AMD or Intel?

[mcrilly]

Hi,

Which CPU do you recommend for a gaming system? The system will have very high spec (it's an AlienWare PC, http://www.alienware.co.uk), but I want to know if I should choose an AMD 64-bit CPU or stick to Intel?

From what I can see on the above website for AlienWare, the AMD systems are alot cheaper and allow me more spending money for a bigger monitor.

[malcore]

Right now the two top cpus are the Intel Petium 4 Extreme Edition 3.4Ghz and the AMD Athlon64 FX-53. For purely gaming purposes, the FX-53 is the better choice.

Comparing Intel to AMD in a general sense, without comparing two specific chips, is harder now than it ever was, with both companies having such a wide variety of chips available.

But, if you want the best "gaming" CPU right now, it is the FX-53.

[mcrilly]

Malcore,

Ah I see. So for gaming the FX-53? Now what if, for example, I decide to start doing some GFX design on the same system, or maybe some video playback, on a large scale? (Such as multiple stream videos)

[malcore]

Then consider the P4 Extreme edition. Personally, if I had the money and the inclination right now, that would be my choice. Although one might want to consider the future potential of having a 64 bit capable CPU. They are both comparable chips. The P4 has HyperThreading (virtually 2 CPUs in one), the FX-53 is 64 bit. Comes down to what you want to spend.

[mcrilly]

Malcore,

Well the cost isn't an issue, as I'll be getting the system on finance. I just want a CPU with major gaming speed. Now that you've told me a P4 with HT is virtually 2 CPUs in one, I might consider sticking with Intel as that does indeed sound quite beefy!

Do you know of any sites showing scores for each CPU under different tests? Like a 3D Bench mark tests etc.

[malcore]

http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2002 keep in mind this article is a little old, and FX-53 is now available for Socket 939 with faster unbuffered memory.


Because the FX-53 came out after the EE, almost all reviews of the FX-53 will compare both chips, so have a gander at these reviews (http://www.google.com/search?q=FX-53+review&sourceid=firefox&start=0&start=0&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8)

[mcrilly]

Malcore,

Them results are all over the place. On most games the AMD came on top, but on others (in the OpenGL section) the P4 EE was top dog.

The P4 EE does seem to be the best CPU really. What do you think from them test results?

[malcore]

Like I said, the FX-53 is the best "gaming" cpu right now. In my mind, neither are worth what you pay for them. They're just too expensive for what they are.

If I had to choose, for software as it is now, I would probably go with the P4. But if considering the future of 64 bit gaming and 64 bit operating systems, I would get the AMD. And remember, the key word in the phrase "virtually 2 cpus" is "virtually", as most programs are not HyperThreading capable yet.

But again, I wouldn't buy either of these chips for the prices they are at right now.

[mcrilly]

Yes, I think I will take a pop at the AMD! I can always change over or return the PC if I'm not happy. Or upgrade.

Lets learn things the hard way :O)

Thanks Malcore.

[malcore]

You're welcome. Cheers. Have fun, either way I'm sure you won't be disappointed.:)

Now you have to choose between the 6800Ultra and the X800XT.:eek:

[mcrilly]

X800 XT for me. I don't know, but ATi's cards have always caught my eye over the other cards.

What do you suggest? (here we go again :))

[malcore]

Hehe, the verdict just isn't in yet on these cards for me. Not enough manufacturers have hit the market with their offerings to make a final judgement. Since the 9700Pro I have leaned towards ATI myself, the IQ (image quality) has been unmatched. It's very close this time though. The only drawback for ATI has been poorer performance in OpenGL than nvidia.

Again, either way, I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

[hirosakuraba]

I bought an alienwaree back in 2001, top of the line AMD alienware pc, spent well over $2500 just for the system, WITHOUT the monitor And guess where is the system is? IN THE TRASH CAN.

Their customer service is horrible and the components are much cheaper than they are supposed to be (I was already pissed enough for waiting for the pc for 2 months to get to me!!). For instance the motherboard, the hard drives and etc. are way~~ over priced. Plus the performance was not so great compared to other gaming pcs with LOWER PRICE.

However if you have the money, I would not buy an alienware but BUILD MY OWN SYSTEM from newegg or something. You can buy the top of the line everything and with better cooling case and fans and save $1000 plus Since you made your own system, YOU will know how to tweak it for your uses.
Building a system is not hard if you just follow manual.

But if you can not build your own system
________________________________________

just do NOT BUY an alienware! buy something else except alienware. The horrible customer support and the pc with a defective motherboad 5 times in a row PLUS 2 power supply failures and more!!!

PM me if you plan to build a gaming system I can walk you through.