Athlon 64 vs. Athlon XP

[freelance]

Okay, I' finally getting started on putting this system together. I have 4 months to build it, and I will piece it together as I'm able. To start, I will be picking up a case in the near future.

The motherboard, CPU, and RAM will likely be the last items I pick up. However, I'm leaning toward the EPOX EP-9NDA+ mobo (thanks, Chandler), AMD Athlon 64 3500. For the RAM, I'll look at Carskick's advice for 1GB of Corsair.

I'm undecided on HDD and Video. Probably Seagate or WD for the drive, but it will be SATA only to reduce cable clutter. The video card will likely be ATI based, but I will consider Carskick's advice for nVIDIA.

The DVD burner will be Plextor's SATA drive (PX-716SA), again to reduce cable clutter. Software will be the retail version of Nero 6.

For PSU, I'll likely get the Antec True430.

I'll keep you folks updated. Meanwhile, thanks for the great ideas.

ok. quick question...
why go 64 over xp????????/

[Carskick]

ok. quick question...
why go 64 over xp????????/

You mean Athlon 64 over Athlon XP?

The Athlon64 is a redesigned core that handles most tasks much more efficiently, meaning it acomplishes more at the same clock speed. It also has new extentions that were not included into the XP. It is also 64 bit ready. Performance-wise, it's just better.

[freelance]

you see thats what i thought, but dont you need a 64bit enable copy of winxp 64 beta???  and besides i cant justify the extra costs involved.

[Bill]

No, the A 64 has 32 bit capability and runs XP just fine.   It is forward looking in that it will also run Windows 64 while doing an excellent job with 32 bit apps.

The A 64 system components are almost the same price as the older Athlon MBs and processors.  

Bill

[freelance]

1 word.... OOOPS!!! :'(