Opinions please - which computer should I buy? Totally clueless!

[Antoinette]

Hello-

*First of all, I am sorry if this is a repeat question! I did a search but I could not find my exact question! I read through the posts pertaining to my question, but they were all too confusing!*

I totally need help deciding which computer to buy - the Intel Pentium 4 or the AMD Athlon 64. I do not know that much about computers (I love typing and everything, but I do not know computer parts and all of that), so please don't use a lot of technical terms when replying to me (sorry!)....try to simplify it if you can! I will be using this computer for personal use mainly (surfing the web, e-mail, downloading pictures from digital camera, working on my website, typing up documents, etc). I just want a system that is fast and reliable. I'm not much of a game player (if I do play a computer game, it's only maybe one or two times a year).

I am debating between these 2 computers (I know the Intel is more expensive - I do not mind that....I just have no idea which one would be better suited for me):

*This one?*
- Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Home Edition with SP2
- Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 519J (3.06GHz, 533 FSB)
- 512 MB DDR / PC3200 (2 DIMM)
- 160GB 7200 rpm SATA Hard Drive
- LightScribe Double Layer 16X DVD +/-R/RW drive
- 16x max. DVD-ROM
- 9 in 1 Card Reader, 3 USB, + Front Audio Ports
- 3.5 in. 1.44MB Floppy Drive
- Integrated Intel(R) Graphics Media Accelerator 900
- Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS card w/Front Audio ports
- Compaq Wireless Keyboard and Opt Scroller Mouse
- Microsoft(R) Works 7.0/Money 2004/MSN Encarta Plus


-OR-

*This one?*
- Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Home Edition with SP2
- AMD Athlon(TM) 64 3200+ operating at 2.2GHz
- 512 MB DDR / PC3200 (1 DIMM)
- 200GB 7200 rpm SATA Hard Drive
- LightScribe Double Layer 16X DVD +/-R/RW drive
- 16x max. DVD-ROM
- 9 in 1 Card Reader, 3 USB, + Front Audio Ports
- 3.5 in. 1.44MB Floppy Drive
- Integrated SIS Mirage2 Graphics
- Integrated 5.1 Capable Sound w/ Front Audio ports
- Compaq Wireless Keyboard and Opt Scroller Mouse
- Microsoft(R) Works 7.0/Money 2004/MSN Encarta Plus

I want to order my computer ASAP so any info would be so appreciated! Thanks!

~Antoinette~

 

[LNCPapa]

From what you described either one would perform great for your needs, but if the cost is the same I'd choose the AMD64 machine - :shock: I know that will catch some of the regulars off guard since I'm such in intel fanboy. The reason I say that is I don't think I can recommend the intel one shortcoming - the FSB on the processor. I wouldn't recommend anything less than 800 MHz FSB. Like I said earlier though, either of these machines can EASILY accomplish the tasks you have stated.

By the way - if it's possible to get the sound card from the P4 included in the AMD machine that would be even better. The sound card is:
on P4
- Sound Blaster Audigy 2 ZS card w/Front Audio ports
on AMD64
- Integrated 5.1 Capable Sound w/ Front Audio ports

 

[dr.problem]

I'd go for the AMD 64...not only will it do what you want it to do, but if you want to play games eventually, youll have the option. :grinthumb

 

[Antoinette]

LNCPapa, thanks so much for the info! You said that you wouldn't recommend getting anything under 800MHz for the FSB. Why not, and what does this mean?

~Antoinette~

dr.problem, thanks so much for the info! Is the AMD Athlon better with games than the Pentium and why is that?

~Antoinette~

 

[Justin]

Antoinette, currently the Athlon64 and Athlon64-FX series of chips are outperforming all like-genre Intel CPUs. The P4 is even losing ground in memory bandwidth which with it used to reign supreme. This won't last forever of course, but with all the *existing* options, Athlon64 is simply faster.

 

[mr-lama]

hi
I think you should go with the amd system. Also you said it has integrated graphics, if I were you I would go out and buy a graphics card. If you are ever going to do anything graphics heavy then get the ati radeon x800-xt card. the only drawback to that card is its hard to find and rather expensive. ($500-600). If you arn't looking to pay that much go get a 64mb-128mb card. they run from $100-150. If you didn't understand anythin just let me know. :bounce: