How does the speed compare between the new Intel Core2 Duo and a Pentium D with Dual core technology?

Question

I am trying to decide between a computer with an intel Core2 Duo processor @ 2.4GHz and a Pentium D with dual core technology at 3.2GHz. I am getting 2gig of RAM, and the Core2 model comes with DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz and the Pentium D comes with DDR2 SDRAM at 533MHz. Will I notice any major difference between the two when runnung AutoCad with mildly complex drawings (multiple x-refs, but generally not 3-D)?

Is the Core2 like getting two 2.4GHz processors? Does the Pentium D with dual core at 3.2GHz mean that it runs at 3.2, but can simultaniously thread two apps through at once? The Core2 has a 1066FSB and the D has a 800FSB. Since the RAM speed is less than both of those, will the FSB speed make any difference? Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Well I can tell you that if you have the money to go with the intel Core 2 Duo processor, due to the fact that it's speed and power do more than crush the other processors, and that when it comes to energy efficency, it is more energy efficent than the Core Duo models. A good website for you to decide on what to get is intel's website. They are good when it comes to helping you decide on what to choose processor wise. Also to answer your other questions, The Core Duo 2 is like having two 2.4 processors, due to it's dual processor chips on one "platform" chip. The FSB speed will not slow your processors down, but if you would like to know, thats for other software applications ( processors chip speed is always greater than the RAM's speed, respectfully but it's always good to get the fastest RAM available on the market to help your processing power.) Also, yes, the Pentium chip's Dual core is able to make the chip run two applications without loosing power. Take care

Answer 2

benchmark results are available for this test at tomshardware.com

good site