question for Duvie

[strangeuncle]

Hello, I been reading the forums at Anandtech and you seem to know a lot about CPU. I am building a new computer and I am trying to decided between the Pentium 4 640 @3.2GHz. or the AMD 64 3500+, I came down to these two choice since they are about the same price range. I consider myself only a regular computer user, I will not nor I do not know how to overclock anything. However, I do consider myself a heavy multitasker. Generally I run (smartpar) to check and recover files that I have download from newsgroups, at the same time I will have (Newsbin) open for more downloading. I also use (Winrar) very frequently and also some video conversions (DVD to AVI and vice versa). In additional of the programs that I have just mentioned above, I always run winamp or itunes and open at least 5 IE at the same time. I think my current computer is rather slow, its a AMD athlon XP 2800. Can you give me any recommendation on which CPU I should use? I do play games once in a while, but not often. I been reading that P4 are better with multitasking but runs very HOT. Is AMD that much far behind P4 in terms of multitasking? Is the difference noticeable? or is it merely seconds? Can you give me some pros and cons for each CPU? and help me decide. Thank you

 

[n7]

Damn, Duvie's a popular guy, haha...


I'm gonna recommend the 3500+, since i think overall you will find its performance better.

The P4 may have a slight edge in really heavy mulitasking, but overall the A64 will be better.

 

[Dough1397]

your multitasking seems heavy, i would go for the p4....

 

[Duvie]

May want to avoid topics like this. It has been pssing ppl off of late...PM me next time...

HT helps P4 in multitasking but that will be a moot point here shortly which each coming out with dual core...

Based on what you have said I would go P4 route....HOWEVER!!!

1) If you can wait Intels dual p4 D should actually come out soon. Anandtech had a 2.8ghz model and that would be very nice for someone like you who uses some apps that can take advantage of it. IN most of those apps (multithreaded type) that 2.8ghz will act better then the 3.2ghz....Only guess is what will the platform cost as well...I haven't seen much pricing and DDR2 ram is not cheap.....

2) If you cant wait too long but would be open to a nice upgrade sooner then later then you could get a nice sckt 939 mobo now and run with the 3500+ and when the dual cores(AMD) come out you can pick one up and plop it in. If you cant wait but think like this (upgrading sooner then later) the P4 option may not be the rbest oute cause you will likely have to upgrade the whole system...


conclusion...

can't wait wont upgrade soon = INtel P4
can't wait will upgrade cpu sooner = AMD sckt 939
can't wait will upgrade soon and dont care if you have to get new ram/mobo = Intel P4
can wait a month or so = INtel P4-D
can wait a few months (3 possibly) = AMD toldeo dual core

This is just my opinion....

 

[Duvie]

And change that title, quick!!!! Just ask for cpu buying help....

 

[chinkgai]

Originally posted by: Duvie
And change that title, quick!!!! Just ask for cpu buying help....

:|
TOO LATE!! ROAR!!

 

[carlosd]

Buy a cheap A64 like 3000+ and OC, then wait 3 months for dualcores and upgrade, that is the best upgrade path.