hi,

I have a
Asus m2n sli deluxe
amd 4600+ x2
2gb ram

My processor is getting weak.
Now i want to be able to game even better and put vista on my comp.

What the better choice. Go intel or Amd?
amd 6400 + x2 so i dont have to change my motherboard. Which was quite pricie when i bought it.
Or go intel quad, but that will be more expensive, but its better in the long run.
How long will the 6400 last. Or is my gaming performance more largely based on the gpu.

Intel is pretty much the only way to go at the moment with a dual-core or quad build. Less power consumption and better performance.

Gaming performance is generally heavily reliant on the GPU, but it varies in between games. Some are CPU-intensive.

Agree with hawkspur regarding Intel's performance advantage and games relying more on the GPU. However, in the next 9 months to a year or so, Intel with becoming out with new CPUs that will require a new mobo, the 775 is being replaced. You may want to get a 5000+ Black Edition and overclock or get a 6000+ or 6400+ and get a good video card. That should keep you running until the new mobo come out. If you really want to go with new system then Intel is the way to go. For gaming would suggest a P35 mobo and the E8400 or E6750

I would get the 5000+ Black Edtion.
Save your funds to focus more on GPU upgrades.

They might not be. But if they are you're stuck with an underperforming platform for nothing at all. That suggestion doesn't even make sense

The change is coming and the estimates of 9 months to a year but this is the end of the 775. If he goes with AMD, he saves the money on a new mobo if he wants to go with the next generation. Really depends on how much he wants to spend and he's willing to wake. What makes sense is determined by circumstances and what someone wants to do

Correct.
The Biggest Factor in gaming is GPU.

He will likely be served best by putting most into his GPU first and then the CPU. So w/o knowing his GPU or an idea on budget, its tough to say.

that in mind, i say 5000+BE... if only for the fact that the phenoms ought to work, adn i'm pretty sure that the TLB rubbish will be sorted by the time nehalem comes out

I'd just upgrade the GPU for now. A x2 4600+ is no slouch for gaming, not the best but definately not holding things up too much. What is your current configuration? Looking mainly for GPU/PSU information.

bwah a sucky 7900 gt ko. im thinking 6400+ x2 with a gpu upgrade till the next mobo series like poeple suggested.

As mentioned above, Intel is changing the complete architecture of their chip putting an IMC with the CPU. This means any intel product you buy right now is already deemed obsolete in the sense it has no upgrade path. Though, they currently have the performance crown, I would recommend the AMD platform due to its ability to be upgraded for at least two years. Everyone's recommendation works though, so I figure I would add my two sense GL with your build

damn... makes me think i should have stayed with amd .

any gpu ideas guys!!!!. Also whats your thoughts on the phenom.

You may have to run the latest BIOS. There was a recent article I think on toms that said not all AM2 boards are compatible. The reviews I've show the Phenom running faster. I think this site has a good comparative review between the AMD dual and quad core.
http://support.asus.com/download/d [...] I%20Deluxe

Say i want to play some Crysis or Bioshock.

Phenom OR x2 6400

I would stay away from Phenom untill they get that stupid bug fixed.....

read review on their best attempt here :

http://www.tomshardware.com/2008/0 [...] k_edition/

the x2 6400 is more than sufficient for bioshock and crysis.... just get a 3870x2 as Crysis is more gpu dependant. Bioshock needs both gpu and cpu to be of good speed and quality.