Which computer would u buy? Need help deciding :)

[fnemo]

Lol. before saying a CPU is more powerful than another is bullshit. How can you compare 2 different archtitecture ?
AMD try to get fastest calculation with the lowest frequency
Intel try to get a CPU with the most intructions integrated

AMD is said "compatible" to intel . It use to be up to run the same applications, but those wont run the same way. AMD will work enough fast to be equal to intel with lower frequency, yes. But with what cost ?
> less compatibiliy with dozen software/hardware
> more hot
> no temperature controle (remember tom's hardware video ?)
> no optimisation in the core : why the P4 is so small in comparision with the Athlon XP ?
> less stability with Athlon XP

I have an Athlon XP 1800+ with NForce2
My friend has a P4 1,8A with Intel Chipset

I'm faster in most on the calculation, but my system is less stable than his. My system need a lot of cooling system (and noise cause i dont haave enough money to do a water or compressor cooling) than his.

Lots of other reason. So dont say it's more powerful. At frequency equal, AMD is faster . not more powerful.

Otherwise, you gonna need to compare with the 68xxx or the Alpha CPU ...

68000 are cheaper than AMD ... more optimized .... a bit too much even but ...
Why do you thinks SGI or such as use 68000 ? more optimized
Why do you thinks huge calculator use Alphas ? really faster
Why do you thinks servers use Intel ? more stable and compatible

About the OS, WinXP Pro is a lot heavier than Windows 2K. It's less stable (even with the same kernel). It's less portable. And really . but really really less secure than Windows 2000.
I have to add than now, W2K is cheaper than WinXP. I know in france, even if you buy WinXP Pro, you are allowed (its in MS Licence) to use an hacked W2K Pro, because you own WinXP Pro...

About the Hard drive, you need to check the report about the problems with the hard drives. WD is the company that have to do the most support and replacement. You want reliability ? Use Seagate. better warranty, better performance on long time. better cooling.

Just my 2 coppers and not a flame.