Athlon processors

[magic_plank]

I'm considering purchasing a computer from Dell. Looking at their inspiron series I'll probably get one of those. However, the one I fancy has a

 "AMD® Live Technology - Athlon™ 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 5600+"

i was brought up on intel pentiums. How does this compare? is is a 2.0ghz, 2.33, 2.6? Is it dual core?

More importantly, will I be able to play all my computer games that require intel? (Oblivion, PoP, etc.)

[Spero-T]

No swet... But be warned dell have dodgy psu's

Cheep parts are often used......

[Calum]

The Athlon X2 5600+ is dual core, 64 bit, comparable to a high-end Pentium D.
However, none of the Athlon CPUs can stand up to Intel's Core 2 Duo range, I highly recommend getting a computer with a Core 2 CPU instead.

[magic_plank]

Thanks Calum,

How does a 2.0gHz core 2 compare to a 3n2ghz pentium 4? Will i be able to run the same programs?  will performance improve?

Also is it worth the jump from 2.0 to 2.33 because I can't afford that right now.

[Calum]

Any Core 2 will beat the **** out of a P4.
Whatever Core 2 you can afford is worth it - if you don't have the cash to go higher it doesn't matter.
Which actual models are you looking at?  As in, E6300, E4300, or whatever.

[magic_plank]

I'm looking at an E4400. I've been saving for about a year and have about £470 to spend, to replace a PC that died a year ago. All I want it for is to play Oblivion really, and games within the last two years.

Do you think that an intel core 2 2.0ghz, 256mb GeForce 8500 GT and 2gb ram will be up to that?

[Calum]

If you're comfortable with building your own, I can send you a spec sheet for a test PC I drew up for my family.
Basically just a parts list, but includes a dual core Intel CPU, 1Gb RAM, and the potential for high-end graphics cards etc.
If not, then the build there will be fine.
However, consider getting a slower CPU to save some cash, and spending what you save on a better graphics card.

[magic_plank]

I've built PCs in the past but I don't have the time or will power to do it again.
Thanks for the advice calum, dead useful! will consider a video card upgrade

[Calum]

You're welcome.
Do get that video upgrade though, the 8500GT is an OK card but don't expect it to play Oblivion at blistering speeds.

[magic_plank]

Paid for PC today, should arrive by the 14th. Thanks for the advice!

[Calum]

Cool.
Let us know how it goes, and enjoy.
And finally, you're very welcome.

[magic_plank]

PC arrived today, plays oblivion excellently with HDR, shadows reflections and all extra crap and is blazingly fast compared to my flaky PIII. Yay!

[Calum]

Great!
Glad you're enjoying it.
What specs did you go for in the end?