Re:I've just been out looking... (Score 1)

Well, if you read the Anandtech article you would have seen that on page 9 http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx? i=2249&p=9 is were the comprehensive game reviews begin. The second Benchmark on that page is the Half Life2/CS: Source Video Stress Test (VST) benchmark. The top of the line AthlonXP 3200+ (about the fastest socket A proc.) is 34% slower than the lowest performing Athlon64. That is all in 32 bit mode btw. On top of that, Valve has already anounced that they will be releasing a 64 Bit port of Half Life 2/Source some time after the release of HL2. Now Valve hasnt been the model of reliability but the possibility is there for a future boost to your performance. Finally, the Socket 939 platform has legs for the future, its gonna be around for a while. The Socket A platform is very close to the end of its life. The only real advantage that you get with Socket A is that mobo's can be found for cheap, however, if your like most gamers you probably dont want a generic cheap mobo so the cost here may be closer than you realize. Bottom line, pick up an Athlon64 3000+ or 3200+ cpu and a nice socket 939 board. Add a good mid-range graphics card like the 6600GT or the X700 Pro and about 512 of DDR RAM and you will have a very nice HL2 gaming rig. mickes