Processor Guide

Information Systems & Computing (ISC) has developed this page to help Local Support Providers (LSPs) understand the many processor choices available.

Windows Processors

ISC tracks six different lines of processors for Windows workstations.

• AMD Duron (speeds of up to 1.3 GHz): AMD's low-end processor, currently being phased out - used in low-end desktops and low-end laptops.
• Intel Celeron (speeds of up to 2.4 GHz desktop/1.8 GHz laptop): Intel's low-end processor, used in low-end desktops and low-end to mid-range laptops.
• Intel Pentium III (speeds of up to 1.4 GHz desktop/1.33 GHz laptop): Intel's mid-range processor, currently almost completely phased out in the desktop space, while starting to be phased out in the laptop arena.
• Intel Pentium-M (speeds of up to 1.6 GHz laptop): Intel's flagship laptop-specific processor, newly introduced.
• AMD Athlon XP (speeds of up to 2.167 GHz desktop/1.8 GHz laptop): AMD's high-end processor, used in mid-range to high-end desktops and laptops.
• Intel Pentium 4 (speeds of up to 3.06 GHz desktop/2.4 GHz laptop): Intel's high-end processor, used in mid-range to high-end desktops and large laptops.

In general, ISC suggests Celeron processors for Value PCs, while suggesting Pentium 4 or Athlon XP processors for Performance PCs. Laptops range from Celerons and Durons on the low-end to 1.0 GHz + Pentium IIIs, 1.3 GHz + Pentium-Ms, and 2.0 GHz + Pentium 4s on the high-end.

Mac OS Processors

ISC tracks two different lines of processors for Mac OS workstations.

• PowerPC G3 (speeds of up to 800 MHz): IBM's mid-range processor, currently used in Apple's iMac/G3 and iBook product lines.
• PowerPC G4 (speeds of up to 1.42 GHz desktop/1.0 GHz laptop): Motorola's high-end processor, currently used in Apple's Power Macintosh G4, eMac, iMac/G4, and PowerBook G4 product lines.

ISC suggests PowerPC G4 processors for Value PCs and Performance PCs. Laptops range from PowerPC G3s on the low-end and mid-range to PowerPC G4s on the mid-range and high-end.

For Further Information

• AMD's Duron and Athlon XP pages.
• IBM's PowerPC page.
• Intel's Celeron, Pentium III, Pentium-M, and Pentium 4 pages.
• Motorola's home page.

desktop recommendations