3000+, 64 3000+ or P4 3Ghz? (+case)

[junorman]

Hi, I am trying as hard as I can to decide between an Athlon 3000+, Athlon64 3000+ and a P4 3Ghz for my computer for Uni next year.

I am attempting to figure out if it is worth spending the extra over the 32-bit 3000+ and get the 64-bit and if not is it worth spending the extra for the P4?

I am going to be using it to burn dvds, maybe do a bit of video converting, and touch of programming a little.

Is the 64-bit Athlon good to get so when things do go 64-bit I'll be ready to take advantage straight away as won't the advantages be huge, or will it take years to be of any use?

And...trying to decide on a case, would prefer a mATX but can't find any suitable or a quiet ATX, maybe the Sonata? Are there any mATX as quiet as that? Am ideally looking for as small as possible, with 2/3 5.25 and 2 3.25 external.

Sorry for all the questions but I just can't decide.

Cheers, Julian.

[Clstrphbc_donut]

From what i've read, AMD64 is better for gaming, P4's are better for number crunching.

I also think P4's are better for video editing but i will probably soon be corrected.

But, 64-bit is the future so getting a Socket 939 AMD64 will benefit you more in the future.

[zaphod]

I woludn't touch a 3000Xp (32bit). One major thing intel haven't got is an board memory controler. Athlon 64 benifits from the on board (CPU) controler greatly. It brings down memory latency times and kills the annoying delay of getting data from RAM to CPU.

If you can afford it, a socket 939 would be the best to go for. It would be the the most future proof. But an 3000 Athlon 64 would be very good if you haven't got a big enough buget.

[spazman]

Athlon64 3500 all the way!

[The Hand]

Athlon 64 3000+ or P4 3ghz... forget the AthlonXP 3000+ ... Athlon 64 3000+ is only about £109 anyway. A P4 3GHz system might be better for the video editing/converting though.

[myth]

AMD: gaming, music, web surfing....

Intel: digital imaging, media encoding, heavy multitasking....

[coco]

why not go for a sff like a shuttle , would be great for taking to uni

[knivesuk]

Im sort of in the same situation.... i have a serverish type pc that i use to download and play media etc.... its slowing dieing now. AMD64 is the new generation so i think im gonna get either a 2800 64 of 3000 64, i dont really have money just a plastic credit card burning a hole in my pocket

[BenW]

Knivesuk, if you can afford it go for socket 939

Also, welcome to the forums!

[Nomadd]

Just to be different: 3.0GHz P4.

Don't waste any more money than you NEED. Yes, Athlon 64 939 is nice, but the P4 will hit 3.5GHz and run EVERYTHING you are going to through at it. Just my two cents.

Nomadd

[jamadaia]

Bst bang for buck imho is a A64 3000+ and a branded cheap NF3 board (eg Chaintech one) or VIA one (eg Abit AV8).
That combo will set you back only £170, and the 3000+ will most likely clock up to 3400+ speed on air.
And XP 64 is out in the next few months, so youll be ready for that too

[Swafe]

64bit XP3k

[Richdog]

An A64 3000+ Newcastle and a Chaintech VNF-250 will be the best and most cost-efective upgrade you've ever made.

CPU: £110 - http://www.komplett.co.uk/k/ki.asp?s...9-C615391841FE

Mobo: £60 - http://www.pcwcomponentcentre.co.uk/...ricecomparison

But make sure you buy 1GB of memory, at least PC3200 if you don't already have it. 1GB is essential nowadays.

[junorman]

Thanks everyone for your opinions, I will probably get the A64 3000+ now.

Julian.

[ReNeGaDe*]

I just got the 64 3000+ and it's doing me fine

[StormPC]

The P4 will probably do what you need but it will be more money than the A64 and will probably be slower. Also you won't be running 64 bit XP (just got my official evaluation copy from M$ today). There should be no doubt that AMD is (and probably always will be) the little guy. As such they must (and do) provide superior products at lower costs.