Does HT Really Help?

[Crism]

New P4 processors come with hyperthreading while A64 processors don't.

Does this really give the P4 the advantage or does the A64 outpower it anyways? (comparing an LGA to a A64 3200 or the like)

 

[Acanthus]

Search.

 

[RadiclDreamer]

When comparing intel with and intel without, yes it makes a big difference

 

[carlosd]

HT could addres P4 architectural defficiencies in some cases , being optimistic max 20% , As we have seen P4 HT doesn't take real advantages over A64, but in very specific and optimized apps and situations. A64 don't come with HT just because they don't need it , also the efficient short pipelined A64 architechture doesn't allow HT implementation, tha's why for AMD engineers HT is a waste of resources.

 

[Duvie]

It does in apps that are SMP aware....If it wasn't for HT Intel would pretty much lose in all apps across the board to about the top 2 chips of the AMD line up. I have clocked 10- 20% gains in encoding apps...10-20% gains in CAD apps....Basically some of the last areas Intel is still on top now in the last reviews. You can attribute those wins strictly to HT.

If you use cpus for these apps then the Intel will give you the best performance at this point. This however will be disappearing (the leads in those type of apps that is) with the introduction of dual cores by AMD and the removal of HT in the dual core INtel chips. If AMD can come out with decent speed dual core chips in relationshiup to its top speed single ccore chips it will win clear across the field.

Also remember HT helps in multitasking, but only when usings 2 or more cpu intensive apps. Multple small apps and a bunch of windows opened does not categorize as this.


http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview...hreadid=1180277&enterthread=y&arctab=y

 

[Crism]

Ok I was comparing the differences between the 2MB Cache 3.2GHz P4 LGA vs. A64 A3200+. It seems that the 2MB cache in the P4 would make it run better. Is this true?

 

[Duvie]

IN th eright apps yes...Not all apps will take advantage of the caching of data....

If you game = go AMD
If you encode = Intel
If you want to multitask cpu intensive apps = Intel
If you want to OC = go AMD
If you want to DC = Intel (multiple instances)
If you want to compile/scientific = AMD has strong IPC

tell us the uses and we can give you a better idea of how the 2 stack up...

 

[Crism]

I'm big on playing games. I have a gig of memory already so I should be good there. However, one game I play is almost ALL CPU and video card. My 2.53@3 is at 100% usage the WHOLE time. Other games I play are CS Source, Battlefield 1942, and Star Wars Galaxies. The game that uses the CPU is Flight Sim 2004.

 

[Duvie]

Well sounds like AMD64 would be the best choice then and definitely would provide some speed increase over the p4b chip you had....What is your vid card???

 

[imported_Hi]

the HT helps in performance

it really just help because the P4 pipeline are too long and the HT makes up for that

 

[Crism]

Video card's a 9800Pro now. It's good for everything so far 🙂

Now, Clawhammer, Winchester, or Newcastle core? The 3500+ has all 3 within $20 of each other on Newegg.

 

[Duvie]

Clawhammer has l2 cache but I dont think it will show up to make a difference in the cost....I would look at winchester since dual channel memory controller will have more of an effect in games with the bandwidth. If you can get wait a week or so look at the venice core chips...if no price gouging goes on from retailers they should have a small premium over the winchesters....

Clawhammer, Winchesters, and venice cores are sckt 939....newcastle is sckt 754 and single channel memory only...cannot go on same boards as others...

 

[MDE]

Newcastle 3500+.

 

[Duvie]

You want the ability to pop in a dual core cpu maybe in a few months when they become available without having to purhcase a new mobo upgrade??? Then forget anything sckt 754 and newcastle and go straight to sckt939....

sckt 754 is dead except for semprons and mobile chips....dont waste your time...cheaper a bit, mobos are cheaper, but save an upgrade....