Choosing a CPU

What are the differences between the following processors?

Intel Pentium 4 - 2.26GHz Processor $125
Intel Pentium 4 - 2.80GHz Processor $149
Intel Pentium 4 Northwood - 2.0A GHz Processor $129
Intel Pentium 4 Prescott 2.8AGHz Processor $135
Intel Pentium 4 w/ HT Technology - 2.8GHz Processor $165

The link here

I am trying to keep the cost as low as possible. The current processor I have is a 2.6GHz Intel Celeron and I like to upgrade that so my computer is able to handle Adobe Creative Suite applications. The computer chokes everytime I work on Photoshop, Bridge and Illustrator at the same time. The computer now have 512MB of RAM.

Your help is appreciated.

1. 533mhz FSB 512k cache
2. I don't see a 2.8ghz for $149
3. 400mhz FSB 512k cache
4. Prescott core, 533mhz FSB, 1mb cache
5. 800mhz FSB 1mb cache

You basically get what you pay for, increasing price gives increasing performance. All are socket 478, but you need to see what FSB speeds your motherboard supports.

I think you would also get a significant performance gain from adding more RAM to the system. Having all three of those large programs open will eat up 512mb. Upgrade to 1gb or more and you'll get much smoother performance with multiple applications open.

Thank you for your response. So it looks like the processor with HT is more preferable, correct?

Yes. Although, you will need to purchase a new motherboard too before you can install the cpu. Your celeron motherboard won't work.

Also, follow what karsh44 said about RAM, the more you have, the smoother your applications will run.

I don't have the exact model or brand of my mobo at the moment but I remember the manual saying something about compatible with pentium Northwood with HT. Is this the same thing as what I stated above?

Hmmm, if the manual say's its compatible, then it probably will work. If you can get the make and model, we could make sure before you buy anything.

CPU-Z will get you those details if you can't find the manual.

Here's the motherboard.

RZ Series Motherboard
8VM533M-RZ(-C)
VIA P4M266A/P4M533 chipset

8VM533M-RZ/
8VM533M-RZ-C
Intel Petium 4 Processor Motherboard

Features Summary:
CPU section:
--Socket 478 for Intel Pentium 4 (Northwood) with HT Technology
--Intel Pentium 4 533/400MHz FSB
--2nd cache depends on CPU

Chipset section:
--North Bridge: VIA P4M266A/P4M533
--South Bridge: VIA VT8235

That's good info !

Your motherboard does support H/T technology, but unfortunately, the processor that you seen has a 800mhz FSB and your motherboard only supports up to 533mhz.

Yes, I realized that now. So is a Prescott better or Northwood better?

If you are referring to the $129 Northwood and the $135 Prescott, the Prescott is better. Much better.

According to this list, here, it is compatible with a P4-Northwood 3.06G (HT) 533 FSB but I couldn't find out the price for this processor anywhere.

According to Pricewatch prices are from $210-$240 or so.

Thanks! That price range is out of my budget. I do not want to go above $200 because this machine is quite old and I dont' want to spend that much money on it.

Again, many thanks for all your help.

I would suggest that you stand pat for time being and save your money to upgrade to a better performing PC. I personally prefer AMD for my needs and they offer more perfromance for the money. The newest AMD chips (64 bit series) have the memory bus right on the chip and can communicate with the RAM at up 1000 Mhz. I have a dual core 64 bit and 2 GB of RAM and it never is wanting for memory bandwidth. That's just my two cents. You might be hardcore Intel guy, so you man ignore my entire statement.