Okay, let me debunk the fallacies, some of you pass off as fact..
lets use this often referred to benchmark on why AMD64 FX is the 'fastest':
http://www.anandtech.com/cpuch...oc.aspx?i=2149&p=7
The lowest processor on this is list is the AMD Athlon XP 2000+ (1.667GHz) which retails for about $63.
The top processor on this list is the AMD Athlon 64 FX 53 (2.4GHz) which retails for about $820.
okay, now lets compare the numbers.. the AMD Athlon XP 2000+ scores 46.1 FPS, whereas the AMD Athlon 64 FX 53, scores 103.4 FPS.. well that would be just over 2x the performance. LET ME SAY THAT AGAIN.. for $700 more, you get a WHOOPING 2x the performance..
now, let me address the biggest flaw in this thinking. once you hit 60FPS, you'll never VISUALLY notice anything over 60FPS, so if you compare 100FPS and 60FPS, you wouldn't even know it, unless the screen was actually displaying the current FPS. So if you system is running a game at 60FPS, it doesn't affect your game performance, or in any way inhibit your ability to play said game.
so, an AMD Athlon XP 3000+, when using the same VIDEO card, will not show any VISUAL difference from an AMD ATHLON 64 FX 53..
lets do the same fallacy debunking about VIDEO CARDS, here is the often referred to benchmark on why the 6800 ULTRA is the 'fastest':
http://graphics.tomshardware.c...004/vga_charts-07.html
again the nvidia GeForce 6800 ULTRA goes for about $590 RETAIL, while the GeForce FX 5200 goes for about $65 RETAIL. That would make the 6800 Ultra 9x the cost of the FX 5200.
how the numbers compare: the GeForce 6800 Ultra scores a 77.5 FPS, while the FX 5200 scores 11.9 FPS, thats about a 7x performance increase, which comes extremly close to the 9x price difference.
so what do the FACTS tell us.. that PROCESSOR makes little difference when it comes to gaming (when we are talking about CURRENT processors), while the VIDEO CARD itself, makes a HUGE difference.
now, which combo should you go with.. the combo that offers the BEST price to PERFORMANCE ratio.. which in this case, looks like a AMD Athlon XP 3000+ paired with a GeForce 6800 (non ultra).
PLEASE do not continue to spread ignorance, and instead do some research before you spout off.