CPU

It really depends on what you want to do with the computer that you are mounting the CPU in. But generally speaking that CPU is a fairly decent one and I've never had to replace one [b]Yet.[/b]

Now to the rest of your question the more L2 Cache that is on the CPU the faster it will appear to operate as the data isn't being held up from entering the CPU as the CPU is storing the currently required data and taking it as required. So generally speaking the more Cache on a CPU the better it will be from a users point of view as it will appear to work faster.

As for the Virus Monitoring Function of these CPU's currently No this will not be supported as the Software isn't currently written to support this function but this could change very quickly as MS could release a Patch that enables this to work but the rest of the Hardware would need to support this option as well so provided that you are using a current generation M'Board that fully supports this CPU it may at some point in the future work under 2000 Pro. AMD may even release a software package for this option as well as any number of third party providers. It's quite likely that most of the AV products will incorporate some item to use this feature to make their products more saleable.

Col

well i am currently in the process of designing a computer to build for me and my family to use. I am not a serious gamer, in fact, i have only 1 computer game black hawk down delta force, i don't even play it, because i just don't do gaming. this is the way i am looking at my designing idea, i don't want to just build a computer that i will have to replace in like 1 or 2 years. my family wants just a ordinary computer that you can just jump on the internet and that's it. but i on the other hand want to build a computer that will not only will work not,but for the years to come. i have tried to explain about 64-bit processing is the newest processing technology, but they think it will cost out the butt for the cpu. i know even though i am not a gamer, i shouldn't get the best, most fast motherboard out there. but i want to build something worth the money i put into it. i have found on tiger direct the parts i want, but i am stuck between intel celeron d processors and amd sempron 64 and amd athlon 64 bit cpu's. i also have asked about Dual channel memory, but the answers i have gotten from people are more like opinions. i have a stick of Kbyte 256MB PC2100/PC2700 DDR-SDRAM memory module, and i don't want to just waste it since i payed like $55 for it at staples. another thing i want to build a pc for windows vista. i am going to put the beta 2 version on the pc when i get it built. is that a good idea??

The whole problem with your choice of the Sempron Palermo is the fact that it is a CPU made for the 754 socket... which was replaced by the socket 939 and that was replaced with the AM2 socket (AMD) (you are 2 generations behind. In a few years, you will run into the same issue as you have NOW with your socket A based system. Yes, people who are running Semprons have reported no problems with Vista Beta2 and their CPUs. But that doesn't take into account what videocard they are running. I'm assuming you've selected the 754 socket because you are wanting to save on having to buy a new PCIe based video, and want to keep the AGP slot. Is your videocard enough for Vista/Aero? If it isn't, will you find a better AGP card that won't cost more than a PCIe card?

As far as your dual channel memory, question... I "answered" you, that was NOT an opinion. If you want to run in a "Dual Channel" configuration, you need two sticks of the SAME memory. The same specs (SPD), the same brand, the same size and same chip count. If you are planning on scrapping the socket A system you currently have and upgrading to Socket 754 (or 939, or 940), then you need to purchase PC-3200 (DDR400) memory anyway. If you plan on upgrading to LGA775 or Socket AM2, you will need DDR2 memory instead.

I may get flamed for this, but your choice of parts suppliers concerns me as well. Sure they have a great mail order catalog, but the cost of making that full color glossy catalog, is passed on to YOU, the TD customer. Plus their selection of components are pitiful. You obiously have access to the internet... take a look at www.newegg.com or www.mwave.com or www.zipzoomfly.com or www.monarchcomputers.com

They all carry what you are looking for and I'd be willing to bet they'll be cheaper as well.

I apologize about the the way i stated the comment. I don't really care if my computer runs in dual channel mode i was just wanting to know what that technology was, that sounds dumb i know. i am not going with that kind of motherboard because of pcie. i just want to build a computer that the technology wont be outdate as soon as i buy it, you know what i mean. in fact, i dont really have a need for any add in cards. if i can get a motherboard with great onboard video, that is a good question. lol i really don't care if i get a great graphics card, because like i have said earlier, i don't do gaming and i have had experience with the aero glass look, and i just don't see the use for it.

Hi,

No particular recommendation, but some observations from my systems. Like you I'm not a gamer.

My work machine is an AMD Athlon 2700+ in an MSI KT4V board with 1GB memory. Not dual channel, nVidea TNT 32 video, on board sound. It is coming up to 3 years old, runs XP SP2 plus heaps of utilities and applications. I still find it perfectly capable of doing what I require.

I would stay away from the cheaper versions (Celeron, Sempron etc.), as I suspect ( without any concrete evidence) that they are cut down Pentiums etc that failed testing. I base this theory on my general knowledge of IC manufacturing, plus on another computer I have with and 800MHz Celeron, test utilities keep insisting that it is a PIII 800Mhz Pentium.

My general philosophy when chosing a CPU is to look at the cost / performance ratio. If the cost goes up proportionally to the performance, then you are getting value for money. At some point you will find that the incremental cost is far greater than the performance increase (eg a 5% increase in performance for a 20% increase in cost). This tends to start happening at 2 or 3 clock speeds down from the fastest model.

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