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.

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

Prepare to say goodbye to the Pentium as we reveal the next generation

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

This first of a new generation is only a little faster than the old, but its potential is clearly huge

A beautifully tiny computer-on-a-board that you should only consider if you have a specific use in mind

Stack your system full of software without paying a penny, with our guide to essential downloads

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

Impressive technology, but increasing cores doesn’t necessarily increase performance.

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

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

Performance per watt has taken a backward step, but it’s very fast with the right apps.

David Fearon pulls apart the tiny notebook, and asks why Intel and Microsoft can't match the excitement.

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

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

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

Plus, how we work out the ratings.

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

Can Intel steal Phenom's performance thunder with this top-end quad core chip?