Please help me decide which CPU to buy!

[rehsani]

Hi folks,

I'm currently ordering parts for my new system and so far have decided
on an Antec P180 case with an ASUS A8N-SLI Deluxe mobo and 1 gig of
memory. I will also get either one Geforce 6600 or 6800 video card for
now. This will be my home computer used for web browsing, email, music
(MP3 conversion and burning), etc., and gaming. I don't consider
myself a hardcore gamer but I do enjoy playing my HL2, FarCry, etc.
several times a week and I will be getting Doom3 as well.

Based on my budget I am looking at AMD Athlon 64 3200+, 3500+, and
3700+. The price of the 3800+ is really too high for me but if you
think there is a significant advantage perhaps I can look at that.
I've done a lot of online research and frankly I am more confused now
than I was before I started! With all the differences in clock speed,
L2 cache size, and platform (Venice, San Diego, etc.) there seems to
be no clear front runner! Where is sweet spot or the biggest bang for
the buck?

I would appreciate any advice you folks can give me.

 

[jbziarko]

Check out Star Computer Parts http://www.starcomputerparts.com , new
site, but some good prices on those processors and bunch of other
stuff... worth a look at...

 

[rehsani]

Check out Star Computer Parts http://www.starcomputerparts.com , new
site, but some good prices on those processors and bunch of other
stuff... worth a look at...

Thanks. I'll do that.