computer question re: CPU speed

RogueFishr · 03-26-2008, 07:37 PM

if you were going to build a computer, with the intention of running multiple CPU intensive applications at once, would you go with the 2.33mhz cpu with 1333 FSB or would you go with the 3.2mhz with the 800FSB? Same amount of ram in each. Both Duo-core. Does CPU speed ALWAYS win out on performance? OR.. is there enough difference in performance to warrant going with a quad core? Same amount of RAM in all cases.

EDIT: the applications are not graphics related. Mainly high volume of simultaneous mathematical calculations.

Thanks,
RF

SalmonNilla · 03-26-2008, 07:51 PM

I can't answer your question exactly but you should know that on April 22 Intel will be cutting the prices of their quad core processors by 40% and also the core 2 duo by a significant amount. If you can hold out you may save a bundle and get a better processor. I recently built a system and opted for the e8400 3Ghz with 1333 MHz bus and 6 MB Cache.

RogueFishr · 03-26-2008, 07:53 PM

for that, I can wait. is that public knowledge (I am in the dark most of the time) or do you have some inside scoop?

RF

Gus Orviston · 03-26-2008, 08:01 PM

Depends..

but since you stated they are mostly math computations the CPU frequency will win hands down as the FPU is inside and those instructions generally take longer. Memory bandwidth to the Chipset isn't going to improve the instruction time. If it was GFX or peripheral based intreaction then the FSB speed will eek out a bit more.

Salmonilla.. how do you know the prices are getting cut..

BTW: I wouldn't count on any intel price getting to the shelf in short order.

It also sounds you want the performance end of the spectrum , not mainstream, and you will get less break there anyway.

gus

Gus Orviston · 03-26-2008, 08:11 PM

Also.. a great source of information for buidling and performance numbers is Tomshardware.com website. There you can get a lot of answers from guys who play with this stuff all day long.. and night.

If you look under CPU,, you can do some head to head comparisons, Pick two seperate computer vendors/configurations, then click on the benchmark that is closest to your application. And you can see, now I don't see the 1333 FSB up there yet.. but I would expect it soon

gus

SalmonNilla · 03-26-2008, 08:14 PM

I read it on another forum a few weeks ago. Check it out
http://www.guru3d.com/news.php?cat=&...&pagenumber=14

You can also google "April 2008 intel price cuts" and see it mentioned elsewhere so I'm guessing it probably true. I think they are lowering prices on existing chip before they roll out the Nehalem chips. I think a 6 core chip is on the way also.