Intel Processor Comparison: Which one is right for me?

Intel is the brand that Dell uses in all of its computers. Apple now also uses Intel processors in the MacBook, MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac Mini product lines. There are many different options within Intel's product line, and this page is meant to help you clarify which is best for you. Newer processors will usually last you much longer than older ones, and generally longevity is the best choice when buying a computer.

Remember, though, that Intel is not the only brand that makes processors. AMD's processors are often considered better and less expensive than Intel's, and have recently been added as an option on many Dell systems.

Core 2 Duo

The Core 2 Duo is Intel's newest processor, and can be found in both PCs and new Macs. While not technically a "dual processor," each Core 2 Duo has a pair of processing cores in it. This helps optimize performance for things like gaming, video and image processing, and so on. It's also extremely useful for running many programs at once, without sacrificing any of your system's performance. Laptops with Core Duo processors tend to be more energy-efficient and thinner than ones without them.

Pentium 4

The Pentium 4 is an older processor than the Core Duo, but it is far from obsolete. The Pentium 4 is one of the best processors for desktops, able to reach speeds of well over 3.0 GHz. The Pentium 4 is also available with "HyperThreading" technology, which makes it perform more efficiently when you're running many demanding programs at once.

Centrino

Intel's Centrino processor is a combination of either the Pentium M (the precursor to the Core Duo) or the Core Duo, a model of motherboard, and a wireless card. While the set is nice, it is largely marketing on Intel's part and offers little performance boost over simply choosing a Core Duo and a Dell wireless card. The latter option tends to be less expensive and works just as well. Either the Centrino or any Dell wireless card will work with UWNet, the University's wireless network.

Celeron

The Celeron processor is designed to be Intel's most cost-effective processor. It is their most basic, and thus slowest. While a Celeron may have a similar GHz rating to a Core or Pentium processor, the Celeron will be slower due to smaller amounts of cache within the processor itself. We do not generally recommend purchasing a computer with a Celeron processor, because they offer by far the least in terms of longevity -- while a computer with a Celeron processor will be less expensive now, it will need to be replaced at a cumulatively higher cost later.