Intel Pentium Dual Core vs Athlon 64 x2

[Mr Unoriginal]

Which one of these processors is 'better' overall. I'm looking to by a new computer with the new processors but want to make sure I get the most bang for my buck.

Also, with Vista, will I pretty much need 2 gigs of ram or can I get away with 1?

[Liquid 2]

1 gb of RAM will be fine.

Intel's Core 2 Duos are better than AMD's Athlon 64 x2.

[Lonestar9]

Which one of these processors is 'better' overall. I'm looking to by a new computer with the new processors but want to make sure I get the most bang for my buck.

Also, with Vista, will I pretty much need 2 gigs of ram or can I get away with 1?

I recently bought an AMD X2, and am very happy with it. Now the Intel Chips are probably faster, but to me it wasn't such a difference that I needed to go with Intel. Go for the best deal. I would go with 2 GB of ram for Vista though, it will thank you for it.

[R1V3R5]

Yeah, go with 2GB of ram if you can. Also, I am a big AMD fan but I would take an Intel Pro Duo over an X2 if they were similar in price. However, I haven't shopped around lately and AMD might be the better value right now.

[KaneRobot]

If they're the same price for the same speed, get the Intel. You generally will not find them at an equal pricing level. With that said:

I've had an Athlon X2 for a little over a year and it has been fantastic.

You can get away with 1 GB of RAM but if you can afford it go for 2. You'll definitely see a difference.

[Bretts31344]

Like others have said. The Core 2 Duo's are faster, but if the Athlon X2's are cheaper, just go with that. Both are great CPUs.

As for the RAM, is it a desktop or laptop? RAM is dirt cheap and you could just buy 1GB of RAM and install it into a desktop computer easily as long as all the RAM slots aren't full. Laptops are little harder to install RAM and might not have open slots.

[harunim]

Well.. it all depends..

There has been many test that AMD 5600+ run more faster than Intel 6550E.

and also much cheaper..

[fieldkillah]

I just bought a x2 6000 and 4 gigs of ram (altho 32bit windows will only see 3325MB) I've always stuck with AMD processors and never had problems. Next upgrade is my video card from a 8600gt to a 8800.

[Koggit]

If you want to spend less than $150, go with AMD. If you want to spend more than $150, go with Intel.

Here's a X2 5200+ ($120) vs a E6550 ($170). This is basically where the scales tip, in my view. If you need better than a 5200+, go with a Core2Duo, and if you can get by with less than an E6550, go with AMD.

http://www23.tomshardware.com/cpu_2007.html?modelx=33&model1=922&model2=874&chart=416

Play with that site -- change the benchmarks, compare different processors, etc. Keep NewEgg on a separate tab to compare prices. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with the low end AMD processors.

[Mr Unoriginal]

Like others have said. The Core 2 Duo's are faster, but if the Athlon X2's are cheaper, just go with that. Both are great CPUs.

As for the RAM, is it a desktop or laptop? RAM is dirt cheap and you could just buy 1GB of RAM and install it into a desktop computer easily as long as all the RAM slots aren't full. Laptops are little harder to install RAM and might not have open slots.

It's a desktop. I have a gig in my machine now that I could pull out and put in the new one as long as it is compatible.

Another question then: What is the difference between DIMM and SDRAM?

[n25philly]

Which one of these processors is 'better' overall. I'm looking to by a new computer with the new processors but want to make sure I get the most bang for my buck.

Also, with Vista, will I pretty much need 2 gigs of ram or can I get away with 1?

If youre looking for the best bang for your buck for a vista computer the answer is the intel Q6600. Vista is multithreaded and will take advantage of all those extra cores. I have one in my home computer and it's lightning fast. At this point, I am the bottleneck on the system.

You can the processor for a little over $200 easy. Unless your budget is under 200 its a no brainer

[Mr Unoriginal]

If youre looking for the best bang for your buck for a vista computer the answer is the intel Q6600. Vista is multithreaded and will take advantage of all those extra cores. I have one in my home computer and it's lightning fast. At this point, I am the bottleneck on the system.

You can the processor for a little over $200 easy. Unless your budget is under 200 its a no brainer

My budget is around $400. I could do $500 but wouldn't really want to. If you know of a specific rig for that, I'd be interested.

[n25philly]

$500 for the entire rig? I'd have to look into that. I could build a kick ass work computer for that amount, but a gaming rig is a bit tougher.

[Mr Unoriginal]

$500 for the entire rig? I'd have to look into that. I could build a kick ass work computer for that amount, but a gaming rig is a bit tougher.

Not really into the gaming scene anymore, too expensive to keep up. I'm really just looking for a pre-made comp from a store that has the ability to do some mild gaming like guild wars or 2-3 year old RTS, Company of Heroes, etc., that sort of thing.

[Allnatural]

Another question then: What is the difference between DIMM and SDRAM?
Nothing, since those terms are describing two unrelated things. All you need concern yourself with is what type of memory your motherboard supports: DDR, DDR2, or DDR3...single or dual channel (probably DDR2 in a dual channel configuration).

[ZerotypeX]

^^
Isn't sdram considered obsolete to ddrram and dimm is related to laptops?

[Mr Unoriginal]

Maybe I'm confused with the types, but I remember seeing two different types of RAM for desktop computers when shopping.

[Koggit]

Mr Unoriginal, consider this: http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?cs=04&kc=6VAFF&oc=BRPCS0A&x=5&y=6

For $404 after 10% off coupon 707VR8CPM50QCJ

* Intel Core 2 Duo Proc E4500 (2.20GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 800FSB)
* Dell 19 inch Widescreen E198WFP Analog Flat Panel Monitor (w/ DVI)
* 1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz - 2DIMMs
* 160GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cache
* Single Drive: 16X (DVD+/-RW) Burner Drive
* Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3100
* Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio
* 10GB for 1yr Online Backup by Dell Datasafe
* Windows XP Home or Vista Home Basic
* 1 Year Limited Hardware Warranty with Next Business Day On-Site Service

Then if you don't need that monitor, sell it on eBay, you should get at least $100 for it. Spend that $100 on a decent video card. That'll be capable of playing all of the games you listed really well.

Dell PSUs are great, so before somebody claims otherwise: you won't have to upgrade it. You could add another two sticks of RAM, a second hard drive, second optical drive, a relatively power hungry video card, and overclock that E4500 (they overclock great) without any trouble. You don't have to do all of that to get a good machine out of it -- I'm just saying the potential is there for future upgrades.


^^
Isn't sdram considered obsolete to ddrram and dimm is related to laptops?

DIMM also refers to desktop memory, I know that. However, I'm not 100% sure on the meaning. I think a "DIMM is just interchangeable with "stick of RAM". Like, instead of saying "Add another stick of RAM" you'd say "Add another DIMM".

Also, DDR is SDRAM, just faster. DDR2, DDR3 -- it's all SDRAM.

[Bretts31344]

Mr Unoriginal, consider this: http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?cs=04&kc=6VAFF&oc=BRPCS0A&x=5&y=6

For $404 after 10% off coupon 707VR8CPM50QCJ

* Intel Core 2 Duo Proc E4500 (2.20GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 800FSB)
* Dell 19 inch Widescreen E198WFP Analog Flat Panel Monitor (w/ DVI)
* 1GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz - 2DIMMs
* 160GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cache
* Single Drive: 16X (DVD+/-RW) Burner Drive
* Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3100
* Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio
* 10GB for 1yr Online Backup by Dell Datasafe
* Windows XP Home or Vista Home Basic
* 1 Year Limited Hardware Warranty with Next Business Day On-Site Service

Then if you don't need that monitor, sell it on eBay, you should get at least $100 for it. Spend that $100 on a decent video card. That'll be capable of playing all of the games you listed really well.

Dell PSUs are great, so before somebody claims otherwise: you won't have to upgrade it. You could add another two sticks of RAM, a second hard drive, second optical drive, a relatively power hungry video card, and overclock that E4500 (they overclock great) without any trouble. You don't have to do all of that to get a good machine out of it -- I'm just saying the potential is there for future upgrades.




DIMM also refers to desktop memory, I know that. However, I'm not 100% sure on the meaning. I think a "DIMM is just interchangeable with "stick of RAM". Like, instead of saying "Add another stick of RAM" you'd say "Add another DIMM".

Also, DDR is SDRAM, just faster. DDR2, DDR3 -- it's all SDRAM.

Are you sure the motherboard has a PCI-Express X16 slot for modern video cards? I highly doubt it. Even if it does, the case looks slim and probably won't fit most video cards. Also, you stated overclocking, but normally Dell motherboards are locked. Things might have changed last time I check. Dell most likely locks it because people would overclock and ruin their hardware, then want the warranty to cover it.

[Allnatural]

DIMM also refers to desktop memory, I know that. However, I'm not 100% sure on the meaning. I think a "DIMM is just interchangeable with "stick of RAM". Like, instead of saying "Add another stick of RAM" you'd say "Add another DIMM".

Also, DDR is SDRAM, just faster. DDR2, DDR3 -- it's all SDRAM. Yup, and they're all packaged as DIMMs. DIMM = dual in-line memory module. DIMMs replaced SIMMs years ago (SIMMs have a narrower bus).

There's also RDRAM, but few if any motherboard manufacturers are supporting that these days.

Laptops typically use SODIMMS. Functionally identical to desktop memory, but with a smaller form factor.

[Richard Longfellow]

Yeah, the most correct term for DDR is "DDR SDRAM." It seems utterly confusing, but that's the nature of hardware evolution. "SD" stands for synchronous dynamic, "DDR" stands for "dual data rate." So..."DualDataRateSynchronousDynamicRandomAccessMemory" lol.

DDR2 and DDR3 are the most current types, and you'll most likely use one of those. I would strongly recommend 2 GBs with Vista, if you're hellbent on using that OS. Vista gobbles up 1 gb just to run itself smoothly, let alone applications. Match your RAM clockspeeds and brands when purchasing, if possible.

Are you sure you don't want to build your own? If you select good parts, it's really a piece of cake. And you build your own OS as needed, with only the applications you want, NOT all the junk included with name-brand systems's install discs.

[Mr Unoriginal]

Yeah, the most correct term for DDR is "DDR SDRAM." It seems utterly confusing, but that's the nature of hardware evolution. "SD" stands for synchronous dynamic, "DDR" stands for "dual data rate." So..."DualDataRateSynchronousDynamicRandomAccessMemory" lol.

DDR2 and DDR3 are the most current types, and you'll most likely use one of those. I would strongly recommend 2 GBs with Vista, if you're hellbent on using that OS. Vista gobbles up 1 gb just to run itself smoothly, let alone applications. Match your RAM clockspeeds and brands when purchasing, if possible.

Are you sure you don't want to build your own? If you select good parts, it's really a piece of cake. And you build your own OS as needed, with only the applications you want, NOT all the junk included with name-brand systems's install discs.

I have, and can, build my own, but honestly I just am a little lazy this time. What I may end up doing is getting a computer with 1 gig and a smaller hard drive and just use the 1 gig I have in my comp now along with my large HD. I figure at that rate I could spend around $350 or $400. I don't think building something comparable would be that much cheaper since you are paying over $100 just for Vista or XP alone.