Hi guys,

I know what you're thinking...

This again????

and i know that it's a very big subject...

but let me review your opinions...

I'm on fire to buy a processor...

Intel Pentium 4 @ 3 GHz HT 800FSB
..and on the other hand...
AMD Athlonxp 3200+

I want to install Win2000 SERVER to my PC and Ms Exchange Server...and ISA Server..and bla bla bla.....and I want performance... ( I'm going to study for the MSCE) BUT I'm also addicted to gaming!

Which CPU is the fastest? From every optic?

Please help me to invest my "preeecious" money to a good CPU...

Thanks in advance buddies!

UxM

"Don't follow a path that other have set...Set a path for othres to follow..."

I would have to say Athlon XP 3200+ myself, it will thrash a 3Ghz P4. You would need at least the 3.2Ghz P4 to give the 3200+ a run for its money. XP is better for gaming too so I've heard.

2500+ overclocked to 3200+ on an nForce2 board running single channel PC3200 RAM.

Although it's great to have the latest thing, I think you should go for something a little less. If you want a P4, I'd go for the 2.8 GHz. Compared to the price of the 3.0 Ghz+, you're getting more for your money.

As for AMD, I'd do the same. Go for something like the 2800XP.

If you insist on going for the latest, then get the P4 3.6 GHz (I think it’s out), which is best for gaming. As for a server, dual Xeon processors will be the best and will fair well for workstation tasks. You’ll need a decent GFX card too to make the most of it for gaming.

Just so you know, AMD's best performance and best value CPUs are the Athlon 64s, even if you don't use the 64 bit extensions.

I would stick with XP before 64 for the time being. There has not been a very good chipset released for the 64 yet. Nvidia decided to do away with the north south bridge thing and combine them, which was not the best idea. KT800 is okay.

If you are going to get an XP I would get a board with the nForce 2 chipset. I recommended either the A7N8X-e Deluxe or the Lan Party NFII.

I use A7N8X Deluxe with an XP2500, gig of 3200, Radeon 9600pro. Runs everything perfect.

I'd buy the 2500. no, wait. Oh I did buy one!

Overclocks to 3200+, they are so inexpensive at the moment.

Ahh balogna,

Have a look at the zillion "my Asus board wont POST" or "my AMD is squirlly" topics on this forum and then make your decision.

P4 running on an Intel 865 board is the ONLY way to fly in my opinion.

However if you want to forever tinker with jumpers and settings, fight with chinese support sites, worry about ungodly large power supplies and burning processors then AMD is your choice. Teenage boys also usually love them as well.

Jimi_l

You must not own any AMD computers. I have had five and have never had one burn out or not post. The reason why this happens is number one, people buy AMD with the intention of overclocking it. Number two, more peopl on computing.net go with AMD because they are somewhat computer knowledeable and built their own machine. Intel outsells AMD because of the name brand market superiority (dell, Gateway, etc...). Far more people build their own system from scratch using AMD because it is more cost effective and in the end faster becuase you can overclock so easily.

Thank you so mutch for your response guys...

there are so many opinions turning positive to the side of AMD!!! (i'm so shocked!)

I would go 90% for the Intel...buuuut...I'll think about it...

Your responses may go on further!!!

Every information is good for me...

THANKS AGAIN!!!

WAIT! Cyrix is making a comeback too.

Seriously, AMD vs Intel depends on what you prefer and your budget. Either system, when built right, will do what you want it to.

Make sure you plan it well and, more importantly, have fun planning and building.