Pentium IV - 3 GHz

Pentium IV describes the computer "architecture" and the type of  Central Processing Unit (CPU) that the computer uses. This will directly affect the speed of the computer and what types of instructions the computer is capable of computing.  Each time a new generation of computer chips come out, it increases computing power.

The CPU is the main part of your computer system.  It is the part of your computer that does all of the computing and crunching of numbers that is necessary for a computer to run.  It sends and receives data and information to and from each component of your computer.  The CPU is by far the most important aspect of your computer system and describes, in a large way, what type of computer that you have.

3GHz is the "clock" speed at which the computer runs, this directly affects its speed.   The speed is measured in mega-hertz (MHz) or giga-hertz (GHz).  A typical computer will run an application faster with a faster clock speed, this is considered the predominant factor affecting speed.

Analogy - The computer architecture is like the number of lanes on a highway.  Each generation upgrade of new chips offers more lanes on the highway.  Early generations like the 386 was similar to a two lane road, the 486 - a four lane road, Pentium - an eight lane road, and so on.  Future generations of Pentiums such as the Pentium Pro, Pentium MMX, Pentium II and Pentium III maintained the same basic architecture, but improved the performance of video, multi-media, calculations and speed with each new generation.

Think of the clock speed as the speed limit on the highway.  You may have an eight lane road, but you may only go as fast as the speed limit will allow.

History - The history of IBM compatible processors made by Intel Corp. range from 286, 386, 486, Pentium, Pentium Pro, Pentium MMX, Pentium II, Pentium III, and Pentium IV.

Common clock speeds for the Intel Pentium and AMD K6 and Athlon chips are 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 533, 550 and 730.  Each month, the chip manufacturers struggle to compete and offer you the fastest chip speed.  The clock speed on these chips will soon go over 1000.

Manufacturers - Intel, is the manufacturer of the Pentium, Pentium MMX, Pentium II, Pentium III, and Pentium IV chips. AMD is another manufacturer that makes a competitive chip known as the AMD Athlon chip.  Both manufacturers are of very high quality use the highest standards.   Although Intel is the industry standard, you may find many computers are now using the AMD chipsets, most of them offering a considerable value.

What You Are Looking For - Try to find a system that has the most recent architecture, with the fastest speed for the best price, OK you already knew that!  Since this is the most important part of the entire computer system, it is the basis for what you are shopping for.  Set your sights on a specific chipset and speed and then go about comparing all of the other variables.