Need help on a new CPU

Hey I've been looking at upgrading for a while now and up until recently i thought i had what i wanted sorted out. I was going to get a 2800+ with a A7V8X deluxe but i've been looking at the prices and at some stuff on this site (mainly the 65 cpu comparison) and it seems that a P4 2.8 Ghz outperforms a 2800+ XP by quite a large factor in quite a few benchmarks and the P4 is $70 cheaper (australian so about $40 US) normally looking at this i'd go for the P4 with a good DDR mainboard but looking at the overwelming support out there for AMD and their track record it's just left me a little confused.

If anyone can help offer a little clarity it would be great ^_^

Both are excellent choices, I guess. I only have to say this: the 2800+ Barton is <i>not</i> a good third choice... Get either the 2800 T-bred or the 2.8Ghz P4. I think the best way to distinguish the Barton from the T-bred is cache size...

If you actually can afford to wait some two weeks, you might just get the 3.06Ghz, with undisputed performance, for considerably less than it´s costing now... Just another suggestion. And something else:

Be careful with what you read around forums. Intel and AMD, both have some fanboys. In particular, from experience in the forums here, AMD is defended even to unreasonable levels by some. So be careful, that´s not support, that´s just people in love with their computers. And what track record did you mention? AMD´s track record is not that good as some would like you to believe. They´ve had some issues with thermal protection, for instance. Plus, something that actually is the reason for me being suspicious of them is Hammer´s delays. And the PR ratings on the Bartons don´t help their reputation, either.

I guess what I really had to say is just that: both 2800 and 2.8Ghz are excellent choices. The Intel alternative might cost you more, (and is probably what I´d go for if I were you) but AMD´s offering is quite respectable as well.

amd systems are as stable as intel. unless you go absolutely topend they are as fast and neither have great upgradeability as both camps will be introducing new chips soon that wont run on current motherboards. pick the system which is best for you now pick the best motherboard available now as this will give you maximum upgrade potential and be happy with your new system. personally i recommend a nforce2 xp2400 2x256mb quality ddr400

Dont forget those P4's in the 65 cpu review used rambus for maximum performance, which adds to the cost.