CPUs

[Sixdust]

I am thinking of upgrading my computer nowadays seeing as my processor seems too slow for gaming (2.4ghz)

 

However the cpu market has confused mee.

First of all I have a pentium 4 processor from intel however Amd is pushing 64bit processors running 2.0 ghz at around $1000. So my quetion is: In theory wouldnt my processor be faster and cheaper? And does Intel have something of equal capacity coming out?

 

Also: Dual cores. Does that mean it is 2 cpu's running at the same speed as sold or combined together to get that speed or something else?

 

Will 64bit technology become a standard for windows vista or will it be split like windows proffesional with seperate drivers etc., and 32bit?

 

Also what is the difference between all of intels letter procesors? Are they processors for specific tasks or what? The reason for this question is that usually when intel released a new processor it was a big deal like 3 or 4. Is there like a 5 coming out?

 

Basically I need someone to explain alittle about todays processors.

All help is appreciated.

Edited February 18, 2006 by Sixdust

[Majestic]

You can no longer compare the processors solely based on their clock speed. A 2.0ghz A64 is faster then a 3.0ghz P4

Use benchmarks to judge, not specs - http://www.hexus.net/content/item.php?item=1255&page=9

 

Intel does not have the cpus to compete with amd at the moment, but they are coming out with new ones this summer or so. Their plan has failed, and they re-evaluated their strategy. Intel ran into trouble with power consumption, and was unable to meet their original demands (like, a 4ghz p4 was never released)

 

Dual core means you have 2 processors squished into one. You get 2 real full featured processors in one package. So if it says "2.8ghz dual core" thats 2 separate processors in one at 2.8 each. Not useful for gaming tho, and they arent too cheap. However, there was a pricedrop recently, and the X2 3800+ is now $300 or less, which is IMO cheap for all that goodness. Intel Pentium D is dual core and it sucks le balls. Intel Core Duo is their new offering, for mobiles only atm - and so far its good, on par with AMD X2s

 

dont worry about 64bit technology for now. Vista will come in 2 flavours, both 32 and 64 bit. As a matter of fact, I hear there will be a buttload of versions of Vista.

 

As far as I know:

Vista Starter = 32bit

Vista Home Basic = 32bit and 64bit

Vista Home Premium = 32bit and 64bit

Vista Pro = 32bit and 64bit

 

For intel, their names confuse the living sh*t out of me, but:

Pentium 4 = 1 core

Pentium D = 2 core

And from wikipedia:

 

 

LGA775 Prescotts use a rating system, labeling them as the 5xx series (Celerons are the 3xx series, while Pentium Ms are the 7xx series). The LGA775 version of the E-series uses model numbers 5x0 (520-560), and the LGA775 version of the A-series uses model numbers 5x5 and 5x9 (505-519). The fastest, the 570J and 571, is clocked at 3.8 GHz. Plans for 4 GHz processors were recently axed by Intel in favor of dual core processors, although some European retailers claim to be selling a Pentium 4 580, clocked at 4 GHz. [6]

 

The 5x0J series (and its low-end equivalent, the 5x5J and 5x9J series) introduced the XD Bit (eXecute Disable) or Execute Disabled Bit [7] to Intel's line of processors. This technology, first introduced to the x86 line by AMD and called NX (No eXecute), can help prevent certain types of malicious code from exploiting a buffer overflow to get executed.

 

Intel also released a series of Prescotts supporting EM64T, Intel's implementation of the AMD64 64-bit extensions to the x86 architecture. These were originally released as the F-series, and only sold to OEMs, but they were later renamed to the 5x1 series and sold to the general public. Two low-end EM64T-enabled Prescotts, based on the 5x5/5x9 series, were also released with model numbers 506 and 516.

 

5x0, 5x0J, and 5x1 series Prescotts have incorporated Hyper-Threading in order to speed up some processes that use multithreaded software, such as video editing.

 

Intel, by the first quarter of 2005, released a new Prescott core with 6x0 numbering, codenamed "Prescott 2M". It features new 64-bit technology (an implementation of AMD64, called EM64T by Intel), the XD Bit, EIST (Enhanced Intel SpeedStep Technology), and 2 MB of L2 cache. However, any advantage introduced by the added cache is mostly negated due to higher cache latency, and the double word size if using EM64T mode. Rather than being a targeted speed boost the double size cache is intended to provide the same space and hence performance for 64-bit mode operations.

 

6xx series Prescott 2Ms have incorporated Hyper-Threading in order to speed up some processes that use multithreaded software, such as video editing.

 

On 14 November 2005, Intel released Prescott 2M processors with VT (Virtualization Technology, codenamed "Vanderpool") enabled. Intel only released two models of this Prescott 2M category: 662 and 672, running at 3.6 and 3.8 GHz, respectively.

 

edit: intel cpu numbers

Edited February 18, 2006 by Majestic

[Sixdust]

THANK YOU SO MUCH. I understand everything now fully So what your saying is 2.0ghz 32 and 64 are completely different actual benchmarks? Obviously I want to get the 64bit however, I am skeptical using AMD processors rather than intel seeing as all of the computers I have used and owned used Intel. DO you think that when intel releases its version that the 64bits from amd will drop in price?

 

Edit: Can any of you help me find a good amd 64 bit processor for about $350 max that will last awhile and excellent for gaming? I have never purchased an AMD processor so all of their terms confuse me. I prefer Hyper threading and if possible for it to come with cooling . Newegg if possible.

Edited February 18, 2006 by Sixdust

[anus]

Sixdust, First of all, AMD does not support the Hyper Threading technology, it was built by Intel for it's processors only.

 

And secondly, if you have an Intel processor atm, you have a Intel only motherboard, so if you want to upgrade only the processor, you';d have to go with an Intel processor, and from the looks of your processor it's socket 478, then you'll have to get a socket 478 processor or as far as your motherboard supports, if you're going AMD, you'll have to get a AMD supporting motherboard and the processor.

[Sixdust]

Yeah I know about the motherboard, I am totally upgrading. And about the hyper threading, I didnt know, like I said in this topic, I am not familiar with whats what nowadays, bu thanks for clearing that up.

[vALKYR]

For gaming, you're looking at a Asus, MSI, Gigabyte, DFI Motherboard, preferably using a good chipset like the Nvidia nForce Chipsets.

 

If you decide to go with Intel, you will have to buy a motherboard with the LGA775 Socket and of course using a good a chipset . If you decide to go with AMD, look for the Socket 939 (or if you're going extreme, Socket 940) Motherboards also using nForce Chipsets for example.

 

Mind you, the majority of these motherboards use PCI-Express so if you still have a AGP videocard, you'll have to buy a new videocard, too.

 

Gamers go with AMD Athlon 64 3XXX+ or 4XXX+ CPU's or the Athtlon 64 X2 (Dual Core) CPU's. The majority decides to game with AMD at the moment although Intel is getting faster again but they have not yet overtaken AMD when it comes to gaming performance.

 

If you want Intel, look at the Pentium 4 (single core) 6XX CPU's. If you want Dual-Core, go with the Pentium D's but be warned, Pentium D's cost a crapload of money.

 

[Sixdust]

Thanks valkyr that also cleared up some things. I was looking at some intel processors on new egg and in their description it said 64-bit support: Yes. Does that mean that it is 64-bit? No right? Can someone explain?

 

Oh yeah and for video card I already have cash for the radeon x1900

[just another thug]

I currently have a P4, but dxdiag is saying I am running a dual core CPU.

 

[Majestic]

 

Edit: Can any of you help me find a good amd 64 bit processor for about $350 max that will last awhile and excellent for gaming? I have never purchased an AMD processor so all of their terms confuse me. I prefer Hyper threading and if possible for it to come with cooling . Newegg if possible.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?...N82E16819103562

Heres your chip

 

@just another thug: No you dont, thats hyperthreading fooling you.

Edited February 18, 2006 by Majestic

[Sixdust]

Thank you very much, that is exactly what I am looking for with just enough for my budget. Can someone still answer my other question about this?

 

[Taxman]

It means you can run Windows x64, I know that much...

 

I know this is topic Hijacking, but I was wondering about how competent my Pentium 540 3.2 Ghz was compared to more modern CPUs, and whether I should upgrade it. LGA775.

[Bond996]

Thank you very much, that is exactly what I am looking for with just enough for my budget. Can someone still answer my other question about this?

 

The Intel Pentium 4 6xx's and up are all 64-bit processors, and support the AMD64 instruction sets, not just the EM64T ones. So yes, the 6xx's ARE 64-bit, but get absolutely smashed in the face by the AMDs.

[Sixdust]

Ok so this means that it is a 64bit processor that needs only 64bit drivers and 64bit OS and it runs at 3.2ghz right? And what do you mean a punch to the face? You mean benchmark wise that it totally destroys this processor or that you prefer AMD over intel?

[Majestic]

Athlon 64 = 64-bit from the ground up

Pentium 4 6xx = 32-bit with 64-bit stuff glued on afterwards

 

And benchmark wise, the pentium gets smashed in the face - 64bit or 32bit

Edited February 19, 2006 by Majestic

[Cran.]

I currently have a P4, but dxdiag is saying I am running a dual core CPU.

 

Hyper Threading One phsical processor, but Hyperthreading gives an extra logical processor, therefore being two. Also, if you're going to get a Single core P4, get a 6xx series, not just because of 64 Bit support, it has 1MB of extra cache

[MegaVovaN]

Dude, do not buy the 3800+...save the cash and buy:

AMD 3000+

2GB RAM

7800 PCI-E video card or other hi-end card

Good AMD 64 motherboard

 

Cause if you get this ultra uber super 3800+ processor but have crap video card, you won't be satisfied.

 

by the way, check out my write-up right here.