A Duron/Athlon based system will meet almost all your requirements, but just
the last part: easy upgrade in future time. You know that these days, there
is no such thing any more. If you build a AMD system based on current mobo,
you will not be able to use future 133mhz FBS AMD CPU and DDR RAM, if you
build based on new DDR chipset + new 133 FBS AMD CPU, you may not be lucky
enough if AMD has new standard. Intel is no better on upgrade than AMD, you
will get even shorter CPU "life time" and harder to upgrade from Intel. The
base line of today's computing is: get the best system to meet your needs
while keep the cost as low as possible.

Don't forget AMD is the most easy to overclock CPU on market today, I'm very
happy with my Duron 650 overclocked to 800 (with more powerful cooling, it
can go faster, but I only have a standard CPU fan at the moment), overclock
will give you more value for your money.

the most performance/price system you can build today is Duron based system.

I build systems with AMD, there is no problem yet.

Merry Xmas.


Jun Qian

----- Original Message -----
From: "[log in to unmask]" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, December 24, 2000 2:20 AM
Subject: [PCBUILD] Athlon / Duron Powered System


> Hello Listers,
>
> Sometime in the next couple months, I'd like to put together a new Athlon
or
> Duron powered system.  This will my first time working with an AMD
> processor, so I'm looking for experienced hardware advice and
> recommendations.
>
> This machine will be used primarily for routine home office chores,
internet
> browsing, email and SETI@home number crunching.  Occasional light-duty
> gaming will also be part of the mix.  Most importantly, the hardware I
> select must work seemlessly with Windows 98SE and Windows 2000
Professional
> (this will be a multi-boot system).
>
> Please keep in mind that ultimately I'd like to build a system that finds
> the performance/value sweetspot and is easily upgradeable.  I'm open to
any
> and all suggestions.: http://nospin.com

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