which is the fastest processor?

For a consumer the only real options are Intel and AMD, Macs use Intel now so IBM is out of the PC processor game(at least until, maybe someone comes up with a Cell based PC) and VIA along with the other players just don't have the resources to pose a serious threat to Intel and AMD. It's the same thing as with nVidia and ATi in the graphics segment. I like to call it "The Balance".

Anyway getting back to the question, among these two major players Intel was on the GHz. race and have processors with higher clock speeds(on single cores of course).

But I'm guessing you want the most effectively fast processors out there at the moment.

Then I'd suggest trying AMDs X2 5000+ and FX-62

With Intel you can try the single cores (get the fastest clock rate your budget will allow for a single core Extreme Edition) or the new Core2EXTREME dual core CPU.

Even a mid range Core2Duo will please the casual gamer though.

Hope this helps! Something like a "Cray X1" I think! About 11,7 gigaflops! I'm in the process of finishing off a "Teraflop" but the neighbors are getting p*****d at their TV's going dim, and their kettle's never boils anymore!! 64 bit processor is the fastest. Multi - XMP (More than one Cray)

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