Buying a top spec Alienware PC, but I am totally undecided as to the processor.
Please would someone help me make my decision between an AMD 3000+ and a P4 3.06.

Thanks in advance.

Cem

Think I'd choose the Intel TBO. AMD are good chips, but are now seriously overpriced IMO compared to the Hyperthreading Intel's, especially as AMD isnt a cheap option anymore. The Intel will require less extreme cooling and will probably run with less noise as a result.



[Edited by Jye_0 - 3/25/2003 1:54:40 PM]

Let me also point out that the Intel equivelent will cost £250.00 more.

Cem

I don't understand why the Intel chipped package is more as they both retail at about the same price (infact the AMD is more!)

Assuming you're comparing the Aurora DDR/Area 51...

The P4 one still seem to be using RDRAM
The AMD one has dual NIC (handy for sharing your broadband)

Most everything else is the same...

Though I thought the hyperthreading on non-xeons was crap/useles ?

Are the different types of memory both use something that I will notice significantly?

Cem

For the faster Athlon processors memort bandwidth is a bit of an issue. I notice on the site that RAM for the Athlon is PC2700. Really, to get the most out of the Athlon 3000 you'd need PC333 or PC400 RAM, otherwise it really hampers the system.

The only thing bad against RDRAM is the price and the fact that intel won't be supporting it in a while.

The Ath 3000 uses a 166 meg fsb, so unless you want to try Oc'ing PC 2700 is fine.

edited to say PC333 (eh??) is DDR333 mem, hence 166 X 2 = 333 this is also known as PC 2700, the 2700 related to bandwidth in MB's.



[Edited by Jye_0 - 3/25/2003 3:33:17 PM]

Simple answer - Both systems are powerful and the average person won't notice the speed difference because they aren’t addicted to benchmark programs ;)

If an extra £250 doesn't bother you then go for the slightly faster Pentium system :)

FYI for all you benchmark addicts :o :D
http://www6.tomshardware.com/cpu/200...der_windows_xp

So, final answer?

Cem

Use P4 with Dual DDR400 it'll stonk.

Canterwoods out next month, id wait for them babies

Si

There is always new technology coming around the corner ;) :p

Cem - As you print your own money ;) the Pentium 4 is the best one out of the 2 :)

Thanks folks - appreciate the help.

You'd be interested to hear that I opted for the P4 system.
I'll post some 3DMARK's when it arrives.

Cem

i reckon............. 12000ish on Mark 2001 :D

I'd be pretty upset with that figure!
I reckon at least 15,500.

Cem

lol well i get 16000

and thats from 3.6Ghz , DDR400 and Leaktek 4600 Ultra.

So ill stick with 12-13k :D

I see.

Perhaps overestimated it then.
I'll be interested to find out tho.
Cem

Perhaps not Cem, Its the quality and consistency of 'all' the components in a system which make a fast PC, how well they all work together etc. Im sure Alienware have tried many different components in order to find a perfect match, stability and high speeds. I think you will be surprised by how well it all works together as well as how fast it will be.

There not one cheap part in my pc ;)

Whats the GPU on it though?

Si

lol whats a GPU?

Cem

Graphics processing Unit

(Fancy name for a chip/s on a graphics card)

that :D But just an abreviation(sp)

Si

9700 pro

should be good then :D

Friend of mine just bought a Mesh 2700 AMD - 12,804 3DMark.
With 512Mb ram and 9700Pro
Cem

[Edited by Blow Dog - 3/28/2003 2:37:09 PM]

Id be disapointed, XP2700? Thought it'd be better then that

I get 13,500 running my cpu at XP2800+ speeds.
That is with a 9700Pro & 512mb PC2700 ram

What do you get with 4xAA though Si??

So my original estimate of 15k isn't that far off then?

I reckon 15k is a realistic target.
I don't think the cpu is much faster than mine in reality but I only have an AGP 4x mobo where as you will have an AGP 8x & I reckon you will make up the extra points in this area.