Ok, So I really dont know that much about hardware. Right now my gaming machine is a P4 3.0ghz with 2 gigs of pc3200. I work at a computer recycling center, and through some new contracts we are getting in more consumer level computers.

Basically my question is this. For like ten dollars, I can get a machine with an AMD Athlon 64 X2 2.0 Ghz, for dirt cheap. Like five to ten bucks cheap. I do not know what socket the motherboard is, but it does take PC3200 so I can use my ram, hard drive, and it has a PCI Express 16 slot, so I can use my video card as well. (8600gt). Also this motherboard accepts up to 4gigs, my current only takes 2. So i can upgrade to more ram as well.

Basically my questions then comes down to this. Will this Athlon 64 X2 2.0ghz out perform my current P4 3.0 with HT?

Thank you in advance.

Yes it will run laps around your P4 3.0 ghz.  The Pentium 4's were not a very good design compared to the Athlons.

Pentiums are more expensive but perform better and take less energy than Athlons' processors. I would stick to the Pentium and resell the dirt cheap Athlon but that's just me.

Originally posted by Virgazone

Pentiums are more expensive but perform better and take less energy than Athlons' processors. I would stick to the Pentium and resell the dirt cheap Athlon but that's just me.

I think you misunderstood the OP question and Clefs answer, we are not talking about current Intel vs AMD CPU power. Clef is right and the Athlon X2 is a dual core that is probably guess 120% faster then that P4 3GhZ CPU he has now. And since when did a P4 use less energy? P4 ran hotter then a frying pan and drawed out nearly 130+ watts of power to run!!!

Since when did a old P4 have better cpu power then a athlon x2??

OP Keep the Athlon X2 it is very fast compared to your old P4.

When, I said I knew little about hardware that is somewhat incorrect. I dont know a lot compared to most here more than likely, but I can build my own computer. What I do know is that my P4 Runs very hot, like 55*C under load, and that is with a lot of aftermarket cooling (Three pieces to be exact). I do not know much about AMD chips though especially chips from 2-3 years ago.

I am glad that no one has responded with "get a core duo" because for the price and what I play (COH, EVE) there really is no need for me to. In fact I honestly dont even need to upgrade, but since we have them in stock where I work, and I can basically get whatever I want here for next to nothing I thought midaswell upgrade it if the dual core AMD is that much better.

I guess since everyone is saying i should see that much of an improvement that I will, thanks again!