### Processor (CPU)

The Processor or CPU is the " **brain**" of the computer. The more powerful processor your computer has, the faster it will work. The Processor is sometimes called "the chip".

The Processor is often labelled by the number of " **cores**" (separate ' **brains**' which can work in parallel).

Processors are made by two companies: Intel and AMD. They are both equally good.

The speed of both types of processor are measured in Gigahertz (GHz). The higher the speed, the faster the processor.

|     |     |
| --- | --- |
|  | The current Intel processors are called i3, i5 and i7.<br>Most standard home computers will come with an i3 processor.<br>We would recommend an i5 processor for most office needs.<br>If you need a very powerful computer, e.g. for creating graphics and video, then the i7 processor could be the correct one for you.<br>These processor types have been around for several years: Intel has produced many new versions of each type.<br>Servers tend to use Intel Xeon processors. |
|  | The common current AMD processors are called Ryzen and come with 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 or 16 cores.<br>The subversion of Ryzen (e.g. Ryzen 5) is roughly equivalent to an Intel i5.<br>x2 (dual-core) is for standard computers<br>x4 (quad-core) or better for high performance computers |