Graphics Interconnect HD 3000/4000. Most users will find the general level of performance
(4) Tri-Gate (3D) offered by the i5 to be an attractive option compared to a more expensive
Transistors i7-equipped system.
(5) Intel HD Graphics
(6) 64-bit

Core i3 (1) Hyper-Threading

(2) Quick Path
The Intel Core i3 processor is the closest successor to the now out-of-
Interconnect
2012 ("Ivy production Core2Duo processor. The most significant differences
Productivity, Multi-tasking, (3) Tri-Gate (3D)
Bridge") and 2 or 4 Intel between the i3 and i5/i7 is the lack of Turbo Boost and less cache (L3)
Basic Graphics, Multimedia Transistors
upcoming memory. The i3 offers moderate all-around performance and is often
(4) Intel HD Graphics
found in budget-oriented systems.
3000
(5) 64-bit

Pentium (Post-2009) The Intel Pentium as a product line had built a strong reputation with
consumers in the 90's through the early 2000s with the Pentium I/II/III/4
Hyper-Threading series. Formerly a flagship line of processor, the Pentium is currently in
Productivity, E-mail, and Web 2011 ("Sandy (however, most production as a budget-oriented option just above the Celeron in terms
2 Intel
Browsing, Photos and Music Bridge") currently do not of relative performance. The most recent iteration of the Pentium takes
support this feature) some architectural cues from the Core i series with the 2011 Pentium
based on the Sandy Bridge, offering performance suitable for most basic
tasks.

Celeron
(Post-2010) Throughout its many iterations, the Intel Celeron has occupied the lower
end of the processor market in terms of both price and performance.
Updates to the Celeron based on current generation architecture have
Productivity, E-mail, and Web 2011 ("Sandy
2 64-bit Intel been made to keep the processor relevant. The improvements are
Browsing, Photos and Music Bridge")
enough such that they allow for running current productivity packages
and web applications. They are best considered for an entry-level
system.

Atom The Intel Atom belongs almost exclusively to a class of personal

computers known as netbooks (nettops and tablets are the lesser
common instances). The Atom is focused not so much on performance
2012 ("Cedar
Basic Productivity, E-mail, and (1) Hyper-Threading as it is on reducing power consumption. As a result, many netbooks offer
Trail") and 1 or 2 Intel
Web Browsing (2) 64-bit excellent battery life at the cost of being unable to run more sophisticated
upcoming
applications beyond web browsing and word processing. Generally
speaking, netbook processors such as the Atom do not see substantial
performance gains with subsequent generations.

Retiring/Retired
Product Lines
 Though the Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Quad processors are still in
Intel production, the platform has been succeeded by the Core i Series since
Core 2 Duo & Core 2 Multi-tasking, Productivity and
2008 2 or 4 64-Bit - Core 2 Duo late 2008. Despite this, these processors are still very serviceable
Quad Multimedia
- Core 2 Quad providing adequate levels of performance for multitasking to varying
levels of multimedia creation and productivity applications.

Core Solo/Core The Core Duo/Duo Centrino processors preceeded both the Core2 and
Basic Productivity, E-mail, and Core i series of processor. Generally do not recommend running current
Duo/Centrino & Web Browsing 2006 1 or 2 32-bit N/A
software for optimal use; consideration of an upgrade path is
Celeron (Pre-2010) recommended soon.

Pentium 4: mostly 32- An upgrade path is highly recommended; Usefulness is relagated to

Pentium III & Pentium Legacy software and operating Late 90s/Early bit later versions 64- doing basic tasks such as running older versions of Microsoft Office or
1 N/A
4 system 2000s bit, w/Hyper- browsing webpages absent of the latest media or plugins such as Flash
Threading or Java.

AMD Comparison Table

Last
Number Additional
Generation
Recommended For of Notable Features Product Product Commentary
Released
Cores Information
(Codename)

FX (1) Hyper Transport

(2) Integrated DRAM Available exclusively on desktop platforms, AMD FX targets custom builders
Controller with AMD and enthusiasts. This is a processor that far surpasses the needs of the average
Desktop Enthusiasts, (1) AMD
2012 ("Bulldozer") Memory Optimizer user. However, given the amount of performance it provides combined with the
All-Around High 4, 6, 8 (2) Architectural
and upcoming (2) AMD Turbo CORE relative low cost, it becomes an attractive option for budget custom PC builds.
Performance Features
(3) AMD Virtualization The FX along with the A-Series, represent AMD's current flagship products and
(4) AMD PowerNow! later releases within these product lines are planned.
(Cool'n'Quiet)

A4: Basic The AMD A-Series (AMD Fusion) are a type of chip that merges the CPU with
A-Series (Fusion) All-Around a high-performance GPU (graphics processing unit) resulting in a versatile
Use/Productivity, Casual system that is very power efficient. They are available in desktops, laptops and
Gaming A4: 2 (1) AMD most recently, ultrabooks. Where the A4 APU is found in less expensive, entry
2012 ("Trinity") DirectX 11 Capable
(2) Notebook level systems, the A6 and A8 are more suited for all-around use w/advanced
and upcoming Graphics
A6, A8: All-Around A6, A8: 4 Features graphics applications (such as gaming or 3D modeling). In May 2012, AMD
Performance, released the next generation of Fusion A-Series processors known as "Trinity",
Multimedia, Advanced these processors promise much greater graphical and general purpose
3D Graphics performance. AMD has aligned Trinity as an answer to Intel's Ivy Bridge.

Phenom II (1) HyperTransport™ The AMD Phenom II is primarily a class of high-performance desktop
(2) Integrated DRAM processor.In 2010, AMD claimed to be the first in the industry to offer a
Controller with AMD (1) AMD consumer class six-core processor though the X6. Mobile variants of the
Advanced Productivity,
Memory Optimizer (2) Key Phenom II were introduced as well, but not in the six-core flavor. Though new
HD Video, 3D Graphics, 2010 2, 3, 4, 6
(3) AMD Turbo CORE Architectural generations of this product line are no longer in the works, this line of processor
Photos and Music
(4) AMD PowerNow! Features is still sold as a low-cost, budget-oriented option for custom system builds. The
(Cool'n'Quiet) performance of this processor is more than enough for everyday usage and
(5) AMD CoolCore! productivity.
Athlon II
The Athlon II is a relatively recent processor taking design cues from the
(1) AMD Virtualization (1) AMD
Basic Multi-tasking, Phenom II. Unlike the Athlon Classic, is still in production and far more suited to
2011 and (2) AMD PowerNow! (2) Key
Productivity and 2, 3, 4 current productivity applications such as Microsoft Office as well as multitasking
upcoming (Cool'n'Quiet) Architectural
Multimedia Applications and multimedia applcations. It is found in both laptops and desktops as a
(3) AMD CoolCore! Features
reasonably-powered, cost-effective option.

Turion II
The Turion II is a processor based from the same architecture in the Phenom II
Productivity, Photos, (1) HyperTransport and Athlon II. It was introduced as a competitor to Intel's Core 2 Duo. As a result,
2010 1 or 2 AMD
and Music (2) 64-bit its performance should be very suitable for productivity software. They designed
with power efficiency in mind and is found primarily in notebook configurations.

Sempron
The Sempron is the AMD analogue to the Intel Celeron. It offers very basic
Basic Productivity, E- (1) HyperTransport levels of performance and is updated every so often so as to offer an
2010 1 or 2 AMD
mail, and Web Browsing (2) 64-bit inexpensive option capable of running recent versions of productivity software
such as Office 2010 as well as web applications.

Retiring/Retired
Product Lines
(1) HyperTransport The AMD Phenom processor preceded the Phenon II. Though the processor is
Phenom Multi-tasking, HD Video, (2) AMD PowerNow! no longer in production, it is generally considered lower-middle range in
2008 2, 3, 4 AMD
Basic Graphics (Cool'n'Quiet) performance; suitable for multi-tasking and more than casual use. The Phenom
(3) AMD CoolCore! was available only for desktop platforms.

Not In production
Athlon (Classic) Web Browsing, E-mail
(1999-2005)
1 or 2
Formerly known as just the Athlon, the Athlon Classic has not been in production
since 2005. The kind of performance is extremely limited for today's applications
32-bit or 64-bit N/A and is recommended for only the most basic of uses. Generally, a complete
system upgrade from this processor range would be advisable if your needs fall
beyond web browsing and e-mail tasks.

Companies Utilizing ARM Architecture

Type of Additional
Number
System-On-a-Chip (SoC) Notable Product(s) Containing ARM Product
of Cores
Processor Information

A4 iPhone 4, iPod Touch (4th Gen), iPad (1st Gen), AppleTV (2nd Gen) Cortex-A8 1

Apple A5 iPhone 4S, iPad 2, AppleTV (3rd Gen) Cortex-A9 2 Apple

A5X iPad (3rd Gen, Retina Display) Cortex-A9 2

Exynos 3 Single Samsung Galaxy S, Samsung Galaxy Nexus S, Cortex-A8 1

Samsung Samsung
Exynos 4 Dual Samsung Galaxy SII, Samsung Galaxy Note (International) Cortex-A9 2
 Exynos 4 Quad Samsung Galaxy SIII Cortex-A9 4

Exynos 5 Dual N/A Cortex-A15 2

Tegra Microsoft Zune HD ARM11 1

ASUS Eee Pad Transformer, Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, Motorola Xoom, Dell Streak 7 & Pro,
Nvidia Tegra 2
Sony Tablet S
Cortex-A9 2 Nvidia

Tegra 3 ASUS Transformer Pad 300, ASUS Nexus 7, Acer Iconia Tab A510 & A700, HTC One X Cortex-A9 4

Snapdragon S2 Nokia Lumia 900 N/A 1

Qualcomm Snapdragon S3 Galaxy Note LTE (AT&T), HP TouchPad N/A 2 Qualcomm

Snapdragon S4 Samsung Galaxy SIII LTE, HTC EVO 4G LTE N/A 2 or 4

OMAP 3 Barnes and Noble Nook Color Cortex-A8 1

Texas Amazon Kindle Fire, Samsung Galaxy Tab 2, Blackberry Playbook, Samsung Galaxy Nexus, Texas
OMAP 4 Cortex-A9 2
Instruments Barnes and Noble Nook Tablet Instruments

OMAP 5 N/A Cortex-A15 2

V. Benchmarks
It is important to note that there are a considerable amount of details that factor into the overall performance of any given processor beyond frequency (GHz). This is not a valid way
to compare most processors, especially between competing companies and between generations. For example, an Intel Pentium 4 (a processor that is generations behind any current
Intel i-series processor) running at 3.8 GHz is much slower compared than any i3, i5 or i7 running at lower GHz—the biggest reason for this is the improvement in architecture allowing
for increases in the number of cores as well as improvements in other features (such as cache memory and bus technology) that allow the modern CPU to get more work done in a
given clock cycle. Hence, it is more useful to compare frequencies and number of cores of processors across the same product line.

CPU benchmarking involves running a specific software tool or suite of tools which allow users to 'distill' an overall performance rating that can be used to rank against other processors.
Computer hardware websites such as those listed below have aggregated rankings for all major desktop/notebook processors released within the last decade, allowing a prospective
buyer to get a feel for the relative level of performance separating one processor from another. Further, these benchmarks when considered in tandem with the cost of a given
processor also allow buyers to compare value as far as amount of performance per dollar. This is important since CPU performance does not necessarily correlate with price, especially
across different makers.

The following links below provide comprehensive rankings for desktop and mobile processors.

Benchmark Links:

 http://www.cpubenchmark.net/

Desktop CPU Benchmarks:

 http://www.tomshardware.com/charts/desktop-cpu-charts-q3-2008/benchmarks,31.html

Mobile CPU Benchmarks:

  http://www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-Processors-Benchmarklist.2436.0.html

VI. Notable Features Demystified

In this section, we breakdown the practical meaning of some notable technical features included in the various processors available. The vast majority of these features pertain to how
a given processor is able to attain a performance boost over either its competitors or previous generations of products.

Feature Explanation Processors Using Feature

Intel Features
Improves the performance by allowing the operating system to improve its ability to 'multitask' processes
Hyper-Threading (HT) more intelligently. One physically present core is treated as two logical cores which share workloads between Core i7, Core i5, Core i3, Atom
each other. Hence, a dual-core with HT has 4 logical cores and a quad-core has 8 logical cores.
Allows the processor to intelligently and dynamically overclock a core(s) such that thermal/power constraints
Turbo Boost are not violated. For example, a dual core processor with Turbo Boost can overclock one core to much higher Core i7, Core i5 (Mobile Dual-Cores only)
frequencies while decreasing speed of the other core; in some situations this can improve performance.

QuickPath Interconnect (QPI)
Tri-Gate (3D) Transistor
vPro
An Intel technology which replaced Front Side Bus (FSB) -- similar in purpose to AMD's competing Implemented in some fashion across all Intel core iX
HyperTransport technology. series
A new fabrication technology implemented for mass production for the first time in 2012 with Ivy Bridge.
Essentially, increases the surface area of each transistor on the chip while also reducing power leakage Ivy Bridge (2012) iX series
which on the whole significantly decreases power consumption and improves performance.
Synchronizes remote desktop, security, and other multi-station support features. Decreases desk-side
Current Intel processors
maintenance visits.

Execute Disable Bit Prevents certain viruses from infecting the system by labeling some data "executable." Current Intel processors

AMD Features
A feature that helps minimize the number of buses in a system. This can reduce system 'bottlenecks' and
HyperTransport All current AMD processors
allow microprocessors to use system memory more efficiently.
Cool'n'Quiet Reduces heat and noise of processors allowing for increased energy efficiency. Phenom I & II, Athlon, Sempron (with exceptions)
Turbo Core allows for contextual overclocking of the processor to optimize performance subject to electrical
Turbo Core Phenom II X6, Trinity APUs
and thermal requirements/specifications.
Limits unused elements of the processor such that power is conserved -- allows for increased notebook
CoolCore Phenom I & II, Turion
battery life on a single charge.

VII. FAQ
Q: What is the difference between a 32-bit and 64-bit processor?

A : From a practical standpoint, the true difference at hand is the ability to run a 32-bit operating system (OS) versus a 64-bit OS and their subsequent applications. Technically, 64-
bit allows the processor to address larger chunks of data from physical memory (RAM) than their 32-bit counterparts. Hence, while the maximum amount of RAM for a 32-bit system
is 4GB, for a 64-bit system there is no practical limit except where artificially imposed by a specific version of an OS or system manufacturer—for example, Windows 7 Home Edition
allows for up to 16GB of RAM where Professional and Ultimate allows up to 192GB. The benefit of 64-bit arises in dealing with the increasing sophistication of applications as well as
working with and processing large files with greater efficiency. Most modern CPUs such as any of Intel's iX series are 64-bit and virtually any new configuration of a machine with
these processors include a 64-bit OS. It is important to note that while 64-bit CPUs can typically run 32-bit applications, the reverse is not true.
Q: What is the relationship between a processor and RAM? Why and when can a RAM upgrade make my system run faster?

A : Where the CPU acts as the brains of a computer, processing your input into output, Random Access Memory (RAM) can be considered an analogue to working memory. It is a
fast type of volatile memory that the system uses to help process data. When the amount of RAM is overwhelmed by various processes on the system—which can happen if a user
had begun using a more sophisticated OS with only the minimum amount of recommended RAM or if many applications are running at once—The os is forced into using the same
ram for multiple purposes, swapping data in and out of ram from the hard drive, which slows the system down. Swapping data from the storage device will result in slower performance
The CPU may be fast but it can process data only as quickly as the RAM can dispense it. In essence, a lack of sufficient RAM can lead to a system being 'bottlenecked'. Upgrading
RAM can help ensure that the system is running on as little if any virtual memory as possible, this makes the machine more responsive especially when multi-tasking across several
applications. Hence, the value of RAM is in its ability to ensure that the CPU is able to pull data as seamlessly as possible. If the current amount of RAM in a system is 'enough', adding
more RAM will not serve to speed up the system any further. At this point, the system runs as fast as the CPU is capable of and depending on the needs of the user, a processor
upgrade might be considered.