I'm in the process of buying a new computer and I'm considering two different processors and wondering what the main differences are ...

* Intel Pentium 4 Processor 630 w/HT Technology (3.0GHz, 800FSB)
or
* Pentium D Processor 820 with Dual Core Technology (2.80GHz, 800FSB)

I'm hoping there are some techies here who can answer this question for me!

Thanks!

 

I'm most likely wrong on this, but my understanding is that duo core has 2 chipsets which allows for better multitasking.



http://www.intel.com/products/proces...uct_Processors

That should give u all the info you need. Hope it helps.

Here's the link for the HT chipset :
http://www.intel.com/products/proces...ium4/index.htm


Here's the one for the duo core:
http://www.intel.com/products/proces...eduo/index.htm

 

http://www.intel.com/products/proces...um_D/index.htm

click on the demo on the right... that would give you a good visual explaination...

 

just make sure you OS will support more than 1 logical processor. The the OS, it would see it as the system has 2 physical processor (dual core or multi-thread). If you have the D Extreme edition, the OS will see 4 processors. But if your OS license limits you to 1 or 2 logical processor, then you are not utilizing the others. Good luck!

due core is almost always faster than multi-threading... (suggesting you to get the Pentium D... )

Leo

 

OS: Windows XP Media Center 2005

Presume this will support either Processor I'm considering?

 

Though dual core will always be faster at multi tasking, it's not always faster in the overall performance numbers. If you're going to be doing a lot of multitasking, then go with dual core, while a single processor with the same performance numbers will be better at single processing like gaming, etc.

For example, an AMD 4000+ will be a better core for gaming than an AMD 4200+ x2.

 

I honestly don't know much about the IA32 Windows since I deal mostly with IA64 server stuff. But either of those processor are considered to have 2 logical processors.

 

BTW, computer will not be used for gaming. It will be used for my small photography business. So accounting software and photos, plus maintaining my website.

www.janebarkerphotography.com

Many thanks for all the Intel links. Found a phone number and got to talk to a live human!! He said that "4" has two threads and the "D" has four threads. That even though the "4" has 3.0GHz the "D" with 2.80GHZ will be faster. Also said the "4" will be phased out soon.

 

The dual core architecture really is the future - the D is a much better choice.

 

I would go with the Duo Core.

I would also NOT use Media Center Edition. I'm not sure if it will support dual processors. I know that Windows XP Professionsal (PM me if you want a copy) will handle 2 processors.

Also, you can't just slap in the processors on an exsisting single cpu windows installation. To be able to use that other core you'll need to install a fresh copy of windows with the duo core chip installed, and then it will begin to use it.

-Gagan

 

Definately go with the 2.8 Dual Core - huge advantage in multitasking and if your OS supports it. The only advantage the 3.0 P4 has is single process jobs, but even then you will not notice the 200Mhz difference.

 

+1 billion!!!

faster memory and HDD would be more noticeable than that 200 MHz

 

This is for a brand new Desktop. I've just checked with Intel and the Media Center Edition will support the Dual Core. Thank you for raising that question though.

What is involved in changing operating systems if I go with the Media Center and then want to change to XP Professional?

 

A reinstall. But for a regular home desktop, theres not really any need for XP pro for most users - MCE is fine.

 

What are you using it for? If for graming, just get a cheapo Semptron and OC the hell out of it and you'll get a cheap intel killer, although the new processors coming out for inte, I read this article anyway supposedly beat a OCed A64 or something at 2.8ghz while only running at 2.66...so go figure