During the 1980's, when Intel was single-handedly creating the world's consumer computers, buying decisions were simpler. You looked at the clockspeed of their CPU's, looked at your budget, then bought as fast as you could afford. In the 1990's, processor competitors Cyrix, AMD, Motorola, and others became much more prominent in the PC computing market and provided some real choices for computer makers and users.

Today, we still buy as much as we can afford, but our choices now include Athlons,  Durons, Celerons, and Pentium 4's as part of a wide array of CPU technologies, speeds, and manufacturers. CPU clockspeed and price comparisons alone will not show which is the best computer for you.

So how does one decide? This is where the CPU Scorecard can help. After much study of the comparative benchmarking information available, it quickly became apparent how inconsistent much of it was. Some Pentiums were compared against some Athlons; some Celerons were compared with some Durons. Not everyone's comparisons agreed with everyone else's, and certainly no one compared them all.

One can argue just how valuable CPU benchmarks are when making computer buying decisions. But though flawed, they are an important measure. The CPU Scorecard is an attempt at pulling this important information together in one place.

In our information, we will strive to be accurate. In the news we choose and sources we use, we will try to be balanced and fair. But our slant will always be on the side of increased competition.

While Intel, Microsoft, and other market leaders will tell you that standards and compatibility are all-important (as long as everyone is compatible with them), we are of the philosophy that more competition is equally important.  We are not where we are now--with powerful sub-$1000 computers that can serve the needs of the newbie--because of Intel's philanthropy. We certainly admire and credit Intel for their leadership in this field. But we are also of the opinion that an unchallenged monopoly (or duopoly, as the case may be) will invariably fall to the temptations of controlling the market to get ahead, rather than furthering their technology or building upon the first principles that lead to their success and market leadership in the first place. It's human nature. And it's certainly corporate nature.

In addition, our roots are in Canada. And while we recognise the undeniable leadership that the U.S. has provided to the computer industry, there will be a deliberate Canadian focus to much of our information. Which is OK, we think, as there is more than enough U.S.-specific (read exclusive) information available out there.

We invite you to use and comment on the information and views provided here. If the CPU Scorecard has helped you in some small way to find the most suitable computer or upgrade for your needs, we have achieved our goal. If we have further informed, challenged or entertained, so much the better. So read on, enjoy, use, employ.

And may the CPU Scorecard on your wall, whether your needs are big or small, ever show who is the fastest CPU of all...