What to get: Intel P4 3.2 or AMD Athlon64 3500+?

Z

Zlatan

New Member
Right, I'm supposed to buy a new computer in the next month or so (before new year),a dn I'm a bit confused about which proccessor I should get.

I was planning on getting the P4 3.2 GHz with an Intel Desktop Board D945PSN motherboard (Supports DUAL CORE CPUs, Intel 945P chipset, FSB 1066MHz, 4xDDR2 667/533/400, 4xSATA, PCI Express x16,GLAN), along with 1536 MB DDR2, but lately I've read about AMD being the better choice, due to 64 bit proccessing technology.

Now, I'm the first one to admit that I dont really know much about computers (I know how to work them like an average user, but very little about the hardware), but I've been reading about it today a bit, and altho most software doesnt yet support 64 bits, they say that the AMD performs better on 32 bit software, especially games.

Now, I'd be using the computer for everyday use, internet, MS office, games, watching DVDs, perhaps capturing video, etc, maybe graphic editing from time to time... bottom line, nothing proffessional.

Also, i've read that the P4 supports some hyperthreading technology and what not, 800Mhz FSB, 2 MB cache, or something. The price is nearly the same, 5€ difference.

But I'm not sure what MB i'd get with the Athlon, is it better to get an Intel + Intel combination even tho the processor is slower, or get the AMD and search for another MB?

In total, with all the other components, the price would be at around 1000 €.

Sooo, what do you think?
 
Well what are you doing? If you do alot of video editing and photoshop an the like, get the intel, if you game get the AMD. If you are just an average user then get whatevers cheaper.
 
Well, I'm a law student so I wouldnt be using it for anything professional, no 3D rendering or complex graphics and video editing. I'd be using it for internet use, playing games, MS Office, sometimes capturing video, basic graphics etc. Basically just your average user and everyday needs.
 
Is it the 5xx series or the 6xx series? If its the 5xx I would get the AMD due to the 64 bit like you said, so can be ready for longhorn :)
 
I'd get the 3500+, much better for gaming, and it will do well in other areas.

the P4 line has 64bit cpu's as well for not much more money.
 
From my experience, AMD is the way to go, just downright better performance when it comes to graphics and they can handle basic video editting on par with Intel.
 
34erd said:
Is it the 5xx series or the 6xx series? If its the 5xx I would get the AMD due to the 64 bit like you said, so can be ready for longhorn :)
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And if I said I had no idea? :D


A lot of people have told me to go for AMD, and I have to admit I'm more and more for that option, however the thing that I still dont fully understand is this:

The Athlon uses 64 bit technology, but most of the software is still on 32 AFAIK, will it still perform well?
 
Yes, thats one of the strong points of the AMD 64 architechture, strong 32 bit peformance, with room for 64 bit down th road.
 
A lot of people have told me to go for AMD, and I have to admit I'm more and more for that option, however the thing that I still dont fully understand is this:

The Athlon uses 64 bit technology, but most of the software is still on 32 AFAIK, will it still perform well?[/quote]




yes get the amd. and yes the althon 64 will perform very well with 32 bit software.
 
Zlatan said:
Now, I'd be using the computer for everyday use, internet, MS office, games, watching DVDs, perhaps capturing video, etc, maybe graphic editing from time to time... bottom line, nothing proffessional.
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For your tasks it does not matter what you pick as you won't be able to tell a difference, just go with the cheapest alternative. The 5x1 and 6xx CPU's offers 64Bit support as well. :)
 
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Cool, thanks for the replies mates.

But, I think I've read that the AMDs (either the CPUs or the S939 MBs) dont support DDR2. Am I right, and if yes is it really that important?
 
ive never been a big fan of intel but the new dual processors do seem to be running rings around everything else. im a graphic designer who is mac based so i loved the g4 and then the g5 processor, but if intel's good enough for apple its clearly good enough for every one else!!!
 
I was thinking about something along these lines, what do you guys think:

AMD Athlon64 3500+
Gigabyte GA-K8NF-9
DDR 512MB PC3200 x 3
Maxtor 200GB SATA HDD
ATI Radeon X700 256MB
 
I had the same dilemma when choosing for a new family computer. If your are a heavy gamer (like the graphic to shape and good) then AMD.

PS. I got AMD because i'm a heavy gamers :)
 
Well, I wouldnt say I'm a heavy gamer, but games are probably the most demanding task it's going to have to do ;)
 
CPU 101.

but lately I've read about AMD being the better choice, due to 64 bit proccessing technology.
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Damn near all current generation chips (including those you've spec'd) are 64bit chips

Now, I'd be using the computer for everyday use, internet, MS office, games, watching DVDs, perhaps capturing video, etc, maybe graphic editing from time to time... bottom line, nothing proffessional.
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Get the cheaper option

The 3500 anyday .
http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets...spx?i=2330&p=2 <http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2330&p=2>
Case closed.
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Congrats. You showed him a gaming benchmark when he explicitly noted that he wont be going there.

just downright better performance when it comes to graphics
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Some details?

And if I said I had no idea?
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Then i would suggest you read the 101

Anyone?
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No need to bump after only a day :)

If your are a heavy gamer (like the graphic to shape and good)
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Huh? Can I get that in English please?

I got AMD because i'm a heavy gamers
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Also got multiple personalities? ;)
 
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