Is Intel worth it anymore?

python_q

Ok, so money and I have reconciled our differences and I can finally get rid of this Intel PIII. So after hearing so much about AMD's 64-bit opus, I checked some different benchmarks, and, lo and behold, the Athlon64 beat the P4 3.2 like a drum and is basically equal to the P4 Extreme edition except the A64 runs at a lower temperature, even when overclocked.
So after a decade of using nothing but Pentiums, I ask you now: Is there any real reason to stick with Intel? I mean, the A64 is better than the P4, a comparable price, and can be OC'd without worrying about heat issues. I mean, I can comprehend why people use Windows and will continue to do so (compatibility, comes with software that beginners will need, automatically comes on 99.9% of PCs). But with the Athlon and now the A64, AMD seems to be the better chip maker. So, why should anyone go for Intel any more?

jebster

I would say go for the AMD64

planetsim

If i were you id wait till the new year for anything, just that were i live most of the prices go down, and new products become avaliable.

I dont think it will be long and Intel will bring a better one out.

But if your not the patient type id suggest go for it you havent got anything to loose.

python_q

that's the thing. If memory serves me, it took Intel over a year or so to release its answer to the Athlon -- the P4. Prescott is due out first quarter next year, but from what I read, it's unclear how great the performance boost will be. For what I need the AMD 64 is the best deal right now, but that could all change in the spring.
Darn it all! Why can't deciding on a computer be simpler?

planetsim

for that to happen microsoft would have to be shut down.

jebster

Originally posted by python_q
but that could all change in the spring.

Yea, but then in the spring you'll be saying the same about the fall then the next spring and you'll end up never getting a new computer! 😉 :p

Nakories

i gave up on upgrading a long time ago, syuck in uni halls i cant play online games so whats the point in upgrading anything apart from my sound, but then my flat mates moan, upgrade about once every 3 years should do things like processors dont need to be upgraded alll the time jsut graphics cards do, and maybe hard drives since you can get a 250gb one now !!!!!! i so want it

python_q

jebster, you're absolutely right. But I will end up waiting til the Prescott comes out (Feb. 17th or something like that) if only for the fact that AMD should drop their prices by then as well as make some improvements to the FX-51's clock speed (should be up to at least 2.4 GHz by then).
I just hope this P(OS)III 600 can hold out till then.

jebster

Originally posted by python_q
I just hope this P(OS)III 600 can hold out till then.

Well I'm using a celeron 500 so you should be fine for awhile 😉

drawmack

I've been an amd user since the 200 was the bad boy on the block. They have consistently been faster and less troublesome since that time. Yes some reports put them at a higher temperature but never so high that I noticed a difference.

Merve

Why waste more money on a processor from a company that has a low-valued stock that is consistently declining? 😃

No seriously, AMD is better than Intel.

n00854180t

I would go with a P4 if I were you. The 2.6c is a great proc (got mine up to 3.4 on stock HSF overclock, saved myself about $200).