AMD vs. Intel?

Question

Hi, i'm buying used computer, it has a AMD processor, to be exact, AMD Athlon 2500+ XP (mobile). My dad is telling me that u should get a pc with an Intel processor instead. Whats the different between both, will the performance be affected?

the rest of the pc specs are:

Motherboard:: ASUS A7N8X Deluxe v2.0 (sata, digital audio out, firewire and soundstorm - live 5.1 decoding)
CPU:: AMD Athlon 2500+ XP (mobile)
Ram:: 1.5GB PC3200 (Corsair)
Video Card:: ATI 9800xt 256mb with HDTV adapter (component)
Hard Drive:: 120GB SATA 7200rmp
DVD Burner:: LG DVD Supermulti Writer 16x
HSF:: Thermaltake Volcano 7+
Powersupply: Enermax 365W
Keyboard/mouse:: Microsoft Intellipoint Optical and Logitech media keyboard
Gamepad:: Logitech Wingman
Monitor:: CRT 19" Samsung SyncMaster 950b
Case:: Chenbro (with window, well built)
Speakers:: 4.1 Cambridge Soundworks

He is selling for 300$, could anyone be able to tell me if its a good deal? thank you so much!

Answer 1

for that price , its a good deal.

Answer 2

If that processor is the Barton 2500+ mobile, it's basically an underclocked 3200+, which means you should be able to overclock it to 3200+ speeds quite easily using nothing but the mutipliers in the motherboard BIOS (assuming the BIOS supports overclocking).

The difference between AMD and Intel chips in the P4 days is that the AMD chips were much more efficient. Therefore, you had an AMD chip clocked at 2.2 ghz, but performing as well in tests as a P4 running at 3.2 ghz. That's why AMD started using the 3200+ style designation.

Now, with the Core 2 Duo chips from Intel, Intel is actually the best high-end performer. However, AMD chips are significantly less costly than an equivalent Intel chip, and most people can't ever tell the difference in performance between an AMD and an Intel.

As far as the system you've got spec'ed out, it is a good buy for the money. My desktop is basically that same system and I've got something like $850 in it (I built it in '05). It's not the latest and greatest, but it still plays games amazingly well. The vid card is old but it's got some life left in it. I don't think you could build as nice a system for $300 as that one is, assuming everything is in really good shape.

For $300, I think it's a steal, especially with that big monitor.

Answer 3

Is it a desktop or a laptop? Why would a mobile processor be in a desktop if that is what it is?

As for AMD or Intel. It actually depends on what you plan on doing with the computer. I have 2 computers that I built and a laptop. I do a lot of gaming on my computers and I have found that AMD is better for that. They do seem to be faster in terms of processing speed to a similar Intel processor. My laptop has an Intel processor, but I use that for work things. An AMD will also work fine for doing work.
As for the computer you are buying. the price is not bad, but I suggest getting a bigger power supply if you plan on adding anything extra onto the computer. (If it is a desktop) A 500 or 600 watt power supply doesn't cost that much, especially if you buy it online at a place like computergeeks.com.

Answer 4

at present Intel is the quicker and extra high priced. AMD is going to be freeing a chip interior right here few months that must be quicker than the present Intel set. shortly after that, Intel will do a similar. So it relatively is a toss up. purely pick which you will relatively use.

Answer 5

Not a good deal at all.

The AMD XP+ processors are several generations old, as is the video card. You have to realize that processor power doubles every 1.5-2 years...and the AMD XP+ processors are 4+years old.

You would be much better off building your own through newegg.com and other online sellers. You can build a modern dual-core, 2gb RAM, 250gb hard disk, DVD burner, etc. system for less than $300. People are constantly selling their older flat screen CRT monitors on craigslist for $10-50. Add a 7600gt for $70 and you have a decent, warrantied entry-level gaming PC for around $400.

Another option better than what you're looking at is simply buying a $300 special at BestBuy or CircuitCity and adding a video card from newegg.com

Answer 6

I think u should choose an intel processor because it has faster speed than AMD. The AMD Athlon 2500 xp only runs on 166 mhz FSB. The intel processor at least has 800 mhz FSB for u to play ur multimedia things n games. If u has enough money, that's better for u yo buy a intel Core2 duo/Quad processor. they have a least 800/1066/1333 mhz for u to perform better.


the price for $300 is really a good deal, but think for ur need

Answer 7

i think it's a good deal for only $300. I have an AMD Turion 64 processor in my laptop which I really like. it never over heats and gives me the option to upgrade to 4gb RAM. it is true that quality wise the Intels are supposedly better but I never had an issue with the AMD 64. It's fast and runs cooly!!
good luck with your purchase and hope this helps!!

Answer 8

Don't listen to Izzy, you can't build what he described for the price he desribed, no way. Honestly I would still recommend you save up a little more and get a new PC, but if you have to have something for that price, that is not too bad. I don't think you are going to find an Intel any better for that price, but regardless, either is going to be so old the difference isn't going to be noticeable anyway.

Answer 9

id go ahead an buy it,it sounds like its a system thats pretty well built and should give ya a few years of service,particularly if you upgrade along the way.also amd has at times proven itself superior to intel. i have run amd against intel in several instances and the amd has at least tied with the intel.although the amd typically trumps intel in price.

Answer 10

I agree with William for 300 it's a OK system

Answer 11

good price.

AMDs are better then intel. Intel may have higher clock ratings but AMD is still faster.