Basic processor questions
 

Shopping for a new desktop, I go to the Dell popup to see the differences between processors. I get this:

Intel® Pentium® Extreme Edition Dual Core Processor with HT Technology Cutting edge processing power for intense multi-threaded games and applications.
Intel® Pentium® D Processor with Dual Core Technology Accomplish more while running multiple applications, such as editing video while downloading music.
Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor with HT Technology Extreme Edition Advanced performance running multiple high-end games and/or demanding power applications at the same time.

Can someone differentiate these?

Re: Basic processor questions
 

What do you intend to use your computer for?

Re: Basic processor questions
 

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Intel® Pentium® Extreme Edition Dual Core Processor with HT Technology Cutting edge processing power for intense multi-threaded games and applications.

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Sounds like a dual core processor (essentially two processors in one) but I have no knowledge of this processor.

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Intel® Pentium® D Processor with Dual Core Technology Accomplish more while running multiple applications, such as editing video while downloading music.

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Pentium D is basically two Pentium 3 processors in one. Pentium 3 processors run cooler and more efficiently than Pentium 4s, hence their use in dual cores.

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Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor with HT Technology Extreme Edition Advanced performance running multiple high-end games and/or demanding power applications at the same time.

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Single core Pentium 4 Processor.

Your choice really depends on how you are going to use the computer.

MisterW

Re: Basic processor questions
 

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Pentium D is basically two Pentium 3 processors in one. Pentium 3 processors run cooler and more efficiently than Pentium 4s, hence their use in dual cores.

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Does the OS parcel out tasks such that computations are optimized?

Re: Basic processor questions
 

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Does the OS parcel out tasks such that computations are optimized?

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If the OS supports it, yes.