AMD dual core vs Pentium?

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BiggusDoggus

391 posts

Ultimate Geek

#15774 7-Sep-2007 14:08

Quick question please (which I hope will mean a quick answer, although I have quickly learned there is no such thing when it comes to PC components!!).

I realise there are probably lots of "taking into accounts" and "you need to consider the widget when comparing the whoflicky", but in very general, layperson's terms, what is the equivalent Pentium 4 CPU to an AMD Athlon 64 dual core 4000+? Is it 4.0ghz? or at least around that?

I am looking to change from a 1.8 P4 to an AMD Athlon, and have been researching the 3600 - 4000+ range to see if there would be a big performance improvement. There seem to be a lot of different opinions, a lot of which contradict each other.

Your mother was a hamster and your father smelled of elderberries

destined

45 posts

Geek

#85762 7-Sep-2007 14:59

At present, for the same price the Intel Core 2 Duo chips beat the AMD for performance. Where the AMDs are winning out at present is in power consumption, but the latest Core 2 6000 chips nearly match the AMDs.

Currently, performance for price, the Core 2 Duo is the way to go.

BiggusDoggus

391 posts

Ultimate Geek

#85768 7-Sep-2007 15:42

destined: At present, for the same price the Intel Core 2 Duo chips beat the AMD for performance. Where the AMDs are winning out at present is in power consumption, but the latest Core 2 6000 chips nearly match the AMDs.

Currently, performance for price, the Core 2 Duo is the way to go.

"For the same price"? The cheapest Intel Core 2 Duo CPU is around $150 (from what I have been able to find), whereas an AMD Athlon 64 64 4000+ Dual Core I can get for under $100 (which is within my limited budget)

Your mother was a hamster and your father smelled of elderberries

destined

45 posts

Geek

#85786 7-Sep-2007 16:47

A $150 Core 2 Duo will out perform a $150 Athlon 64. Yes, the Core 2 Duos start at that price.

WRT Pentium Dual Core vs Athlon 64, I'm not sure on difference, I haven't seen performance comparisons, but I'm guessing they will be similar, as the Pentium Dual Core is from the same family as the inital Core processors. The AMD is probably the better buy, as it is lower power usage and 64 bit capable for future.

BiggusDoggus

391 posts

Ultimate Geek

#85804 7-Sep-2007 19:42

Sorry - I don't mean Pentium dual core. I just mean a straight P4.

I just want to find out if a 3600+ is going to be a decent enough step up from a 1.8g P4, or if I should go to a 4000+

Your mother was a hamster and your father smelled of elderberries

bradstewart

4335 posts

Uber Geek

Retired Mod

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#85806 7-Sep-2007 21:08

The 3600+ will be a huge step up from the old P4 1.8, but it still is a lower end CPU and the NZ suppliers no longer stock this model, the lowest is now the 4000+ or a single core Athlon 64 3200+.

If you can afford then at least get the 4000, you should also be able to get a 4400 for around $20 more