Which CPU??

[xirokx]

Hi,

I'd like to begin by saying i'm a total n00b when it comes to processors so please go easy

Could you kindly explain the difference between these three processors in lamen's terms :

a) amd 64 bit

b) amd 64 X2

c) amd Opteron

Also whilst reading diff threads within this forum I noticed people talking about:

a ) overclocking - could you kindly explain what this entails, is it difficult? How long does it take?

b) Cache - several ppl have suggested while its possible to change the clock speed you cannot change the cache speed....forgive my terminalogy......however what again in lamen's term is the cache? what does it do?

I would really appreciate your help and advice.........thank you

P.S. ATM I have a amd 3500 newcastle can this be overclocked? How do you know if a CPU can be overclocked?

All in all I am thinking about upgrading but am trying to get all the facts first to find out what's best......

I use my PC for some gaming, surfing, photoshop, flash etc etc sometimes it can be very slow when multitasking....

Any how I would really appreciate your help to my newbie questions

Cheers!!!!!

 

[xirokx]

so what you are saying its better to go for a dual core processor for multi tasking i.e. AMD X2 chipset as you wont have to run the risk of overclocking because by doing so you are running the risk of losing other components etc..

So is cache like how much information the processor can hold at 1 time without having to look around for it? if that makes sense......

If you were to get lets say an Opteron 165 or 170 and do not overclock it then would it be the same as running a dual core processor?

What is more future proof?

Thanks for your help so far much appreciated