Intel Pentium D 930/940/950

[delsvr]

Not yet ready to jump on the Conroe bandwagon, I'm planning on upgrading my Pentium 4 3.4 Ghz Prescott to a Pentium D 930/40/50 Presler. I'm still using the Dell mobo from an Optiplex GX620 with the Intel i945G/GZ chipset, and I just wanted to confirm that these processors would be compatible. The Dell website advertises that the GX620 supports up to the D 840's, but I'm skeptical as to how often they update that page. Any input would be great, thanks.

 

[dexvx]

Best way to find out is to drop a 9xx in.

FYI, it may not work.

 

[mikecel79]

We have a number of Optiplex GX620 with Pentium D 900 series in them. You won't have a problem.

 

[dexvx]

Well then if thats the case, try going for a C1 revision, as they run a lot cooler. No way to tell on 9x0 (except 920's are never C1), other than actually physically inspecting the box/processor. 9x5 series are all C1.

 

[coldpower27]

Yeha try getting a 915 or 945 if you can, unless you need Hardware Virtualization support.

 

[delsvr]

I like the 945, but is there a reason why I've found it to actually run even cheaper than the 940? I'm seeing that it runs at a higher clock speed (3.4 on the 945, 3.2 on the 940), so is the price drop coming just from the lack of virtualization support? Are the two processors identical in every other way?

 

[stevty2889]

Originally posted by: delsvr
I like the 945, but is there a reason why I've found it to actually run even cheaper than the 940? I'm seeing that it runs at a higher clock speed (3.4 on the 945, 3.2 on the 940), so is the price drop coming just from the lack of virtualization support? Are the two processors identical in every other way?

The lack of virtualization is the reason for the price differance. The 945 is definatly a newer revision as well, so thats another plus. The 940 comes in all the differant revisions, so it's luck of the draw with it. Not that the other revisions are that bad, just the C1's run even cooler and a little less power hungry.

 

[delsvr]

One last thing -- 945 vs. 950?

"The table above only showcases the NetBurst CPUs that are actually cheaper than their Core 2 counterparts; there are a number that are priced equal to Core 2 options, but you'll want to stay away from those (more blatant foreshadowing)."

http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2795&p=2

What's the implication here?

 

[coldpower27]

Unless you need Hardware Virtualization support a Pentium D 945 @ 163US is better then 224US of the 950, same with the Pentium D 915 @ 133US vs 178US of the 920.

 

[stevty2889]

Originally posted by: delsvr
One last thing -- 945 vs. 950?

"The table above only showcases the NetBurst CPUs that are actually cheaper than their Core 2 counterparts; there are a number that are priced equal to Core 2 options, but you'll want to stay away from those (more blatant foreshadowing)."

http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2795&p=2

What's the implication here?

Because a core 2 duo at the same price as a pentium-d, will way outperform it, while running cooler and using less power. Thats all they meant by that statement.