Buying AMD or Pentium?

[Dark_Link2135]

hullo im new to these forums, registered to get a good opinion

i currently have a P4 2.4 Ghz w/ a 533 FSB in it, and I want to upgrade to an AMD, maybe even a 64 bit if i have the $$$ by August. with my current config on my computer, what performance hits/takes will i get? i use this comp primarily for gaming

Video: ATI Radeon 9800 Pro 256 MB
RAM: 512 MB DDR SDRAM
HDD: 80 GB Ultra ATA/100

i can give more info if you need it, but this is primarily what affects games, so i gave that

its a dell 4600, i didnt have the time to build my own when i bought it

also, i know i have to get a new motherboard, i would also appreciate any advice you could give me on that

[HeadBand]

you will need a new case as the dells will only work with their motherboard

[DanGrease]

AMD - Budget (Also Gaming)
Intel - If you have the cash (better for designers)

dan

[Optimus Prime]

AMD all the way. I don't know why anybody uses Intel, they are way over priced.

[Dark_Link2135]

i didnt know i would need a new case, don't the dells all use the standard ATX size?

and even so, shouldn't I still be able to mount it?


also, i did not mention this:

i have heard reports of AMDs being subject to quick overheating, cracking and crushing, any things on this?
are these accusations unfounded, or do they only happen under extreme conditions?

also, what about the FSB? most AMDs have lower FSB speeds then P4s, anything on this?

most of my friends recommend AMD, and i think i agree, i can take a little slowness and save myself a bundle of $$$ over an overpriced P4, but these are only rumors i have heard and i do not know if they have any actual basis or real hard facts

o yeah, and what are your opinions on 64 bit vs 32 bit? i know 64 is MUCH faster, but there are no 64 bit apps to make use of them, what is your opinion on this matter? i dont know whether i should stay 32 bit or head on up to 64 bit and spend the extra cash

[samwichse]

Just IMO, but upgrading a P4 2.4 to anything is a waste of money at this point.

I guess if you absolutely had to, you could go for an AMD64 processor, as it will give you some future proofing. But looking at the system from which you're upgrading, you don't seem too awful worried about future proofing.

Sam

[DanGrease]

Most rumors arent true of the ones you mensioned. One though is a bit true, the overheating. It gets really hot if you dont have a nice case with nice fans, compared to Intel which doesnt as much. My CPU (AMD Athlon 2000+) is 60C all the time, and I cant get it lower. But my system runs fine so I am not that scared. But sure it is a high number for sure.

dan

[Omardeth]

Originally posted by samwichse
Just IMO, but upgrading a P4 2.4 to anything is a waste of money at this point.

I guess if you absolutely had to, you could go for an AMD64 processor, as it will give you some future proofing. But looking at the system from which you're upgrading, you don't seem too awful worried about future proofing.

Sam

agreed . upgradeing what you have now is kinda a waste . so i would hold off . even the amd 64's are not really worth getting at the moment . nothing really is able to take advantage of the 64bit processor and the cost is really high .

you have a fine machine now

"if it ain't broke don't fix it "

[Starfury_2260]

the bartons dont run as hot. My 2600+ barton (which is running at 3200+ speed) never breaks 45C (42C cpu and 24C system right now), and besides my room is about 78F right now.

[Gait_Keeper]

Originally posted by Starfury_2260
the bartons dont run as hot. My 2600+ barton (which is running at 3200+ speed) never breaks 45C (42C cpu and 24C system right now), and besides my room is about 78F right now.

What are you using for cooling

my 1800+ stays between 38C and 45C and depending on room temp it's been cooler and hotter, I cut a blowhole in the top of my case last summer and that helped

AMD for life........................Nuff said