From: Chris 

I have to give the AMD the nod here.  While I do enjoy gaming, that was not
the driving force behind my processor choices of the last few computers I
have built.  I chose AMD because it (historically) has been less expensive
than the Intel and the performance charts (with a few exceptions that don't
affect most office-application users) show the AMD having better
performance than it's Intel equivalent.  Also, recent AMD chips have been
cooler than the comparable Intel chip.

If you do a search on Tom's Hardware Guide, they have some interesting
results.  Also, Computer Power User (CPU) Magazine did a big buying guide
where they were also happier with the AMD for the reasons above. The Intel
did have a bright spot (no puns on heat intended ) in the area of
video editing and encryption algorithms.  I'm not versed well enough to
write about it, but the various review sites can elaborate more on that
subject.

Otherwise, the chips are pretty comparable and it is becoming more and more
a "what is your preference?" type of issue.   One other major
consideration is the fact of many video cards changing over to the new PCI
Express (PCI-X) standards.  Investigate them thoroughly, no matter what
platform you choose!

Clear as mud?

/Chris
(and I just finished building an AMD 3500+, 2GB Dual-Channel DDR400, ATI
Radeon 9800Pro 128, 2x120GB SATA (Raid 0), DVD+/-R/RW, CD-R/RW, DVD-ROM,
Asus A8V, crappy monitors, old keyboard and mice...I like A8V a lot.)

Richard B. wrote:
> So any  of you guys keep close tabs on the processor wars between
> Intel and AMD?
>
> I've always been an Intel shop, largely based on past experiences with
> AutoCAD.  AFAIK AMD is widely used in CAD machines these days with
> great results.
>
> It is pretty difficult to decide which way to go, at least it's not
> clear to me yet.  My tech, who comes from, what else, a gaming
> background really likes the AMDs.  I just want to get the best
> performance and reliability with a nod to 'bang for the buck.'
>
> Thoughts?
>
> - RIchard

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