Not sure which processor to pick for new computer

[ah577]

Hello...I am in the final stages of building a computer for heavy multimedia/video use.

I have picked (and bought) the All-in-Wonder 9800 Pro and One Gig of Ram (two sticks of 512 ddr pc-3200)

I was ready to purchase a P4 3.0 Ghz processor but was told today that I would be able to get as much power out of an AMD processor for less money....is that true? If anyone can give me some info on this I would appreciate it.

If the AMD is better, which type would you recommend. Just so you know I do not plan to do any overclocking.

Thanks
-Adam[/u]

[Faustus]

Adam its really a matter of personal prefs. For day to day use an AMD is cheaper for about the same performance, but the intel does have a "slight" edge in some circumstances.

My suggestion?
Look at the Athlon XP 3000+ or better and the Intel 3ghz and just decide if your willing to spend the extra on a small ammount of speed. If you have the moeny to burn then great Intel makes awsome CPUs, if you don't have the extra to burn the thats fine because AMD makes awsome CPUs also.

It really a win / win here....

Unless of course your spending the cash to get an Athlon FX those are awsome

[ah577]

How about the Athlon 64 3000+
Any thought on that compared to the Pentium?

Thanks Again,
adam

[Faustus]

Also a good CPU, here is a compairson list of CPUs and benchmarks

http://www20.tomshardware.com/cpu/20031223/cpu-guide-14.html

Remember just because its slightly fast may not make it worth the extra cash. who cares about a few seconds if that few seconds cost you $200.

also remember that with a 64bit cpu you need a 64bit OS to take full advantage of it... the current one MS offers is only a BETA, so time will tell how much that helps out the athlon 64 series CPUs.

[rallynavvie]

I believe you also need 64-bit apps to utilize the CPU to its fullest.

[thayne]

I'd get the Athlon 64. Microsoft lets you download the beta version of Win XP 64 bit right now and you will be better off in the future when 64 bit apps begin replacing 32 bit apps