Maximum PC

Well I have narrowed my choice of CPU's between the AMD 3800 or 4000, but I notice that the 4000 comes in different "cores": Sledgehammer, Clawhammer, etc.

Which should I choose and what are the differences?

Sorry forgot to post this:

Here is what I have chosen for the other components:

MSI K8NNeo4 Platinum SLI Mobo
XFX GeForce 6800GT
Memory: ?

In regards to the Vid Card, I am not sure which brand to pickup as there are so many out there but I have heard from you guys good reviews of the 6800GT.

Not really sure about the memory, I would like dual channel (obviously) and 1Gb (2X512Kb) with a price range of around $200 US. I have read for this particular setup, a CAS of 2-2-2-10 is recommended for the MSI NForce 4 SLI chipset, but I havent a clue on which to pick.

If you guys could look over what I have and make suggestions, it would be very much appreciated. Thanks so much!

I would like to cut the funds back a bit if possible, possibly going with the AMD 3800 instead of the 4000, so I am open to suggestions, but am willing to pay for a powerful system. This computer will be strictly for gaming (first person shooters and such), so frame rates are important for me.

Consequently, this is my current system that I am upgrading from:

Mobo: Gigabyte 8IPE1000 Pro
CPU: Pentium 4, 2.4 GHz
VID CARE: PNY Verto GeForce4 5950 Ultra
MEMORY: Generic type, Dual Channel, 1Gb

I think this new system should be a vast improvement, dont you think?

pretty good specs. check out www.newegg.com for your ram. always get name brand ram and not generic crap. good brands include crucial, kingston, ocz, patriot, corsair, and mushkin. the XFX 6800GT is pretty good and other good ones include BFG 6800GT, EVGA 6800GT, and even the leadtek 6800GT.

i have the PNY 6800GT and im really happy with it. not much of a software bundle but i got it for a good discount when i was working at compusa.

on your old system i think the pentium 2.4 is not that bad. pair your old system up with a good videocard like the 6800GT and you will get a boost in performance for sure. for example, im still using an athlon xp system, paired it up with a PNY 6800GT i play CS source at 95FPS. im happy already, i get no lag or choppiness during when im playing.

2.4c chips are great for ocing as well. If you're looking for a processor boost, it would do oyu well enough.

however, if you're looking for pcie and so forth, then the 3200+ and 3500+ are sweetspots in price/performance for amd.

look over toms charts to help make a decision http://www.tomshardware.com/cpu/2004122 ... ts-15.html

Performance wise, there's no difference. Choose the cheaper core.