Dual-Core Socket AM3 Computer Processors

Upgrade Your Computer's CPU with a Socket AM3 Dual-Core Unit

Whether you're gaming, filling out spreadsheets for work, or catching up on your favorite show, a faster CPU means better speed and performance for your desktop PC. A new Socket AM3 dual-core can dramatically increase your CPU's ability to handle multiple projects without losing efficiency. Increasing the effective GHz that your motherboard has to use will improve the operations of your desktop PC in a very noticeable way, prolonging the life of your computer.

Your motherboard has the ability to have a new AM3 CPU installed in the corresponding socket, which will boost performance significantly, assuming the functional GHz capacity is greater than your old processor. This matters because when you execute a command or program your computer has to process it in the order it was received, which can slow down how fast it does everything else. An additional core on your processor means it can create two queues with which to process commands, apps, and programs without losing performance.

Computer speed is measured in clock speed, which is functionally represented in GHz, or gigahertz. This is the speed at which the computer can perform calculations and finish commands. The higher your CPU's gigahertz, the faster the clock speed, which means the faster it can process computations, which translates to faster application processing and smoother, more responsive operating of the entire system. A new AM3 processor, particularly a dual-core processor with ample gigahertz, will operate significantly faster than a lower, single-core processor.

GHz equates to the processing speed of your CPU, and RAM corresponds to data that is loaded for quick retrieval. They both play an important role in loading and computing programs and information on your computer, and they work in tandem to produce fast results. While the processor, like a Socket AM3, actually does the computing for programs, RAM loads that computation for quick retrieval, so rather than having to compute data over and over from scratch, it can be quickly accessed. Processing directly from the motherboard, even with a dual-core, takes a lot of time; RAM simply makes that process faster and more streamlined.

When you're going to upgrade your Socket AM3 processor, it's important to know the primary purpose of the upgrade. What will you be using the computer for; gaming, work, or simple everyday tasks like web browsing? What you plan on doing primarily will affect what type of processor you need to look for:

• Gaming: Dual-core processors are the minimum you want with as high of a GHz value as you can get.
• Professional use:A dual-core processor is ideal, especially for graphic design, but GHz matters less.
• Everyday use: A single-core or a dual-core processor works fine, and you'll notice a performance increase from more GHz, but it's not necessary.