Buying Guide: Intel Core Processors
Intel Core processors make tasks on your desktop, laptop or netbook easier, with faster performance, seamless multi-tasking, smooth responsiveness and amazing media capabilities. We'll help you pick the right processor for your computer.
Why Is The Processor So Important To Your Computer?
Consider the processor as your computer's "brain," which controls everything it does, how fast it works and how energy efficient it is. A processor has the greatest influence in the overall performance of your computer.
The Intel Core Processor Family
The best way to achieve high computing performance is to focus on the processor. Intel has introduced the Core processor range, offering smart processor options for every need. This means you can enjoy multi-tasking and fast performance that adapts to your needs within your budget. In fact, Intel recommends that you buy your next computer "one size smarter" to meet your needs today and in the future.
With an all-new Intel Core processor computers can:
- Run more programs at the same time than ever before.
- Enjoy improved communications via social networking, video chat, blogging, and e-mail.
- Watch High Definition Internet TV and video with smooth playback.
- Easily upload, edit, and share photos and videos.
- Play the latest games with cutting-edge advancements.
- Spend less time waiting and more time doing.
What Are Some Of The Features?
Hyper-Threading Technology (available on all Core 2010 products): Lets your Intel Core processor work on more tasks at the same time. Threads are software tasks carried out by the processor. Traditionally, most processors could process only one thread per core, so four-thread processing in a four-core processor was the limit. Intel's Hyper-Threading Technology uses two threads in every core, enabling each core of your processor to work on two tasks simultaneously. This means your computer is quicker, more responsive and won't be slowed down by multiple applications running at once. It's like an eight-lane highway leading into a city; it moves a lot faster than a four-lane highway.
Turbo Boost Technology (available in the Core i7 and Core i5 processors): Automatically gives you extra performance whenever you need it, and increased energy efficiency when you don't. The new range of processors intuitively recognises the workload and if there's a need to go faster than the recommended frequency, they will (as long as there is more head room). The magic happens when some workloads leave unused cores sitting idle. Intel's Turbo Boost Technology re-routes that unused performance to the cores that are active, increases their frequency and boosts their performance without wasting power. It's like the turbo boost in your car; when you put your foot down, it will react with performance.
Intel HD Graphics (available on all Core i3 and Core i5 processors): Provides superb visual performance for sharper images, vivid colour, and life-like audio and video. You can watch movies and Internet videos in High Definition, play games and use Microsoft Windows 8. It's all built in -- Intel has included integrated graphics on the processor instead of a separate chip — so there's no need for an extra add-in video card. All Core i3 and Core i5 processors feature Intel HD Graphics, while Core i7 processors — which are intended more for gamers and enthusiasts -- do not include integrated video.
Which Intel Core Processor Suits Your Needs?
Intel Core i3 Processors 
As the first level in Intel's new processor family, the Intel Core i3 processor is the perfect entry point for a fast, responsive PC experience. It's great for people with everyday computing needs, like surfing the Net and running everyday programs like Microsoft Office and iTunes. There's plenty of performance to make sure your PC or Mac will have loads of headroom for more demanding tasks now and into the future.
The Intel Core i3 range of processors feature:
- Two cores/four threads
- Intel Hyper-Threading Technology
- Intel HD Graphics
- Lower price point
Intel Core i5 Processors
A step up from Core i3, the Intel Core i5 processor is ideal for most users' needs, delivering solid performance for everyday applications, plus the ability to increase speed as needed for demanding tasks. It's two times faster than a PC using a previous-generation Intel Core 2 Duo processor.
The Intel Core i5 range of processors feature:
- Choice of two or four cores
- Intel Hyper-Threading Technology
- Intel Turbo Boost Technology
- Intel HD Graphics
Intel Core i7 And Core i7 Extreme Processors
The Intel Core i7 is at the top of Intel's new family of processors and delivers the ultimate in fast, efficient performance for the serious multi-tasker, gamer or multimedia enthusiast.
The Intel Core i7 range of processors feature:
- Choice of two or four cores
- Intel Hyper-Threading Technology
- Intel Turbo Boost Technology
- More cache (temporary storage) for faster performance
Intel's fastest, smartest PC processor is the Core i7 Extreme, built for users who demand high performance. It's everything that the Core i7 processor offers, with the widest array of cutting-edge, performance-enhancing features. If you want the best PC experience that will maximise the life cycle of your PC, then Core i7 is for you.
