Simple CPU question - Which one is better?

Question

I am building a new a new PC and i need a Dual core processor, as dual core is fairly cheap, and works well.

I can't afford an Intel Core 2 Duo!, so i looked to towards the AMD dual cores which are alot better prices, and have been dominant on getting one for a while.

However i've noticed there are what looks to me quite good, Pentium D dual core processors on the market.

Here is what i have been looking at.
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+ (2x 2.3GHz ,2x 512KB L2 Cache)

INTEL Pentium D 2.8 Ghz LGA 775 Dual core 2x1024mb L2.

From where i live (UK), they are simular prices.
I'd like to know which processor is better, they are both dual core, so therefore both run two independent cores.
The pentium has a higher Ghz.

Please dont answer this is you dont really know much about this.

The only question i want answered is :
Which one is better? And a description why.

I dont really want recomendations as this is my max limit and I cant afford a Core 2 duo, dont recomend it!

Answer 1

The purpose of the plus number in AMDs is to give you a comparison of how they will perform against Intel Pentium 4 and Pentium D chips. So with that in mind, it should be easy to see which is better, the AMD will perform the same as a 4.4Ghz Pentium D, much faster than the 2.8Ghz Pentium D you are looking at.

Answer 2

if you can't go for the core2, go for the amd. it has a higher performance and a lower electric consumption and less heat.

check this link for comparison:

http://www.hardcoreware.net/reviews/review-328-8.htm

intel though is rumored to be having some price cuts. you might also want to wait for that.