Is there a noticable difference between a 1GHz P3 and a 1.2GHz T-bird?

[FatElvis]

I'm getting ready to build a computer and I was wondering if I would notice any performance difference between a 1 GHz P3 and a 1.2GHz T-bird. Yeah, I know benchmarks show that the T-bird is X% faster in this test and that test, but that's not what I'm asking. What I want to know is whether or not I would percieve a difference in performance if I didn't know about the benchmarks.

These are the two processors I'm considering so I'd appreciate any input. Right now, I'm leaning towards the T-bird because the P3 is at the end of the line, but I'm kinda worried about all the driver updates and everything that is needed for the VIA chipsets and the compatability issues. Stability is very important to me so I was wanting to pair the T-bird with a MSI K7t Turbo mobo (otherwise I'd pair the P3 w/ a Cusl2-c mobo.)

I know people will tell me to do a search on the topic, and I have. The problem is, people keep quoting benchmarks--and that really doesn't tell me a whole lot. Sure you can benchmark a processor and it's perfermance, but you can't benchmark your perception of that performance. The T-bird may be faster than the P3, but if I can't tell the difference, what difference does it make? Benchmarks are only statistics. Statistics are a lot like a bikini; what they show you is indeed interesting, but what they don't show is crucial.

Thanks for your replies,

Fat Elvis

 

[Dark4ng3l]

At that speed I would say that you will see a performance difference but not a huge one. If you play games or use very demanding software you will se an increase if you surf, use word, powerpoint, etc get something cheaper like a duron or a slower p3.

 

[Stealth1024]

Every day computing won't expound upon a 200MHz difference when dealing with speeds above 1GHz. I would go with the AMD though.

 

[MCS]

What have you got currently?

I had an Intel based system and was looking at the TBird 1Ghz+ and I was very reluctant to move over to AMD because of "compatibility, stability and all those extra drivers".

Well all I can say is I am SO glad I did change. My new 1.2Ghz AMD system is no less compatible or stable than my Intel BX platform, and the only extra driver you have to install is the VIA 4-in-1s.

I think Intel lovers attach a bad feeling to AMD because of the horrendous problems that the K6-2 chipsets caused, and possibly the early original Athlons.

These days Intel and AMD are on a par, in fact if you get a KT133A board I would say AMD has the edge.

 

[Truro]

Try an AMD rig, I just did my first. A kt133a board and a 1000 clocked to 1200. Costs less, tastes great. All "those drivers" consisted of running the 4 in 1's off the MB CD and getting a usb patch from microsoft for W98SE.

 

[Jgtdragon]

Get the P3, it improves your Internet connection.