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Pentium D or Core 2 Duo

R

Rockhound1

Senior member
Okay, I am putting together a system for a friend and I already have everything (hardware) that I need except the processor. I can either buy:

- Pentium D 945 (3.4 GHz w/4MB cache)
- Core 2 Duo 6300 (1.86 GHz w/2MB cache)

They are the same price. Which will give better performance? My friend will use the computer for Web surfing, e-mails, office work, and light gaming.

I realize the Pentium uses more energy and produces more heat, but that is not a factor in choosing between the two. I am more interested in which will provide the most raw performance.

Thanks.
 
So, you guys are telling me that the C2D operating at almost half the frequency of the Pentium D is faster? That is really surprising. I was thinking I would go with the Pentium D even though it is not the "newest" chip, mainly because it is operating at 3.4 GHz and the C2D is operating at 1.86 GHz. The difference in chip architecture is that significant? I know the E6600 would be faster...

As far as upgrade path, the motherboard will accept either chip, so the upgrade path is not a consideration in my decision.

This computer will not be overclocked.
 
Originally posted by: Rockhound1
So, you guys are telling me that the C2D operating at almost half the frequency of the Pentium D is faster? That is really surprising. I was thinking I would go with the Pentium D even though it is not the "newest" chip, mainly because it is operating at 3.4 GHz and the C2D is operating at 1.86 GHz. The difference in chip architecture is that significant? I know the E6600 would be faster...

As far as upgrade path, the motherboard will accept either chip, so the upgrade path is not a consideration in my decision.

This computer will not be overclocked.
Click to expand...

Yes the C2D is just incredibly efficient. Clock-for-clock C2D destroys anything else x86, especially Netburst. The E6300, the slowest chip in the lineup, performs neck-to-neck with the Pentium EE 965 which is the fastest P4 based dual-core chip, despite former having a smaller L2 cache and the latter having a full 100% greater clockspeed.

Overclocked or not the E6300 IS clearly the way to go.
 
The sad thing is this guy would have bought the Pentium D last year too based on clockspeed, not knowing that Athlon 64s were already faster and cooler.

There really is never a time you could have purchased a Pentium D and convinced anyone with a clue that it was a good decision.
 
You can't compare clock speeds across different chips, it's like comparing apples to watermelons......it don't work.

The C2D will make the Pentium-D $hit itself if you bring them side by side 😉
 
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