Help me with Intel CPU Choice?

[Ultra Steel]

Hello All. I've searched through the posts, and not seen anything that seems to address my issue.

Are there REALLY such big differences in performance between:

Intel Pentium 4
Intel Pentium D
Intel Core Duo

If I told you I often burn CD/DVD's while downloading music, would I really get a much better kick from one or the other? I don't do gaming much any more, so productivity is more what I'm looking for.

Would a faster Pentium D (Say a 915@2.8Ghz) be better for me than a C2D (4300!1.8Ghz)?

Or Would you just OC a P4 3Ghz and laugh?

What would YOU do if you really needed to save money?

 

[avinnik]

Well, thing is. The Pentium 4 processors are not Dual Core. Core 2 Duo processors run more efficiently than any of the past Intel CPu's, and they easily beat AMD's AM2 processors.

I'd get the Core 2 Duo for future upgrading / proficiency. They just run better AND save more energy.

 

[saltynay]

forget ghz they dont mean anything any more with intel a core 2 duo is current best price/performance for any system atm but if you are not going to have moderate-to high usage of the comp then a cheap one will do fine AMD single cores are faster then intel and Intel core 2 duo are faster then Amd x2 this is only in desktops laptops is a different matter

Matt

 

[sunlollyking]

Yes there is a huge difference in these processors. Currently the Intel Core 2 Duo processors are the best on the market at the moment, personally i'd wait a few months depending on what rig your running now of course as AMD are going to announce their new line and i'm pretty sure it won't disappoint.

 

[leje0306]

forget ghz they dont mean anything any more with intel a core 2 duo is current best price/performance for any system atm but if you are not going to have moderate-to high usage of the comp then a cheap one will do fine AMD single cores are faster then intel and Intel core 2 duo are faster then Amd x2 this is only in desktops laptops is a different matter

Matt

I attest to this--plenty of articles out there to back this up.

If I were you, I would go with a c2d, the overclockability is amazing.

 

[avinnik]

Well, that's pretty much what i summed up.

Also might I add it saves energy.

 

[B00mbocks]

get a AMD over a P4
I would get the c2d
But i would wait until mid april when they interduce the new like the e6420 will be the same as the e6400 ( even price wise) but it will have 2 more mb of cache

 

[leje0306]

Well, that's pretty much what i summed up.

Also might I add it saves energy.

It saves a TON of energy! I read an article (my apologies, don't remember the source but do remember it is respectable) that to run a C2D E6600 with 2 sata HDD's, 2 opticals and a 8800 gtx it only takes like 380 watts and a 400W high efficient PSU could run a system of those specs!

 

[avinnik]

How much do you think the E6600 will drop down to?

 

[leje0306]

How much do you think the E6600 will drop down to?

In terms of price?