An old standard, but one that still provides decent performance at a great price.

There may be two main CPU manufacturers, but picking the right processor is anything but simple. We put 51 CPUs through their paces

Choosing a CPU for your PC isn’t an easy task. Here are our picks for budget, mid-range and high-end systems.

A cheap, lightweight choice for single-core applications, but you get the performance you pay for.

A world first on the desktop, Phenom is good but a long way from outstanding.

Our full guide to saving cash-saving secrets is here, from how to get discounts on PCs, to SIM only phone contracts, the best DSLR cameras deals, and discount licensing from Adobe, Microsoft and others.

A diverse family including some stellar CPUs and numerous also-rans.

We've put AMD and Intel’s new processors to the test, and there's one clear winner.

Thought Core 2 was the only choice? Think again... AMD's far from dead.

A smartly engineered processor, but for today’s applications it’s lacking in bang per buck.

An expensive board, but a fascintating way of getting a powerful, quiet system, especially if you're prepared to tweak.

A range of cut-down Core 2 Duo processors that are fine for everyday tasks.

In its day, it held the speed crown, but today’s dual-core CPUs leave it trailing for power, efficiency and value.

If you’re locked into Intel, there’s value to be had. But AMD’s Sempron is the budget-buyer’s king.

The 915 is an good budget choice, but elsewhere this family is eclipsed by newer offerings.

Sempron offers decent performance at rock-bottom prices for those on tight budgets.