New Desktop which type??

[monie8]

Hello,

Can anyone refer us to a forum in which the topic relates to computer hardware reviews, custom computer systems by experts etc.

We are looking for a custom power business system, and are having some trouble making the decision between AMD (for speed) or P4 or the new Centrion. Not to mention a host of other things which the system requires.

We are looking for outside opinions from the experts in the field, and any forums you may refer us to would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in Advance!

[php~pro]

Look for sites that can show sisandra benchmarking results. Where processors are concerned I would never turn away from twin zeons. The new AMD64 may be all bels and whistles, but who makes any 64 software for it. Nobody is the correct answer. It a fancy chip with nothing to do.

[mushroom]

The new AMD64 may be all bels and whistles, but who makes any 64 software for it. Nobody is the correct answer. It a fancy chip with nothing to do.

SuSE 9.1 (linux) offers great support for the AMD 64

[southplatte]

I believe Sun has some software also - enterprise class anyway.

Just do a search for pc review or something similar and I am sure you will find what you need.

Main thing - AMD is a bit cheaper cost, a bit less performance - make up for this in larger amount of RAM and you are fine. Intel you pay for name, with not much more performance that I notice. Go with either a AMD 3000+ or P4 2.6ghz or better. Forget the sempron and celerons, cheap, and poor performance.

Always the largest amount of ram you can afford (512 minimum, 1gb recommended) 128mb Geforce 4 or Radeon 9000 series video (3d apps & games, go with less if necessary though this shouldn't add much to the price of the system).

DVD burner minimum (skip the cd-r), along with 120gb hard drive minimum.

[php~pro]

Whilst I have no problem myself with a Linux platform, it is my chosen choice as a dev, but for any average user, well they would require a Windows O/S to enable all their other software to run. So Linux is totally out.

[php~pro]

Whilst I have no problem myself with a Linux platform, it is my chosen choice as a dev, but for any average user, well they would require a Windows O/S to enable all their other software to run. Also the average home user wouldnt wish for dual bootable O/S so Linux is totally out.

[mikmik]

This is a deadly review site and forum: http://www.thejemreport.com/index.php

I am constantly amazed at how thorough this site is with their reviews and comparisons, just amazded:
http://www.xbitlabs.com/
This is a support forum, but has many categories i ncluding MAC and Linux:
http://www.techsupportforum.com/

I love this site, http://ncix.com/, I use it to buy parts because it has so many user reviews and discussions (not to mention good price).

Even if I don't buy here, the user reviews are just what I look for, many discussions involve comparisons and troubles that are experienced.

Look for price range first, then read reviews on the products!

PS. There is 'support' for 64 bit with windows, it is a matter of the software. AMD chips are better than Intel last I looked because the Opteron (and probably the FX) architecture supports both 32 bit and 64 bit with the same processor.
Seeing 32 bit software is not going anywhere for quit a while, this is probably the most important consideration.

For servers or something like that, maybe a strict 64 bit may do, but for desktops, you MUST have both.

I also like these reviews at pcmag for being objective and relevent, and they (as well as x-bit) use sisoft, and a host of task specific softwares to compare performance, ie publishing/office tasksvs graphics/gaming:
http://www.pcmag.com/category2/0,1738,22,00.asp
You might find sites like this handy because there are many ways to analyse, like overall system, price etc, and they bring up salient points that a person may not be aware of.

Good luck!