Help with Computer Computer Choice

[Oldswagon]

I am looking at upgrading my computer in the near future. Right now I am trying to decided between two nearly identical systems, except for the processors. One has a Pentium 4 with hyperthreading (3 GHz), while the other has a Pentium D 925 (3 GHz) processor.

I don't game with my computers, but I do keep them for a long time (my current system was purchased 10 years ago). I upgrade the systems with time of course. Which processor would be the better choice for the long term? Any advice appreciated.

 

[VK56VD]

You are buying a used computer I assume? You are probably better off with a newer machine than these two if you intend to keep the system for a long time.

 

[PSS]

If you're not a gamer, either would be a fine choice. I think the Pentium D is a newer series - it might have newer/better/cheaper DDR2 Memory on its motherboard.

For reference, I upgraded a couple of my computers by keeping the Pentium 4 2.8s and replacing the motherboards so it could use a newer video card slot and ddr2 memory. With the other new additions I can play all the newest hard core games - no problem.

A pentium 4 can do all you throw at it.

 

[astraelraen]

In general a pentium D is basically two pentium 4s slapped together into a psuedo-dual core.

If all you do is browse the internet, open word, etc there really is no need for a D if the cost difference is material. If the cost difference between the two systems is immaterial to you then you may as well go with the D.

If you need or want cheap dual core the comparable Athlon64x2 were light years ahead of the Pentium D systems of the time and should sell for similar prices used.

 

[bepperb]

Not much difference between the two processors, but I would assume the Pentium D is a newer machine though both are at least two years old.

Many of the newer processors (core, core 2, pentium dual core) sound slower, but are much faster, if you're comparing these to new machines.

For what you can get a new striped Dell/HP/whatever for, about 300 bucks, I hope you're getting a deal.

 

[uc50ic4more]

I think (*think*, not know) that the "D" stands for "dual", in that the CPU'd be a dual core.

I do know the "D" would be newer, though.

 

[Oldswagon]

Well, they are actually business class machines that I am looking and they aren't new. But the price is too good to pass up. If I went new I'd be looking at entry level systems, which seem to be less than 3 GHz. Most of them seem to be running Intel Core 2 Quad processors, AMD Athlon X2's or AMD Phenom X2's.

Forgive me for my lack of knowledge on this subject. I used to be up on computers but lost interest over the years, so I am not sure what the standards are these days.

 

[PandaBear]

Originally Posted By: Oldswagon
If I went new I'd be looking at entry level systems, which seem to be less than 3 GHz. Most of them seem to be running Intel Core 2 Quad processors, AMD Athlon X2's or AMD Phenom X2's.


Pentium 4's frequency can't be directly compared to Core2, Athlon, or Phenom. Any of the newer processor other than the Athlon X2 you mentioned running at 1.6Ghz will eat a 3Ghz Pentium 4 for lunch.

How much is the computer and what spec?

 

[Oldswagon]

The systems are HP dc5100 and dc7700 that I am looking at. They are acutally old stock (never been used, but no longer new).

http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/12145_na/12145_na.HTML

http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/12543_na/12543_na.HTML

I can also get a newer dc7900 with a Core 2 Duo E8400, but it's about double the price.

Any opinions appreciated.

 

[tmorris1]

I wouldn't buy either one of them unless you can get them dirt cheap <$200.

 

[oilboy123]

Originally Posted By: tmorris1
I wouldn't buy either one of them unless you can get them dirt cheap div>


I agree.

 

[PandaBear]

If you keep your PC for a long time, stick with a standard micro tower or bigger form factor. Small profile form factor uses non standardized motherboard that makes MB upgrade almost impossible unless you buy another used one from the same generation.

uATX can go many generations of upgrade, and more choices of parts when you want to upgrade. I'm still using a case from 11 years ago.

 

[ToyotaNSaturn]

If the DC5100's are much like the predecessor DC5000's that had problems with the resistor caps on the motherboards popping, rendering the computer useless, I would steer clear of them. I know this first hand.

Does the DC7700 series use solid state resistors or the old style ones that are prone to popping like the DC5100 series?

 

[Oldswagon]

I have no idea about the resistors. Does it say on the HP website?

I do know that the dc7700's are currently being used in a friends large network, and they are apparently one of the most trouble free computers that have ever been used.

 

[PandaBear]

TNS, are you sure it is not capacitor? I've never heard of non-solid resistors, but there are differences in quality between solid and electrolytes capacitors. The main problems with the electrolytes one being some of the Chinese knock off from a stolen formula blowing up prematurely.

 

[ToyotaNSaturn]

You're right, it is capacitors. My apologies for confusing everyone by talking about resistors rather than capacitors.

 

[ToyotaNSaturn]

Just opened up a dc7100 model to refurb...solid state capacitors. A good thing indeed!