> I have a friend who wants to buy a new computer... He was wondering > what chip he should get... Intel, AMD, etc. What is the difference in > quality, price, ... Are there any ACTUAL benefits in getting a x64 > chip???
This is nearly a religious question. The answer is simple -- it depends on the application. If he's just going to word process, surf the net, do e-mail, and play games then no, he doesn't really need a 64. If he's going to do high end graphics and/or heavy processing then yes, he would benefit from the more advanced chip. (Bear in mind that the x64 has its own instruction set so you can just toss a regular copy of Windows on it -- you'd need the 64 bit version.) It's important to bear in mind that for the average user, the power of modern systems far, far outstrips the applications. I mean, seriously, do you really need multithreading to surf the 'net and read e-mail? Is a gig of ram necessary to word process? I have servers running on 850MHz CPUs and they're still doing the job without hesitation. I recently debated with a few fellows about the merits of multiple processor platforms. They contended it was a much better route to go for their particular use. That is, right up until it was determined that none of their software could take advantage of the multiple processor environment and that it ran just fine on faster single CPU platforms at a fraction of the cost. In other words, they were in overkill mode but with no tangible benefits. Likely the same scenario as your friend and x64. For many years I used exclusively AMD; then their chips were running ridiculously hot and, since I refused to buy cryo equipment, I moved to the Intel chips for better temperature control (too many burned out and I was NOT overclocking). AMD appears to have gotten their act together on this and I've once again added their chips to my enterprises. The Intel chips run very fast and are well used. They're workhorses and about as dependable as it gets. In the end equation, both Intel and AMD make chips that will service your needs. $$$ is probably the primary motivating factor for the average consumer. As such, I tell most folks to get the most bang for their buck UNLESS there's a specialized application in which case I delve more deeply and offer up a better assessment. <Shrug> FWIW.... James ------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor --------------------~--> Most low income homes are not online. Make a difference this holiday season! http://us.click.yahoo.com/5UeCyC/BWHMAA/TtwFAA/0XFolB/TM --------------------------------------------------------------------~-> To unsubscribe from this list, please email [EMAIL PROTECTED] & you will be removed. Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/LINUX_Newbies/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
