[mdlug] Processors and Thugs

[Raymond McLaughlin]

Dan Pritts wrote:
> On Fri, Dec 07, 2007 at 10:03:59AM -0500, Rich Hughes wrote:
>> My question to the group is this: am I right that for everyday desktop
>> usage that this is a great processor? I'm looking at it related to an
> 
> It's a fine, reasonably fast CPU and plenty for any "everyday desktop
> use" I can think of; it won't be super fast with video or photo
> editing but it won't be bad, either (and memory is really the
> constraint there).
> 
> It is quite power-hungry, even when idle;

This is my main criticism of the P4 line (inc. Pentium-D), with emphasis
on the fact the power hungry= HOT and inefficient.

Referencing and comparing these:

<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentium_4>
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentium_D>
with these:
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentium_M>
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_Core>
<http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel_Core_2>

tells a lot, including why the P-4 line is slated to be phased out.

>> am I right that for everyday desktop usage that this is a
>> great processor?

But still, the case, power supply, mobo, CPU, 1GB RAM, kb, mouse, CDRom
and floppy for $189? Hell yes that's a good deal! And no doubt adequate
for most uses. But I would spring for a better power supply before any
other upgrades.

> Your cheapo kit almost certainly includes a low-efficiency power
> supply; consider recommending an upgrade for similar reasons.

Before the cheap PS damages the rest of the system. (It happens, a lot.)

> danno

Raymond McLaughlin