Looking for some input here - What is your opinion?

[Peterson]

I am designing a new system, what I would like to discuss here is:

Pro's and Con's on
- Which Processor to consider: Pentium 4 or AMD 1600+
- Which Motherboard is best for Tweaking and OverClocking for both of these CPUs?

I have been a traditional Pentium user forever and never have used or owned an AMD proccessor.

I currently own a Pentium III 1.0 ghz with 300+ mb sdram.

I know it is going to cost me more to build a specific system, but I want to build a system in which I know every component that has been installed and it capabilities and reputation.

Far fetched?

We'll see.


PLease do not hesitate to respond to this request;

Post your opinions here.

Thank you for your time and efforts in advance.

 

[dullard]

The AMD 1600+ is roughly 5% to 10% faster than the 1.6 GHz Pentium 4. Some programs are well suited to the AMD processor and others are better suited for the P4 processor. However, on average, the 1600+ XP will be slightly faster than the current 1.6 GHz P4.

That average will change in the next few days/weeks. Intel is replacing the P4's with its new Northwood chip. Tests seem to show an average of 7%-8% speed gain (comparing the 2.0 GHz P4 to the 2.0A GHz Northwood P4). This 7%-8% speed boost will eliminate the 5% to 10% average speed advantage of the XP. All Northwood chips will have the letter 'A' following the speed.

Thus: on average a Northwood P4 will be nearly identical to the same rated Athlon XP. Choose whichever you want, you will get great performance from both. There is a slight price difference between the Athlon and the Pentium though.

Since you already have a 1.0 GHz P3, I think you will be disappointed if you only upgrade to a 1.6A GHz P4 or a 1600+ XP. I'd highly suggest looking at the 1.8A GHz or faster models.

I do not overclock, so I cannot tell you what motherboard to get for overclocking. Sorry. There is nothing far fetched by wanting to build your own. Just look around for helpful guides and ask us for advice BEFORE you buy the parts.

 

[dullard]

I forgot: Welcome to Anandtech.

 

[ShallowHal]

This question is asked in various forms everyday and it seems there are numerous pro's and con's for both technologies. There are folks who will flame you at the mention of P4's over AMD and vice versa. There are some very savvy computer techs in this forum but not one of them have convinced me that there is a clear cut winner.

 

[Peterson]

Thank you for your input dullard and thank you for the welcome note;

As an added note to my original post:

I was looking at a motherboard - Gigabyte P4 Titan DDR (GA-8IRXP) Review here: Gigabyte P4 Titan DDR (GA-8IRXP)
or
- ASUS P4B266 Review of the board is here: ASUS P4B266

Any opinions?

In reference to flaming, I am not sugessting any one is better than the other, i am just requesting people's opinions.

I don't want to get a war started, I am just trying to get myself better informed.Cheers

 

[Peterson]

Here is an interesting artical on the Northwood chip: Northwood 2200

Interesting, very interesting....

 

[Peterson]

Bump

 

[Migroo]

To be honest, I would go for the Athlon XP due to the sheer value for money when building a system around that CPU as opposed to the Pentium 4.

However, that is not to say that the P4 is worse than the XP. I would buy a P4 over an XP as it is cooler, however if I buy an XP instead of the P4, I have some money left over for a rainy day

 

[Peterson]

Interesting...

It's not necessarily cash that is the motivator here.

But some very good points.

 

[Migroo]

Peterson

What are you going to be using this setup for? If cash is not the main motivator, then could you suggest what the motovator(s) may be so we can give you better opinions?

 

[Peterson]

Certainly;

I am a software developer and web site Developer, I am looking to put together a a system that i wont have to upgrade in 6 months.

Something that will be able to handle the minor upgrades.... memory, event cpu if necessary.

 

[Migroo]

Thanks Peterson

Well good question! To be honest, I would say that either CPU at a cirtain speed would be fine.

If your 1.0 GHz system isnt up to scratch (I assume that is why you are upgrading), then I'd recomment a decent hike in speed.

You mention overclocking in your specification. According to Anand's latest article (see the front page of AnandTech) the Pentium 4 Northwood has far higher overclocking capabilities than the Athlon XP. Just something to take into account.

I would go for:

CPU - A middle of the range (say 1700 or 1800+) Athlon XP
Memory - 512mb (assuming that the 300 or so MB in your current system isnt enough) from a reputable manufacturer like Crucial.
The rest is up to you. I cant help you motherboard wise - I still cant decide myself on a decent one for my new system (which for the record will be built around the Athlon XP)

I have already built a system around the XP for a machine at work, and I am very impressed with it in every respect!

Migroo

 

[Peterson]

Nice Response Migroo;

I have read numerous articals, but in the end, both seem to rock, average p4 northwood 2.2ghz is selling for 649.00us
and the Gigabyte motherboard is going for around 186.00us

I see your point in the cash area...

 

[Peterson]

bump

 

[novalogic88]

i would get a p4 anyday with rambus , just personal preference, if money is not a concern

 

[Migroo]

I'd agree with Novalogic on this one.

Of course my personal opinions are always heavily marked by wanting to get everything, not just the latest hardware (which is why I am so price consious).

If performance is what you want, the P4 + Rambus memory is excellent.

- If you DO get a P4, go for a Northwood.
- Dont get a Pentium 4 with SDRAM. Make sure its Rambus as the P4 loves it's memory bandwidth.

An important point - Have you considered a Dual processor setup? It might be cheaper to get 2 x medium CPUs than one extremely high end one.

 

[Peterson]

I must say I have not thought about a dual processor.... Now you got me thinking...


Wanting to get everything, is understandable, I will use my existing, hd's, cd r-w, sound card, monitor and keyboard Also i can use my existing atx case and 300w powersupply.

I will have to get a new Video card with AGP X4 as mine is X2, If You try to use the X2 card in the motherboard, it will cause serious damage to the motherboard.

I will also have to get new Ram due to the incompatability with my current ram configuration.

Excellent info here tonight, thanks all.

Any help is good help!

 

[Peterson]

bump