Fastest CPU for XP Pro

craigpaddock

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Dec 29, 2008
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Sorry for the newbie question-

I need some new PCs that will simply be running XP Pro. Mainly admin type stuff - Excel, web-browsing, email and a little Photoshop. I know probably any new machine I get will be overkill for these applications, but I'm wondering with XP Pro if Core 2 Quad Processors such as the Q9400 are a total waste as XP won't take advantage of all four processors. Should I instead opt for a higher clocked Core 2 Duo such as Core 3.33 GHz 2 Duo Processor E8500 or E8600 or simply the Pentium Dual?

Thanks in advance-

Craig
 

nvarras7

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Apr 19, 2008
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Imho all the processors you mentioned are way overpowered for what you need. If you aren't doing any high end stuff like dvd encoding etc. You wont see much benefit. An AMD ATHLON 64 LE-1640 2.7GHZ which goes for peanuts will do you well. I just built 3 computers based on these and am very happy with them. With windows 7 looking as if it wont have big system demands you will have some longetivity too.
nick