P4 vs. TB on W2k system - need imput

[grit621]

Short version... I'm building a new w2k system w/GeForce3, SBLive, 3Com NIC, Promise controller (for HDD, using onboard controller for CD,CD-R).

Games, internet, CD-R, etc. (in that order) are the applications.

My concern about going w/a TB is the posts I've read about stability re: TB motherboards (Via kt133a, AMD 760, etc). I hate re-booting, BSODs, and lock-ups.

I'm going w/namebrand memory (Mushkin, Crucial, etc.), no problem there.

I'm just trying to decide between P4 and TB. Yes, I know I should/could wait for Northwood/Palomino, but that is also not an option.

I've not had an AMD cpu since the x386 days. Any first-hand input would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Noriaki]

Well I use an AMD system...and except for a problem with my TV Tuner (no proper Win2k drivers, they are Beta :|) it's a very stable system. But Intel does make the nicest chipsets on the block and that's a very valid reason for choosing them....

How much can you spend?
If I could afford it I would get an Asus P4T, P4 1.7Ghz and 512MB of Rambus...but the problem is a TBird 1.33, Asus A7M266 and 512MB PC2100 is soooooooooo much cheaper...
If i had the bucks though I'd probably go Intel for their chipsets. So nice, so problem free.

Personally I have a 686B Via southbridge....and I have zero problems with it...but it's very sparodic...there are some very Tech savvy people that have problems with it....it's a crap shoot really.
Some get lucky some don't.

An ALi chipset might be an option but the performance lags a bit behind the AMD760...

 

[fkloster]

<< Games, internet, CD-R, etc. (in that order) are the applications >>



Imho, a P4 would do just fine, married up with an Asus P4T and about 256mb (2-128mb rimms) of PC-800.



<< If I could afford it I would get an Asus P4T, P4 1.7Ghz and 512MB of Rambus >>



...me too!!

 

[Wingznut]

I can't say enough good things about my P4 and Asus P4T. It's an awesome combo. Of course the price is higher, but if you can afford it, that's what I'd recommend.

 

[jamesbond007]

Again, P4 if you can afford it. I know I'm going to love mine when I'm done.

 

[Texmaster]

<< If I could afford it I would get an Asus P4T, P4 1.7Ghz and 512MB of Rambus... >>



See my Sig


Actually if your a gamer the P4 will be the faster rig.

Via mobos can be a pain in the ass yes you are correct. They require special all in one drivers in order to function.

The P4's core is also completely encased making it easier to mount a large fan. Like the CORE!!!

If ease of use and speed dominates over money, get the P4.

 

[grit621]

I was kind of expecting support for the Intel P4/chipset due to past experience.

I had a friend of mine (who is in charge of the tech support division for a large local computer company) who could not get is system working at the last LAN party we had (via chipset/P-3 chip). It had something to do with the IDE drivers he'd recently installed.

Can anyone out there comment regarding AMD systems?

Also, does anyone know what the limit on the Northwood core is? Highest roadmap I've seen is 2.4GHz.