processor confusion: Intel vs AMD

J

junkgalore

New Member
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!
 
First off get a Welcome to the Computer Forum! http://www.computerforum.com/70672-official-welcome-thread.html and the reminder given to new members to review the http://www.computerforum.com/52038-forum-rules.html

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.
 
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.
 
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?
 
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
 
junkgalore said:
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?
Click to expand...
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.
 
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.
 
ordered!

ok, so you guys lost me bit in the last few replies...

but the general consensus I seem to glean from here is basically to go for the fastest I can afford.

I've ended up with:
AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core Processor 5000+
and
memory: 3072MB PC2-5300 DDR2 SDRAM
and
hard drive: 400GB 7200 rpm

about how long can I expect this system to last me? Any educated guesses?
 
You could easily go for 2gb of PC2-6400 memory. That would be DDR2 800 over DDR2 667 for the faster memory there. As far as how long a system lasts depends how it is taken care of as well as when simply deciding to upgrade.

If you simply run the system stock and not planning to rush into the next new "bells+whistles" that come out you should see several years out any good build. Finding replacement if needed on old systems? That's a different matter there.
 
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