I need an Intel Crash Course

[Tonybologna23]

I have a p4 2.4b right now on an Abit IT-7 from about two years ago just about. Since I put that rig together I have been out of the whole loop for processors because I am not really an enthusiast and I wasn't in the market.

I am going to college in about a month and want to build a new computer that will last atleast another 2 years, possibly more. I need a place to start and that is the processor, does someone wanna give me an intel crash course?

What intel processor options do I have if I dont want to spend more than $300? Is there something worth waiting for within the next few months?


Perhaps someone can direct me to some sort of 3rd quarter cross sectional view of the intel line up?

 

[Duke3d87]

Well, the majority of the Processors will be based on the 90 nm Prescott core which includes a better branch predictor, SSE3, improved HT, a larger + slower L1 cache, a 1 MB L2 cache and a tweaked FPU. A small portion of desktop pc will use the Pentium-M line. Now, the Prescott core sounds good, but keep in mind that the pipeline is now 31 stages long. While that lowers IPC, the tweaks help improve IPC. The FPU tweaks can be seen in many benchmarks as can the longer pipeline. Intel is planning on moving to the E-0 stepping. That includes a NX feature, a Cool'N quiet type feature, and x86-64 extensions. Intel is also planning on moving to the 1066 MHz FSB and in Q3 is going to release a Prescott with a 2 MB L2 cache. This should boost performance alot because of the inclusive cache architecture of the Pentium 4.

 

[lopoetve]

Well, the majority of the Processors will be based on the 90 nm Prescott core which includes a better branch predictor, SSE3, improved HT, a larger + slower L1 cache, a 1 MB L2 cache and a tweaked FPU. A small portion of desktop pc will use the Pentium-M line. Now, the Prescott core sounds good, but keep in mind that the pipeline is now 31 stages long. While that lowers IPC, the tweaks help improve IPC. The FPU tweaks can be seen in many benchmarks as can the longer pipeline. Intel is planning on moving to the E-0 stepping. That includes a NX feature, a Cool'N quiet type feature, and x86-64 extensions. Intel is also planning on moving to the 1066 MHz FSB and in Q3 is going to release a Prescott with a 2 MB L2 cache. This should boost performance alot because of the inclusive cache architecture of the Pentium 4.

I dare you to find a P-M mobo for desktop use. I DARE you.

And I don't think that the IT-7 will take a Prescott, with the new power requirements and everything. IIRC.

 

[Tonybologna23]

I dare you to find a P-M mobo for desktop use. I DARE you.

And I don't think that the IT-7 will take a Prescott, with the new power requirements and everything. IIRC.

I am not just upgrading processor, I am building a completely new system, but I am starting with processor.

Also if it helps, I want to be able to run my system a little warmer than typical. I dont plan to overclock but I do plan to put a nice big heatsink/fan that can be run quietly and use a case with 2x180mm fans or something, and thats it.

Performance-wise, I do mostly video editing and image processing, and occasionally some games. If it can play doom3/hl2, which I am sure any P4 "C" coupled with a nice video card can do, I will be happy in the game department.

side note: My limit is $300 on the cpu, its not the desired price.

 

[lopoetve]

I am not just upgrading processor, I am building a completely new system, but I am starting with processor.

Also if it helps, I want to be able to run my system a little warmer than typical. I dont plan to overclock but I do plan to put a nice big heatsink/fan that can be run quietly and use a case with 2x180mm fans or something, and thats it.

Performance-wise, I do mostly video editing and image processing, and occasionally some games. If it can play doom3/hl2, which I am sure any P4 "C" coupled with a nice video card can do, I will be happy in the game department.

side note: My limit is $300 on the cpu, its not the desired price.

I'd get a 2.8C and OC like crazy, or wait a bit and go 775 and OC like nuts.