I'm building a new computer from a barebone kit on tigerdirect.ca, and I'm having a hard time deciding what to get, mainly because of the processors. The two kits in question are http://tinyurl.com/62umzs and http://tinyurl.com/6fq3ss. Basically, I would like to know which motherboard+processor combo would be better for gaming. I know that with overclocking, the Intel can reach a much higher stable speed, but I don't know much about overclocking and would probably just leave them alone out of fear of screwing something up. So I guess what I'm saying is, overclocking aside, which of those two am I better off with?

Also, it would be nice if I could get a comparison for the stable overclocked versions of each, assuming it's just an average heat sink/fan being used. I'm not sure exactly how those motherboards would handle overclocking, but I might try to learn more about doing it and try it out for myself once I complete my computer.

The X2 5000+ would kick the Pentium D's ass.
 
I imagine you would have to overclock the Pentium D qutie a bit just to reach the Athlon X2 5000+ at stock speeds. Once (if) you overclock the Athlon it will blow the Pentium D out of the water while consuming less power!
 
Use this link to get an idea of performance: http://www.hardcoreware.net/reviews/review-328-6.htm

The Athlon64 X2 architecture stomped the Pentium4/D like the Core2 stomps the Athlon64 X2.

Pentium D are way slower than athlon X2. Definitely get the X2 5000+.

Another vore for X2 5000,it blows away any PentiumDs.

amd  + ati for life

Why not a low end core2 cpu and mobo ??
 
How swel does that would out on cost vs performance for the OP ??
 
E2 or E4 maybe ??

The AMD all the way.  Tough to beat $200 for that barebones
 
The Athlon X2 5000+ BE is better than the Pentium D.  The Asus is a better mobo than the Biostar (especially the onboard IGP - geforce 6100 over VIA Chrome9).
 
The Blackie can OC to 2.8-3GHz by simply increasing the cpu multiplier.  With a little clock/multiplier tweaking you may reach 3.2GHz.
 
How much do you think you will spend on your video card?
 

Definetly any AMD X2 over any Pentium D.  
When you mention Intel Processors are great overclockers, the Pentium D should be left out that conversation. You can do it, but you have to have a  very good cooling solution.

You probably have not been around when PDs hit 6 GHz just on water and didnt break a sweat.
 
@ OP:
Should you decide to OC (which would be rather adventurous with the given motherboard though), the PD will easily outrun the X2.
Stock however, the 2 will trade blows, but both are quite outdated anyways. Get some of the new stuff instead.

 
I would say Neither.
You still need a HDD, CPU Cooler, OS, Mouse and Keyboard etc....
That will run you over $200 and your system will still be assempled with cheap parts.
 
Try Something from Outlet.Dell.Com such as this.............
 
 
Inspiron 530  
(System Identifier: EWR7E2VK)
 
 
Inspiron Desktop 530 Mini-tower: Intel Pentium dual-core processor E2200 (1MB, 2.2GHz)
Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium
 
System Price : $299.00  
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 
Operating System
Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Memory
2 GB DDR2 Non-ECC SDRAM 677MHz (2 DIMMs)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hard Disk Drive
320 GB SATA Hard Drive (7200 RPM)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Certified Refurbished
Certified Refurbished
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Base
Inspiron Desktop 530 Mini-tower: Intel Pentium dual-core processor E2200 (1MB, 2.2GHz)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Media Bay
16X DVD +/- RW w/dbl layer write capability
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hardware Upgrade
USB Keyboard
No Floppy Drive
Dell Optical USB 2-button Mouse
No Modem  

I know it's not one of your original picks, but if I was buying a new system right now, if you are on a very tight budget I'd have to agree with many other's here and suggest you look at a system with even a low end Core 2 Duo.

Thanks for all the help. That's the answer I was hoping for, because I just love the tower that comes with the AMD. Although, some of you are suggesting getting something with a Core 2 Duo. I searched around, and I did find this one here: http://tinyurl.com/63wyfh. Would you suggest this one instead?

 
Yes. A Core Duo at the same Mhz will outperform the AMD by 15%-20%. Some things, like video encoding it will be as much as 30% faster.
 
On a side note, you had asked about overclocking and how these would do if they were overclocked.
The motherboards you are getting in these thrifty barebones kits are not going to be good overclockers.
They are just the basic low end boards that will work quite well, but the features on them are limited and they will not be overclocking friendly. If you are into or think you may want to overclock, skip these kits and put together something from scratch. While these kits are very good prices, you pretty much get what you pay for with these, which ain't much. The PSU for instance, is not going to be of high quaility.
If you decide to plug in a top of the line GPU, you may be in trouble with the PSU supplied in these kits.

Yes the X2 will be cheaper by a few dollars but the E2 or better cpu will kick it all round the room ... even more so if you overclock it a bit ... which is dead easy and safe ... even on a cheap mobo.
 
Fanboism is ok for a general discussion but it is just stupid when an OP is asking for a bit of advice.
 
A cheap case with a 400W PSU can be found anywhere.

Thanks, you guys have been of great help.

 
He initially asked about X2 and PD 945, not C2D. No fanboism, when it is clear an X2 would beat PentiumD.

For the cost of E4600 barebones you could purchase the X2 5000+ BE barebones along with an HD4850

 
It depends, the low-mid end X2s would compete against highest end Pentium Ds... but PD's are quite hard to find and obsolete