Some help needed in getting a processor

[imported_MGM]

I'm building a new computer and I'm undecided on which of the following two processors I should get. They're both awesome and I can afford them both, but while looking online I find that both have their pros and cons and I can't figure out which one is better.

My choices are:

Intel Pentium 4 2.8E - $176 - Link

AMD Athlon 64 3000+ - $171 - Link

When looking at Doom 3 benchmarks for both CPU's (Link), the Athlon 64 beat the P4 out of the water. But when looking at older benchmarks for Doom 3 and software (Link), the P4 beat the Athlon 64 outta the water.

Now, I'll be using my pc for heavy gaming (Halo, Doom 3, Half Life 2) and I'll have lots of programs open (Photoshop 7/CS, Flash MX, etc.). Which do you suggest that I get?

My motherboard and RAM are both dependant on which processor I get. Also, if you want to suggest a different processor, by all means do so, just be sure it's around the same price as the above two. Thanks for the help!

MGM out

 

[Mik3y]

athlon 64 hands down. the athlon 64 3000+ for gaming is compared wtih a P4 3.2C for gaming, so you get more for your money. also, everyone else in this forum would recommend the amd also. Intel's suckin really bady lately, and i'm talkin literally about it.

 

[imported_MGM]

What about upgrades? If I wanted to upgrade the processor to, say, an AMD Athlon 64 3200+ in a few months would I be able to without hassle? (I know very little about motherboards and processors outside of GHz, sorry if I sound like a n00b )

MGM out

 

[Fern]

Originally posted by: MGM
What about upgrades? If I wanted to upgrade the processor to, say, an AMD Athlon 64 3200+ in a few months would I be able to without hassle? (I know very little about motherboards and processors outside of GHz, sorry if I sound like a n00b )

MGM out

Yeah, the socket 754 64 bit cpus go up to at least 3700 model (3000, 3200, 3500, 3700).

It is said the socket 939 will have a longer life, but I think they are out of your price range now.

 

[Xenon14]

I'd even take an A64 2800+ over the 2.8E P4.

 

[Concillian]

Originally posted by: MGM

When looking at Doom 3 benchmarks for both CPU's (Link), the Athlon 64 beat the P4 out of the water. But when looking at older benchmarks for Doom 3 and software (Link), the P4 beat the Athlon 64 outta the water.

Dude, that second link has AthlonXP processors, not Athlon64 processors. There is a difference, and the difference is large. It also doesn't have the 2.8E, it's not even a 2.8C... it's a 2.8B.

If you want 2.8E performance, get an AXP mobile and overclock to 2400 MHz... at half the price.

Otherwise, I suggest the A64.