new guy here, I have a few questions

[BColes]

don't discount AMD X2s. Deciding purely on gigahertz isn't a smart thing to do (deciding purely on money could be ) AMDs and Intels don't work the same. Just because AMDs have lower gigahert marks doesn't mean they aren't as good. In a lot of cases AMD beats Intel even when Intel has a higher speed rating. If you can't afford an AMD X2 you might want to think about just getting a single core processor with more speed. whether it's an AMD or Intel.

 

[chevytrucknut]

Yes, but I have read in lots of places that I need about 3.0Ghz to run CAD, so how can I convert the speed AMD gives me into what Intel gives me?

 

[chevytrucknut]

I'm gonna change that: I just did a search and it says "Intel Pentium 4 or later, with 1.8 Ghz or faster processor, or compatible "

So that's not really that bad - I can deal with a mid-range 2.something processor. What about you gaming guys, is 2.4ish pretty okay? I'd be overclocking it probably till about 2.6, so that's a plus.

 

[kmote]

i recomend that you get an intel, AMDs are not as good at what you want to do as the intel. if you want to splash out on an X2 then go for it. i own a 2.4 GHz pentium 4, its not bad at all and i would recomend it. but i think that you would be better off today(mine is pobably 3 years old).


http://www.lowestonweb.com/Products/DisplayInfoMain.asp?e=51A86DC8-6A81-4650-88B4-3F99FDB93E46

take a look at that...
sorry if that was no help at all!

 

[Trotter]

The AMD numbering scheme works like this...

3000+ is equal to or better than a P4 3.0GHz

4000+ is equal to or better than a P4 4.0GHZ

Does that help it to make sense?

 

[chevytrucknut]

Well, that does make sense, but I didn't think that was true...I've never even heard of a 4.0GHz processor...

 

[kmote]

another problem with that is the X2 3800- equivalent to a 3.8GHz intel no. equivalent to 2 3.8GHz no. is the 4000 single core better,no.
AMD would like you to believe that their 4000 is = to a 4.0 GHz pentium but i for one find that hard to believe

 

[chevytrucknut]

okay, i didn't think so...

 

[Trotter]

No, it's not equal. Actually, it is better.

I have an old socket A AMD 2000+. It'll run rings around a P4 2.0, and would give a 2.4 a run for its money. And, no, it is not overclocked.

Oh, did I mention that AMDs run cooler?

 

[kmote]

now that is true... there are some single core intels which take more power than some AMD duel cores. and AMDs OC better