INTEL vs. Athlon

[msb-mike]

I'm in the process of creating my own PC. So far i've only purchased a case. I want to buy the motherboard next, but am having trouble decieding between an INTEL P4 3.4 or the Athlon 64 FX-55. Price is not an issue. My question is about multitasking and application speed. The P4 is 3.4GHz, and the 64 is 2.6GHz, yet all the reviews I've read, inform me the Athlon is faster. Is it because it's 64 bit? Can someone please explain this to me?
Thanks.
P.S. The PC will be used mainly for gaming and multitasking.

[bazooka]

Athlon64

It performs 32bit apps faster and you would be ready for 64bit computing

[msb-mike]

So for now, the INTEL would be the best choice?

[bazooka]

So for now, the INTEL would be the best choice?

No

[msb-mike]

Please explain

[bazooka]

The Athlon64 runs 32bit apps better than the pentium4, and you would be set for 64 bit computing- thus eliminating the need to upgrade.

[msb-mike]

So even though the INTEL has a higher GHz rating, the Athlon will run apps faster? Explain

[bazooka]

So even though the INTEL has a higher GHz rating, the Athlon will run apps faster? Explain

The gigahertz is overrated.

That is why both amd and intel have gotten away from that kind of marketing.

The pentium4 has more pipelines it has to go through to get the same performance as the athlon64.

The athlon has a better architecture.

[bazooka]

The athlon64 is better for gaming.

[msb-mike]

Cool that answered my question. Thanks again

[Garibaldi]

Athlon64

It performs 32bit apps faster and you would be ready for 64bit computing

I agree.

[Faustus]

Friend just built a 3.4ghz Intel. From what I've seen I'd go with the AMD also

[Garibaldi]

Not that you'd want this but I recently read a review on how easy it is to install Debian Linux to an AMD 64 bit, even though its not officially supported. Since 64 bit is the future of computing, you might as well get ahead now and buy a 64 bit chip.