Would a 2.5GHZ processor from a decade ago be the same speed as a processor now, at the same frequency?

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So would two processors running at 2.5GHZ (just a random frequency I’ve chosen) but one from 10 years ago and one from this year be equivalent in processor power. Does this measurement mean they are the same in raw power?

###### 2.5GHZ (Old Processor) = 2.5GHZ (New Processor)?

Or is it because of new architecture that the newer one is faster and in that case newer is always better due to more cores etc.

In that case doesn’t it make it confusing to use gigahertz to measure the speed of newer processor in comparison to previous generations?

Sorry for the long question, it’s just always bothered me and confused me on how to choose the best processor.

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Anonymous 0 Comments

> Does this measurement mean they are the same in raw power?

No. The frequency is only really useful for comparing the performance of the same processor, or maybe closely related ones. You can think of it like the RPM of an engine, it tells you how many cycles it performs but not how big or how many cylinders there are.

Modern processors get a lot more done per cycle so they are not at all comparable.

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