2 GHz Intel Dual-Core E2180 .vs AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core 5000+ 2.6GHz

[dpauley55]

Just looking for a simple desktop computer. HP has both these chips in similiar configurations. I'd lean towards Intel, since they sell more chips, not necessarily that they're better. Is there one that's better? Is one a newer product?
Could someone explain difference between Intel Dual-Core and Core DUO chips?

Thanks

 

[Avalon]

Intel Pentium Dual Core and Core Duo chips are both dual core processors, they are just part of a different family of processors. The newest Pentium Dual Cores (aka the E2xxx series) are simply cache castrated Core 2 Duos, having 1MB of cache compared to the Allendale based Core 2 Duo E4xxx series's 2MB of cache.

In my experience, an E2xxx series is only about 10-15% faster clock for clock than an AMD X2 processor of the same speed, sometimes even less. Comparing a 2.6Ghz AMD X2 to a 2Ghz Intel E2180, I'd actually choose the AMD chip for your system configuration, assuming the price is equal or cheaper for the AMD. It'll be a tad faster, and should run about as cool as its Intel counterpart.

 

[heyheybooboo]

In a pre-buit box the nod would have to go to the amd X2 5000+. The BIOS (HP, Dell, etc) in a pre-built would be limited in your OC options ...

If it's a DIY rig I'd give it a toss-up. The e2180 would most likely clock beyond the amd BUT the X2 5000 black has an unlocked multi ...

Tuff decision ...

 

[soccerballtux]

Since your'e buying I'd go AMD. AMDs feel faster clock for clock in the lower range; it's not till you overclock to the max (like we're talking 3Ghz and up) that there's a noticable difference. Even then, in everything but games, I sometimes feel that my older single core 3100+ Sempron felt faster.

 

[happy medium]

Originally posted by: heyheybooboo
In a pre-buit box the nod would have to go to the amd X2 5000+. The BIOS (HP, Dell, etc) in a pre-built would be limited in your OC options ...

If it's a DIY rig I'd give it a toss-up. The e2180 would most likely clock beyond the amd BUT the X2 5000 black has an unlocked multi ...

Tuff decision ...

Which ones more upgradable? Is the x2 5000 black the best you can put in the board?
I'm sure you can upgrade the Intel 2180 to something much faster in the future, without overclocking. I'd go the Intel route.

 

[heyheybooboo]

Originally posted by: happy medium

Originally posted by: heyheybooboo
In a pre-buit box the nod would have to go to the amd X2 5000+. The BIOS (HP, Dell, etc) in a pre-built would be limited in your OC options ...

If it's a DIY rig I'd give it a toss-up. The e2180 would most likely clock beyond the amd BUT the X2 5000 black has an unlocked multi ...

Tuff decision ...

Which ones more upgradable? Is the x2 5000 black the best you can put in the board?
I'm sure you can upgrade the Intel 2180 to something much faster in the future, without overclocking. I'd go the Intel route.

I wouldn't be so sure on that Intel upgrade ... I guess it all comes down to the mobo chipset, vendor custom bios & $$$ ...

I wouldn't count on a pre-built vendor like HP or Dell to update a bios for a new line of procs. And being the cynic I am - I believe this is why they do their own custom bios on an oem board that may be from Asus, Intel, Gigabyte, etc ...

The OP should definitely call the vendor tech support before purchase and inquire about the upgrade potential - but I wouldn't expect much ....

... because they want to sell you a 'new computer' upgrade