Desktop Help. AMD vs Intel

[PNF]

I am looking for a desktop and will probably get it on memorials day. Just started doing some research.

So, what would you guys recommend for a desktop (including a 22" monitor)?

Does brand really matter? (oh, and yes, i do realize if I buy the components separately and then build it myself would get much more out of money, but I am not exactly a computer guy)

What exactly is the difference between AMD and Intel. Which one should I get?

Currently looking at some Dells Intel, or some promo AMD desktops from CC or BB.

Budget, including the money is about $1000-1200 at most (would prefer to stay under $1000)

Doing mostly web surfing, office work, downloading, a little graphic design (my fiancee), no gaming.

Thanks all

[DiverSpear]

Go with AMD I build all my computers and servers with AMD. Their new phenom quad core is equal to intels and costs less money plus the Black Edition has all the multipliers unlucked for extreme overclocking. You can a machine with quad or tri-core for under a grand.

[Zvi]

I guess I'll have to contradict DiverSpear. Currently intel processors outperform AMD offerings by significant margin. Just read any review site. Phenom quads still perform worse than intel conterparts and are more power hungry.

Depending on your needs you may or may not need intel horsepower thouhg. I have intel on my gaming rig and I've built my NAS using AMD because it was cheap and required less power.

[xtop]

Originally Posted by Zvi

I guess I'll have to contradict DiverSpear. Currently intel processors outperform AMD offerings by significant margin. Just read any review site. Phenom quads still perform worse than intel conterparts and are more power hungry.

Depending on your needs you may or may not need intel horsepower thouhg. I have intel on my gaming rig and I've built my NAS using AMD because it was cheap and required less power.

as much as i love amd, mostly because i love the underdog, you are completely right.

that being said, the op said no gaming. so thats an easy answer, buy the much cheaper amd processor

[PNF]

Thanks for the reply.

This is what I was reading about. Mixed reports about AMD and Intel.

I play PS3/Wii mostly if I do play and then there is BD watching time.

So, gaming on desktop is not primary but good to have for some basic games, i guess.

[plee]

I agree, if bleeding edge is not necessary, then AMD is fine. Your more likely to need more memory and hard drive space than CPU speed...

[phlydude]

Look for a PC with an Intel Q6600 processor and then join the Blu-ray folding team!

Best bang for the buck processor out there...it is FAST (and it's quad core)

[jsteinhauer]

It's been a while, since I built a PC, but AMD's use to be the choice for high performance gaming, and the prices were better. They were very stable at overclocked speeds. However, as we speak, the future of AMD as an entity is somewhat uncertain, if that may impact your decision.

[PNF]

I understand all the "speed" that people talk about, but what I am not sure is if I will actually "feel" the speed difference. I would like to pay up for more RAMs and HD if AMD/INTEL perform similarly

PS, a lot of desktop packages that I saw at BB with Quad or from CC are mostly close to $1k already without monitor with 2G ram, 500GB, and the usual component.

thinking if I should go just dual core (but would this last me another 3-4 years?) I dont want to spend $1K and then found out that dual core would be hardly enough to run any of the new business software such as adobe frame makers, illustrator etc

[phlydude]

If you get a machine with a LGA775 socket, you will be able to upgrade for the foreseeable future with Intels processors.

If you aren´t into high'end gaming or using it to process video or graphics, check out the E6850 processor - dual core 3.0 GHz that should be good for a while 2-3 yrs

[xtop]

Originally Posted by phlydude

If you get a machine with a LGA775 socket, you will be able to upgrade for the foreseeable future with Intels processors.

If you aren´t into high'end gaming or using it to process video or graphics, check out the E6850 processor - dual core 3.0 GHz that should be good for a while 2-3 yrs

intels track record proves that you're never safe with a socket, because they LOVE to introduce new ones all the time

[phlydude]

but if he buys a lower end processor now that is 775, he can look to upgrading to a speedier chip next year if he needed and odds are that the chips will still be available...might not be the latest and greatest but could be enough to give a boost and hold over for a while at a cheap price point

[xtop]

Originally Posted by phlydude

but if he buys a lower end processor now that is 775, he can look to upgrading to a speedier chip next year if he needed and odds are that the chips will still be available...might not be the latest and greatest but could be enough to give a boost and hold over for a while at a cheap price point

you've got a point there

[w_tanoto]

okay. I will always go with intel (from my first desktop and eventually to the newer desktop and all my laptops).

setting my fanboyism aside, I recommend you getting intel this time. (if you were to ask it during pentium 4 time, then I'd recommend AMD)

[w_tanoto]

Originally Posted by xtop

intels track record proves that you're never safe with a socket, because they LOVE to introduce new ones all the time

oh, definitely. the OP best bet is to buy a branded laptop instead of building one if you're still confused with the sockets used.
I know little of desktop processor, but for laptop, it's annoying that they changed it from socket LGA775 to socket P (since santa rosa)

[PNF]

I "used" to know more about computers... back in my undergrad times....... things have changed considerably... before.. I was building for gaming.... now... just need something for work-at-home stuff that might require some business solution software installation/network servers etc.

I am thinking about getting a branded one (such as dell or acer or hp) with dual core 3.0 or 2.77MHz? (or 2.83? i forgot) with 2G ram, 500GB HD and standard video/audio card.

I am holding up util 5/20 for the memorial day sale!! another 10 days or so left~

great inputs, thanks