Help me decide, AMD or Intel?

In need of a new MB, RAM, CPU & PSU. I currently have a WD 40gig HD which will remain as my primary drive and it looks like I will be getting a 200gig WD for Christmas (Yeah! ). I will also be using my remaining hardware (CD/DVD, CD Burner, Floppy, GFX card, etc).

All hardware will be purchased locally at CompUSA or Circuit City. Nothing less than 1gig of ram would be acceptable for me so thanks to Halo's input, I'll be purchasing Kingston HyperX 1GB PC3200 184pin 2-3-2-6-1 CL2 DDR DIMM Memory Module Kit. I will go with either a 450 or 500w PSU (dependent on price when I go shopping).

My dilemma, and where I would like some feedback is should I go with AMD or Intel? I have used both and the only significant difference I noticed between the 2 is that the FAH client would do better on my AMD system even though the CPU was rated quite a bit lower than my intel.

Primary use of my system outside of normal internet activity is heavy duty graphics work and when the mood strikes, first person shooters (primarily UT).

So...suggestions?...AMD or Intel and why?

 

I still yet to see people rooting for Intel on this forum . AMD has the same performance of Intel counter parts but don't cost as much, the problem is that might not always be true at retailers since they buff their prices up and possibly have special offers. How much are you dropping ? Do you constantly upgrade or just once n a while? Also, for heavy grahpical work you need just as strong video card.

 

Since you're going with DDR I suggest going with an AMD cpu, they like DDR more than the Intels which are more keen on DDR2 at the moment.

Also, AMDs are usually faster than the Intels when it comes to gaming and graphics work, however, if you really do all that much heavy duty graphics work it might be worth it to consider using a Mac, they rock in that area ánd UT is available for it as well

 

Doubt A.s. will want to get a mac, since i think shes using "hand me downs" from her older setup.

 

It's just a suggestion, Macs are better than x86 pc's at heavy graphical stuff.

 

My computer died 3 weeks ago so other than being able to visit MG & check my email via Chris's puter I'm completely without. My MB is fried (had it tested) and as my current CPU is specific to my board I have to replace that too. My current RAM (only 512) is RDRAM PC800 which isn't widely supported on newer MB's and to darned expensive to take it up to 1 gig anyway (around $400.).

My budget, thanks to it being Christmas time will be in the $600 range (maximum, hence, using most of my current hardware and only replacing what is necessary to get me back up and running as close to where I want to be as I can get) A mac is out of the question...I don't have that kind of cash laying around and none of my graphics software would be compatible either.

 

No, my current (yet dead LOL) set up was purchased new several years ago. I have never utilized used parts or hand me downs. I was planning on gradually updating my system however a dead MB threw a monkey wrench in the works.

 

Althought the compusa webpage sucks, they usually have instore combo deals (ie mobo + processor), might wanna glance over that stuff at the store itself. Hyper X is excellent memory, just dont cheap out on the PSU, my local shops (compusa / microcenter) actually have online-comparable prices in the "good psu's" section. Look for OCZ, PC Cooling & bits or something of equal category. Of course, I'll always remain an AMD man, unless the sea's part and Intel lowers their inflated prices, and creates something worth while. I've built and rebuilt probably between 15-25 boxes and not a single one carried Intel.

 

In light of those comments I'd go with AMD.
Saves you a bit over an Intel setup and it's just as fast.

 

My bad..I misunderstood your post when I frist read it. Yes, I will be utilizing some of my old parts. Can't swing a whole new system at this time so am only replacing what is necessary.

 

Only if you spend an ungodly amount of money on a 4000+ dollar PowerMac. Even then...its debateable these days.

There is a reason the PPC architecture is being dropped. The G5 has performance issues.

I'd reccomend AMD, unless Abby wants to learn a new OS.

The price is defintely right.

 

Abby incase you did not know any AMD processor that has a plus sign after the number eg. 3400+ is the same speed as a intel3.4 ghz processor. So many of the amd chips are as fast as intel. My suggestion would be to go with a socket 939 amd mother board and a 3200+ Venice core chip since it can be overclocked to 3.6 to 3.8 ghz speed and is low in price. The 939 format will allow you to upgrade to a dual core in the future when they drop in price. The dual core will be of a benifit with your graphic work. This is my opion and may differ from other people.

 

If you are willing to buy right now, Dell is selling their AMD cpus for 20% off. i.e. you can get an Athlon 64 3700+ for $185. I don't know how long the deal will last though.

There is a link to it on www.techbargains.com/dellcoupons.cfm

Oops. It may have ended yesterday. sry

 

Thank you all for the feedback...it's helping me a great deal to decide and it looks like it's gonna be AMD hands down. I can't wait! I really miss my puter..spending way to much time twiddling my thumbs trying to find something to do. LOL

@ Wyatt_Earp...thanks, and 'tis ok. Don't think Dell would be an option for me anyway...I will be making my hardware purchases from local stores (CompUSA & Circuit City). Can't see possibly getting stuck with even 1 month's worth of interest or financing charges on credit purchases for luxury items...unless it's a house or a car of course

 

Dell is using AMD?

When did this happen?

 

Seriously! I can't find anything of the sort here.

 

Cant find the amd processors using directions given on the site. :/ its a good price and is supposed to expire today.

 

Found the processors here

I found the processor but the coupon doesent work :/

 

With graphical work, if you're going to be running different graphic apps at a time then I'd say go for a HT Prescott Pentium 4. Even though I'm an AMD guy. I probably shouldn't have posted. I'll shut up now

 

Well, like it or not, come January, I'm an Intel guy.

Nfc why Apple chose Intel.

 

How come? cuz' of the new wafers?

 

I don't know. I'm guessing because Yonah is supposed to be all that.

 

I still feel Intel's still playing catch up to grab some of the hardcore market. I think there will be alot of kinks with the first gen or two.

 

Why specifically?

 

Because they're designed for multitasking and that's their "speciality" from what I read a long article on the other day....quite interesting actually.
Although AMD claim to be good at power using, I've read many articles on Intel being great for multi tasking and giving the power when needed.

However, this is a long going debate with no real answer, just oppinions and suggestions.

 

Interesting. Thanks mca! I do often have 2 - 4 different graphics proggies running at the same time...all depends on what I'm working on. My current cpu is a P4 1.7 and I can't really complain about the performance I got out of it...I had more issues with running out of memory than anything else.

 

There's no doubt that Intel have the performance needed to run todays applications. So do AMD. It's a close call. I don't know your stance on Hyperthreading, but most say it is pretty useless.

I think you would be happy with either, but AMD is cheaper. If your budget is low, get AMD.

AMD FX-57 is the high end AMD it is the best single core you can get. If you want something lower spec get a 64 Venice core.

I would recommend a socket 939 mobo with Nforce 4 and a 64 bit 3200+ (or higher). Gigabyte, Asus, MSI are all good.

Make sure you get a mobo to support your gfx card (AGP or PCI-E, which is it?)

You might benefit from Hyperthreading however. It's useful to be able to split the load on the CPU 50/50 between 2 apps.

 

hmmm...even more info for my brain to compute Thanks Prophets21.

GFX is AGP and I'm considering this MB (again, thanks to Halo's input) if I go with the AMD, which I am leaning more toward at this point.

 

I have the socket 754 equivalent of that, and it performs amazingly well!

 

you say that your psu is proprietary to the your current mobo. is your case as well? i know that some have propr. connections for the front panel usb/headphone/mic, and power and reset buttons. make sure your connections for those are universal. also, im an amd person as well (i built my intel rig b4 amd 64's were reasonably priced), especially when i read something about the 64bit windows programmers using amd 64's as their test machines. (i think intel has changed now to fix that). and is internet ordering out of the question? You can definitely get more bang for your buck from online stores (newegg and zipzoomfly to name a few). ive found circuit city and compusa a little pricey compared to others.

 

I really appreciate the continued feedback/comments AMD vs Intel (have thread on email notify) but am growing continually frustrated by one key point that seems to be being missed/challenged.

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Now granted, a large portion of the population make purchases via credit and that's fine, but we choose not to have such debt. Other than our normal "necessary" living expenses (food, housing, utilities, insurance, etc.) the only 'debt' we have is a car payment and we LIKE it that way. We never have to worry about an extra bill and we never pay more in the long run for items purchased locally b/c we don't get hit with interest or financing charges. If anyone is in a position to purchase items on credit and ALWAYS pay the bill in full before any interest is incurred than that's great but if not, you are carrying a balance with all that interest that is compounded monthly, resulting in you paying more in the long run for items than we do by purchasing locally. Additionally, we have the convenience of being able to address any issues with purchases immediately, face to face without having to wait longer for things to be sent back and replacement items to be received if there is a problem...there are the shipping costs to consider also. Factor all that in and it's not always better to purchase online or via a catalog even though initially the price may seem to be less.

To each his own and in our case, it is to not carry any unnecessary debt and risk overpaying for things we want to purchase.

@ thesmokinggun..my case is not an issue, I have a standard full size ATX.

@ mca...thanks! That's great to know! Been a while since I rebuilt a rig...I thought my current set-up would last a bit longer (at least I hoped it would!) and I'm ashamed to say, I haven't kept up on the current hardware trends because of that which is why I started this thread.

Now, having said all that I would appreciate and welcome more feedback as per my initial post "AMD or Intel and why?" With any luck, I will be going shopping for parts this weekend...IF I can tolerate the Christmas rush in stores....some of those shoppers are just plain crazy! LOL

 

I found this on www.bensbargains.net , did not know if this works into your schedule for purchasing. Hope it helps.

CompUSA.com has a Midnight Madness Sale on December 23rd 6pm-Midnight as described in this PDF Advertisement. Many of these offers will be available online as well, often times far earlier than 6pm anywhere in the US.

There are also some items about Circuit City coupons.

 

Sweet! Thanks LBMEST! That site looks like a keeper

The power supply on pg. 3 of the PDF looks pretty good...anyone familiar with this brand, etc? Listed as Master Power 520w with cable management. $99.99 - $40.00 instant savings for a final cost of $59.99.

The Maxtor HD looks to be a fairly good deal also but I think staying with the brand, specs, etc. for the HD I have now, which I will remain my primary would be better. This is the WD I was planning on getting..thought it was to good of a deal to pass up

 

That's great, glad I could help.

Ben's has all sorts of different stuff. He just lists whatever comes along as a good deal. Saved me $750 on my daughter's notebook for college.

That ain't peanuts.

Happy Shopping and Holidays.