Computer Advice

stiney51 · 11-30-2006

I pretty much work on a Mac, but my sister and brother in-law are looking for an inexpensive machine to get setup at home. The machine would pretty much be used for e-mail, surfing the web and for middle-end computer gaming.

I'm suggesting they go with a Dell because of the service and general reliability.

My question is this. Many people on here use PCs and certainly use them for games, but is the AMD Athalon a decent enough processor? I generally would only go Intel, but price is a big factor in this decision.

Also does the Duo core technology truly help if you're not running multiple programs at the same time?

Suggestions would be helpful.

**tamlin** · 11-30-2006

I've had experience of both Intel and AMD processors, and can't say I've noticed any difference between them. My current machine at home is a Dell, and it works fine - and if it's relevant, the computers where I work (around 3000 machines in all), apart from a few encrypted Toshiba laptops, are exclusively Dell.

**Bub** · 11-30-2006

I have two desktops and a laptop. One of my desktops is a dual core AMD while the other is a Dell with an Intel cpu. My laptop is also a Dell with an intel centrino processor (neither here nor there).

Dell is definately a good brand of desktop. As far as processor selection go, I don't see a difference in my two desktops until I multitask on them. The dual core is much better at it. The only reason I would reccomend a dual core processor is for the coming out of Vista in a couple of months.

wombie · 11-30-2006

i would highly reccomend AMD they are cheaper and run slightly faster than intels from my experience.

*notjustgraphics* · 11-30-2006

Oh gees... the great debate - AMD? Intel? which way to go?

The truth is there is no clear cut answer... certain chips from AMD outperform Intel in certain situations, and vice versa.

Both companies offer Dual (and now even Quad) core processors for better multi-tasking performance. Right now, this instant, i'd give the nod to Intel but it wasn't so only a few months ago, and I fully expect a swing back to AMD very soon. Similar to Intel's leap-frog development strategy.

My recommendation for the needs you described would be to buy a Dell. You'll likely be getting an AMD chip now-a-days but regardless, feed it all the RAM you can afford.

You definately won't need the Duo-Core for the purposes explained in your post and the cost difference would be better spent on RAM or a higher end graphics card if they are into gaming.

I have 4 dell computers... 3 desktops (1 at work) and a dell laptop... all with Intel because that was all they offered until this fall. Quality and Service from Dell is unbeatable for the price. And they have great payment options if you qualify.

Hope this helps...

Mike.

Foxtrot · 11-30-2006

simple don't buy a pc from any online store and never from dell

Retail stores like bestbuy and microcenter have fantastic deals on pc's all the time. you can get a computer with a dual core processor, 1 gig of ram, and decent integrated graphics and surround sound for less than $600.
it doesn't really matter what brand of processor you buy.

P.S
AMD dual core- 64 bit

Intel dual core- 32 bit

Intel dual core can't run full vista