StarTech.com Heatsink + Fan Universal Intel P4/AMD Athlon

Advantages: Cheap and fast compared to equivalent Intel chip
Disadvantages: Heat

...them to run as fast as the Intels of their name. Price - AMD processors are phenomonaly less money than an equivalent Intel processor. An 1533 MHz AMD XP1800+ will at the time of this op, set you back around £70-£80, where as a 1533 MHz Intel will cost you around £110. This difference especially comes into view when you compare the XP1800+ to its running equivalent a Intel 1800mhz P4 which will set you back around £200. In terms of running, that is a £120 saving if you buy an AMD over a Intel. Disadvantage - While AMD processors have been renowned for their blistering speed, by doing this, they become VERY warm, and their average running temp is almost double that of an Intel. A 1.8GHz Intel will run at around 45*c when performing tasks, while the XP1800+ will run at around 80*C. My computer has a standard AMD arkasa fan and heatsink... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Cheap, Fast, Definitely a good buy.
Disadvantages: Runs very hot and needs compatible motherboard and power supply

...AMD have certainly turned themselves around in recent times and now represent a viable option to Intel processors. Traditionally AMD have been strong in the "value"/budget segment of the market. The AMD Athlon is a processor that challenges Intel higher up the food chain. Advantages AMD Athlons are faster than Intel processors when comparing Mhz to Mhz. AMD Athlons are cheaper than Intel processors Mhz for Mhz. Possible pitfalls... AMD processors require motherboards with "Socket A". These are different to motherboards that support Intel processors and tend to be slightly more expensive. It is highly recommended that you use an AMD approved power supply with your AMD processor. If you don't you are liable to suffer from unexplainable crashes. This is because AMD processors run much hotter than Intel processors. It is very easy... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Price and reliability
Disadvantages: Processor Temperature

...I can only speak from experience, I have run the AMD Athlon XP 1800+, 2100+ and I am currently running the 2200+. I have found very little difference in performance between them all, but I am sure that the performance is greater the higher the size of processor you get. I guess what I am saying is that once you get to the 1800+ processor, you don't really notice the increased performance as much. The advantages I have found over the Intel P4 is the low price. If you want to purchase on of these processors, may I suggest that you try Ebuyer.com on the internet. I have found them to be very reasonable when comparing the price to even some of the trade prices. Also the build quality of the chip just looks better, when you compare it against the Intel chip. I had one of the first Intel P4 chips when they first came out and because... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful