Are Pentium D processors always dual core?

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belfert

Limp Gawd
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Are Pentium D processors always dual core?

I bought a PC from the Dell Factory Outlet described as XPS 400: Pentium D Processor (3.2Ghz 800Mhz FSB). What I got was a Pentium 4 HT 3.2Ghz according to the Intel CPU ID utility.

Dell's technicians are claiming that non-dual core Pentiums are also labeled Pentium D, but Intel's web site seems to say that only dual core are labeled Pentium D. (They are also claiming the XPS 400 doesn't support dual core, but they are only available new with dual core.)

I still think the price was darn good even with a Pentium 4, but I want the PC as described or some sort of credit. The PC is plenty fast without dual core since I don't game or so graphics.

Brian Elfert
 
xonik said:
All Pentium Ds are dual core, though Celeron Ds need not be dual core.
Click to expand...

Do they make Celeron dual core? I have not kept up on processors since I don't game or do graphics/video.

Brian Elfert
 
belfert said:
Do they make Celeron dual core? I have not kept up on processors since I don't game or do graphics/video.

Brian Elfert
Click to expand...

Not yet, but maybe in the next year or so. I wouldn't pull off the HSF either (nice way to void the warranty.)

Does the chip name come up while the system is POSTing? Was the system described as having a Pentium D 840, and do you have a screenshot or order confirmation which shows that?

 
altec said:
Why not use CPU-Z?
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Yes. Use CPU-Z. It will have the Pentium D logo in the upper right hand corner if it is truly a Pentium D. If it turns out to be not a Pentium D. I would demand my money back or a replacement system that has the correct processor.

http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php
 
Don't get all hyper, it was probably a simple slip-up. Get organized and you will be fine.
First, check your invoice, what did you order? Maybe you clicked the wrong button and accidentally ordered a Pentium 4.
Second, run CPU-Z. It will tell you your CPU specs in detail. It pulls the data from the hardware not software, so if Dell is trying to pull a fast one on you CPU-Z will bypass any covering up of tracks on their part.
Finally, if you did pay for a Pentium D and you do indeed have a Pentium 4, take action accordingly. Send dell a copy of your invoice, and a screencapture of your CPU-Z screen.
Just be honest and organized, and you will be fine.

Oh yeah, no such thing as a non-dual core Pentium D. The "D" stand for Dual-Core, so a non-dual core Pentium D would be an oxymoron.
 
I used the Intel CPU ID utility to identify the CPU. It shows it as a Pentium 4 with HT, not a Pentium D. I would never pull the heatsink.

I would just as well get a few bucks back than get the Pentium D as I don't need it.

Brian Elfert
 
belfert said:
I used the Intel CPU ID utility to identify the CPU. It shows it as a Pentium 4 with HT, not a Pentium D. I would never pull the heatsink.

I would just as well get a few bucks back than get the Pentium D as I don't need it.

Brian Elfert
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Hell no man, demand a Pentium D. The whole point of the XPS 400 is that it is dual-core. It's the principal we are talking about, not the performance.
 
All XPS400s are supposed to be Pentium Ds?

This came from the Dell outlet?

Maybe the previous owner pulled a CPU switcharoo and Dell never caught it...
 
NulloModo said:
All XPS400s are supposed to be Pentium Ds?
Click to expand...
Yes, there is no such thing as a non-dual-core XPS 400.

NulloModo said:
This came from the Dell outlet?

Maybe the previous owner pulled a CPU switcharoo and Dell never caught it...
Click to expand...
Good point. If it was coming from the outlet, there is a good chance that someone jacked the CPU and returned the computer.
 
sac_tagg said:
Yes, there is no such thing as a non-dual-core XPS 400.


Good point. If it was coming from the outlet, there is a good chance that someone jacked the CPU and returned the computer.
Click to expand...

Yeah, crap like this used to happen all of the time with really old game consoles - take out the guts, tape a few good books in there, and return it. You just got an NES for free.

Well, at least it sounds like some bloke might have made off with a Pentium D this way.
 
sac_tagg said:
Yes, there is no such thing as a non-dual-core XPS 400.
Click to expand...

The very first XPS 400 systems did not have dual core.

sac_tagg said:
Good point. If it was coming from the outlet, there is a good chance that someone jacked the CPU and returned the computer.
Click to expand...

This was listed as a new system, not a refurbished. The outlet sells computers that are refurbished, previously ordered new, and scratch and dent. Previously new is generally systems cancelled that were already produced. Cheaper to send them to outlet than to reconfigure them.

Brian Elfert
 
The Dell XPS 400 we reviewed had a Pentium 4 in it...you can get them both ways.
 
Update: I found exactly what it said on the description of the computer from my order.

It said "Dimension XPS 400: Pentium D Processor 540 with HT Technology (3.2GHz, 800FSB)".

It does say Pentium D, but it also says 540 for the processor number. I really did think I was getting dual core when I ordered, but a day or two later realized that 540 is not the processor number for a dual core.

I still think Dell owes me something for the incorrect description of the processor. They are still labeling XPS 400 systems in the outlet this way.

Brian Elfert
 
belfert said:
Update: I found exactly what it said on the description of the computer from my order.

It said "Dimension XPS 400: Pentium D Processor 540 with HT Technology (3.2GHz, 800FSB)".

It does say Pentium D, but it also says 540 for the processor number. I really did think I was getting dual core when I ordered, but a day or two later realized that 540 is not the processor number for a dual core.

I still think Dell owes me something for the incorrect description of the processor. They are still labeling XPS 400 systems in the outlet this way.

Brian Elfert
Click to expand...

Then you should tell them that they are labeling their PCs incorrectly! There obviously is no Pentium D 540, and I'm sure some smart person at Dell knows that too. You might also be able to get a Pentium D system out of this, who knows. At least a coupon or a voucher or who knows what is mandatory for a screwup like this. I wonder how many other people thought they were getting a dual-core setup and got a P4 HT instead.
 
PWMK2 said:
Then you should tell them that they are labeling their PCs incorrectly! There obviously is no Pentium D 540, and I'm sure some smart person at Dell knows that too. You might also be able to get a Pentium D system out of this, who knows. At least a coupon or a voucher or who knows what is mandatory for a screwup like this. I wonder how many other people thought they were getting a dual-core setup and got a P4 HT instead.
Click to expand...

I've called several times and have not gotten anywhere with Dell yet. Maybe if I call returns I will get an American who speaks english that I can explain the problem to so the web site can get fixed.

Brian Elfert
 
needmorecarnitine said:
if it is still listed that way, get a screen capture of the page describing the cpu
Click to expand...


Looks like it is still being listed this way,

 
There is a Pentium D 840 that is 3.2GHz and no HT, so I'm sure it was just a mistype by some poor Indian citizen trying to scratch out a living working at Dell. The mistype didn't cost you anything, so cut the poor guy some slack, eh?
 
sac_tagg said:
There is a Pentium D 840 that is 3.2GHz and no HT, so I'm sure it was just a mistype by some poor Indian citizen trying to scratch out a living working at Dell. The mistype didn't cost you anything, so cut the poor guy some slack, eh?
Click to expand...


If description of the system leads people to believe they a getting a "Pentium D". Its false advertising period.

There is no such animal as a Pentium D 540 with HT.

If he is happy with the system thats fine. But if he is not, I would not go down without a fight and DEMAND my money back.
 
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