Intel Core 2 Duo or Pentium D 945. Which one should I chose?

[Denis54]

I want to build a new midrange system. AnandTech buyers'guide recommends the Core 2 Duo. My friend is sure I should rather get a Pentium D 945.

I trust AnandTech more than my friend but I would like to understand why the Core 2 Duo is better so that I can counter his argument.

 

[brikis98]

Check out the benchmarks here and compare the Core 2 Duo E6400 results (lower end c2d) to the pentium D 940 (higher end pentium D). Note how the E6400 throughly dominates the pentium D. Then note how the E6400 can overclock like a champ to further extend its ass-kicking of the pentium D. finally, realize that it does it using less power and producing less heat.

Moral: any intel c2d >> any intel pentium D


EDIT: forgot to mention that the c2d architecture does MUCH MORE per clock than any of the previous intel CPU's, so it acheives much more at lower clock speeds

 

[Markfw]

Quote: Moral: any intel c2d >> any intel pentium D

in spades....

 

[KaChow]

Even if the C2D wasn't any faster, I'd choose it for the simple fact that it runs cooler. My E6600 runs at 30C idle/38C loaded...I'm not so sure a 945 can do that.

 

[Denis54]

Thanks all for the fast answers. Case closed. Friend is wrong and as expected AnandTech is right.

Any suggestion for an ASUS motherbord? I have asked the question in the MB section but would appreciate your input.

 

[Markfw]

BTW, your friend is an idiot. Between being faster by a LOT and running cooler by a LOT, there is no question which to get. As far as motherboard, a lot of people here like the P5B. I like the gigabyte S3 myself (I have 2)

 

[KaChow]

I'm running on the P5B Deluxe without any problems. My second choice was the Gigabyte S3.

 

[MadAmos]

Anothe vote here for the Gigabyte Get the GA 965p S3 and the E6400 you will be amazed at how well it will work.

Amos

 

[Conky]

There is no comparison. Core 2 Duo is the only way to go.

Your friend is stupid and you can tell him we said so. 😛

 

[coldpower27]

No the pentium D 945 is slower then all available models of Core 2 Duo.