Processors - Celeron Vs. Pentium

When working with clients who are purchasing a new system questions from words they have heard always come up - one is about the processor and with so many choices how are you supposed to know what is right, what is old and what is new? So as I was thinking about this topic this morning I thought I might take a moment to compare two very popular processors (aka the brains of the computer or the chip). Today's information comes to us from http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bradley_James

The Celeron and Pentium Processors are two of Intel's best selling CPUs. They are found in a majority of home computer systems. When comparing the two processors it should be first understood that there are different types of Pentium processors - the original Pentium all the way to the Pentium 4 (the latest Pentium processor). The Celeron processors are more or less the same, although you will find them in a wide variety of speeds.

The Intel Celeron processor was always designed to be a low-cost alternative to the Pentium processor line. It is much like a car company that offers various priced cars from the luxury sedan to the economy compact. The Celeron is simply a downgraded Pentium, that almost anyone can afford (it is essentially the compact). To begin, Celeron chips have a smaller L2 cache 9128kb compared with 512kb in the Pentium 4 Northwood, which translates into slower processing speeds. In fact, current Celerons have a clock speed limit of about 2.0GHz, where as the Pentium for is capable of speed in excess of 3.0GHz. In addition, the Pentium runs at a lower core voltage because it is more energy effecient (1.75V vs. 1.5V).

In summary, the Pentium 4 is more powerful than the most advanced Celeron processor on the market. However, Intel has planned it to be this way. Many applications will work just great with a Celeron processor, despite a little less power than the Pentium 4. It is a way to save a little cash when buying a new pc - but don't forget the saying "you get what you pay for." Celeron processors are of good Intel quality, but they will never be as good as the Pentium.

Now that you know that the celeron is bacially th eocnomical version you can do everythig the average home user wants to do. Now I consider myself a power user. At any given time when you look at my computer I have a very busy machine. I am running Windows Vista Business, along with a sidebar full of tools. Then I am typically looking at anywhere from 3 to 10 different web sites using IE 8 and tabs. I may end up with one or two other IE's opened from popups. Then I commonly have my 2.5 GB Outlook sitting open - because you never know when you're going to need your mail and calendar. After reading the email there are always about 6 or 7 opened ones just sitting there waiting for my attention along with a couple half written responses I am also often working on web site development or a power point presentation which now has opened more windows - OK, so we are talking 15 -30 windows open at any given time. I am running a 1.4 Ghz celeron, with 2GB RAM. I never have hang ups, or slow downs and am almost afraid to trade or upgrade my computer because of the fact that it works so well. My point to this is to let you know that it is very possible to buy a less expensive machine and get everything you want and then some from that machine.

If you are ever looking to get a new computer - and your wallet does not allow for the latest and you do not have to have the latest - check with Simply Seniors Computer Tutors as they always have a great selection of used computers and equipment that will meet your needs and your budget.

Thanks for reading!

Stacey Kile - Simply Seniors Computer Tutors - 321-431-3866 www.sscomputertutor.com