I'm using a 2.8GHz Pentium-D, 800MHz FSB, 2MB cache. It's a dual core processor. I was thinking about upgrading CPU, but my computer runs good. I put it thru a lot more multitasking than the average user, downloading torrents, converting videos, and burning disks with no problems at the same time. The difference I can see when comparing equal speed CPU's Pentium D, to Dual Core, Core 2 Duo, Dual Core Extreme are the FSB (Front Side Bus) and cache. My previous MoBo only had an 800MHz FSB so the Pentium-D was a good choice for me. My new MoBo has a 1333MHz front side bus, so if I was to upgrade I'd choose a Dual Core, Core 2 Duo, or Dual Core Extreme with a 1333MHz front side bus. Someone suggest to me to get a slower Dual Core CPU, because Pentium-D sucks. Clearly he had little clue as to what he was talking about. If you're MoBo only has an 800MHz front side bus, compare the prices of the fastest Pentium-D you can find to the prices of an equivalent speed Dual Core or Core 2 Duo CPU. Granted it might have a little more cache, but is the price difference worth it?
Compare:
Pentium-D 925 or 930
3.0GHz
800MHz FSB
4MB Cache
Core 2 Duo E8400
3.0GHz
1333MHz FSB
6MB Cache
The Pentium-D should be much cheaper than the Core 2 Duo. I'm guessing about 3,000 pesos more. How would you know which one performes better? Clearly they runs at the same clock speed. Does the FSB and extra 2MB of Cache make it better? Most likely yes, but is it worth the extra money for that slight bit of improvement. If I where to upgrade, I'd personally consider the Pentium-D 950 3.4Ghz.
