processor confusion: Intel vs AMD

junkgalore · 07-30-2007, 07:46 PM

Hi,
I'm new to this forum and am hoping someone can shed some light before I order a new desktop from hp.

I'm stumped on comparing these as they are not equal like say comparing GBs of memory or hard drive.

Here are my choices and the upgrade costs:

1. Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 641 w/ HT Technology, 3.2GHz [+$0]
2. Intel(R) Pentium(R) Dual-Core processor E2160 (1.8GHz) [+$40]
3. Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo processor E4500 (2.2GHz) [+140]
4. AMD Athlon(TM) 64 3500+ (2.2GHz / 512KB L2 cache) [+0]
5. AMD Athlon(TM) 64 3800+ (2.4GHz / 512KB L2 cache) [+30]
6. AMD Athlon(TM) 64 4000+ (2.6GHz / 512KB L2 cache) [$60]
7. AMD Athlon(TM) 64 X2 4400+ dual-core - 2.3GHz [+100]
8. look for something else all together

The other aspects of the computer will include 2GB DDR2-667MHz dual channel SDRAM and anywhere between 250-400 GB on the hard drive.

I will mainly be using this system for digital picture storage (8megapixels per pic, storing an average of 8000-10000 pics per year) and basic home use (internet, word, spreadsheets). No gaming. No video storage.

Is it worth the value to upgrade for what I want to do with it? Is there a noticeable diff between the processors.

I apologize if this is a complete "duh!" question, but my searches have come up with little clarification.

Thanks for any helpful input!

PC eye · 07-30-2007, 09:48 PM

First off get a Welcome to the Computer Forum! Official Welcome Thread and the reminder given to new members to review the Forum Rules

For plans on a new system there you will need "capacity" first while pondering between different model cpus. Having a second large capacity to backup files as well as storing is a thought to consider too. The AMD models seem to point at Socket AM2 there. For the AMD lineup there the 4400+ X2 would be consideration. The Core 2 Duo E4500 is at the low end of the Core 2 line there. But then that's prebuild for you.

StrangleHold · 07-30-2007, 11:31 PM

Go for No.3 or No.7, depends on if you want AMD or Intel.

[-0MEGA-] · 07-30-2007, 11:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StrangleHold

Go for No.3 or No.7, depends on if you want AMD or Intel.

Agree'd.

The Core 2 Duo would be better, but costs more, so it's up to you.

PC eye · 07-31-2007, 01:48 AM

The 4400+ X2 should easily work for multitasking while the higher price on the Core 2 is due to being one of Intel's performance line and more often seen on gaming builds. Since those are both dual core models it comes down to the AMD or Intel question there for sure.

junkgalore · 07-31-2007, 06:54 AM

thanks for your inputs.

But I'm still confused on what makes the Intel better than AMD. Is it faster, better quality, more reliability??

Are they basically "equal" in terms of performance?

lion149 · 07-31-2007, 07:15 AM

Intel isn't better then AMD. Each CPU has has its pro's and con's when compared. Although commonly AMD's cpu use less energy/create less heat, at the moment Intel's top of the Line of CPU's are considered better that what AMD has to offer.
Its really personal preference and budget determined. I myself have had all Intel CPU's in my machines, same as always haveing an ATI graphics card, doesnt make the comp really better or worse per say.

Sorry so long winded Hope it helps

[-0MEGA-] · 07-31-2007, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by junkgalore

thanks for your inputs.

But I'm still confused on what makes the Intel better than AMD. Is it faster, better quality, more reliability??

Are they basically "equal" in terms of performance?

The Core 2 Duo has a different architecture then the X2, so you cant compare the two using clock speeds. It's like asking why an A64 2.2 is better then a P4 3.0.

heyman421 · 07-31-2007, 02:05 PM

or a 1.6c2d will destroy my p4 3.6, for that matter

PC eye · 08-01-2007, 05:57 AM

For the new build in progress here the AM2 6000+ X2 3ghz model will more then blast the 3500+ 939 single core model out of the water. The key there besides the faster and dual over single core difference is also going from DDR400 to DDR2 800 memory. Likewise 478 P4 boards still used DDR memory compared to the 775 Core 2 boards seeing DDR2 there.

07-30-2007, 07:46 PM	#1 (permalink)
junkgalore New Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3	processor confusion: Intel vs AMD Hi, I'm new to this forum and am hoping someone can shed some light before I order a new desktop from hp. I'm stumped on comparing these as they are not equal like say comparing GBs of memory or hard drive. Here are my choices and the upgrade costs: 1. Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 641 w/ HT Technology, 3.2GHz [+$0] 2. Intel(R) Pentium(R) Dual-Core processor E2160 (1.8GHz) [+$40] 3. Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo processor E4500 (2.2GHz) [+140] 4. AMD Athlon(TM) 64 3500+ (2.2GHz / 512KB L2 cache) [+0] 5. AMD Athlon(TM) 64 3800+ (2.4GHz / 512KB L2 cache) [+30] 6. AMD Athlon(TM) 64 4000+ (2.6GHz / 512KB L2 cache) [$60] 7. AMD Athlon(TM) 64 X2 4400+ dual-core - 2.3GHz [+100] 8. look for something else all together The other aspects of the computer will include 2GB DDR2-667MHz dual channel SDRAM and anywhere between 250-400 GB on the hard drive. I will mainly be using this system for digital picture storage (8megapixels per pic, storing an average of 8000-10000 pics per year) and basic home use (internet, word, spreadsheets). No gaming. No video storage. Is it worth the value to upgrade for what I want to do with it? Is there a noticeable diff between the processors. I apologize if this is a complete "duh!" question, but my searches have come up with little clarification. Thanks for any helpful input!

07-30-2007, 09:48 PM	#2 (permalink)
PC eye Diamond Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Inside a pc Posts: 19,279	First off get a Welcome to the Computer Forum! Official Welcome Thread and the reminder given to new members to review the Forum Rules For plans on a new system there you will need "capacity" first while pondering between different model cpus. Having a second large capacity to backup files as well as storing is a thought to consider too. The AMD models seem to point at Socket AM2 there. For the AMD lineup there the 4400+ X2 would be consideration. The Core 2 Duo E4500 is at the low end of the Core 2 line there. But then that's prebuild for you. __________________ Turning the Tongue into a Device Controller http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/Sma...ory?id=5647175 Is EBay going out of the Auction Business? http://abcnews.go.com/Business/story?id=5626840&page=1

07-30-2007, 11:31 PM	#3 (permalink)
StrangleHold Diamond Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: In a realm of unknown Wonders Posts: 7,155	Go for No.3 or No.7, depends on if you want AMD or Intel. __________________ The object of war is not to die for your country but to make the other bastard die for his. George S. Patton, Jr.

07-31-2007, 01:48 AM	#5 (permalink)
PC eye Diamond Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Inside a pc Posts: 19,279	The 4400+ X2 should easily work for multitasking while the higher price on the Core 2 is due to being one of Intel's performance line and more often seen on gaming builds. Since those are both dual core models it comes down to the AMD or Intel question there for sure. __________________ Turning the Tongue into a Device Controller http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/Sma...ory?id=5647175 Is EBay going out of the Auction Business? http://abcnews.go.com/Business/story?id=5626840&page=1

07-31-2007, 07:15 AM	#7 (permalink)
lion149 Gold Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: NJ Posts: 292	Intel isn't better then AMD. Each CPU has has its pro's and con's when compared. Although commonly AMD's cpu use less energy/create less heat, at the moment Intel's top of the Line of CPU's are considered better that what AMD has to offer. Its really personal preference and budget determined. I myself have had all Intel CPU's in my machines, same as always haveing an ATI graphics card, doesnt make the comp really better or worse per say. Sorry so long winded Hope it helps __________________ Rig#1: OS: XP Home Sp3 CPU:Intel Pentium 4 (3.20ghz) MB Biostar p4m900-m4 HDD:160 gb 7200rpm RAM:2gb Kingston DDR2 GPU:EVGA 8600gt DDR3 512mb PSU:Apevia 500w Rig#2: HP a110n-XP Pro-Celeron D 3.06ghz-80gb-2gb-ati x1550 Rig#3: Compaq Deskpro-Ubuntu 7.10-Pentium III 600mhz-10gb & 7gb slave-384mb-Agp rage pro 2x

07-31-2007, 06:54 AM	#6 (permalink)
junkgalore New Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 3	thanks for your inputs. But I'm still confused on what makes the Intel better than AMD. Is it faster, better quality, more reliability?? Are they basically "equal" in terms of performance?

07-31-2007, 02:05 PM	#9 (permalink)
heyman421 banned Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 2,349	or a 1.6c2d will destroy my p4 3.6, for that matter

08-01-2007, 05:57 AM	#10 (permalink)
PC eye Diamond Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Inside a pc Posts: 19,279	For the new build in progress here the AM2 6000+ X2 3ghz model will more then blast the 3500+ 939 single core model out of the water. The key there besides the faster and dual over single core difference is also going from DDR400 to DDR2 800 memory. Likewise 478 P4 boards still used DDR memory compared to the 775 Core 2 boards seeing DDR2 there. __________________ Turning the Tongue into a Device Controller http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/Sma...ory?id=5647175 Is EBay going out of the Auction Business? http://abcnews.go.com/Business/story?id=5626840&page=1

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