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General discussion

Intel or AMD?

Sep 24, 2004 1:15AM PDT

This question has probably been asked many times but mine is a little more specific. I am going to build a PC and I cannot decide which processor and motherboard combination to use. I am stuck between two setups -
1. AMD Athlon64 3200+ 512kb L2 Cache
ASUS K8N-E Deluxe (nForce3)
512mb DDR-400 RAM
GeForce 6800 GT 256MB
or
2. Intel Pentium 3.2ghz (socket 775) + 1mb L2 Cache
the latest ASUS P5AD2 Premium (the Intel 925x chipset)
512mb DDR2-400 RAM
GeForce 6800 GT 256mb

I am looking for a fast, future-proof set-up for gaming.
I have heard the 64bit option is the best to take for gaming but the Intel option has the cache and RAM advantage.
I no it would be obvious in someways to go for the second one because of the Dual Channel memory but the first is 64bit though. Also will the size of the L2 cache make any difference in gaming performance?

Plus is there a such thing as a GeForce 6800GT PCI-Express card available now or sometime in the future as that would be a better choice for my second set-up?

Many thanks,
Sam

Discussion is locked

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Not future proof...
Sep 24, 2004 1:33AM PDT

AMD has demo'd the dual core Athlon 64 and that may be the future since... Intel announced a push to dual cores shortly thereafter.

But today, the 64-bit capable CPU certainly will do nicely.

Bob

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(NT) (NT) future proof for gaming.......is there such a thing???
Sep 24, 2004 2:15AM PDT
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What socket type is the AMD?
Sep 24, 2004 2:34AM PDT

I'm too lazy to search for your mobo.

If you go AMD then the 939 socket offers the best chance for a reasonably long term solution. But Robert is likely correct about the dual cores.

By then you'll get to decide on DDR vs DDR2, PCI vs PCI Express, AGP vs PCI Ex 16, ATX vs BTX case,SATA vc IDE [ATA] and you might even have a 64 bit operating system. LOL

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Re: Intel or AMD?
Sep 24, 2004 5:02AM PDT

I myself had set-up or assembled my computer. The major problem I encountered though is compatibility issues with hardwares, memory board, mother board vs. processor, video card, USB card, etc., etc.
After the difficulties I encountered, I decided I would rather buy a packaged one so that I will be sure it will run, with the time and effort I spent building it, I computed that it is more expensive than the packaged one.
I suggest you buy a packaged one, then requests the distributor to change some parts to your liking. They know their products and their limitations and you could see the parts working right before your eyes while they are working on it (except software compatibility issues). It will be more expensive than the packaged deal though if you prefer a high capacity, high speed, up to date hardwares but you save time and frustrations when building one.
Intel or AMD? Question, why is Intel processors became so popular? Do not think that I am endorsing Intel but do make some research on processors like over heating issues, over clocking, speed, after sales service, upgrade possibilities, hardware compatibilities, etc. and you be the judge.