Processor confusion

[EmilG]

I was doing comparisons of a Core 2 Duo E6400 2.13g vs.Pentium D 950 3.4g. I thought the Pentium D was a single core but I see it isn't, I'm confused what is the difference and why is the Core 2 Duo so much lower in speed for virtually the same price? Can someone point me to a FAQ.
thanks

 

[Rtstrider]

The speed wars are over. The core 2 duo can perform more per clock cycle, meaning it can do alot more, than a Pentium D. They are desinged differently also. The Pentium D is a power hog when compared to a Core2Duo. The Core2Duo's also run quite a bit cooler. If it were me, I would go with the Core 2 Duo.

 

[djnes]

Core 2 Duo's also share the cache across both cores, where as the Pentium D's have separate cache for each core. It's been a few years since Mhz was the determining factor in a processor's performance.

 

[DoomRulz]

Core 2 Duo's also share the cache across both cores, where as the Pentium D's have separate cache for each core. It's been a few years since Mhz was the determining factor in a processor's performance.

Heh, I remember those days...when you could just look at a processor's speed and that alone would tell you how it'd perform. *sigh*

 

[BillR]

Heh, I remember those days...when you could just look at a processor's speed and that alone would tell you how it'd perform. *sigh*

Ah yes, the good old days. Of course in the computer business that means a couple of months ago.

To the OP, forget Pentium in any form, frankly there is no comparison to core duo.

Right now the E6600 seems to be the sweet spot but you can spend less of course.

Have fun, do some Googling to see the reviews.