Wait for AM3, or get a Core 2 Duo

[Fliko]

I was wondering if it'd be better to just pickup an AM2 Processor and Motherboard, and then I would be able to upgrade to an AM3 processor, or should I go get a Core 2 Duo. I'm kinda etchy on the Core 2 Duo, because I want 64x bit Processor, and I heard the Duos don't perform as well as the FX processor line does.

I'm also edgy on the fact that AMD buys ATI, that would seem to suggest AMD processors would be streamlined for ATI cards, which, in my opinion, are better then nVidia cards

So basically, just answer this question:

Should I get an AM2 Processor and be futureproof for a while, or risk it and get a Core 2 Duo processor?

 

[Asus]

I'm kinda etchy on the Core 2 Duo, because I want 64x bit Processor, and I heard the Duos don't perform as well as the FX processor line does.

Do you mean in 64bit? It's true that the Core 2 Duo does not gain the same performance benefit that the Athlon 64's do in 64bit. Although if you are looking at the E6000 or above they have enough of a performance advantage that they are still will perform a bit better even if the Athlon 64's catch up a bit in 64bit. The market below $300 the Athlon 64's are priced a lot better so I'd expect similar performance.

This really depends on your budget. If you are spending less than $300 on a CPU then I would go with AM2. (The lower priced Core 2 Duo CPUs will not be out until Q4 of this year)
If your budget allows for more than $300 for the CPU then I would go with Core 2 Duo. Probably check out the E6600 since it beats the FX62 in most things.
Having AM3 CPU able to snap into AM2 boards with DDR2 might change your opinion but not many people just upgrade the CPU, to be honest. Everyone updating their AMD rig this time is an exception because of the deep price cuts.

The new Nforce boards are a little pick about what memory they work with so you have to be carful what you choose. (Only chipset in volume so far for Socket AM2)
Not much is known about the new Conroe boards. They are really just starting to be released. Nvidia SLI boards have not been released yet for Core 2 Duo. Just Intel chipsets (which are known to be stable).

The other thing to consider is OCing. Core 2 Duos OC very very well, better than the Athon 64's even (65nm vs 90nm).

 

[Fliko]

I'm probably going to head for an AM2 then, just read a few rumors on the plans AMD has in store for gfx cards now that they own ATI

 

[Asus]

just read a few rumors on the plans AMD has in store for gfx cards now that they own ATI

If they put any gfx into the CPU or made a fast gfx card for AMD's direct-to-CPU slot (HTX) then you would need a new board. FYI

 

[Fliko]

Ahh, okay

Still probably gonna stick with AM2, just exploring my options on Motherboards right now

 

[Cole]

I'd also like to point out, Am3 processors will work in Am2 sockets although I believe they have to have DDR2 memory(Google it). The AM3 socket also enables for a new hypertransport version.

 

[Fliko]

I have a question: Do all Conroe processors support 64-bit?

 

[Asus]

I have a question: Do all Conroe processors support 64-bit?

Yes, I believe so.

Xbitlabs just released this review They have the extreme $1000 CPUs benchmarked in 32bit and 64bit. Some ups and downs on both sides since not everything takes full advatage of 64bit OS just yet.

 

[Fliko]

Ahh, thanks. I guess its just a wait-it and speculate game.

I'm still gathering up money for my computer, probably around Aug. 30th till I get the money, so I should be able to see how the Conroe processors operate long time, and how the motherboards do. Also see how far the AMD prices drop.