[Ianc5444]

Ok, I wanna know which is better. AMD dual core processors or an Intel Dual Core Processors. I saw a Cnet Review that said AMD blows Intel out the window. and also how important is the Ghz on your processor? I find that most AMD's come with 1.9 -2.0 where as the Intel Dual Cores only hit 1.6 - 1.9. is Ghz very important?

[leroys1000]

The high end Intel's are generally faster than the AMD's perfomance wise,
but you will pay a higher price.
I usually go AMD because they are cheaper for the performance I get.

[Plantsman]

Intel have currently less problems than AMD as seen by the XP Service Pack 3 fiasco. This is not an AMD problem exactly but largely caused by Computer manufacturers using Intel disk images on AMD machines which didn't cause problems previously but now has. Intel then seems to be the defacto standard in the industry. Somehow I have always chosen Intel machines by instinct, looks like I was justified in doing so.

FWIW the AMD 4 core phenom processors were/are causing problems of their own. The report is a bit dated but describes the problem OK.

http://techreport.com/articles.x/13741

[JohnWill]

I've used both Intel and AMD processors, and I've had good luck and bad luck with both. Buy on price and performance.

[Stoner]

Once you find the level of performance needed, it's probably more important to choose a good motherboard.

[JohnWill]

Stoner is 100% correct, the quality of the MB will make a lot more difference than your processor selection.

[Plantsman]

While a quality motherboard is recommended and undisputed, unless a fix has been implemented for this AMD/SP3 problem it may still be a risky purchase. Microsoft is not to blame for the problem so whether they create a fix anyway, I wouldn't know. Might be worthwhile investigating further before making any AMD purchase, I know I would, but maybe someone on this forum is more up to date and could provide a specific answer negative or positive on this issue.

[JohnWill]

Actually, the AMD vs. XP-SP3 issue is easily circumvented by applying a simple registry fix before installing SP3, it's hardly a "show-stopper".

Microsoft KB953356 AMD SP3 Fix

[Plantsman]

So it is, Microsoft seem to have a fix here.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/888372

[Stoner]

Originally Posted by Plantsman

While a quality motherboard is recommended and undisputed, unless a fix has been implemented for this AMD/SP3 problem it may still be a risky purchase. Microsoft is not to blame for the problem so whether they create a fix anyway, I wouldn't know. Might be worthwhile investigating further before making any AMD purchase, I know I would, but maybe someone on this forum is more up to date and could provide a specific answer negative or positive on this issue.

It's only risky for some configurations and HP seems to have had the most.
I've done the SP3 update with an Acer AMD 3800+ X2 and had no issues.
The issue is with the computer manufacturer installing the factory image as if all are Intel chips. No issue occurred till SP3 came out.

It's not a MS fault, it's not an AMD fault......it's the fault of the computer manufacturer.
Any self built box with a legal install of XP will be just fine for updating to SP3 from what I've read.

Be better not to buy HP .......

[ferrija1]

Right now, Intel seems to be on top with the Core 2 processors.

[JohnWill]

Originally Posted by ferrija1

Right now, Intel seems to be on top with the Core 2 processors.

All other things about the system being equal, I agree.

[worf51]

i have 2 amd machines,one a dual core & one a quad core,they have been fantastic,not a problem with either,but they were not store bought,i had them built professionally,maybe that makes a difference,& not cheap either...

[Skivvywaver]

My last 5 machines were AMD and I never had an issue other than the Athlon XP's were a bit toasty. I didn't need a new rig yet but I built one just because.......

My sister is still pecking away on my Opteron 185 and it still has some life left in it. I just wanted faster.

I buy what I think is the best for the buck when I build and then live with it for a while.

[ferrija1]

It seems that while AMD might not always have the fastest technology, their chips are very reliable.