Intel processors come in all shapes and sizes so I'll try to be brief by discussing only the ones that are current on the market.The market for intel processors are currently divided into 2 sides. One side if for single core processors while the other is for multi-cores.
Single cores:
Pentium 4, Pentium M, Celeron, Core Solo
Pentium 4, Pentium M, Celeron, Core Solo
These cpus are single cores meaning that they only have one processor. They are relatively cheap compared to multicores. The difference between these are clock values, hyper threading, 64 bit support, and FSB. Pentium 4 and Celerons are cores found in desktops while the M is found in laptops. Single cores generally have low FSB but high clock speeds. Think of it as having a lot of water pressure but only a straw to dispense it. That's how fsb and clock values work. So single cores should provide you with a lot of raq power but they're not good at multi-tasking or jobs that requires it divide it's attention. Games like Crysis will be better with multi-cores because the pc has to generate so many different things at once while focusing on countless calculations and processes. the hyperthreading support does help the single core pentium 4s with multi-tasking but it's not as much as multicores. So if you're just looking for something with a lot of raw power. These are for you.
Multi-Core:
Core Duo, Core 2 Duo, Core 2 Quad
These are multi-core processors developed by intel. They are used in both laptops and desktops except for the quad. It's used in desktops only. The first 2 processors are dual cores while the last is quad cored. These processors have a high FSB rating and generally lower clock speed. So you have to be careful when looking at these. The high fsb means that the system does really really well with dividing and transferring it's processing power, but if you get a low clock speed then there's not enough power to begin with for the assignment. Example you may have a large hose but if you have low water pressure.. it's useless. That's why multi-cores are great for the modern pc user who multitasks way too much but if it's under 2.0ghz in clock speed. You should be worried about not having enough raw power to get you through intensive work. Multicores generally cost a lot more than single cores since they're relatively new technology. Btw the Core 2 Duo is faster than the Core Duo by about 7%. Meanwhile the quadcore is the ultimate in processor goodness but costs $400+.
Details Of Intel Processors :
Intel's newest addition to the Intel® Pentium® processor family with dual-core processor technology that delivers great desktop and mobile performance, low power enhancements, and multitasking for everyday computing.Many software applications for everyday tasks are now designed for dual-core processors. With the Intel® Celeron® dual-core processor, you can now take basic computing to new levels; become more creative and productive in the home, office, or classroom.
In addition, security and virus protection often means running more than one application at a time, and the Celeron dual-core processor has the power to run them simultaneously. Based on energy-efficient microarchitecture, the Celeron dual-core processor delivers superior energy-efficient dual-core performance
The Intel® Core™ Duo processor breaks new ground. Its dual-core technology rewrites the rules of computing, delivering optimized power efficient computing and breakthrough dual-core performance with amazingly low power consumption. Intel Core Duo processor is available in Intel's premium laptop platform, Intel® Centrino® processor technology. It can also be found in select Intel® Core™2 processor with Viiv™ technology-based systems.
The Intel® Core™2 Solo processor is the next-generation single-core mobile processor that provides freedom and flexibility to live, work, and play on-the-go
The Intel® Atom™ processor is Intel's smallest processor, built with the world's smallest transistors and manufactured on Intel's industry-leading 45nm Hi-k Metal Gate technology. The Intel Atom processor was purpose-built for simple, affordable, netbooks and nettops.
Intel Atom processor-based netbooks and nettops offer both an easy-to-use mobile device with simple interfaces and targeted performance for a good online experience. They are rugged and compact in design, and offer the freedom and flexibility of wireless connectivity¹.
Great for Internet, these devices are an affordable option for education, photo and video viewing, social networking, voice over IP, e-mail, messaging, browsing, and numerous other Internet activities and basic applications.
For cutting-edge nomads seeking the best pocketable Internet experience, Intel® Centrino® Atom™ processor technology unleashes the freedom and flexibility of Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs) enabling you to enjoy your entertainment or access the full Internet on the go.
Introducing Intel® Core™2 Quad processor for notebook and desktop PCs, designed to handle massive compute and visualization workloads enabled by powerful multi-core technology. Optimized for the longest possible battery life without compromise to performance, Intel Core 2 Quad processors for notebooks allow you to stay unwired longer while running the most compute-intensive applications.
Providing all the bandwidth you need for next-generation highly-threaded applications, the latest four-core Intel Core 2 Quad processors are built on 45nm Intel® Core™ microarchitecture enabling faster, cooler, and quieter mobile and desktop PC and workstation experiences.
Plus, with optional Intel® vPro™ technology, you have the ability to remotely isolate, diagnose, and repair infected desktop and mobile workstations wirelessly and outside of the firewall, even if the PC is off, or the OS is unresponsive.
Providing all the bandwidth you need for next-generation highly-threaded applications, the latest four-core Intel Core 2 Quad processors are built on 45nm Intel® Core™ microarchitecture enabling faster, cooler, and quieter mobile and desktop PC and workstation experiences.
Plus, with optional Intel® vPro™ technology, you have the ability to remotely isolate, diagnose, and repair infected desktop and mobile workstations wirelessly and outside of the firewall, even if the PC is off, or the OS is unresponsive.
With Intel Core 2 Duo desktop processor, you'll experience revolutionary performance, unbelievable system responsiveness, and energy-efficiency second to none.
The Intel Core 2 Duo processor-based desktop PC was designed from the ground up for energy efficiency, letting you enjoy higher performing, ultra-quiet, sleek, and low power desktop PC designs. Do more at the same time, like playing your favorite music, running virus scan in the background, and all while you edit video or pictures. The powerful Intel Core 2 Duo desktop processor provides you with the speed you need to perform any and all tasks imaginable.
Don’t settle for anything less than the very best. Find your perfect desktop powered by the Intel Core 2 Duo processor and get the best processing technology money can buy.
Don’t settle for anything less than the very best. Find your perfect desktop powered by the Intel Core 2 Duo processor and get the best processing technology money can buy.
Designed from the ground up for extreme competitive gaming and HD multimedia on the fly, the Intel® Core™2 Extreme processors are the world's highest performing quad-core¹ and dual-core² mobile processors. Delivering all the performance of a desktop, enabled in a revolutionary, sleek, and killer notebook.
As your ultimate engine for hi-def digital content creation, HD multimedia, and a rockin' hardcore gaming experience, these notebooks provide the raw power, responsiveness, and realism you need for the most compute-intensive and multi-threaded apps-wherever you want to be.
As your ultimate engine for hi-def digital content creation, HD multimedia, and a rockin' hardcore gaming experience, these notebooks provide the raw power, responsiveness, and realism you need for the most compute-intensive and multi-threaded apps-wherever you want to be.