Vista - CPU

Getting ready for Windows Vista: So far we have picked the case we want for our new Vista system, now we need to decide which CPU we are going for. Our criteria includes a 64-bit processor with Dual Core technology. The first decision to make is... Intel or AMD? That's easy; while Intel still dominates the very conservative business workstation market, AMD has been kicking Intel's butt in the high performance, home computer market for the last couple of years. They were the first to introduce 64-bit processors and Dual Core chips. Cory-apn has been using AMD CPUs for more than a decade. At first because they were the less expensive alternative to Intel. These days, AMD is on a par with Intel when it comes to cost, but in virtually all side by side performance reviews, AMD wins. There is also of course, that other problem that Intel has... HEAT. Intel chips have a notorious reputation for running too hot. I can vouch for this problem personally because I have an Intel chip on my Dell computer at work (not my choice mind you). Under the slightest of loads, the case fans start revving up to Category 3 hurricane level (and by the way, don't get me started on Dell computers, they are the worse junk on the market).

Cory-apn says: AMD

Next decision is, what socket type should we use? Stay with the well traveled and enormously popular Socket 939 or wait until the new Socket AM2 940 chips with DDR2 memory support start arriving on the market later this year? Tough decision but if economics is going to be a factor (and it is), then lets stay with Socket 939 for now because when those new chips come out they are going to be very expensive. Socket 939 will continue to serve us well for years to come and once the new Socket AM2 chips do come on the marketplace, our 939 based CPUs will drop in price. That's a good thing because they are currently big bucks.

Cory-apn says: Socket 939

Final decision, what model AMD CPU should we get? To answer that question we ask another question: What is the least expensive 64-bit, Dual Core processor model with 1 MB of L2 Cache per core? The answer is the AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ Toledo 1GHz FSB Socket 939 Dual Core Processor; L2 Cache = 2 X 1MB.

Cory-apn says: Athlon 64 X2 4400+

To keep an eye on current Athlon 64 X2 4400+ prices, click here ---> Price Watch