Best bang for the buck? AMD / Intel

[traintrax]

I'm building a new system and I have decided to go budget on the CPU until the next round of processors from Intel and AMD come out. What would be the most bang for the buck the Athlon64 3000+ or a Pentium 4 2.4 or 2.6? I don't play many games but I will use the system for a little MP3 ripping and digital video.

Thanks - Neil

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Given your primary usage then either P4 *my choice would be the 2.6c* is the way to go.

 

[RamIt]

Welcome to the forums.
If you are willing to overclock go for the 2.4c.
Try to find memory that does not use the CH-5 chips on them. They will limit your overclock to around 255 fsb.
I am happily running my 2.4c @ 296 fsb in a shuttle small form factor.

 

[beatle]

Sounds like you're using your computer for the same things I use mine for. P4 is the way to go for AV work.

 

[adams828]

hm.. in most cases, AMD would be the bang for buck choice, but as others have said, if your uses are more oriented to AV, Intel does generally give better performance there. the price difference between say a p4 2.6c and a 2500+ system is generally around $100 or so (last i was looking, and getting a mid-high end mobo). so if you need that $ for something else, go AMD otherwise i'd say Intel for you

 

[traintrax]

I would definately be overclocking with either chip. Looks like the consensus is to go P4. Since the cost difference is minimal which would be a better overclock candidate the 2.4C or the 2.6? Looking at the ASUS P4C800-E Deluxe.

 

[Corporate Thug]

Originally posted by: traintrax
I would definately be overclocking with either chip. Looks like the consensus is to go P4. Since the cost difference is minimal which would be a better overclock candidate the 2.4C or the 2.6? Looking at the ASUS P4C800-E Deluxe.

just go for the 2.6C

 

[beyoku]

please read the latest amd 64 3000 review at xbit labs.


here

this is give you a better idea, i think the 64 3000 is the way to go.

 

[BigJ]

I'd say if you think you can get an A64 overclocked to 2.2ghz or higher, then go for the A64. If not, go for the P4.

 

[Jigman]

p4 would be best for video work

2.4c is an excellent overclocker, better than 2.6c due to lower multiplier

 

[Jeff7181]

Originally posted by: BigJ
I'd say if you think you can get an A64 overclocked to 2.2ghz or higher, then go for the A64. If not, go for the P4.

As long as you get a motherboard and RAM that can handle it you should be able to... the processors themselves seem to have a very high limit... it's RAM and motherboards that can't keep pace with the processor.

 

[traintrax]

If I could get a SIS755 chipset motherboard I would try the Athlon64 3000+. Are these available yet?