amd 3200+ or pentium D 805 2.66 GHz

[beggerking]

even though Intel's dualcore performance gain isn't as great as AMD's, a dualcore is a dualcore. I'd take a dualcore CPU over a single core CPU anyday.

 

[pcoffman]

Originally posted by: beggerking
a dualcore is a dualcore. I'd take a dualcore CPU over a single core CPU anyday.

:thumbsup:

 

[Viditor]

Originally posted by: kaykay21
I am tech illiterate. Want to upgrade my age old computer in a cost effective way. Basic needs are internet, some technical graphics viewing, and general home use as for digital photography and video. Seems like a boring question to techgurus but ....!
HELP

None of those apps will tax either of the CPUs. Memory is the more critical requirement...
I would actually get a cheap CPU (e.g. a Sempron 64 bit) and as much memory as you can afford.
If you multitask (actively run multiple programs simultaneously), then the 805 would be better...if you game, then the AMD would be better.

Hope that helps.

Edit: I would also get (for the AMD if that's what you decide) something like an Asus A8N-VM-CSM motherboard...
1. It has on-board GeForce 6 graphics, but you can upgrade to any PCI-E video card you want should you decide to later (for gaming or higher-end editing with effects)
2. It has Raid 5 in case you want to expand your storage (Raid-5 is a very economical means of striping and mirroring)
3. It's VERY cheap ($83 at NewEgg)

If you go with the AM2 Sempron, then the Gigabyte GA-M51GM-S2G will do the same...
Basically, it's ~$200 for the mobo with a 3400+ Sempron 64 bit...

 

[Cooler]

If you can wait 8 weeks the price will go down to $95 for the 805.