Thread: Fastest dual core 32-BIT CPU?

I am looking for add up one more Windows expertise that I will ever own. As I am using an ATI Radeon All-In-Wonder (AGP) to capture the ugly video, I want to have Windows XP 32-bit.

I don’t like wasting my cash. If I get a 64-bit machine, I want a 64-bit OS on it. As such, I am being demanding the forum members for a little recommendation on choosing the exact 32-bit hardware for this “legacy machine”

I am looking for the longest dual-core, 32-bit processor out there. Not of necessity in GHz, but in sheer power. This processor can be either AMD or Intel (it will probably be Intel… shame, since I am an AMD stalwart), but it must be a pure 32-bit processor. Additionally, I am going to need to have it support SSE2 (therefore, probably Intel), and SSE3 would be nice, but not overly necessary.

My problem is, while Wikipedia has a very nice breakdown of Intel processors that would well my wants, these descriptions don’t precisely offer an easy way of spotting the suitable processors on EBay and other sites. While I could make guesses, I really don’t want to gamble with my money. Hence, my appeal to you people for some help.

From what I gather, the Pentium 4 EE, 4E and 4F lessons of processors were the last of the 32-bit dual-cores. What I am asking for is whether I am on the correct path with these processors, and what to seem to be for (on EBay, etc.) when shopping for my item.

I could also utilize some suggestion for Motherboards, if at all possible. If there is a consensus about which processor would be the finest match, could someone also pipe in on some Motherboard suggestions? One of the minor reasons why I am an AMD fan is because there is rarely any ambiguity as to what AMD processor would work in each motherboard (a socket 939 mobo could run any socket 939 chip), whereas Intel had a very confusing series of “generations” within each socket design that made it very hard to determine which board could run which processor (what processors can run on an LGA775 board? -- it depends!!).

I also once saw a dual-socket Intel mobo that could take two dual-core 32-bit chips. I can’t consider any information, aside from it being a dual-socket, dual-core 32-bit architecture. Does a person know the board I am talking about, or was I just hallucinating?

This makes no logic, why in the world do you want a true 32bit CPU? If you where to do what you really said you required to act. You would be just waste your money. Which is also something that baffles me? Get a cheap AMD x2 or Intel Pentium dual core (Allendale) or a lower end cd2. But then you said you wanted the fastest 32bit dual core possible so I am confused.

Can you clarify why you need a 32bit just fragment? Current processors can run both in 32bit and 64bit, and are much faster than any P4.

Anyway, to reply your query, the P4 Northwood and Athlon XP were the previous invention of CPUs that were 32bit only, and both are terribly outdated by today’s standards. You'll most likely only find them 2nd hand, since they have long been discontinued from retail sale.

In complete control, any CPU that is only 32-bit will get its ass handed to it by a native 32-bit CPU that can as well process 64-bit orders. Why? Because they are so damn previous. A 64-bit CPU (provided it isn’t similar) is just as able as, typically more capable, of processing 32-bit data as a "pure" 32-bit CPU. But it's your money and by buying what you are after you really is gambling it...

The entire Athlon X2's and Pentium D's/EE's (The Pentium 4's are single core) are 64-bit. In fact, since 2006, all CPU's have been 64-bit. You're wasting your money to build a structure around a 32-bit CPU era allowing for you'll acquire them used and from non-reliable sources. I don't know why you're so stuck on this crazy idea, but XP runs the same on a 64-bit CPU as it does on a 32-bit CPU. You're better off spending the money on new hardware since, as you supposed; this is the last Windows machine you want to build.

Pure 32bit CPU, why? I have an AGP video system but can use DDR or DDR2 memory chip, also I can utilize a PCIE vga and old WD 120 GB but can utilize SATA2 hardware, and I can take picture 768x576 full height PAL with no dropped frames with my TV tuner and with less than 10% CPU usage. Hell, I even experienced an old TI4600 AGP card with vivo and I get the same performance, as for capturing you mostly need a fast drive (all 7200rpm). I have a few 160GB ata Pentium dualcore E2180 + Asrock 4CoreDual-SATA2 for beneath 90euros. I consider that a little like this is the best resolution as you can reuse the old hardware that you have (VGA, HDD, and MEM).