What is Multitasking?

Multitasking means running a set of instructions – more than one program (multiple tasks) on a computer simultaneously. It aims at increasing productivity and saving time by keeping all computer resources at work. 

The operating system controls the whole multitasking process by loading programs into your computer for processing. Additionally, it oversees the executions of these programs from start to finish.

Ideally, multitasking encompasses interleaving and overlapping the execution of multiple programs. The difference between the rapid processing capacity and a slow rate of input/output devices offer a chance to leverage multitasking.

For instance, when a computer reads data from a magnetic disk at a somewhat slower rate, its central processor can execute another program at a higher speed but with minimal input. Competing demands of different programs can make multitasking a little painful. However, the OS coordinates these competing demands in various ways. 

The operating system allocates, manages, and sends tasks and processes to the CPU. Keep in mind; while multitasking, a computer doesn’t perform more than a single task at a go. Instead, the computer has a faster and smooth processing ability, giving an impression of simultaneously performing multiple tasks.

Typically, the computer schedules operations to manage selection and processing between various tasks. And there are various sorting criteria, including task delivery time and priority. 

Various ways of multitasking include:

• Opening multiple windows at once 
• Switching open window using keyboard shortcuts 
• Using multiple monitors on a single computer

10 Characteristics Required For Multitasking

When you allow multiple computer programs to utilize tiny slices of a computer processor’s time in succession, that is time slicing, and it is multitasking. 

For multitasking, you need the following characteristics:

1. Context Switch: this is when OS multitask executes one job and then does another. For instance, a system can finish printing and then can switch to resizing graphics for different use.
2. Time-Sharing: it’s allowing multiple users to use one computing resource simultaneously. The computer should allow quick switching between users and their requirements. 
3. Hardware Interruption: the ability to interrupt other tasks to focus on a problem that the operating system is notified, usually about a peripheral in the hardware
4. Process Allocation: each process has its allocated space; therefore, one process can’t change another process’s data within the main memory.
5. Multithreading: thread mechanism allows efficient exchange of data between processes, allowing them to share the whole memory space. A thread is simply a process running in a similar memory context as well as shares other resources with the parent process. When you switch from one thread to another, it doesn’t involve memory context.  
6. Real-time: the design allows real-time computing – one processor system can control unrelated external activities. Typically, process prioritization in a hierarchical interrupt system ensures critical tasks, applications, and programs get a greater share of available process time.
7. Multiprocessing: it requires more than a single CPU to handle system tasks. Thus, the right operating system should divide tasks among multiple processors. 
8. Memory Protection: while having access to system resources is a desirable thing, it must be safe and effective. That means ensuring that no process inadvertently or deliberately reads or writes to the memory location outside the process’s address space. This results in data security, integrity, and system stability.   
9. Memory Swapping: this means providing more memory than the available physical memory on the system through keeping parts of the primary memory in the secondary storage. Though unrelated, they are essential to the system.  
10. Processing power: that comes in the form of powerful graphics, multiple CPUs, robust SSD storage, and at least 8GB RAM.

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Characteristics of Ryzen

Ryzen is a product of AMD, and its creation was aimed at making it perform better at high loads. Moreover, it was also meant to make the processor compatible with the latest computer hardware, especially in PC gaming. The processor, thus, has a new chipset (X370 and X300) and socket (AM4).

If you want to upgrade your CPU, you may need a new motherboard and operating system newer than Windows 7. The incredible thing is that there are lots of AMD Ryzen motherboards on the market.

Ryzen Processor Architecture

As earlier stated, AMD created Ryzen to have maximal data throughput as well as instruction execution. Additionally, it comes with higher bandwidth; low latency cache-memory support gives optimal computing efficiency.

The characteristic you’ll find in Ryzen processors include:

• Two threads per core
• 64 KiB inst. 32 KiB data per core L1 cache 
• 512 KiB per core L2 cache
• 16MiB shared L3 cache
• micro-op cache
• NVMe
• High-efficiency FinFET transistors
• Dual-channel DDR4 memory
• Two AES units for security

Ryzen chips come with better hyper-threading across their cores. This results in more actions per clock. What’s even more appealing is that the AMD Ryzen chip doesn’t heat up even with the extreme operation. That ability to maintain cool makes it a better processor for various tasks.  

Keep in mind; there are different series of Ryzen – entry-level, Mainstream, Performance, enthusiast, workstation, and the High-end desktop. Across all these generations, you’ll experience high- level capabilities.

Ryzen 5 series is more affordable than the Ryzen 7 series but has more processor variation than those in Ryzen 7 series. 

However, the number of cores and threads increases with an increase in generation. That means the 4th generation features the highest number of cores. For instance, the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X, a 12-core, 24-thread CPU, offers a 4.8GHz boost clock speed. 

Its L3 cache stands at 64MB, and its maximum power consumption (TDP) is only 105W. Such profile gives it 26% increased performance (gaming) over Ryzen 9 3900XT.

Ryzen 5 3600

Ryzen 5, 3600, is, undoubtedly, one of the most excellent chips. At 65W power capacity, the chip packs power enough for small form factor enthusiasts. With one-click overclocking, you can get performance nearly similar to its high-end counterparts. 

Ryzen 5 3600 offers a 6-core, 12-thread processor and utilizes AMD’s innovative Zen 2 chipset architecture, which can boost the clock speed from a base of 3.6 GHz to a high of 4.2 GHz. 

This ensures that you get demon speeds, necessary for intense activities like gaming. Additionally, the numerous cores make this chipset great for productivity and creative apps too. Its L3 cache stands at 32MB L3, while the TDP wattage is 65W.

The inclusion of CPU coolers (Wraith Stealth) in the AMD Ryzen 5 3600 is another incredible feature. That implies that the system won’t heat up even with intense activities. This cooling kid is convenient and money-saving – you don’t need to buy an additional CPU cooler.

Among other features, you’ll find impressive is the unlocked multipliers that make it easy to attain overclocking and Hyper-Threading, i.e., SMT. Additionally, you get access to the PCIe 4.0’s 24 lanes. These features are similar to the more expensive Ryzen 5 3600X ($249) except for its more efficient 95W Wraith Spire cooler. 

The Ryzen 5 3600 is a godsend for content creators. At a price tag of $200, this powerful processor will complete a 4K workload at 4% faster than the high end ($360) 8700K processor.

Ideally, the Ryzen 5 3600 offers a pretty firm mix of different aspects, creating an all-around computer. For a less amount of money, Ryzen is going to offer you more than you can imagine – it offers more cores than Intel for a lesser amount of money.

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Best Processor for Multitasking

Did you know that any processor can handle any work you give them? 

But there is one condition –time. Give them enough time, and they’ll deliver. However, sometimes you need soothing that works a bit faster. That will mean looking for a CPU that has many cores plus faster clock speeds. Such a CPU can chew any amount of workload within a short time – thus, great productivity. 

If you mostly deal with productivity tasks, a gaming-focused CPU may not just be the best choice. Look, highly threaded CPUs are increasingly becoming common. Similarly, CPUs with productivity and gaming tags are increasing in number. This can be quite confusing to choose the right processor if your workload varies between the two.

But here are essential tips to consider:

What apps will you be using? 

Some apps are demanding, and such apps require multiple cores or threads. In such a case, the AMD might be the right option for you as it comes with superior and multiple cores. However, if you are operating light apps, Intel might just work for you.

Latest generation

While the latest generation processor might cost you a penny, the investment is worth it. Older chips may serve you, but along the way, you’ll need an upgrade to keep up the game. Go for an old generation if there is no new release. 

Consider your motherboard

Different kinds of motherboards exist. A pricy CPU definitely needs a high-end motherboard. 

Check clock speed

For multitasking, the clock speed will give you more advantage than even the number of cores. Essentially, a faster clock speed means rapid performance, while many cores ensure that you handle time-consuming tasks faster.

For multitasking, you might consider:

• AMD Threadripper 3970X – power-efficient, incredible multithreaded performance 
• AMD Ryzen 9 3950X – AM4 board compatibility, 16 cores & 32 threads, Overclockable
• Intel Core i9-10980XE – Overclockability, backward compatibility, power-efficient
• AMD Ryzen 7 3700X – Bundled cooler, Indium solder, Bundled cooler
• AMD Ryzen 3 2200G – 
• AMD Ryzen 5 3600 – PCIe 4.0 support, affordable, Bundled cooler, Unlocked multiplier

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Ryzen 7 3700x

Considered the poster child for the 3rd generation AMD Ryzen processors, the AMD Ryzen 7 3700X is blazing hardware. Its TDP is only 65W, but it can deliver powerful performance. And for its price tag, you get real value for money.

The 7nm (new) manufacturing process makes this piece of hardware deliver better performance with low power consumption, a feature absent in its predecessors. 

The incredible thing about Ryzen 7 3700x is its 8-core, 16-thread setup, which it inherits from the Ryzen 7 2700X. Such a set up ensures that it delivers raw performance for individuals who don’t have much money to splash out on high-end and powerful Ryzen 9 3900X. 

Remember, this processor comes with a clock speed of 4.4GHz. This, coupled with 8-core, 16-thread, makes you feel the actual performance while using this processor.

The AMD Ryzen 7 3700X costs about 304.99, which puts it in a similar price range as the previous generation Ryzen 7 2700X. The absence of a price jump indicates AMD’s commitment to offer quality at lower prices. 

Now, its competitor – Intel Core i7-9700K, costs 289.99 on amazon, a massive slash from $409.99. It has an 8-core processor but lacks hyperthreading. Therefore, the Ryzen 7 3700X delivers two-fold processing threads at an almost similar price, if not lower.   

The AMD Ryzen 7 3700X is created on a 7nm manufacturing node, meaning lower power consumption but much better performance. Actually, it offers an impressive 15% boost to the instructions per clock (IPC) performance. 

Since AMD places cores on separate chiplets, you also get L2 and L3 with 4MB and 32MB, respectively. But what is paramount is the addition of the PCIe 4.0, which, when paired with a beast graphics card from AMD, you are guaranteed increased bandwidth, thus improving performance.

If you are a serious PC enthusiast, the AMD Ryzen 7 3700X offers an excellent balanced design for your activities. 

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Ryzen vs Intel

The Ryzen vs Intel debate is not about to end. While each processor has its fans, it seems that most users lean towards it. Both Intel Core and AMD Ryzen CPUs offer incredible performances. 

However, AMD Ryzen is excellent at multitasking, while the Intel Core processor offers faster performances when dealing with single-core tasks.

If you own a desktop PC, the best thing you can do is select the best processor. And that means settling either on the Intel or Ryzen. But what do they have to offer? 

Pricing and Value

Ryzen processors offer better great value for money than their Intel counterparts. However, the XT series processors had some series mishaps – not a big deal-breaker. With Ryzen, you get a multitude of handy features, including full overclockability, bundled coolers, and complimentary software like the innovative Precision Boost Overdrive auto-overclocking.  

Gaming Performance

Intel offers really rapid performance in lightly-threaded workloads and apps, and this includes most games. However, most midrange AMD processors work well when it comes to gaming. High-end chips from both Intel and AMD don’t offer much to most enthusiasts because the difference in gaming is subtle as compared to the midrange. But still, Intel has the upper hand.  

Content creation and productivity

Ryzen seems to be the winner in this aspect, especially in threaded content creation and productivity. The reason for this is the multiple cores/threads and the cache. Typically, AMD is offering much better performance, whether on mainstream desktop or HEDT platforms. However, it’s worth noting that AMD lacks integrated graphics on the 8-core and above CPUs. So if you need graphics, you better stick with Intel.

Overclocking

Intel has really high overclocking headroom, so you can get higher performance on Intel than Ryzen. 

For power consumption, CPU Lithography, CPU Architecture, and CPU Security, AMD Ryzen wins. Intel wins when it comes to Drivers and Software.

PCpartPicker

If you intend to build a PC from scratch, all parts you select for that project must be compatible. Otherwise, your new PC may not work. PCPartPicker is an online platform that deals in computer components. 

Suppose you want to buy computer parts to build your own PC. Visit this site and create a list of these components. This platform checks whether these parts are compatible when placed together as a system. 

The website has a filter search that allows you to find the computer components and peripherals that you desire, of course, based on specifications. The site automatically compares prices from various online retailers, including OutletPC, Amazon, and Newegg.

To use Pcpartpicker, you need to create an account. Once you choose a complete list of peripherals and components, you can save it in your account. In case there are discounts or price changes, you’ll get notifications.

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How reliable is Pcpartpicker?

Pcpartpicker is a highly convenient tool. Just enter the parts you will buy to build your custom PC, and it will tell you if they are compatible with each other. The platform will reliably and accurately, most of the time, point out the right hardware configurations. Currently, Pcpartpicker ranks highest when it comes to hardware compatibility checkers.

While Pcpartpicker is an accurate tool, it won’t offer you 100% accuracy. So, if you are a perfectionist or you don’t want to encounter any compatibility issues in the future, it’s advisable to counter check every component, peripheral, or configurations yourself.  

That means taking a little time to learn if you are a beginner and grasp computing basics. So, you can use Pcpartpicker but also do thorough compatibility checks to dispel any doubts. 

Can the PCPartPicker tool have compatibility issues?

There is a variation in the sizes of different computer components. This can potentially be problematic if you are assembling parts. While PCPartPicker will address spaces and size issues, the tool can check all things; for example, it can accurately address CPU coolers.

AMD

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) builds microprocessors, integrated circuits (ICs) for networking gadgets, programmable logic gadgets, and flash memory. Currently, AMD comes second to Intel, but it has its own fair share of success.

For instance, AMD has sold 100+ Million x86 microprocessors (Windows-compatible). Moreover, its Athlon microprocessor (previously “K7”) was the very first processor to support the 200 MegaHertz bus. Impressively, AMD unveiled a new version of Athlon (March of 2000)– the first one gigahertz personal computer microprocessor.

Since its inception (1969), AMD has been an inexpensive alternative to Intel’s microprocessors. Since the AMD creates low-cost microprocessors, it has immensely contributed to the drop in personal computer prices between 1998 and 2000. During this time, users gave K6 & Athlon an equivalent rating or faintly better rating than their close competitors, Intel’s Pentium microprocessors.

Additionally, in its mainstream 200 Megahertz system bus, which was the first, Athlon adds a superscalar pipeline-floating point unit, as well as L1 & L2 that are programmable. The Athlon utilizes 0.18-micron aluminum technology. 

During the ’80s, AMD was used to supply the Intel x86 CPUs. However, it introduced its Am386 chip in 1991. This placed it in direct competition with Intel. It developed Am486, K5, K6, and Athlon families.

2000 saw the introduction of the Duron chips, and in 2004, a more powerful Sempron was unveiled. The outstanding thing about the AMD chips is the innovative architecture and cool-running. 

The first 64-bit x86-compatible CPU from AMD was in 2003 – Opteron, which was for high-end workstations and servers. After this came the 64-bit Athlon chips for desktops. Again, Microsoft declared support for the 64-bit extensions. 

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Best AMD Processor For Multitasking

By now, you know that AMD processors are excellent at multitasking, thanks to their immense number of cores. While the AMD processor works well for multithreading tasks, it’s vital to note that there are different generations. Of course, some perform better than others.

AMD Ryzen CPUs prove to the best bet when it comes to handling multiple tasks at a go. Ideally, they offer enough power and speed, which ensures that multicore performances are flawless. 

The other benefit you can tap from AMD Ryzen is its high amount of instructions per cycle, state-of-the-art CPU coolers, which means the CPU won’t get any hotter, which means less fan noise. Again, they offer a longer battery life. 

AMD Ryzen CPUs fall into 4 categories – Zen 2, Zen, Epic and Z+. 

The AMD Ryzen CPUs are typically an x86-64 microprocessor family that is based on Zen microarchitecture. A typical example here includes Ryzen 3, Ryzen 5, Ryzen 7, and Ryzen 9. Additionally, there is the Ryzen Threadripper with a massive 64 cores. 

All Ryzen microprocessors come with an unlocked multiplier. Moreover, all of them support Simultaneous Multithreading (SMT) except earlier Zen and Ryzen 3, which is Zen+ based.

If you are looking for the best AMD processors for multitasking, the following list might be of great help. 

• AMD Ryzen 5 5600X – Bundled cooler, PCIe 4.0, multithreaded workloads
• AMD Ryzen 5 3600X – Bundled cooler, PCIe 4.0, Unlocked multiplier
• AMD Ryzen 7 5900X – PCIe 4.0 support, Unlocked multiplier, multithreaded performance, and 500-series motherboard compatibility. 
• AMD Ryzen 3 3300X – affordable, Solder TIM, PCIe 4.0, and Overclocking ceiling
• AMD Ryzen 9 5950X – Overclockable, 16 cores & 32 threads, PCIe Gen 4.0
• AMD Ryzen 5 3400G – Auto-overclocking PBO support, Radeon Vega graphics bundled coolers

Bottom Line 

It’s true, AMD is better at multitasking than Intel. But that doesn’t mean Intel processors are low quality – they excel in some aspects where AMD can’t excel. You’ll find it impressive that manufacturers of PC processors are always on the run to produce the best processors. 

For instance, AMD is expected to release Ryzen 5000 processors (Zen 3-powered) this November. These chips are expected to provide demon speeds since they’ll have a 19% increase in IPC and a unified L3 cache, which reduces latency. 

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