I've been looking around for a new desktop in the $500 range. Don't need a monitor, mouse, keyboard, etc, and don't need anything too extreme...

My main question is regarding cache...

I was looking at Gateways at Bestbuy, and one has an AMD 2.6ghz dual core, and the other is an Intel 3.2ghz dual core. Okay, so the AMD has system bus speed of 2000Mhz, but only has 512k cache per core. The Intel has only has 800Mhz, but 2Mb of cacher per core, and both are L2.

So, I know the Intel has the faster processor, but which would be faster as far as cache? I know the AMD is faster, but the Intel has a bigger cache. Is this even that big of a deal. With L2 cache what would I have to be doing to fill 512kb to the point where the 2mb cache would become an asset, or would it ever even be with only 800Mhz? They both have 1gb of RAM, but the AMD has twice the capacity, plus a larger hard drive, and higher price at almost $600... more than I really wanted to spend.

So, what are some opinions on the most machine I can get for around $500? I want fast, and upgradable. I'm not a hard core gamer, but I do play games occasionally. Mostly ripping/burning audio/video, etc, etc... and visiting F150online.com

I'm mostly curious about the cache...

 

Ok, everyone's got opinions out there, and many may disagree, but here's mine: Intel has a leg up on AMD right now. The processor frequency (GHz) is no longer an accurate representation of actual processes per second anymore. That's why they went to model numbers to help differentiate (within the same manufacturer).

The Frontside Bus (FSB) of the AMD being 2000 MHz versus the 800 on the intel is not going to make any difference to you. The FSB talks with your RAM, and it's speed is going to be whatever the speed of your RAM is. There is no 2000Mhz RAM out there, 800 is as fast as you're going to likely see. Additionally the actual capacity of your RAM has less effect than the speed of your RAM (to a point). A higher capacity L2 cache is always better IMO. Think of cache as a kind of "pre-RAM" that the CPU can access faster than going all the way to your system RAM. Again, that faster FSB on the AMD is not going to help you, since it will clock itself down to whatever your system RAM's speed is (and how fast it can access the cache).

As far as upgradeability goes, the motherboard is key. Does that AMD board have an AM2 socket? If not, it is an old technology that will not be upgradeable to a new processor. Intel has done a good thing by sticking with the same socket for their core series processors, allowing us to upgrade CPU's without new motherboards.

Where you're truly going to see some noticeable differences in your computing experience is a fast discrete video card (not integrated)... (this will be tough on a $500 machine), and fast hard drives, preferrably SATA II with 16MB cache, and 7200 RPM.

Sorry if I muddied up the waters for you

From a guy currently running both an AMD 4800, and an Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0 GHz (laptop), I would go with Intel right now.

 

There is only a slight edge between the Intel dual core and the AMD dual core. Where the real advantage comes in is with the Dual Core 2 chips from Intel. And if you're paying $500 for a desktop, surely you're going to have a dual code 2 or you're getting ripped off. I can sell you a dual core 2 DELL Laptop in the box for $700.

 

That's more fact that opinion. Intel CPU's are the shiz-nit. Fact. You can't argue with performance test after test after test.

As far as the OP goes, just get the cheaper Intel and be happy you kept it on/under budget. You don't need to spend the extra hundy.

 

Thanks for the replies, that makes pretty good sense.

I was kinda leaning towards the Intel anyway...

BTW, it has a SATA II 250gb drive, but an Intel® Graphics Media Accelerator 950, which from what I can tell is built in to the motherboard. Know anything about this? Is it any good, does it have its own chip?

I think I can get my hands on a free Nvidia that isn't too old, but don't know anything about it right now...

but, the Intel is a Pentium D... here's the link...
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1173577698200

 

For now. It goes back and forth, a few years ago it was AMD on top.

 

If you do decide on that gateway, you should get it at circuit city... pricematch to best buy then they have a $50 rebate on top of that... easy way to save $50!

 

WHOAH WHOAH, I thought you were talking about the Core 2 Duo series 3.2Ghz intel. That's a pentium D. That's 2 generations old, and not upgradeable. Stay away. It was the first gen of dual cores, and not the ones people are talking about when the say they are the "shiz-nit" That Pentium D is a $30 processor at best. You could do better with your $500 by going to www.dell.com or even newegg

 

I'd get a MacMini and be done with it. Intel-based and benchmarked to be much faster than a comparable PC. Not upgradeable at all, but the novelty is pretty cool and I think you can get the one with a SuperDrive (combo CD-R/CD-RW/DVD-R/DVD-RW) for about $399.

 

Here's one that's $569 after $50 rebate, that's a whole lot more computer than the ones you are looking at.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16883107293

It also has intel 950 integrated graphics... pretty much the standard for integrated graphics with true 32MB video RAM, but it also has an available PCI x16 slot to allow an upgrade to just about any graphics card (good ones anyway, not AGP and PCI).

 

Check out this deal:
http://www.fatwallet.com/t/18/740644/

 

I think he's looking for a desktop.

 

399 from dell
Model c521

My System Details
AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 Dual-Core 4000+
Genuine Windows® XP Home Edition
2GB Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz- 2DIMMs
80GB Serial ATA Hard Drive (7200RPM) w/DataBurst Cache™
16x DVD+/-RW Drive
No Monitor
NVIDIA GeForce 6150 LE Integrated Graphics GPU
Integrated 7.1 Channel Audio
My Accessories
No Floppy Drive Included
No Modem
No speakers (Speakers are required to hear audio from your system)
Dell USB Keyboard
Dell® 2-button USB mouse
My Software
Microsoft Works 8. DOES NOT INCLUDE MS WORD
No Security Subscription (Norton 90-day)
My Support & Services
1 Year On-site Economy Plan
6 Months of America Online Membership Included
Purchase is not intended for resale.
Also Included
Integrated 10/100 Ethernet
C521
Windows XP™
Adobe® Acrobat® Reader 7.0
No Digital Music Software Requested
No Digital Imaging Software Requested

 

If you already have everything but the computer, then go for a mac mini. You won't regret it, and -- if you do -- you can turn it around on eBay for 90+% of what you paid.

 

Don't get the C521 - it's in a tiny pizza box desktop case with no real expansion room and a weak power supply. Get a E520 or E521.

Integrated graphics - either Intel 950 or Nvidia 6150 - do NOT game well and they share system ram. Make sure your board has a PCI-Ex16 expansion slot, you WILL be adding a video card.