Upgrading - which Intel CPU?

[Kremlar]

Not looking to overclock, not a big gamer. I am a heavy Windows user, multiple applications, CPU & disk intensive stuff.

I'm looking for an upgrade to my 3.0 Ghz Pentium 4. I was planning on going with a Pentium D, but now the Core 2 Duos seem to be a no brainer.

I'm looking at a price range that leads me to either a 3.4 Ghz Pentium D, or the E6400 Core 2 Duo.

I haven't read up on everything yet, but from what I have read it seems there's no reason to go with a Pentium D.

Am I wrong?

Thanks!

 

[myocardia]

Sure there's a reason not to get a Core 2 D, current prices, and lack of affordable Conroe-capable motherboards. But, if you've decided to upgrade right now, it wouldn't make much sense to spend the money on, say a 940, when you could be getting something that's 50% faster, and only costs ~25-40% more (depending on how long you wait, before buying).

Of course, that's assuming you won't have to pay $50 for an LGA 775 Celeron, so you can upgrade the BIOS on your C2D-capable motherboard to a BIOS that supports your new C2D processor.

 

[Kremlar]

OK, so maybe I should present my question differently.

Motherboard aside, what is my best Intel processor for $250 - $300?

 

[Nightmare225]

The Core 2 Duo e6400.

 

[stevty2889]

Originally posted by: Nightmare225
The Core 2 Duo e6400.

Yep, not worth it to bother with a pentium-d, netburst is dead, and the e6400 will outperform the 950 at stock speeds by a decent amount.

 

[myocardia]

Originally posted by: stevty2889

Originally posted by: Nightmare225
The Core 2 Duo e6400.

Yep, not worth it to bother with a pentium-d, netburst is dead, and the e6400 will outperform the 950 at stock speeds by a decent amount.

Yeah, I agree. Just spend a week or two doing your research on what RAM works with what motherboard, etc., before buying anything, and you'll be fine. But, if you decide to go Pentium D, get a cheap one, like an 805, and put it on a Conroe-capable board, then overclock it slightly while you wait to buy a Conroe/C2D. 3.0 Ghz x2 is very easy for an 805, for instance.

 

[hardwareking]

Core 2 Duo consumes less power and generates less heat compared to any/all the netburst processors.

 

[Pahonix]

Originally posted by: hardwareking
Core 2 Duo consumes less power and generates less heat compared to any/all the netburst processors.

I was pretty sure this was the case too. Do you have any reference for this? Someone else questioned me on it and I'd like to provide a source. Particularly the "generates less heat" part. And also how the C2D's heat generation compares to current AMD chips...

 

[Markfw]

AMD X2 is only slightly slower and hotter than Core 2 Duo. And a LOT less exspensive, and easy to get. Forget the Pentium D.

X2 or Core 2 Duo. Depending on price and availability, especially since not OC'ing, I say X2.

 

[Kremlar]

Yeah, I agree. Just spend a week or two doing your research on what RAM works with what motherboard, etc.,

Why the comment on memory compatibility? Any out of the ordinary quirks with the 965 motherboards? I'm looking to stick with an Intel brand motherboard, and big name memroy, so I assume I'll be OK...

Depending on price and availability, especially since not OC'ing, I say X2.

I was looking to stick with Intel.



Thanks guys!

 

[Henny]

Originally posted by: Kremlar
Not looking to overclock, not a big gamer. I am a heavy Windows user, multiple applications, CPU & disk intensive stuff.

I'm looking for an upgrade to my 3.0 Ghz Pentium 4. I was planning on going with a Pentium D, but now the Core 2 Duos seem to be a no brainer.

I'm looking at a price range that leads me to either a 3.4 Ghz Pentium D, or the E6400 Core 2 Duo.

I haven't read up on everything yet, but from what I have read it seems there's no reason to go with a Pentium D.

Am I wrong?

Get an E6300 or E6400. They are easy to get and inexpensive. (ie E6300's can be purchased <$200 right now).

There are MB's less then $150 (ie DS3). There are even some <$100 like the ASROCK versions but I'd stick with Intel chipsets.

The only reason to get a Pentium D is cost savings. You'll save some but not that much.
Thanks!

 

[Kremlar]

I'm looking at the Intel DP965LTCK motherboard.

Any comments?

 

[Nightmare225]

A good mobo, if you don't mind non-dual-gpu compatibility.

 

[gobucks]

core 2 duo all the way! Both the e6300 and e6400 are better values for the money than any other chip currently available. If you're not OCing then there is no reason to get the gigabyte DS3 mobo though. don't get me wrong, it's a sick mobo, but its main strength is OCing, and if you're not gonna do that, then you should just grab a basic mobo that isn't as quirky as the DS3, like this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813121035

 

[eelw]

I really don't get why people say a lot less expensive. The is only like a $25-50 difference between comparable chips. If that small amount will break the bank, why the hell are you even upgrading your system???