First time building a computer... Intel or AMD?

[bigboxes]

AMD all the way jose!

 

[ed21x]

just cuz it's his first time doesn't mean he can't overclock it =P i mean, by the time you figure out how to put a system together, it wouldn't be that much harder to go the extra inch. i've never had an amd before so i can't really speak for them, but it wasn't that hard to build my current rig. just make sure to get your jumper setting correct if you have them on your motherboard.

 

[Tbirdkid]

Ok first of all this is a very good question with alot of answers to be given and depending on the person and their opinion. It really matters on what you want. Whether you want the most bang for the buck and whether or not you are going retail with all of your stuff or oem and so on. The best thing you can do is make that decision yourself. I am still wondering how a damn chip is loud? They dont have engines on them. So what makes them loud? The hsf? Buy a quiet one and dont overclock. This is all elementary stuff. Now, as for the part about getting all of the bugs out with an amd processor. I call BULL@#$%! I have built nothing but amd rigs since my beginning a couple of years ago and I have never had a problem with programs running on an amd processor so I do not know what you are talking about and I have used Linux, Microsoft, etc. That is a foolish thing to say unless you can back it up i think. What you will find out there is that an xp processor will do fine if you want the most bang for the buck. However, if you are planning to overclock.... which i dont recommend being new buy an intel processor because they just tend to be better for that reason. It really all depends on what YOU want to do with your rig. Just be honest with yourself with what you think you will want out of your pc and slowly build it from there. Oh and look at reviews. Go to google and type in a product name and right behind the name type in reviews. Usually you get really good information on that kind of stuff from like epinions and other websites. I really like anandtech for reviews the most though so if you see a link to one for anandtech check it out for sure! It will be well worth your time!

 

[LaCabra]

In response to an earlier poster, and this will shed light on how much I know about building my own computer; I don't even know HOW to overclock my CPU. I know what it is and what it does, but NO IDEA how. I don't know if it's as simple as fiddling with some advanced button in 'Properties' or if I need to actually do something physically with the motherboard. Everyone on this topic has been talking about OC'ing the CPU, I have no plans to. Right now I have a Gateway (unfortunately) PIII 700 Mhz, 128 MB RAM, TNT2 Ultra 32 MB, and it runs the games I play now ok. I also do a lot with Word and Powerpoint because of my job. I want a rig that will run tomorrows games good (UT 2003, Warcraft III, Doom III), and no problem with MS Office. I don't need 200 FPS at 1600x1200x32 bit color though. Would be nice, but don't need it. Right now I'm thinking of a P4 2 Ghz, 512 MB RAM, 80 GB HD, GeForce 4 TI 4???, Audigy sound card, and some type of CD burner plus a DVD drive or burner if I can find a good one. I plan on giving my old computer to my daughter. Also, forgive any weird statements, I have had a few beers tonight.

My main concerns are:

1. Getting the right CPU/Case/Memory/Motherboard combo. Don't want to get components that don't match either by size or bus or bandwidth or whatever.

2. Not breaking anything while I'm putting it together!

3. What kind of memory? RAMBUS or SDRAM? Whta the hell is the difference? It looks like RAMBUS is what I want because it seems to be faster.

4. I will keep my old monitor (19"), so that will save some money, but what about OS? I have Win 98 now, but am thinking I should upgrade to XP.

5. Money is not a big issue unless I break/ruin/Static shock something putting it together. If that isn't a problem, I can spend around $1500 at least. Hell, I spent $3600 on what I have now so $1500 would be a deal for me.

Hopefully this clears up some questions about my concerns. It probably also shows that I know just enough to be dangerous, but not enough to really know what I'm doing, hence my concerns. Thanks for any advice anyone may give!

 

[bjc112]

Originally posted by: Electric Amish
The only real choice, IMO, is based on price. AMD is a bit cheaper than Intel.

IMO, the ease of setup is the same.

amish

IMO i think it is about the same too.... if you know how to build a computer, you can build either equally as easy....

 

[lbmcleod]

AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD AMD.

Always go AMD, I have the nForce I MSI board, and its pretty good, nice integrated graphics, sound and ethernet.
i dont think the AMDs are that loud, you'll get used to it anyway.

AMD will give you more speed as far as MHz to real performance ratio.

yesyesyes

AMD will get you alot more bang for your buck.

this is true

The upgrade path (in my opinion) is also much bigger wherad the idiots at Intel seem to change the socket like crazy.

Like you all have also said, the only real choice is price (so go AMD) because if you know how to do it and take your time, its all the same, anyway, take a challenge an surprise urself...

Maybe this is a bit byast, cos i generally hate Intel, but i say go AMD.

 

[ubersam]

Originally posted by: LaCabra... Also, forgive any weird statements, I have had a few beers tonight.

My main concerns are:

...2. Not breaking anything while I'm putting it together!...

Then, might I suggest not having a few beers before you try to put things together.