Differences in processors

[Propig]

I am not a hardware person. I really don't understand differences in processors. Anyway, I am getting ready to purchase a new PC and want to pick something really good. Right now I have a standard Dell Dimension with 2g drive, pentium processor, read-only cdrom, 32mb ram 266mhz. It is about 5 years old now and, although it has been good, it just can not keep up. Can someone tell me what the difference is between a pentium processor and a celeron processor other than price?

[Grinnin Reaper]

Celeron are crippled versions of the Pentium's. They have a slower Front Side Bus (how fast they talk to the memory). Their basically a budget chip and with the prices on chips droping like they are I recommend Pentium over Celeron. But if you can Athlon's are better than pentium. In my Book. Hope that helps.

[Smoked1]

Get yourself an ATHLON machine!

[Propig]

Thanks, I haven't decided yet. A friend says I should have one custom made.

[Smoked1]

I say alienware or falcon west is a good place to get one

[compguru]

get a athlon; intels are overpriced and celeron's are paper weights

I say alienware or falcon west is a good place to get one

^^^ definately, but they are expensive machines

[Ryon]

Its all depends on YOUR needs, despite my comrades’ comments there is nothing wrong with a Celeron if that’s all you need. You need ask your self, what do I want to do with this computer? What is my budget? If you want something that you can play any game you throw at it at blazing speeds, then a higher end chip is the best path. If all you do is word processing and check your email, you don’t really need to break the bank.
As far as where to buy unless you don’t really care about money, building your own is the cheapest option. Its really more easy than it seems and there are several guides out there that can help you do so(If you choose to do so let me know and i can provide help if needed). As far as Intel vs. AMD, this board could go on for hours, just know basically this. They are essentially equal, both have strengths and weaknesses its just a matter of what your want your computer to do and the amount of money involved. The best thing would be for you to get on the net and search for benchmarks (test of the processors speed within programs) http://www6.tomshardware.com/cpu/02q2/020610/index.html
This is one such site. Also an important note is there are SEVERAL components that make up a computer, many people look toward the processor as an all in one number that tells about a machine. There are other factors involved so I suggest you look into those to make the best choice for you new computer.
I hope this helped a little.
Please post any questions you have.

I am looking at everything. It's just that I didn't really understand the difference between processors. I have had my head so buried in software development that I have not been keeping up with what's going on in the hardware area.

I am putting development software, compilers on it.

I think I am ready to open my own business. My plan is to open the doors by this time next year. I have to find a good location, buy some equipment and get an investor for additional cash flow. I already have a financial plan laid out, an advertising campaign being prepared and a logo I am getting ready to copyright!

[Ryon]

If its going to be somthing you are using for work constantly every day i would with out a doubt go with a high end amd or intel. It will be much nicer to not have to wait on your machine. I personally choose intel at the moment because they have the best bench marks, but that comes at a price. If not having the fastest thing is ok then go with an amd as they are they are cheaper. You can compare all the features if you should desire at this database http://www.community.tomshardware.com/Tdb/index.html
Hope this helps

[jinx]

Other things to consider as well as all the above. The pentium is a work horse, has always been a work horse and will be there for the long haul. For awhile the P4's use of expensive DDRRAM ( Rambus ) was a bottle neck to it's upgrading, but now the DDRRAM has dropped in price comparable to others.
Also the Pent is less 'heat sensitive' and will perform in higher ambient temp locations, Athlons may need extra fans installed. Don't think anyone would disagree with that.
Don't put too much faith in the 'Benchmark tests', remember the human eye and brain can NOT discern any difference in a few billionth's of a second.
Then there is the 'longevity' issue to keep in mind, no matter what you buy or build today, it will most likely be obsolete in atleast 18 mo's. So it's not like putting in a dream kitchen.
Also having one built has a downside, you may not be able to find the builder when and if you have problems. Factory run shelf models usually have the lastest components plus a warranty, and in my opinion you will have problems having one built or building yourself for the same price.
I use pentiums, to me they are worth the extra cost, but this is my personal choice and opinion, and opinions are like 'belly buttons', eveybody has one.
But goodluck to you on whatever you decide.

[Smoked1]

I build all of my own machines and then when I upgrade the parts that I am replacing go towards building another machine. That's just me. If you don't know how to build a machine then you need to buy one that will have on site support. This is very important if you are using it for work. Also consider a reliable backup unit as well.

[vee_ess]

I would not suggest getting a Celeron, because someone getting those is most likely budget conscience and the Athlons are actually cheaper yet compete in performance with the Celeron's superior, the Pentiums.

If you want one that is custom made, I would suggest building it yourself instead, because it really requires no hardware experience or skills. If you want a guide, I have made one for the Techware Labs mainsite, but it isn't official yet. Anyone who wants it, just PM me. Basically, you just put things in the only place that they will fit. One advantage to building is you can put any components you want, and not clutter it with components that you would better do with out or with a better one of its type. Also, as someone already said, this will be the most cost effective option.

If you want the best all-around computer for your budget, I agree with Ryon, that the processor isn't that important as the whole package of components that a system has, and that you should just look into a rough ball field of processor performance and price range, and then get the system that best suits your needs. For an example of a processor ball field, if you want a mid-high processor you would look at Pentium 4 (1800Mhz - 2000Mhz) and Athlon XP (1600+ - 1800+).

[Propig]

:lol: Hot Diggity!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I got an investor. I got an investor. Oh, I could just crap in my pants. He said he would give(loan) me 25k for equipment like phones, computes, copiers... and 50k to cover a portion of my salary and general office expenses like rent and supplies until I am up and running. And And get this... He said if I have to hire additional people before the first year is up that he will pick up their salary.

If you could see me just dancing around this roooooommmmm........

Of course the contract still has to be signed, but he likes my plan, make some remarks about the financial planning(said I was dreaming about making too much money in the first couple of years), but overall he liked it....

This time next year.

[Smoked1]

What exactly are you going to be doing and how could I get this guy to invest in a company that I do?

[Propig]

Just designing, supporting custom made applications and websites. Nothing different than anyone else is doing. I am just going to do it better.
I have plans to create Programs that could go in stores, but that is on the future block.

I don't know how he got my name yet. I think one of my friends had a hand in it.

He had asked me to build an application for him in Access. Something extremely simple, so I added a few bells and whistles.

I finished it about a week ago it only took me three nights to do it. He paid me $500 and the other day he called to talk and made me an offer.

He said "You have a good head, but you need attitude and money". Next week we have a meeting to sign a contract. I am waiting to see the legal doc before I get too excited.

[vee_ess]

He's right about not getting to much money at first. If it is a total loss for the first 7 to 8 months, don't worry, thats normal. The first few years should be slow, too. If you want, I have a lot of research and groundwork type stuff done for starting a business, and I could send a lot of articles. Going through it is another thing altogether, but it won't hurt.

[Propig]

Advice is something I always listen to. I may not always follow it, but I always listen.

[Aemon_]

hey congratulations! that is about what i want to do one day. run my own business. ah, that would be great. congrats again!

later.

[MIK3]

Congratulations! :)

[Propig]

I just want to say you guys make me feel so good.

[Grinnin Reaper]

Wish you the bes Propig. I want to start my buisness soon but it's hard to get all your ducks in a row. If you need some help let me know.

[Uranium-235]

Yeah congrats propig! Hope you do well!

[Propig]

Just wanted to let everyone know. I met with the guy. He wants too much in return. He's looking for 60% ownership. I told him I was only looking for a loan, not a business partner. He just laughed at me. I told him good bye.

If he liked my idea, there must be others out there. If not, I go into it broke. If I start buying the equipment now, while I have a job, I shouldn't have too much start up cost.

My biggest issue is loosing the regular salary. I have decided to sell my condominium. I should make about 30-40k on it. That will help, but here again, I will loose the regular income on it.

I will let you know what happens in about 3 months - stay tuned.

[BobyJo]

I agree with the prior post. The Celeron is the same chip as the pent. Has one half the cache disabled, but runs at the same speed as the chip. The pent chip has all the cache enabled, but that cache runs at one half the speed of the processor. that is the difference between the celeron and the pent cpu's. I personally build Athlon systems, we build custom gaming systems for customers that want a system of this type. We build with AMD cpu's for several reasons.
1=they OC better than any cpu on the market.
2=they respond to tweaks better than any other cpu.
3=The heat problems can be harnessed with a good hs/fan. Some systems we build runs in the mid 30c to low 40c under full load.
4=Athlon systems can be built for about $500.00 less money than Intel systems with the same components.
5=They are more fun to work with than any other chip. The chipsets for the AMD chips are better than the intel system chipsets.
I personally am a convert from Intel to AMD. The reason for this is simple. About once a year you completely have to revamp the intel system with a new mobo, cpu, memory etc. Where with AMD you simply have to replace the cpu,vid card or memory, and you get the same performance or better.
As far as longivity, the computer world turns upsidedown about every 6 months right now. If you purchase the very best you can get today, 6 months later your system will pretty much be obsolete.

[jinx]

Propig, Although you posted last on the 19th, I was traveling and missed a lot here, sorry about the deal falling thru, did you try the SBA ? They do lend funds at a low rate, just fill out the application and try. It could be approved, interest is low - like 4.5 %. Couple of yrs ago I qualified after I appealed the first turn down, I was only trying to borrow $35,000, but they will hold your deed. I didn't ever take it after qualifying. It may be worth your time to check them out, actually they need something to do !
Then you wouldn't have to sell your condo. If the business don't make it, just file a chapter 11, 13 or what ever.
Anyway goodluck to you !

[Propig]

Thanks jinx.

Actually a friend of mine told me I could get an SBA Loan just because I am a girl!

As soon as I decide on all the Equipment and start up costs I will be heading down there.

[BobyJo]

I think being a female does make a difference. Our daughter applied for a SBA a few years ago, and was approved. They had to have a complete business plan before they would accept the application. That took her about 90days to develop this with all the backup documentation for proof of all projections in sales and increased income. But they were approved, they had o come up with over $30,000.00 before the loan could be closed and they could not come up with that sum of $.