Pentium 4 or AMD 64?

Which one to get?

from WinCustomize Forums
Hi all,

I am gonna upgrade my computer... And of course I need to get a new processor, a Video Card, and a MoBo.
I was thinking about getting: A MoBo (compatible with the other new components), a PCIe GeForce 6600 256mb, and an AMD 64 3000+ (socket 754 or 939).
But then i was wandering which processor is better (P4 or AMD 64), or which one is better for what...


So, I'd be very greatful if i got some suggestions on which processor I should go for.

Thanx in advance!
18,084 views 35 replies
Reply #1 from WinCustomize Forums Top
I don't know which is better, but I just had my old Gateway (circa 2001) upgraded a couple months ago...new mobo, chip, and RAM. I had an ASUS A8V Deluxe (Socket 939) AI series installed, as well as an AMD Athlon 64 3000+ with HT, and a gig of RAM. I used to have an AMD Athlon 1.1 GHz on an unknown mobo, and 640MB RAM...so needless to say, this is great improvement (ie, it screams). What used to take an hour to render (fractal program) now takes only half that time, and that's with other apps running. I have a laptop with a Pentium processor, and it is fast, for what I need it to do. Either way, an upgrade is a good decision.
Reply #2 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Yea...Thanx...
Right now I have a few months old MoBo (the Oold one broke), AMD Athlon 1.0 Ghz and a GeForce4200 128mb AGP8x... So anything is good really...
But I want the best (!)
Multiplicity - Control multiple PCs using one keyboard and mouse
Reply #3 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Either processor is good.

Recommended MoBo would be just to get good chipset for the processor you choose.

Probably would want to go with a nVidia chipset for the AMD processor (I believe ASUS make excellent boards for AMD with nVidia chipsets), and go with an Intel chipset for the P4 (I know Intel boards are an excellent choice, and ASUS makes a good board if on a budget).

The Intel 915 or 925 series chipset supports PCIe, as well as 800/1066 FSB speeds.

Not real familiar with all the nVidia chipsets for AMD, other than the friends I have that run AMD swear by them, but I am sure you will be able to find something similar in capabilities.

Heatsink/fans will also come into play, especially with AMD.
Reply #4 from WinCustomize Forums Top
my friend just upgraded to a pentium 4 *forgot the speed, like 2.0-something* but he complains that it still lags sometimes - new mobo and about 512ram. i, on the other hand, told him he should go with AMD i have an amd athlon xp 1.8ghz, 1gig ram, w/ a chaintech mobo, and love how my computer performs is way faster than his i'd say, even though he has a newer, faster cpu than me. i have been thinking of upgrading though, either to sempron, or the big jump to athlon 64..... but, intel was never part of my debate lol i'd say 64 but i just am partial to amd anyways
Reply #5 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Get an Athlon 64 (939). It's 64-bit, which means it's slightly more futureproof, and bound to be cheaper. With Intel, you're paying for the brand name.
Reply #6 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Heatsink/fans will also come into play, especially with AMD.


What do you mean by that?
Reply #7 from WinCustomize Forums Top
What do you mean by that?


Don't know about now, but in the olden days, if the cpu cooling fan went out on amd processor it would literally melt through the motherboard.
Reply #9 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Aha, one more question everyone:

Is AMD 64 3000+ equalent to Pentium 4 3.0 Ghz? (Speed-wise)
Reply #10 from Stardock Forums Top
AMD 64 bit hands down over Pentium 4. You'll pay around the same price for a 64bit not 32bit processor.
Reply #11 from WinCustomize Forums Top
What do you mean by that?


Unless they have changed something very recently, AMD still has not created a processor that will slow down to protect itself in a way that will prevent burn-out, which the P4 will do - so a heatsink is necessary.

Though I use Intel products, and the P4 with a current 845 chipset, and a board with the 925 chipset waiting for a few parts geared towards Vista - I have no personal issues with AMD products - just the current common knowledge.

As any processor heats up, it will slow down - either until it crashes (with a heatsink), or until it burns itself out without one(current AMD). The P4 (without a heatsink) will slow down in a way which protects itself from burning out.

I do not have a degree in chemistry or electrical engineering, so I can't explain it the way it should be explained - other than to say it has something to do with the materials of the core, and what is known as the core depth.

Because it is unlikely that anyone would run a processor without a heatsink, the issue concerning heatsinks is probably more about whether you are going to overclock your processor and FSB (extreme gaming, testing, etc.).

If overclocking is intended, then the stock heatsink will not cut the mustard. Looking into either a aluminum/copper mix, or all copper heatsink, with a ball bearing fan would then be advisable.

If your intention is normal use without overclocking, then whichever processor you decide on should be fine.

Speed is not just a function of the processor, but also the chipset, memory, video adapter, FSB, drives, and controllers that effect the speed most users can see.

General outline would be:

- Make sure the MoBo has the chipset that will support the processor you want, as well as possible upgrades.
- Protect the processor by using an adequate heatsink/fan for cooling the CPU.
- Use a case that allows good air flow - preferably with a front and rear case fan.
- Make sure the board will handle the amount of memory you intend to install.
- Use a quality Power Supply Unit (minimum 350 Watts, 380+ Watts preferable).
- Use quality drives.

Whatever you decide, I am sure you will enjoy the use of new core computer parts.
Reply #12 from WinCustomize Forums Top
very well said corky_O. any heat is bad for the entire system my amd cpu didn't come w/ a fan/heatsink, so i had the luxury of starting out with an "aftermarket" one instead i haven't had any problems so far, granted i do keep the inside of the case quite cool which probably helps *power supply fan, back fan, side fan, fan on top of cpu, fan that is on my bfg card* good luck
Reply #14 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Yeah the AMD Athlon 3400+ is a great choice
(Guess which processor I have )
Reply #15 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Is AMD 64 3000+ equalent to Pentium 4 3.0 Ghz? (Speed-wise)


No. The AMD numbers are different. But look around on sites such as www.novatech.com and it will tell you the clockspeed. But remember Clockspeed is not always an accurate mesaurement. (This is what Apple call the MegaHertz Myth. The pentium four has 20 cycles and the G5 has only 7, making the G5 lightening fast compared to a pentium with double the clockspeed.) Wow, can you imagine the speed of a dual 2.7 power mc g5 with 8 gb of ram? Jesus
Reply #16 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Wow, can you imagine the speed of a dual 2.7 power mc g5 with 8 gb of ram? Jesus


no, actually I cant... ::blank::

But I get your point...lol
Reply #18 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Corky - you still fail to see the point. Intel still can't beat AMD when it comes to pure performance. Intel's top chip still can't compete with AMD's latest. I see your point about the heat issue and the way P4 handles it. Good point.
Reply #19 from WinCustomize Forums Top
kona0197,

You are definitely the most avid AMD fan I know of....

Nice to see they have such a fan.
Reply #20 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Dothan.
Reply #21 from WinCustomize Forums Top

Nice to see they have such a fan

They need big fans to keep cool

Reply #22 from WinCustomize Forums Top
The article is a little dated, but good for consideration nonetheless.

http://www.blackviper.com/TheRant/amd_vs_intel_2.htm

In other news: BlackViper is back up.
Reply #23 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Are there different power supplies? Because I found a coool case that I wanna buy, and it says "this case comes with a 400W P4 PSU), But I am gonna buy an AMD 64 MoBo... So, are there different power supplies for different MoBos?
Reply #24 from WinCustomize Forums Top
Newer PCIe boards usually have a 24 pin main molex connector, instead of a 20 pin & a 4 pin 12v (which was added to support the P4 power demand).

You indicated a PCIe video card, so you will probably want to check into finding either an image or diagram of the new MoBo to see the power connector configuration.

A P4 PSU would indicate a probable 20 pin and 4 pin 12v connector configuration.

I use Antec PSU's and have a 380 True Power currently in use with my ASUS board (AGP video board), and I have a 480 True Blue 2 PSU - which is designed to work with the new PCIe boards and has a 24 pin main connector as well as 4 SATA dedicated connectors and a dedicated PCIe video connector.

I would recommend doing some digging into the board, and purchasing a PSU that will match well.

I can certainly recommend the Antec True Power, and True Power 2 series - and there are a number of other reputable PSU manufacturers out there.

Hopefully some others will chime in with ideas.