should I choose Athlon mp or P4 3.0ghz

[Piccoro]

If you choices are single Intel CPU and a AMD SMP system, I would go with the AMD system.
Im not saying that because it's AMD, but rather because its a dual system.
Both of those CPUs are more than enough for any task.
Both are solid quality products, neither have problems with current hardware. Anyone stating an opinion about another product sucking is more likely a personal problem, PC wasnt taken care of (not cleaned,not cooled properly), old hardware or bought in poor condition as a result of improper storage from a company.
Both CPUs are set to a standard and will not be outdated.
Having dual cpus is a general advantage. Can be put to use just by multitasking while Intel's SSE2 optimization can only be taken advantage of when using programs that use it.
In my opinion, it would be better to get the SMP system so that you may always benefit from the advantage while performing many tasks.
It would be interesting to know which choice would be faster at an application though. A test with an application that handles both advantages (dual CPUs and SSE2). Im sure it would vary.

[Gazorgan]

Dual CPU's doesn't mean 1/2 the encode time. At best you can get a 40% increase in encoding speed. At worst you can lose 5%-10% in encoding speed (don't ask, but it can happen). A LOT depends on your software supporting SMP (multiple CPU). What multiple CPU really does is let you do more at the same time :P



1 CPU: Go with a P4 3+ Ghz is $$$ is no option
2 CPU: Still Intell if $$$ is no option

IF $$$ is a concern, then the fastet Athlon you can afford, with the correct FSB motherboard (it matters more than the speed of the cpu!!!)

[dfgh11]

yeah the FSB of the p4 is the most appealing thing about it, for me.

[Piccoro]

Dual CPU's doesn't mean 1/2 the encode time.

Correct.

At best you can get a 40% increase in encoding speed.

And with SSE2, its less than than that.
But basicly...
If its a time issue or wanting to do more at the same time with anything, go with a AMD SMP system. ($700+ for MB,RAM,2x2600MP's)
Want to speed up your encodes or work faster with only programs using SSE2 go with a Single Intel CPU (800FSB HT).

Do not bother with a Intel system that doesnt have 800FSB and HT.
Main Concept Benchmark Notice 800FSB Intel CPUs above while the 533FSB below AMD's respective CPU
Pinnacle Studio 8.5

[cplevel42]

xtasy2002 wrote:

If you have a single CPU intel system don't expect to smoothly do a lot of work on your system while it's encoding.

This is not always correct. I have a P4 2.8 ghz with 1 gig of DDR pc2700 and I can do the following all at the same time and with out encoding errors.

1. Encoding from avi to mpeg2 using TMPGEnc
2. Burning a DVD using Nero or Record Now Max (Pioneer A04)
3. Burning a CD at 40X (plextor 40x)
4. Downloading Movies
5. Surfing the net.

I can do all of these things at the same time without any problems with my intel p4 2.8 ghz. I have no real need to do more than this at the same time.

dfgh11 - You said that you had a long post (15 min) and then you lost it. This is because you took too long to submit the post. If it's been over 5 minutes since you started your reply, then copy the entire post before you submit it. Then you will be asked for your username and then you can paste it back into the text area and hit submit. I'm not sure if this is a bug or just the session expiring.

[dfgh11]

so... athlon mp 2600 or pentium 4 3.0ghz then?

[ofbarea]

Get the 3.0Ghz P4 with 800 Mhz FSB (intel chipset). This will allow you to use Dual DDR400 memory. Also use WXP and enable Hipper Treading.

[Sam Ontario]

so... athlon mp 2600 or pentium 4 3.0ghz then?

I would go for P4 which will probably give you 3.75Ghz if you o/c it. But with athlon 2600, I doubt that it can be o/c to 2800.

If value for money is a concern, you can buy a Celeron 2.4GHz and o/c to 3.2Ghz or above very easily. Afterall, your concern is stable and speed for encoding. Celeron 2.4Ghz is definitely a good alternative for video stuff.

[LanEvo7]

Stay FAR FAR AWAY from P4 Celeron's. All of them stink.