What is the use of CPU reviews???

[The Sauce]

I just don't get it. Sure comparing different classes of CPU's might be interesting but why do all these sites review each individual speed stepping of CPU's??? Some site will review the XP 1700, then the 1800, 1900 and now 2000. Its all the same CPU just running at different speeds, right? And then they all reach the mind-boggeling conclusion that the new CPU is faster. Duh!

 

[charlesincharge]

 

[IFICUDIWUD]

:Q

 

[mindiris]

Since these are enthusiast sites, little things like "how much faster and at what price" is important, not that the Athlon XP 2000+ is merely faster than the 1900+.

 

[Quad]

 

[ViRGE]

At the very least, it's useful for historical purposes, since while the processor speed is increasing, the memory speed, HD speed, ect isn't. That in turn, allows you to figure out where said CPU is leveling off due to other bottlenecks.

 

[Deleted member 4644]

ViRGE is right. Also, most CPU reviews come with "commentary" where the reviewer comments on the price of the CPU vs its level of improvement. Thus, for newbies (and others), it is easier to tell if say a 1900+ is worth it over a 1700+. Basically, if the review site has the resources to do frequent reviews, its ultimately better for us as comsumers because we get updates on the price/performance situation.

The graphs that most CPU reviews include also allow us to glance and see how much faster it is in real word situations. For example, I can easily check to see how my 1.4 compares to spanking new 1900 or 2000.