Processors can be broadly classified into Slot-type and Socket-type; different package types include S.E.P, S.E.C.C, PGA, FC-PGA2 and FC-LGA4. A combination of Silicon and either Aluminum or Copper is used to manufacture Processors; different phases in the manufacture include Wafering, Masking, Doping, Testing and Packaging.
Performance and trade-offs are evaluated using software programs called Benchmarks. Some of the Industry standard benchmarks include BAPCo, EEMBC, SPEC and the TPC. Although Processors are operated at clock speeds specified by the manufacturer, performance enthusiasts operate it at higher clock speeds than those designated by the manufacturer (Overclocking).
Latest trends in Processor technology include Hyper-threading, Multi-core Processors and Virtualization Technology. Typical PC user prefers a standard P4 processor, where as a Performance enthusiast would opt for a Dual core or a Core-2 Duo processor. Manufacturing giants like Intel, AMD, Cyrix and Transmeta enclose a constantly updated Knowledge Base to assist the buyers. IDC predicts an increasing growth rate as compared to the statistics in 2007 which showed a 12.6% growth in shipments and 1.7% growth in revenue, the revenue reaching a whopping $31 billion.
