Is the .4GHz processor differnece worth $170? On these 2 computers

[Denvers Dawgs]

I can build this HP pavilion a1350y for $910 from HP.com
Operating System Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Home Edition
Processor Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 651 w/HT Technology, 3.4GHz
Memory 1GB DDR2-533MHz dual channel SDRAM (2x512)
Hard Drive SAVE $40! 250GB 7200 rpm SATA Hard Drive
Primary CD/DVD Drive FREE UPGRADE from CD-RW to 16X DVD+/-R/RW
Secondary CD/DVD Drive 16X max. DVD-ROM
Front Productivity Ports 9-in-1 memory card reader, 3 USB 2.0, 1 IEEE 1394
Graphics Card Integrated Intel(R) Graphics Accelerator,no TV-Out
Sound Card Integrated 7.1 Capable Intel(R) High Def. Audio
Keyboard and Mouse HP Multimedia Keyboard, HP Optical Mouse
Productivity Software Microsoft(R) Works 8.0/Money 2006/MSN Encarta Plus

or purchase this HP Pavilion a1340n from OUTPOST.com for $739 AR

Microsoft® Windows® XP Media Center Edition 2005
Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 631 with HT Technology 3.0GHz L2 Cache = 2MB 800MHz
1.0GB PC2-3200 DDR2 SDRAM memory (2x512MB for ultimate performance) (expandable to 4GB) Hard Drive
250GB 7200RPM Serial ATA hard drive
LightScribe Double Layer 16X DVD±R/RW drive with CD writer capabilities
DVD-ROM drive 16x max. speed
128MB ATI Radeon express 200 Integrated Graphic Memory Network Interface
Integrated 10/100Base-T network interface Sound
Intel High Definition Audio
56k modem
4 DIMM (240-pin DDR) (two available)
3 PCI (two available)
2 external 5.25"(occupied)
2 external 3.5" (one available)
1 internal 3.5" (occupied)
Front panel 9-in-1 memory card reader
7 USB 2.0 port(s) (3 FRONT, 4 back)
2 FireWire (IEEE 1394) port(s) (1 FRONT, 1 back)
1 parallel, 1 serial and 2 PS/2 (back)
Microphone/headphone/line-in (Front)
HP multimedia keyboard HP scroller mouse
HP Image Zone Plus
InterVideo WinDVD 5
muvee auto Producer
Apple iTunes for Windows with LightScribe Driect Disc labeling(Sonic Express Labeler)
Adobe® Reader 6.0: Read and print PDF files

Is the .4GHz processor differnece worth $170? I don't really need the Home media center, so that isn't affecting me either way (I can change the media center ot just look like XP home anyway right?)

[lordsmurf]

If the only difference is the CPU, not worth extra, no.

Honestly, the money probably went to all the MS software on the first system, Money, Encarta, and all that other worthless crap (for most of us, at least).

I think MCE sucks, I would put on XP PRO if you have it.

[Super Warrior]

$170 extra just for 0.4Ghz(400MHz) more? Nope...

[TBoneit]

Biggest difference I saw that one has XP Media Center Edition 2005 Vs XP Home. Depends on what you want to do. Do you want/need the MCE or do you need the last iota of speed. Except for the speed the less expensive seems fine. I'm running a 3.0Ghz P4 w/1Gb memory for a while now. To me it is fast enough.

Other difference looks like built in Intel Video vs Built in ATI video.

TV Out vs No TV Out.

[whitejremiah]

build the computer, dont buy a prebuilt...prebuilts will have extra stuff you wont end up using and they do nothing but cost you money anyhow........even one from hp will probably still come with extra stuff you wont use.......if you dont know that much about building a computer, you can get a barebones case, motherboard, and cpu combo with a powersupply somewhere then just throw in the other parts....probably the easiest way to do it without knowing how to mount the cpu and such....even at that though, it's not too hard to do, it's a very well documented process and since you appearently already have a computer, you can always ask in forums if you have questions on something like that......just my two cents....

[Faustus]

Heck the cheaper on has a better video card. Save the cash. Most poeple won't notice that much difference between those two CPUs.

[ROF]

The difference is that the cheaper one is a better computer. Better and faster opticals. Same RAM, same HDD, better video(still onboard), better LAN(I just installed a LAN card on a 1350 whose Onboard had died), internal firewire support(1350 is only external), and no worthless M$ software. Plus you get a better OS. The CPU speed will make minimal difference but when compared to the value added feature and cheaper price the CPU speed difference becomes a null factor.