Which CPU should I use?

[big_willie_21]

Im currently using an Intel D915PBL motherboard with an Intel Pentium 4 550 (3.4 GHz, 800 MHz FSB, 1 MB L2 Cache).

I just got a bundle deal from Intel which consists of an Intel DG965WH mobo and an Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 Processor and Windows Vista Ultimate.

I want to install Windows Vista and use the newer motherboard, but should I use the E6300 processor or the Pentium 4? I dont see the advanages of using the E6300. It is dual core but it is only 1.8 GHz. Ive never had a problem with my Pentium 4.

I dont do any video editing or use any programs that are severely taxing on the system. Any advice would be most appreciated!

P.S. Other system specs include 7950 GT, 1 Gig 533 RAM, soundblaster audigy 1, 74 raptor and 120 seagate. Gotta nother 74 raptor and thinking about raid 0 as well. ( OS will only be on them)

 

[Tostino]

Just look at a benchmark for the 6300 and you will see that it is by far the better choice.

Come on, it's been so long since you could measure processor speed purely on GHz, that 1.8 is enough to tackle the highest clocked P4's Intel put out.

 

[Tostino]

Look here...http://www23.tomshardware.com/cpu.html?modelx=33&model1=460&model2=433&chart=165

I know it's not a 6300, but for some reason Toms doesn't have that one on their chart.

Just consider it to be about 6-8% slower then the 6400 at stock speeds.

 

[big_willie_21]

so im obviously gathering that even though my p4 has a higher clock rating, the core 2 duo will outperform the p4.

i was under the impression that, because i dont usually run multiple processor-taxing applications at the same time, i would not benefit from the dual cores of the e6300.

i guess the only real way to find out is to test both of the processors for a few days.

 

[RichPLS]

It will be more of a slaughter...

 

[Tostino]

No. the applications do not have to use the 2nd core to see a speed benefit. But if they do use the 2nd core, it will be SO much faster then your old processor it's not even funny. The 6300 will ALWAYS be faster then your PD 550 in any application.

 

[Heyyou27]

so im obviously gathering that even though my p4 has a higher clock rating, the core 2 duo will outperform the p4.

i was under the impression that, because i dont usually run multiple processor-taxing applications at the same time, i would not benefit from the dual cores of the e6300.

i guess the only real way to find out is to test both of the processors for a few days.

Basically, during the days of Netburst, Intel used clockspeed as a marketing tool to get people to buy their processors. Now they have to re-educate the consumer, and for reference Core 2 is about 2x as fast per clock as Netburst.

 

[dagoth_ur]

Im currently using an Intel D915PBL motherboard with an Intel Pentium 4 550 (3.4 GHz, 800 MHz FSB, 1 MB L2 Cache).

I guess that your P4 is in revision C0 or D0, so, if you think that you won't see the performance advantage of C2D, you will definitelly appreciate the silence of CPU fan on C2D. The cooler boxed with core 2 duo usually doesn't run faster than 2000 rpm, because C2D runs a lot cooler than P4 rev C/D

 

[dragonsprayer]

well you not supposed to due this, but , i do it.

since your using an intel chip set you might get away with swaping mobos

since you can not use an 805, or C2D - i start with a new mobo. i run vista with a 3.5ghz cel D its really doggy, on 915 shuttle. i be going back to xp on that one.

 

[big_willie_21]

So ive been doing a little research and from what you guys have been saying it sounds like i shouldnt even bother with the p4. i gotta say im kinda sad cause ive been using it for sooo long and its never given me trouble, but out with the old in with the new.

btw thanks for all the replies and info as to what i should do. dagoth_ur, im running a liquid cooled so i dont think much will change. my p4 says 04B...i dont know if thats the revision number or what.

One more thing...im running 1 gig pc4200 533 ddr2 ram in my system now. (2 512 sticks) i was gonna use it in my new system. is this adequate for vista or should i get another gig or scrap it all together and get something different?

 

[Bobsama]

You'll need some of the relatively-new DDR2 RAM; if you get a bundle, you don't get much of a choice. I'd say look at some 2GB kits if you want to run Vista. G.Skill has some sets for ~$120. Also look at single 1GB sticks; they generally run about $61-$65 for Value-RAM (why pay twice as much?) and you won't see a differance. It always peeves me off that people will burn so much money with a Corsair Dominator when you can get within 2% the preformance on synthetics with RAM that is half or a third of the price.

I would say some DDR2 667 kits would be good for you.

 

[ajfink]

Yeah, some decent DDR2-667 would work well for you. DDR2-800 is the most preferred high-end memory speed at the moment (excluding the bleeding-edge extremely enthusiast memory modules that are well about DDR2-1000 now), but in many cases you wouldn't notice the difference between DDR2-667 and DDR2-800 - and the DDR2-667 is cheaper.

Like he said, 2GB for Vista.

 

[big_willie_21]

Thanks bobsama. Yeah i never understood peoples obsession with name brand. i run value ram right now and it has served me very well.

I will look into getting some better ram then. 667? 2 gigs?

 

[enewmen]

Thanks bobsama. Yeah i never understood peoples obsession with name brand. i run value ram right now and it has served me very well.

I will look into getting some better ram then. 667? 2 gigs?

yes, Vista will do will with DDR2 667 and 2 gigs.
Only get faster RAM if you want to overclock.
(Actually the name brand doesn't matter much. Most of the good RAM with different names is Micron anyway)