Help choosing a CPU

Today you should go with dual core cpus, not single core (or quad core if you actually need them)

Intel's dual core models are named 'Core 2 Duo' E6400, E6600 etc

You should stop looking at the GHZ number and understand what are the latest and best models available (which are the Core 2 Duo models, higher number means higher clock speed, faster processor)

I don't remember AMD's model name for dual core cpus, but Intel's models are better than AMD's for now

I think that each core is clocked at x speed, for example if the E6400 is clocked at 2.4GHZ, I think each core of the two is clocked at 2.4GHZ.

(1) Hyper Threading :

hyper threading i believe was what intel used to imatate ( if you could say, emulate) a dual ( core/no core) processor setup. im sure that it processes 2 threads at once instead of 1. hyper threading is now useless due to the fact you can get native dual core cpus and have much better performance. eg AMDs x2 and Intels Core 2 Duo ( pentium D is dead dnt bother with them )

(2) Dual Core : means it does everything hyperthreading does cept for the fact that it is an actuall 2 core processor.

(3) Core Duo : i dont kno much about these but i think these were intended as laptop cpus

(4) Core 2 Duo : intels answer to AMDs leadership ( used to be) in performance. they are now currently the best cpus in the market and sell for much cheaper than AMD equivalents.


* note : remeber this, just because intel has a new and shiny toy, does not mean taht AMD is dead and not worth buying. it also does not mean AMD sucks hardcore now as they still do what they do as good as they ever were.


hope it helps =]

Most of the above are great explanations. The question is what do you want to do? How much do you want to spend? Do you have some parts squirreled away right now for a new build?

I am an AMD fan but can say unequivocably that the Core 2 Duos are the performance kings right now. No doubt about that. AMD has cut the prices on their CPUs by half just to compete which means there are some great deals if you have parts already in hand such as RAM or a mobo that you don't want to rplace.

If you want the fastest best performing PC then go Core 2 Duo. Also, as said above, the top speed of the processor doen't mean as much as it used to. It is an architecture thing.

Keeping Future in mind as well as upgrading or exchanging in future, Core 2 Duo seems to be the consensus.

Thank You ALL for great inputs & suggestions. I really appreciate it.

Kevin