Best Computer Processor

While buying a new personal computer, which is the one thing that matters above anything else? It's the computer's central processing unit (CPU) or processor. The silicon based processor chips are the brains of a computer that control every single function of the computer. The choice of processor decides the speed of computing and its multitasking ability. If you are planning to buy a new desktop or laptop computer, you would want to know which is the best computer processor to buy in the market. I have presented this writeup with the singular aim of presenting a list of processors that qualify to be the best in market, in terms of functionality, price and overall performance.

Best Computer Processor

Every computer chip today is a piece of silicon etched at nanometer (10^-9 m) scales to form billions of transistors that together constitute the central processing unit of a computer. Today chip manufacturers have reached a limit in terms of the number of transistors that can be etched on a silicon chip and have instead opted for multicore chips. There are two, four or six chips that form a computer processor today, by working in coordination. This multicore design has helped chip makers like Intel to surpass the clocking frequency barrier and create faster chips.

• Best Computer Processors On the Market

The things that you look for in a computer processor are high speed of computing (represented by a high clocking frequency), multitasking, ability to handle intensive 3D graphics, larger cache size (which grants more working memory) and of course reasonable cost. The best computer processor for the money is expected to possess more than one of these features.

There are more than one way of choosing the best computer processor depending on what you are really looking for. There is the topmost processor that is above all others and beats them in all departments of computing and then there is the budget choice, which offers the best at moderate cost. We will consider both types here. Following is the best computer processor in the market.

• Unarguably the Best Computer Processor to Buy - Intel Core i7 980X

If you are looking for simply the best and cutting edge for your laptop or desktop computer, the Intel core i7 980X is 'The One'. It is simply the best processor on the planet. The most power packed processor launched by Intel, this is a beast of a CPU, with 6 cores, 12 threads, 12 MB smart cache and a maximum clocking frequency of 3.33 GHz that can touch 3.6 GHZ on demand, thanks to Intel's TurboBoost technology. Its 32nm architecture means that it is a leaner, yet more powerful beast than its 45nm build predecessors. Get over the quad core vs dual core debate, six core processors are here!

This is unarguably the best computer processor for gaming. Its power as a processor is boosted by Intel's Hyper threading, virtualization and speed step technologies. It is a processor born to rule and conquer gaming aficionados and power users. With all these features, the price tag on the chip is $999. The price is truly justified by the phenomenal performance and brute force powered by its 6 cores and 12 threads. It is truly one of a kind in the computing market today.

• Best Computer Processor to Buy On a Budget

The only problem with Intel core i7 980X is the price which sets it beyond the reach of most mortals. However, there is a lot of choice in the lower ranks to choose from. As an AMD versus Intel chips comparison would reveal, top processors belonging to the other chip giant - AMD aren't in the same class as Intel's core i7. They are therefore competing with Intel by offering quad core chips at much lower prices. As the war between AMD vs Intel processors rages on, we consumers are the one to benefit from the competition.

As a core i3 vs i5 vs i7 comparison would reveal, there is a lot of choice offered by Intel too, for users with different levels of requirements in terms of features and price. Here are some of the best CPUs to look out for, that fall in the medium and low budget category, for you to choose from.

• AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition 3.4 GHz - $195
• Intel Core i5 750 2.66 GHz - $196
• Intel Pentium Processor G6950 2.80 - $87(!)
• AMD Phenom II X2 550 3.1 GHz - $102

If you are looking for the best computer processor for laptop, any one from the above list will meet your requirements. This best computer processors list above only includes those processors that offer great computing power at medium to low prices. Though they may not reach the dizzying heights of computing power reached by Intel core i7 980X, they are good enough for most gaming applications, as well as office or home use. Choose the one that suits your budget!

Computer Hardware Repair and Maintenance

Numerous and varied technical failures can occur in a computer. Any error can be eliminated with careful and systematic repair. Here are a few computer hardware repair and maintenance tips.

What is computer hardware? The hardware components like monitor, keyboard, CPU (Central Processing Unit), mouse and other I/O (Input-Output) devices, constitute a computer. The working of the monitor, keyboard, mouse and I/O devices depends largely upon the CPU. Due to some minor causes like loose connections or dust saturation, either of them can stop functioning. A few troubleshooting tips can be followed to correct such minor errors.

Computer Hardware Repair

Faults occurring in the CPU are most hazardous, as it has a very complicated structure. CPU is an assembly of the motherboard, hard disk drive (HDD), random access memory (RAM), compact disk-read only memory (CD-ROM) drive and the floppy drive. Unless you are well-acquainted with the CPU hardware, it is extremely difficult to pinpoint exactly where the fault has occurred. If any one of these components fail to perform, there are a few repair tips that can be followed. In order to view the circuitry inside the CPU, its casing has to be removed.

• Motherboard

The entire functioning of the computer depends on this component. The processor chip-set, that performs all the logical operations of the PC, is embedded in the motherboard. Ribbon cables, power supply, CPU and RAM are the things to be checked first on the motherboard. Check if any of the ribbon cables or the power supply cord is loose. Check if the RAM chip has been misplaced from its slot. The CPU (chip-set embedded in the board) will not show any marks on the outside if it is blown. The only way to check whether the CPU is working or not, is to test it by mounting it on the motherboard of another PC. The motherboard has a real-time clock, ROM BIOS, CMOS RAM, RAM sockets, CPU sockets or slots, cache RAM slots, keyboard controller, interrupts, internal connectors and external connectors mounted on it. Do not tamper with these components, unless you know each and every one of it well. Do not touch the motherboard without turning off the power.

• Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

Also known as hard drive, it is the long-term storage device of the system. If the hard drive cannot be detected for booting, check the jumper setting. The jumper setting can change the mode of the hard disk from master to slave or vice-versa. Make sure the Windows version being used for partitioning is consistent. Check that each drive has been assigned a drive-type. Make sure the pin numbers of the plug are attached to the corresponding pin numbers of the socket. Do not force the plug into the socket with extra force, the pins may bend. If the plug is not fitting perfectly in the socket, try inserting it again by flipping it over. Do not attempt to open the hard drive without enough knowledge of its components.

• Random Access Memory (RAM)

It is the temporary memory of the PC. The data in the RAM is erased when the computer is shut down. Check if the RAM is misplaced from its slot. While replacing the RAM in its slot, check the small niche at the center of the chip (the niche indicates how the RAM is supposed to be placed in the slot and may not be at the exact mid position of the chip-strip). Do not forget to secure the side clips that hold the chip in place. If you are unable to secure them, it means that the chip is not placed correctly in the slot.

• Compact Disk-Read Only Memory (CD-ROM) Drive

Data stored on external storage device like compact disk (CD) is read by inserting the CD in the CD drive. If the CD drive is not functioning, check if the CD is scratched. If the CD works fine in another PC, check if the power cable of the former drive is loose. Check if the plug and socket pin numbers match. If the tray of the drive is not opening, right click on CD-ROM icon and select eject option. If the tray does not open, insert a straight thin metal pin into the edge and try to pull it open. Do not apply too much of force while doing so. Avoid connecting the CD-ROM drive on the same controller cable as the primary hard drive, this will slow down its performance.

• Floppy Drive

If the floppy disk is not opening, try opening it in the floppy drive of another PC. If the disk does not open, then it is probably corrupt. If the disk is stuck in the drive, hold down the eject button for sometime or right click on floppy drive icon and select eject option. If the disk is still stuck, wiggle it up and down till it can be ejected or use tweezers to pull it out. Do not apply too much of force while doing so.

In order to avoid any kind of faults, following maintenance tips can be followed:

• Do not let dust saturate on the motherboard. Clean it with a vacuum cleaner or a hand broom once in 2-3 months.
• Hard drive mostly does not need any external cleaning, though by performing de-fragmentation and disk clean, it can be prevented from crashing.
• In the case of CD-ROM, do not pull the tray forcibly. Make use of the insert/eject button rather than pulling and pushing the tray.
• Clean the tray once in a while. Do not keep any heavy object on the tray. Avoid running scratched or damaged CDs in the CD-ROM.
• If the CPU fan is making too much noise, unmount it and oil the bearings.
• Do not attempt to start the PC if the fan is not in a working condition.
• If the fault persists, contact professional services. Also make a note of what exactly is happening when you start the PC. It makes the diagnosis a lot easier for the professional.

CPU is the brain of the computer. Proper maintenance of the CPU, as well as all other components enhances the computer performance.

Computer Hardware Troubleshooting Tips and Tools

It's certainly frustrating when are you in the middle of some work on your computer, and experience some hardware problems. In such cases, you may want to follow some hardware repair tips. Read on to know more on computer hardware troubleshooting tips and tools.

The computer hardware includes devices such as the mouse, keyboard, monitor, printer, scanner, etc. All are machines, and can at some or the other time fail to function. However, you can perform some basic computer troubleshooting tips to make them functional. If they don't seem to work with the troubleshooting tools, you need to send them for hardware repair. Let's discuss some of the computer troubleshooting tips that can generally be used.

PC Hardware Repair

•  Monitor

If the monitor is not working, using the computer is useless as you can't view what you are doing. If it's not displaying the content, the first thing you need to do is to ensure that it has been turned on by pressing the on/off button. The next thing you have to do is to check if the cable which connects the computer monitor and the CPU is connected properly. If not, connect it in a proper manner, or remove and plug it in again. Also make sure that the cord which is used to power the monitor is plugged in the UPS the right way. If this doesn't function the monitor, you need to check both the cables turn by turn on a different monitor which is in working condition. If the other monitor doesn't work with any one of the cords, that cable needs to be replaced. If the other monitor works with both cords, there is possibly a problem in your monitor. If you are unsuccessful in starting your monitor, you may turn off the PC, restart it in few minutes, and then check whether the monitor is working or not. When all efforts fail, a professional technician should be consulted.

• Keyboard

The keyboard is also an important part of the computer, without which you are unable to perform several PC tasks. The keyboard should be kept away from dust for its proper functioning. If it doesn't work, you first need to check its connection with the CPU. If the connection is fine, and still it's nonfunctional, simply try to connect it to another PS/2 socket, or USB port (in case of a USB keyboard). In case of wireless keyboards, special drivers are needed to be installed in the computer for proper functioning. Ensure that such drivers are installed. Also make a point to check whether the drivers are updated. Hold the keyboard in an inverted manner and remove the dust or debris which is hampering the proper working of a key or a set of keys. You can also remove dust with the help of a vacuum cleaner or an air compressor.

• Mouse

If the cursor on the screen is not moving in a smooth manner, you need to check for dust or any residue on the trackball rollers which enable the computer to accurately identify the movement of the mouse. Remove the rear mouse cover which will let the ball come out, clean the trackball if needed, remove the dust or residue, put the ball in again, and finally put the cover back. Check whether this works. If the cursor doesn't move at all, check whether the mouse is correctly connected to the CPU. If it's a USB mouse, try to use a different USB port. There can also be possibilities of a virus, if the mouse pointer doesn't work in an acceptable manner. Run an anti-virus software and delete the virus as soon as possible. Also check if the mouse drivers are corrupted, if yes, reinstall them.

• Printer

If the printer doesn't work, there is a possibility of a paper jam which normally occurs if the papers are not placed in the tray in a right manner. In case of bigger printers, you may need to open various printer parts to get to the place where there is a paper jam. This exclusively has to be done by a professional printer technician. Don't use tools to remove the paper jam as some components may get damaged during the process. If the printer doesn't turn on, the power cord may be loose, and needs to be plugged in properly. The cord which connects the printer to the computer also needs to be checked.

These are some of the very common computer hardware troubleshooting steps which can be followed before taking the PC to a professional hardware repair shop.

Computer Hardware Basic Information

If you are not aware about the hardware components of your personal computer, here is an article which will give you some computer hardware basic information in brief.

Computer has lately become an indispensable part of our lives. Almost all the households in United States either own or have access to a computer. We depend on this machine for most of our day-to-day activities, on the professional as well as personal front. Being machines, computers are also subject to various problems. Sometimes you may run into some software or hardware related issues with your computer at a point wherein you need to do some urgent work. In such a scenario, possessing computer hardware basic information can help you in computer hardware repair and maintenance to a great extent.

Computer Set

 Basic Information on Computer Hardware

Computer hardware consists of the various tangible components of the computer such as CPU, hard disk drive, RAM, motherboard, keyboard, mouse, power supply unit, printer, etc. Let's have a detailed look at the various hardware components of a computer.

• Central Processing Unit

A central processing unit, also referred to as a processor or a CPU, is an electronic circuit which facilitates data processing by executing various computer programs. Data processing by CPU involves four steps - fetching the instruction from the program memory, decoding the instruction, executing the desired operation and displaying the results.

• Motherboard

The computer motherboard, also referred to as the main board, is the central printed circuit board, located in the central processing unit of the computer. The motherboard facilitates the communication between the various components of the computer.

• Hard Drive

Hard drive, also referred to as the hard disk drive, is a non-volatile storage device in the computer, which facilitates the storage of digitally encoded data.

• Random Access Memory (RAM)

Random access memory, more often referred to as RAM, is a volatile data storage component of the computer, wherein the data is stored only until the computer is on. RAM facilitates accessing of data stored on the computer in any order. Read more on what is a computer RAM (random access memory).

• Monitor

The computer monitor, or display, is an electrical equipment, programmed to display various images generated by the computer. Older variants of the computer used cathode ray tube (CRT) displays, while the modern variants use thin film transistor liquid crystal displays (TFT-LCD).

• Keyboard

In computing, a keyboard is an input device used to type text and numbers into a particular computer program and give commands to the operating system. Most commonly used keyboards are the ones with QWERTY layout, which facilitate typing Latin based languages.

• Mouse

In computing, a mouse is a pointing device, which is used to feed instructions to a computer. The device works by detecting two-dimensional motions which is proportionate to the surface on which the mouse is moved.

• Printer

A printer is a hardware component of the computer which is used to produce a hard copy of the data which is stored in a digital format on the computer storage. These printers can be attached to the computer with the help of a printer cable or a USB cable.

• Power Supply Unit

A computer power supply unit is a computer hardware which is used to convert the power from the mains to a voltage that is necessary to run the computer. It also regulates the flow of power to the other various parts of computer, thus keeping the computer secured for fluctuating electricity.

• Modem

A modem is used to transfer information through the Internet. The term modem stands for modulate and demodulate. The computer uses digital signals, while the telephone uses analog signals. A modem changes digital signals to analog signals and back to digital signals.

Most of the hardware components of desktop computers and notebook computers are the same. The computer works together when all of these hardware components are collaborated with each other along with the appropriate software. Aforementioned computer hardware basic information will help you to know your personal computer better, and use it more efficiently.

*Source: www.buzzle.com