Which is better for games, Duron 800@1000/133 or TB 900@1000/133 ??

[bupkus]

Which is better for games, Duron 800@1000/133 or TBird 900@1000/133 ??

Edit: I just realized this question sounds like it's set in an unlimited money setting.
Let me qualify: Is the Duron enough to get the job done? Do we need to spend more and get the TBird?
Whew! that's better.

I haven't decided on the video card yet, but I need to order everything today.

Which game? So far Baldur's Gate 2.

Other specs?
IWILL KK266
Taisol HSF
256 Crucial CL2 SDR-SDRAM

 

[Emulex]

tbirds are always better than durons.

no question.

 

[PapaRomeo]

Yep, a T-Bird always beats a Duron at the same clock, thanks to the TB's bigger, faster on-board cache.

I'm very happy with my TB 900@1000/133 (I run mostly WWII combat flight sims, and it's great). See the specs in my sig for more detail.

PR

 

[arod324]

The Tbird will usually beat a Duron by about 10% on most tests. If you have an unlimited budget, I would reccomend getting a TBird 1.2GHZ Axia, and overclocking it to 1.4-1.5 or so. If you are on a budget, the Duron is DEFINITELY the way to go. I have a Duron600 overclocked to 1050 with just the Taisol CGK742092

 

[bupkus]

Will the Duron at 1GHz or more starve the video card to where you can see it?

I can always buy faster, but will I actually see the difference? If not, I'd rather go out for prime rib. hehe 😀

 

[arod324]

It's not going to "starve" the video card. In most cases, its the videocard's memory bandwidth that is limiting games (once you are up to the ghz range). If you play in resolutions of 1024X768 or higher with high detail, then your video card will probably be what's limiting you, not your cpu.

 

[stso]

I would go with Duron 800@1000 ....
Since the TB is only 10% better than duron at the same speed, the cost is much more than 10% ....

 

[pdo]

I would go for the Duron and spend the money you save on a better video cards.