I am a freshmen engineering student. I need to buy a PC and I am facing the following dillemas -

1) Athlon XP v/s P4 - This is the most confusing one. I just can't decide which to get. Price *is* a consideration, but I need this to last at *least* 2 years and if I end up paying an extra 100-150 $ for a significant improvement in performance, I don't mind.

2) The 533 mHz system bus (on the P4) or the older (266??) one. Is the 533 ALOT better?

Please help,

Appreciate it,

Varun

Ok, if you plan on o/cing get a P4, if not, get the Athlon.(copyright Matisaro 2002 )

The 533MHz FSB is a bit better than the older 400MHz FSB.

<i>Past mistakes may make you look stupid, but avoiding future ones will make you look smart!</i>

as Chuck232 stated.......

O/C=Intel
Stock=AMD

Best Price=AMD
Best Overall Performance=Intel

Justification for the price to fork over the cash for the Intel setup is up to you....remember also that the average P4 board costs more than the average Athlon XP Board....

or if u can wait till the 21st of this month...aparently AMD is releasing a new version of there Thouroughbred Athlon XP.....

<A HREF="http://www.anandtech.com/mysystemrig.html?id=13597" target="_new">-MeTaL RoCkEr</A>

But most likely paper lauch. What I'd suggest is wait til September 1st, then Intel'll have their P4 2.26/2.4Bs at $193USD. Then o/cing to 2.8GHz+ shouldn't be a prob. Couple that with an ASUS P4B533, and you've got one spanking machine .

<i>Past mistakes may make you look stupid, but avoiding future ones will make you look smart!</i>

Common save the Engy some money. He's gunna need it for all the beer he drinks. Either system will easily last you 2 years as long as you don't go the celeron or duron route. Save your money go AMD.