I am going to buy a new computer shortly and was wondering what the differences were between the Intel Pentium III's and AMD Athlons. I am probably going to buy a Compaq. I am not currently using any games that would require a high speed, just want to have what might be better in the long run. Is one better suited for certain applications than the other ? or are they about the same with different manufactures

Mark

I did a search on Ask.com this morning and found that CNET had a test of both chips, in August of both manufacturers 600 mhz chips. And that the AMD Athlon was the winner.
Here is a link to the test results
http://www.gamecenter.com/Hardware/Roundup/Athlonp3/index.html?tag=st.cn.sr1.dir.

Mark

Mark,

Just fired up my new HP Pavilion laptop with the AMD K6 processor. I previewed the Hatachi with the Intel chip and Sony's latest entry (can't remember the name). Intel is the traditional leader that's benchmarked by everyone else. AMD spent years trying to play catchup and only occasionally surpassed the Intel chip in speed. Now however they seem to be on an even par and the software writers are writing code compatible with the AMD chip as well as the Intel. AMD is cost competitive; you will probably pay a bit more for the Intel name.

Deb

Mark,
AMD is supposedly faster but I've never had a problem with an Intel chip in over 10 years. (Over 300 pcs at home and work.)
And if you getting a PIII they have a lot of free software enhancing products on their website.
Bob

I've owned one computer with an Intel chip, it was very flaky. I've owned 3 with AMD chips and still have 2 of them running. The third would still work if the mother board hadn't got fried by lightning.