What are the alternatives to intel microprocessors & why use them?
AMD – sometimes faster, usually cheaper, so more bangs per buck. Also tend to release more heat than comparable Intel chips. PowerPC – not usually used for Windows… it’s an IBM proprietary chip used for Linux and AIX mainly. Because it mostly comes ready-installed in IBM kit only, only available in IBM kit. Versions were used in some Apple computers but no more (they use Intel now). Crusoe – very low power but slower than current Intel range. SPARC – proprietary for SUN kit, so only available built into SUN kit. Alpha – used to be the bees knees of processors but not developed for years, so old design, slow etc. Various small chips used in palmtops… small, low power, not fast. Various other specialist makers of processors… but they tend to be for dedicated / built-in processing power rather than for sale for PC builders. Plus mainframe processors… big, power hungry, water cooled and expensive.
