Please help...

Okay, so I want to get a Dell computer, I would build one but I like being able to just call Dell if anything goes wrong and get the computer fixed.



Here is my question, what do you guys think about the Core2Duo vs Pentium D vs AMD? I dont know anything about the Pentium D or AMD so I wouldn't even know where to begin on any of those processors...like what would be a good gaming processor.



Next, Vista vs XP. I want to play CS: Source (I know its old but its my favorite game), can Source be run on Vista without problems? Also, interested in the newest games too, so please factor that.



Finally, I have licenses for Photoshop CS2 and Dreamweaver 8 but I don't know if they will work on Vista, can anyone verify this for me.



I currently run Mac and have a Mac Book Pro but I am wanting to get rid of it to go back to a PC desktop for gaming, graphics design and web design.



Thanks in advance,

Mike

well AMD is the name of a company, and the others are the names of processor families
core2duo lead the the way in terms of price and performance the moment, with the occasional jockeying with some of the x2's at the lower end of the price:performance point.
they all work

Wow, then is there any reason why I shouldn't get a computer with Vista? I am currently looking in the refurb section on Dell and most of the comuters I like are running Vista.



I know AMD is the brand...lol I just meant, are they as good as Intel? Or should I say, are Intel worth the price difference? The Pentium D, any good for anything?



Mike

Intel is better than AMD at the moment. Pentium D's are Ok, I wouldn't say they are great. If you can, try and get an Intel Core 2 Duo, They're very good!

Will do, thanks!

You're very welcome

Here is what I am looking at, what'cha think?

Operating System
Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium

Memory 4 GB DDR2 SDRAM 667MHz Dual Ranked (4 DIMMs)

Hard Disk Drive 250 GB EIDE SATA II Hard Drive (7200 RPM)

Video 256MB NVIDIA GeForce Go 7900 GS

XPS 410 Mini-Tower: Intel Core 2 Duo Processor E6700 (2.66GHz, 1066 FSB)

Media Bay 16X DVD ROM Drive

16X DVD +/- RW w/dbl layer write capability

Thanks!
Mike

That's a very good computer, it'll be able to do everything you want, and more!

I can add a sound card later, right?

Yeah, sure you can, providing the motherboard in that computer has a spare PCI slot.



Which it probably will do.



Onboard sound is often really good these days though.