-=PCTechTalk=- Re: Athlon processor vs Pentium

One of the major differences in the 2 processors is the pipeline length. 
  P4's have a longer pipeline that can, in some cases, execute 
instructions at a high rate.  The Athlons have more, but shorter 
pipelines; if it turns out thiner branch prediction wasn't spot on, 
flushing the pipelines and starting over induces less lag.  There are 
other differences but they are both x86 architecture and will run the 
same programs on similar hardware.

That said, I have found the AMD processors an excellent choice for both 
home and small office systems and the cost factor for the CPU's is 
almost 1/2 for the AMD, as compared to Intel.  One of the reasons that 
P4 based systems are so cheap right now is that a lot of the major OEM's 
like Dell are selling them and when you buy 100,000 CPU's from Intel, 
you get a substantial price break.

Dell computers are much easier to upgrade now than they were in years 
past.  They have moved away from a lot of their proprietary architecture 
(except the power supplies and mother boards) and adding memory, video 
cards, hard/optical drives is as easy as it is in anything else. 
Generally, any standard aftermarket parts will work.

I recommend Dell if you just want the 'best hardware for the least 
amount of money' type system.  I can come close to the price of a Dell 
but I would have to build it with crap and I don't do that so if you 
just want a descent computer that you're going to use for basic 
home/office stuff, Dell is a good way to go.  If you want to modify, 
tweak, and experiment, build your own, starting with AMD.  If you're 
thinking of buying locally, you probably won't get as good a system with 
legal software as you will from Dell.  Building your own is almost 
always more expensive, but you DO wind up with a better, more flexible 
system.

Damn, I put up all the siding on our little shed rebuild project (16x10 
with side storage for lawn tractor, etc.) and now my fingers feel like 
cement and typing is a bit difficult.  Thank you, Thunderbird, for the 
spell checker!

Tom

Poppy0206@xxxxxxx wrote:

> Can someone tell me the difference between an Athlon processor or the well 
> known pentium 4 one.  Is it just cost?  I am searching this wkend for a 
> second 
> computer, I know Athlon is cheaper.  Also do you know if Dell computers 
> ordreed 
> from online are easy to upgrade..do you have to upgrade through them, 
> etc...Benefits of buying with them versus locally.
> 
> Also how important is the hyperthread whatever that is technology.that 
> pentiums have  mostly..
> Thanks,
> christy

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