GoPubby - The "Brains" and "Nerves" of a PC

Central Processing Unit

The CPU (central processing unit) is an essential component of a PC. It performs all types of data processing operations, stores data, and controls the operation of all parts of the computer. That sounds like a pretty important and honorable task, so wouldn't it be a shame to lack a good CPU? That's where Intel and AMD, the top CPU manufacturers come in. I'm mostly concerned about Intel's i9-10900K and AMD's equivalent Ryzen 9 3900X. Both are competing as the number one CPU. The Ryzen 9 boasts of 12 Cores and 24 Threads at 3.8GHz while the i9 has 10 Cores and 20 Threads at 3.7GHz. It's not a big difference, but one can see the slight decrease in the numbers for the i9. Just to briefly explain what cores and threads are, a core is a single individual processor (so the i9 would have 10 mini processors put together) and a thread is a single line of commands that are getting processed. Each application has at least one thread, most have multiples. The core is the physical hardware that works on the thread. In general, a processor can only work on one thread per core (CPUs with hyper-threading can work on up to two threads per core).

Now the Ryzen 9 is valued at about $423 while the i9 is at $488. But why is that? That's probably because Intel has better brand recognition due to most PC manufacturers advertising the Intel chips they use. AMD’s processors were only really used in the cheapest computers and practically nonexistent on laptops. When you have little name recognition and an inferior product, your only option to compete is at a lower price. However, despite the extra money, Intel's i9 has a better single-core performance and also uses less power (95 watts compared to 105). Additionally, with Intel's integrated graphics, you'll get both full HD and 4K video and graphical support right out of the box. You'll not only get a great picture for both streaming video and playing the latest games, but you'll get awesome frame rates as well, preventing lag and screen tearing.

Now, let's say we select Intel's chips. Then here's the next question. Is it worth it to get the 10th generation over the 9th generation? The former has 10-cores and 20 threads compared to the latter which ran with 8 cores and 16 threads. Another point to bear in mind is that Intel’s 10th generation chips have introduced enhanced overclocking features, including for example per-core hyper-threading disabling, which may help those who like to tinker and tweak to get the most out of their CPU in certain situations. Comparing the prices, the 9900 is about $450 and the 10900 is about $800. If you already own the Core i9-9900k, is it worth forking out for the 10900k? The simple answer to that would be no, not really. The 10900k’s clock speed bumps are relatively minor, plus the attention-grabbing headline 5.3GHz speed is the potential of dubious value in terms of real-world usage. In my opinion, the 10900k might be overkill for most games, unless you're doing some serious work. But it's always good to swipe a deal when it comes along.

A motherboard is the main printed circuit board in a computer. It's the computer's central communications backbone connectivity point, through which all components and external peripherals connect. Motherboards are just as important as CPU's because there are certain types designed for Intel chips and others specifically for AMD's. Also, good motherboards have lots of ports such as an abundance of USB 3.0's.

Motherboards also come in 3 main sizes, with the standard ATX being the largest, followed by the mini, and then the micro. Keep in mind that while the smaller the motherboard, the cheaper it is, it also offers fewer ports and memory slots, and that might or might not make a difference in your gaming experience.

The "Brains" and "Nerves" of a PC

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