Cedar Mill vs Presler (single core vs dual)

[Crow4ever]

I'm looking to build a new computer, mainly for gaming. So far, I have most of the hardware ready to go, but I'm stuck on which processor to get. I have an Intel mobo with an LGA 775 socket type, so this isn't really a question of AMD vs. Intel... it more of single core vs dual core question.

Basically, would most games benefit more from a single-core CPU with hyper-threading, or a dual core without hyper-threading? (Specifically, I'm a hardcore Eve-online player) Assume we're talking about the same GHz speed for either CPU. Would the games even take advantage of the dual core, or is that just a waste of the money?

Also... I'm looking at prices on the single core "Cedar Mill" CPU's vs. comparable speed dual core "Presler", and the all of the single core Cedar Mill's are more expensive than their dual core Presler counterparts. Is there some great advantage to the Cedar Mill CPU's that make them better than the Preslers? And does it make sense that I would be spending LESS on a dual-core CPU?

Don't want to get a dual core just for the sake of getting a dual core, if there is a version of a single core CPU that is superior to a similar dual.

Not really sure which way to go... any insight anyone has on the subject would be most appreciated.

 

[Pabster]

Frankly, I recommend neither. Get an Allendale or a Conroe.

But if it is a choice between only those 2, Presler > Cedar Mill.

 

[Crow4ever]

I don't want to spend more than $250.00 on a CPU. Can I get either of those without breaking the bank?

 

[Atheus]

You can get Conroe or AM2 Athlon for under $250. Netburst pentiums are utter crap in comparison to either.

 

[Crow4ever]

Kinda new to this whole Core 2 Duo Conroe thing... how does a lower GHz Conroe... let's say 2.13GHz compare to a 3.4GHz Presler?

 

[potato28]

Originally posted by: Crow4ever
Kinda new to this whole Core 2 Duo Conroe thing... how does a lower GHz Conroe... let's say 2.13GHz compare to a 3.4GHz Presler?

Night and Day. What are you using this processer for anyways?

 

[bobsmith1492]

It smokes it preeeety severely. Check out AT's reviews on the processors.

 

[raincityboy]

Side note- Just because you have a 775 socket doesn't mean you can use any 775 cpu...

 

[JEDIYoda]

Originally posted by: Atheus
You can get Conroe or AM2 Athlon for under $250. Netburst pentiums are utter crap in comparison to either.

even though you consider them to be utter crap you still need to read the OP question.....

 

[Crow4ever]

Originally posted by: potato28

Originally posted by: Crow4ever
Kinda new to this whole Core 2 Duo Conroe thing... how does a lower GHz Conroe... let's say 2.13GHz compare to a 3.4GHz Presler?

Night and Day. What are you using this processer for anyways?

Games, mostly. I have another rig that will take care of everything else.

How does the GHz speed relate to the speed of the computer? As I said, I'm kinda new at this... and I'm more used to just going by GHz numbers.

 

[Atheus]

Originally posted by: Crow4ever

Originally posted by: potato28

Originally posted by: Crow4ever
Kinda new to this whole Core 2 Duo Conroe thing... how does a lower GHz Conroe... let's say 2.13GHz compare to a 3.4GHz Presler?

Night and Day. What are you using this processer for anyways?

Games, mostly. I have another rig that will take care of everything else.

How does the GHz speed relate to the speed of the computer? As I said, I'm kinda new at this... and I'm more used to just going by GHz numbers.

GHz is no longer a good guide to the performance of a processor. It never has been, really, but now it's even worse. Almost all processors these days are 'superscalar' processors, meaning they can run more than one instruction in a single clock cycle, and some can run more than others. Example - the Intel processors of last year ran at much higher clock speeds than the AMDs, but the AMDs could actually do more work at the same clock speed, and this gave them the overall performance edge.

The new Intel (core 2 duo) can do more work per cycle again than the AMD, and has nice clock speeds, so it's the best option at the moment. AMD Athlon or Opteron is still a better bet than old Intel though.

 

[Aluvus]

Okay, before the "buy a Core 2 Duo" train gets completely out of control, what motherboard do you have?

 

[Crow4ever]

Originally posted by: Aluvus
Okay, before the "buy a Core 2 Duo" train gets completely out of control, what motherboard do you have?

Good point... don't know that the mobo I bought can handle a C2D. Trying to find out, but you know how helpful the manufacturer's sites are...

Anyway it's an Asus P5N32-SLI Deluxe. I'm probably SOL and stuck with a Presler, right?

 

[Atheus]

Originally posted by: Crow4ever
Anyway it's an Asus P5N32-SLI Deluxe. I'm probably SOL and stuck with a Presler, right?

http://www.anandtech.com/mb/showdoc.aspx?i=2820

 

[Crow4ever]

Originally posted by: Atheus

Originally posted by: Crow4ever
Anyway it's an Asus P5N32-SLI Deluxe. I'm probably SOL and stuck with a Presler, right?

http://www.anandtech.com/mb/showdoc.aspx?i=2820

Yup, looks like I'm in luck after all. And it looks like the Conroe E6400 is what I'm gonna go for. I take it I'll be happy with that choice?

 

[kuqdew]

you won't regret a thing, my friend

 

[Crow4ever]

Thanks for all the help, guys.

 

[Scouzer]

No problem.

 

[Blain]

Presler 945 (C1 stepping) = Huge bang for the buck :laugh:

 

[Crow4ever]

Bad news... I have been told that this motherboard (Asus P5N32-SLI Deluxe) does NOT, in fact, support Core2Duo. The P5N32-SLI SE Deluxe does, but not this one.

If that is the case, what is my best option for a CPU under $350?