INTEL Vs. AMD

[Matt]

I am thinking a about build another computer but I am not sure about which processor and mother board I should use. With the low prices of the AMD processors it is tempting to take that route but I am wanting to build a gaming machine that will work reliably. I am still swaying towards building an intel based computer due to compatibility. But, whichever route I take I am not sure about what brand of mother board I should buy. I am thinking about buying an Abit or ASUS motherboard.

Any suggestions?

[orangehack]

I would go AMD over the p3, I don't know anyone with a p4. I ve heard the thunderbird performs slightly better. Both the asus and abit are solid mobs. Besides with the money you save on an amd you could put to a top the line video card.

[hiredgoonz]

Compatibility issues at this point are not really a consideration...with the first chipsets from amd there were a few problems that have since been addressed and the boards you mention are both good...

This is a huge debate that has raged for a long time and won't be settled any time soon, but it boils down to: for superior performance in programs you are likely to use in the foreseeable future and at a lower cost, the Athlon is the way to go...

The jury is still out on the P4, but the current chips and boards will not be upgradeable as Intel is going to a new socket very soon (kinda like AMD and the slot cartdridge athlons)...

[Matt]

Thanks for the advise. Also, were the AGP problems with AMD boards among those addressed and fixed? And what is the best AMD socket A board to get?

[hiredgoonz]

The AGP problems have been fixed...you'll need to install the drivers that come with your mobo, but I haven't had any trouble with my system (except with windoze)...

The asus and the abit are both good boards...check out www.tomshardware.com (http://www.tomshardware.com)
he reviews alot of hardware and you'll find loads of info on each board, such as overclockability etc...