Intel Processors

[RJM]

I am considering buying a "bare bones" system in a few months time.

Could somebody please explain whether I should go for a "Duo" or "D" processor? What is the difference between the two?

Many thanks.

[Lance]

basically a duo has two cores on the one processor. This has been revised and is now the "core 2 duo" and is currently the best processor family you can buy. The pentium D (single core) is old technology,runs much hotter and is generally slower. However, because of it being older technology they are a bit cheaper than the core 2 duos.

I'm building a new system next month and will be using the E6600 core 2 duo processor.

Lance

[RJM]

Many thanks for that Lance.

[gortonc]

Lance, sorry to be disagreeable on my first post but pentium D's are not single core however Celeron D's are.

They're dual core chips that use the old pentium 4 core architecture, they are less efficient though and so use more power which means they run hotter like you say.

They are definitely cheaper though which is why I've got one in my PC. Also means I can keep my room warm on these cold winter nights without the need of a radiator! 

Chris

[gortonc]

RJM,
       additionally if you are buying a bare bones system and do decide to go for a Pentium D make sure that your motherboard will support core duo processors.

Both processors share the same socket type skt775 but not all skt775 motherboards will support core duo processors(in fact not all skt 775 boards will support Pentium D's either!). Again there is a price hit though, core duo motherboards cost more than those only supporting P4 and Pentium D processors.

It really depends on the likelihood that you will want to upgrade the processor at some point in the future or if you buy complete systems each time you upgrade.

Chris

[RJM]

Looks, like I should spend that bit extra and go for a "duo".

Thanks for insight Chris.

[Lance]

Lance, sorry to be disagreeable on my first post but pentium D's are not single core however Celeron D's are.

I stand corrected

I guess i should really check these things before consulting my memory!

[Rik]

Lance, sorry to be disagreeable on my first post but pentium D's are not single core however Celeron D's are.

It's only disagreeable if you flame him, Chris. Otherwise, I would have had to correct Lance when I got here, as I'm typing this on a 'D' and I definitely have two cores (but apparently no keyboard ).

[cavillas]

(but apparently no keyboard ).

You're not using crayons and cardboard again?

[Rik]

Naturally. With the way 1&1s email has been this week, it's essential!

[RobMc]

I built myself a pc based on the Core2 duo 6300 (1.86GHz) chip back in August. First thing that you notice is that, as it runs so cool, the fan doesn't spin very fast at all so your system runs quieter than most. I also have a pentium4 3GHz PC radiator, which was great in winter as Chris said but can be a pain to keep reasonably cool in the summer.

Rob

[Nerval]

Nobody use AMD then?   

[mrapoc]

ATM, intel is the top dawg for performance. I built my pc in october last year and still Core 2 Duo processors are considered the best, but AMD will have somethign up their sleeve no doubt. Core 2 duo processors are fast at stock but are EXTREMELY overclockable. Ive got my e6300 (the cheapest) to 2.6 ghz from 1.8ghz per core extremely easily.

[old Bill]

Nobody use AMD then?   

Just sold a DTR laptop with a AMD FX60 in it. IMO way better than any Intel. I was sorry to see it go but I needed something smaller and lighter. So yes I ended up with a Intel but no match for the AMD in raw power.

[AvengerUK]

Im considering a core 2 for my new PC - as im currently without a PC

Only problem is, ive always had AMD cpu's, a AMD "fan-boy" if you like - who's having problems in coming over to the dark side

But the core 2 duo, is the most powerfull (it took me some effort to admit that!)

[Nerval]

Well I've got an AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core processor 4200+ which seems to do the job well enough. It wasn't over expensive either.

There again, for what I do, I suppose the processor from my fridge/freezer would do it too. 

[AvengerUK]

Im considering a X2 5000+ over a core 2, its not "as fast" as a E6600...but atleast its AMD and not an intel!

[Nerval]

Well done avenger. I'd use a moped before getting Intel.

The theoretical speeds don't mean squat anyway, there's so many other variables to take into account.

[Inactive]

Well I have an Intel Pentium D Computer, I ordered a cheapo Acer with a Sempron in it for my Daughter,  I cannot see any difference to be honest.

[AvengerUK]

There isnt really...its just either AMD or Intel. Plus that AMD sempron will use ALOT less power than your Pentium D

[Lance]

the core 2 duos also use a lot less power than pentium Ds!

[AvengerUK]

the core 2 duos also use a lot less power than pentium Ds!

X2's and core 2 duo's are around the same power wise - suprisingly intel has lost its raidiator ways

[Glenn]

I've just thrown in a 3800 x2 AMD into my system, it is now running with a 25% overclock, 2.55Ghz rather than the stock 2Ghz, I'm happy for a £66 upgrade

[mrapoc]

Core 2 duos run a lot cooler 

Also forcing AMD to drop the X2 prices even further...how could you sell something for the same price as something substantially better? You cant making them lose a lot of the market these last couple of months. AMD need to make something beasty again pretty quick or they'll be relying on the cpu/gpu combination (amd/at merger) a lot sooner than expected!

[Glenn]

My overclocked 3800 is around 26c at idle and 42c when maxed out, so it runs quite cool, I'm only using an Arctic Freezer 64 heatsink/fan