What's the difference between an AMD Athlon 64 3200+ and a Pentium D Processor 820 with Dual Core Technology?

Question

I'm looking at getting a new computer, but I can't tell the difference between the processors. I don't play any high graphic games, but we do use the computer a lot for pictures from our digital camera (7 MP). I will also be using the computer to manage my music files for my iPod. I am wondering if the Pentium is worth the extra $30.

Answer 1

Worth the extra 30 bucks? It sure is. Opinions may vary, but I've always been a fan of the intels. Some of the AMD's may boast a faster clock speed, but clock speed isn't everything. I've owned computers of both and the intel ones have performed better with the same ram. Plus I work in a computer store so I get to see both parties at work everyday. There was a demo program running on a few computers for a while, one with intel, two with AMD and the intel one ran faster and smoother with the same ram and motherboard types. Plus the AMD' tend to get hotter inside the computer. Some people do like the AMD's, but they can have 'em. That's more intels for me. If you can try to get the intel core 2 duo. The best.

Answer 2

These other answers are not correct, The Pentium D 820 is NOT a Core 2 Duo. The Pentium D's are Dual Core, but they use the old Pentium 4 architechture. Its basically A Pentium 4 chip with 2 cores on 1 Die. AMD's are great chips and destroy any Pentium, except the Core 2's! So, to make it simple if your not getting a Core 2 Duo, get a AMD. They Destroy the pentium 4's in most benchmarks.

Answer 3

The Pentium D 820 is a faster performer that the 3200+ in most applications.
NOT because it is an Intel & the other is an AMD .... that has nothing to do with it. Because the Intel is dual core & that AMD model is not.

Actually they are both lower end processors, however, for your needs either one will do more than nicely.

Personally ... I own both Intel & AMD ....but prefer AMD Dual Core over Intel.

regards,
Philip T

Answer 4

For what you will be doing, no it's not worth the extra $30. Honestly the things you are looking to do could be done just fine with an AMD or Intel in the 1ghz range. Spend the extra money on at least 1gb of RAM, preferably 2gbs and a large SATA harddrive, maybe a 500gb one to store all that music and those big 7mp pictures.

Answer 5

The Pentium D is dual core. I would say that it is worth the extra $30 to get a dual core over a single core. With more than one core, your computing experience will (supposedly- I have a single core but hardware review sites say this) be smoother because you won't have to wait for CPU resources to free up if you want to, for example, open up MS word while you are processing images in the background.

Answer 6

Athlon 64 is a single core as the intel is a dual core. Basically two processors. Also the GHz make the real diffrences. Higher the GHz the better the computer. INTEL is worth every penney!

Answer 7

I've been building systems for a number of years now. I do always favour AMD over Intel. Have found them to more stable and faster and not as volotile to Memory (RAM) requirements. Go for AMD. Cheaper too!

Answer 8

I've always found Pentium > AMD, if you're willing to spend a little more go for a Intel Core Duo or a Core 2 Duo.

Answer 9

yes yes yes buying intel is worth every penny.
i believe that they are a better company and you should go with the duo core 2 .
way fast and really smooth

Answer 10

AMD is rock dude. use AMD processor and your won't waste your money. use AMD64x2 it so cool.