Thread: Bargain CPUs

The E1200 is based off Intel's new Core Number Numeral architecture so will win hands down on power consumption and performance wise on any multi-threaded code that fits nicely in the 512KB cache.
The P4 HT should really let rip with any single threaded code but will imitate a cooker whilst doing it so you might want to watch your power conSumption/density.
Not sure which way it would go on multi-threaded code that needs a larger cache (2MB on the P4 631). The E1200 really suffers against other core based chips but the P4 has quite a big clock speed advantage, even if it is less efficient per clock.
Personally I would go with the E1200.

Even with its ridiculous power usage?

Depends what he means by best, if he means fastest, then for single threaded, the P4 is gonna kick ass. Personally, I use Opterons in my PC (Paid £150 for a pair of Opteron 275s about 18 months ago). PC + 2 x 19" TFT, Router, Speakers, draws 250W using Cool 'n' Quiet -Down from 360W before I rebuilt it the other week.