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AMD Duron 1.8GHz / 266MHz FSB / Socket A / 192KB Cache

Sunday, May 1st, 2005 | CPU Processor Reviews, Reviews | No Comments

It has a 266MHz front side bus, which is the speed at which the CPU itself will execute tasks. It will work in a Socket A motherboard which is the kind of connector it uses to connect itself to the motherboard.

At 20 bucks with the rebate that is offered, this processor is just great for that extra very cheap desktop computer or low cost desktop computer for your kids, or even as a gift.

On the durability front, AMD does a great job. AMD have not been around as long as their rival Intel, who have a long history and good reputation. The Duron is a quality product, and will offer high speed of execution making your programs run and load faster.

It can be overclocked, which means that it can run faster than it is set to. It comes in a 1.8GHz setting, but one buyer has managed to get it to as high as 2.5GHz with reports that it is fine. This can be a great way to get that little extra performance from a strong performing, but slower chip. Note: overclocking voids warranties, and you need to make sure your system stays at the recommended temperatures or you could damage it’s components.

You will need to buy a cpu heat sink if you do not have one already.

In conclusion, you must get one of these if you are looking to build a cheap desktop computer or even a very cheap one. It’s value is hard to beat. If you like to compare computer processors, this one has value that is hard to beat. I recommend it.

Intel Pentium 4 530 3.0GHz / 800MHz bus / Socket 775

Saturday, April 23rd, 2005 | CPU Processor Reviews, Reviews | No Comments

Featuruing the newer Socket 775, this CPU processor offers a lot in performance. Suitable to fun a workstation that needs just that little bit more powerful than the average cheap desktop computer.

3.0GHz speed puts it on the slower end of this line of chips. The fastest ones are about 3.6GHz, while the slowest you can get are 2.66GHz. This one is third from the bottom. That is not something to look harshly on. These chips are very fast, perhaps not meeting the needs of those hoping to build a cheap high powered gaming computer, but enough for intensive work. Gaming would still definitely be possible.

The Intel Pentium 4 Processor comes with 1MB of L1 cache. This is the memory that is closest to the actual insides of the processor, and can be accessed very fast. This is an improvement over the 512KB (or half MB) on the older but still used Socket 478 Pentium 4s.

As well as this new feature, it also has a 4 wire fan control allowing better cooling of the processor, allowing it to run better and faster, without worries over letting it get too hot. And it does get hot. Consumer reviews have it that this processor can run very hot, and needs better fans to cool it, as well as better fans in the PC case to keep the temperatures down. This is a bit of a concern, but it’s not too surprising with this newer chip.

The price on this model puts it only 20 bucks more expensive that the 2.66GHz model that is available still. A good deal for those looking for a more powerful computer.