AMD vs. Pentium

I'm planning to build my first computer. However, I don't know which processor I should get. Anyway, I need advice for the best performance processor from you guys. Thanks a lot!

Questions to ask first:

What do you want to do with it? Games? Rendering? Word Processing?

Would you rather have something which is a little faster or something which is easier/faster to assemble or which works right out of the box(es)?

What is your budget?

please read earlier posts on the amd v intel saga.

"Are you saying that I can dodge bullets?"

Then read earlier posts. Sorry, but I think most folks a burnt out on the constant same arguments. For 3000 dollars though making a good p4 based computer would be a little harder, but not imposible. Go to www.pricewatch.com and start shopping. Personally I'd look for a fast(800mhz+) p3 or Athlon/thunderbird chip. Asus/abit motherboard for either, or intel boards are ok too for intel chips. Both chips perform very well and both are relatively cheap though amd chips cost less. If you do decide you need a p4 wait until the next version comes out. It will have problems corrected as well as an upgrade future. For specifics though read all the 50 million posts on the matter. Don't be so lazy- read through the board.

"Are you saying that I can dodge bullets?"

if its your 1st own build computer yould better go for the
intel, its usualy a bit easier to build.

I want a tbird

hehe, I just saw the title of the thread and shivers went down my back... flashback: oh no, not again!
still, there's this irresistable urge, and I finally clicked and read the thread... luckily, no casualties yet
Only a matter of time, or are we maturing (or as people pointed out, simply worn out of the AMD/Intel/P4 ramble)?
Cheers,

Go for a TRS 80 from radio shack
This thing rocks!

its a pre-built system

64kb of RAM running at over 1mhz

you also get a monitor and a keyboard

oh and you will never have to worry about hard drive swapping - it doesn't have one!

i think you can even play games on it if you hook up a casset player

You don't hear much about this baby on the forums but that's because its owners are busy computing and not tweeking - just shows how stable it is.

All the advice you need to select the right processor is on this website and a hundred others. Does the acronym AMD mean anything to you?

Thanks for the advices! After I did all the research, I decided to go with AMD (which a lot cheaper than the Intel). BTW, are you sure the new 1.2ghz thunderbird fits with the abit k7 raid. Anyway, i already got the list for it. Here goes!

Main Board
Abit, KT7 Raid $155.39  DKNYPC.com

Processor
AMD, Athlon Thunderbird K7 1GHZ $190.69  Computer Craft
I wanna get the Athlon 1.2GHZ now since you guys suggest it.

COOLING SYSTEM
I NEED SUGGESTION

Memory
Generic, PC133 256MB SDRAM $78.69  Computer Craft, Inc.

Hard Drive
Maxtor, DiamondMax 80G 5400RPM Ultra ATA/100 EIDE $257.00  The Computer Center

CD-RW
Plextor, PlexWriter 12x/10x/32x EIDE $214.00  essencom.com

DVD-ROM
Pioneer, 16x DVD/40x CD $90.95  Royal Computer

Zip Drive
Iomega, Zip 250MB Ext/USB $155.57  west-tech.com

Graphic Card
Guillemot, 3D Prophet II GeForce 2 GTS PRO 64MB $314.68  computerhq.com
OR
Gainward, CardExpert GeForce2 MX 32mb $110.37  west-tech.com

Case
Enlight, MidTower ATX 7237 300W PS Dual Fans $72.86  Belka.com

KeyBoard
Logitech, Cordless ITouch Keyboard $58.95  Software and Stuff

Pointer
Microsoft, IntelliMouse Explorer USB Mouse $48.90  Power Start Computer
OR
Logitech, Cordless Mouseman Wheel PS2 $45.00 or $54.52  PC Xperts 800-666-7551 or PCSTOP.com (phone order must mention pricewatch.com)

Display
ViewSonic, EF70 17 inches Color $287.44  computerhq.com

Total Cost @$2000.00

I hate to say this but I have never built a system before so I really need your help. Therefore, don't laugh if I ask stupid questions. Thanks in advance!
PS: Am I missing something? If so please point it out for me! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! =)

According to your suggestion, What kind of ram should I get to replace for the "generic"? BTW, I'm gonna reuse some parts from my own computer like modem, speakers, soundcard, and floppy drive. Thanks in advance!

You mean the SBlive!value is not gonna be compatible with AMD?

here's what you should do...everything is compatible

everything marker w/ asterisk (*) i own either exactly as i have listed or some version of it

Case: that enlight is fine...just make sure you get AT LEAST 300W power supply.

*1.2 GHz T-Bird-anywhere

256MB Crucial RAM-www.crucial.com

Abit KT7 RAID

2x IBM Desktar 75GXP 30GB (RAID them...better performance than just 1 big HD-besides, nobody needs more than 30-35GB for typical desktop)

*Plextor 12/10/32A IDE (i don't trust Yamaha...lmao)

*Pioneer 16x/40x DVD tray load

*don't forget the wonderful $10 any brand floppy drive...lmao

Elsa Gladiac Ultra(GeForce2 GTS Ultra)

Philips Acoustic Edge (it REALLY is better than SBLive!)

3com ethernet or modem card, depending on your isp, or just get both

COOLING:

*Thermaltake Super Orb-you'll have to file down one edge of it to fit the mobo with any steel file (or bend the capacitors if you have balls)...only 5 minutes or so or work

*get a pci slot cooler and a case fan like the cardcooler xtreme...www.cardcooler.com

*logitech itouch wireless keyboard

*logitech ifeel mouseman

*VERY IMPORTANT!!! get a Samsung Dynaflat 955DF (19" CRT)...don't succumb to sony marketing schemes...dynaflat is a better technology than trinitron

Klipsch ProMedia v.2-400 Speaker

*Plantronics HS1 Headset

*Lexmark Z52 printer

any questions, feel free to e-mail me

Q

Pc world is owned by big business- unless an independent source says the same thing- the deskstar is the way to go.

"Are you saying that I can dodge bullets?"

Hey, I'm a Matrix fan too. I have the cool Matrix code as my desktop.

Go here: <A HREF="http://www.planetbattlezone.com/Grizely1/Desktop_big.jpg" target="_new">http://www.planetbattlezone.com/Grizely1/Desktop_big.jpg</A> (<b>WARNING</b>: This file is quite large and is 1280x960)

Hey I did.... oh yeah, I reformatted, nevermind!