- Instruction Set Size: Size of the instructions the processor can address simultaneously. It also defines the maximum amount of memory that the CPU can address. Currently, 32-bit and 64-bit.
- Memory Type: The standard and speed of RAM that the CPU is designed to address efficiently. If the RAM used in the system is other than the one specified by the CPU manufacturer, it may cause the system to lag.
- Max Memory Size: The maximum amount of physical memory that the CPU can support. If more RAM is installed than this, it may result in an unstable system.
- Number of Memory Channels: It specifies the number of RAM slots the CPU can work with efficiently. If the CPU is installed on a motherboard with more slots than this, it will cause the system to lag.
- PCI-E Support: Number of PCI Express slots supported and the PCI-E standard supported.
- Integrated Graphics: If the CPU has integrated graphics unit, then the graphics frequency is also to be considered.
- Socket Size: If you need to replace your processor, you need to be sure that the processor's socket size matches with the socket size of your existing motherboard.
Just keep in mind all of the above mentioned specifications while choosing a processor and you will have a super performance system.