Building a Gaming Computer

[vaporize]

-I am trying to build a gaming computer and I saw in this review (http://www.anandtech.com/cpu/showdoc.html?i=1718&p=6) that showed P4 2.4 GHz and AMD Athlon 2400+ at almost the same speed.

1. Which processor should i get since P4 is only $50 more?
2. The AMD boards have nForce2, does that help during gaming? does nForce2 come for P4 boards?
3. Is KT400 just as good as nForce2?

-Thanks

 

[JSSheridan]

Linked

Get the Athlon since the it is $50 cheaper than the P4. The nForce2 chipset is just for AMD boards. NVidia hasn't gotten permission from Intel to market a chipset for Intel CPU's, so don't look for one in the foreseeable future. The chipset to get for the Athlon is the nForce2, I'd suggest the Epox 8RDA+ or Abit's board if you want a few more features. Peace.

 

[Mikki]

Get the P4 cause it comes in a cool orange and blue box....

 

[WarCon]

I personally run a P4 and love it, but honestly don't think it matters which one you get for gaming. If you get a decent (known to be stable) motherboard and good components (researched to make sure they have no issues with the motherboard you pick), then the video card and monitor that you pick will make much more of a difference to your gaming experience than the type of processor you run. If you are going to use the computer for 3D modeling apps then you probably want the FPU strength of the AMD setup. If your gonna encode video or music, then you will want the memory bandwidth of the P4 platform. Each has their different strengths and weaknesses.

Good luck on your build, whichever way you go.

 

[Jeff7181]

Originally posted by: WarCon
honestly don't think it matters which one you get for gaming. If you are going to use the computer for 3D modeling apps then you probably want the FPU strength of the AMD setup. If your gonna encode video or music, then you will want the memory bandwidth of the P4 platform.

I agree with this... but I would also factor in price in your decision making process... don't forget to include the cost of the motherboard, not just the processor cost.

 

[vaporize]

Thanks for the replys, but i still have a question about which chipset is better?

Chipsets:

nForce2
KT400
Intel 845G
SiS 645DX
... are there any other better chipsets i dont know about?

Can you guys also tell me which of these chipsets is the best for games? I dont want to end up buying a crappy chipset.

thanks

 

[Jeff7181]

You can't really compare AMD chipsets and Intel chipsets because you can't keep enough constants to determine whether the motherboard or the processor is the reason for an advantage or disadvantage... being an AMD user, I can tell you the nForce2 chipset is superior to the KT400. I've used both, and the nForce2 is faster.

 

[INGlewood78]

NForce2. Get a mobo that has soundstorm. Low CPU cycle usuage...that way you dont have to spend money on a soundcard. Also dual channel options. This is the best option right now unless you want to spend twice as much for a canterwood board. You cant really compete with AMD for price/performance ratio, but if $$ is not a concern then go with the new P4s and a i875 board. Thats tops performer.

 

[faamecanic]

I wrote this in one other thread, but its worth repeating. I have been an AMD fanboy for awhile. But my new system Im putting together is going to be a Intel.

Why you may ask, Via (not sure about Nvidia) chipsets are no where NEAR efficent with memory bandwidth. And with the P4 2.4B or P4 2.53... I can almost get a gaurteeed OC to 3.0 ghz + (with some quality memory and mobo). So couple the 3.0+ OCed CPU with MUCH more efficent memory bandwidth and AMD cant touch Intel......

Im sad to say this as I love how much of a run for the money AMD gave intel with the Athlon, Tbird, palmino, and Tbred cores. AMD needs to help develop a better chipset and FAST or Intel will leave them in the dirt and back to the old Cyrix days.

My 2 cents anyway

 

[HotKetchup]

So couple the 3.0+ OCed CPU with MUCH more efficent memory bandwidth and AMD cant touch Intel......

You can get the XP 2400 oced to the same speeds (not Ghz, but actual speed), so that's not an issue. I'm going with the 2400 when I build my computer in the next couple months because of this coupled with the price. AMD is much more superior with price/performance ratio. The 2400 will give the P4 2.4 adequate competition.

 

[PhoenixOfWater]

Originally posted by: Mikki
Get the P4 cause it comes in a cool orange and blue box....

Got to love the box...

 

[JSSheridan]

Originally posted by: Mikki
Get the P4 cause it comes in a cool orange and blue box....

He's a sucker for flashy colors you know.

 

[TygGer]

Why you may ask, Via (not sure about Nvidia) chipsets are no where NEAR efficent with memory bandwidth. And with the P4 2.4B or P4 2.53... I can almost get a gaurteeed OC to 3.0 ghz + (with some quality memory and mobo). So couple the 3.0+ OCed CPU with MUCH more efficent memory bandwidth and AMD cant touch Intel......

Not to steal the thread, but vaporize may find this useful as well.

With a P4 2.4B or 2.53, which mobo and ram would you recommend to get a guaranteed OC to 3ghz? Would it be wise to wait for the 2.4C, etc???

Thanks