Which cpu

Hi, quick question

Which processor will perform the best in general benchmarks

P4 Northwood 3.0 GHz @ 3.6 GHz 240 fsb

Or

AMD Athlon64 3000+ 2.0 GHz @ 2.2 GHz or if able @ 3.4 GHz

Thanks :)

There is no such thing as a "general" benchmark - you need to be more specific on what the machines use will be for.
Gaming / video editing / rendering / SETI / MS word / Keeping your house warm (the p4) ;)

oh, and if you can get that 3000+ to 3.4 gig, you wont need to worry about upgrading for a long time ;)
If your wanting to go 64bit though, its probably best to hold off untill the new sockets come out.

If you're looking for something that will last quite a while, then I would personally wait and see about Socket 939. It should be around for quite a while (not to mention good performance) so it gives you room to upgrade in the future.

Out of those two choices, I would say the AMD Athlon64 since I find Althons better value for money and good for overclocking, as well as the fact that its 64-bit, which should come in handy i the future.

Well I use my computer for mostly

Music stuff: - programs like cool edit pro, cubase, logic and nuendo 2.
Office stuff: - mainly ms word, access, excel and PowerPoint.
Games:- max Payne & 2, C&C Red alert 2 my comp aint pwerful enough to run Generals

And right now the prices for S939 Processors are too high
with the 3500+ being £375 including vat.

My intentions are to upgrade between mid September – mid October.

you seem to be more into gaming so the A64 would be a better choice. Also i dont think anyone can clock their A64 to 3.4GHz :)