So, you find that you need a computer with a top-of-the line processor by Intel or AMD? Well, before you say yes to this question, please take into consideration of what you actually do need. If you're just someone who uses their computer for word processing or internet surfing and you just have a little too much extra cash to burn, you might want to consider spending a bit more money on the other components such as a larger hard drive or more memory, which might actually benefit you more than getting a more expensive CPU. However, if you actually do need this level of power out of your CPU, for example, you play a lot of games or do a lot of graphics-intensive tasks, you'll benefit from having the faster CPU. Please keep in mind that the CPU is not the only part of the computer that dictates the performance of your new computer, as the other components such as system memory or the video card will also increase performance. My point? Don't spend too much money on something you don't need, and if you do, don't forget to leave some money for the other stuff!

Intel Pentium III
Now that we're done with that part, let's begin by showing you what you can expect out of these 2 high-end processors. In the Intel world, you have the good ol' "tried, test, true" Pentium III line of processors. These processors run at speeds starting at 600MHz all the way up to 1GHz (but have fun trying to find 1GHz versions). All of these processors are based on Intel's new .18-micron process, which allows the processors to run at higher speeds at cooler temperatures. They all have 256KB of full-speed integrated L2 cache (compared to the Celeron's 128KB) and have built-in SIMD instructions for accelerated performance when using software or games that support the instructions. The real differences between all of the processors in the Pentium III line is bus speed and connection interface.

Intel has a useful, yet confusing, naming scheme for their Pentium III processors. You might find processors with an E, B or both E and B behind the MHz number. The B means that the CPU uses a 133MHz bus (if there is no B, then the CPU uses a 100MHz bus), which allows for faster transfers between the CPU and the other system components such as the system memory. The E means that the CPU uses Intel's new .18-micron process and has 256KB of full-speed L2 cache, which all the processors mentioned in this guide do. A combination of the 2 means, well, exactly what it means. If a Pentium III has an EB at the end of the name, it means that it uses a 133MHz bus and is made using the .18-micron process. Choosing which version you get depends on which motherboard you plan to get. Personally, I would try to get the EB version if at all possible, but that's only possible if you've got a motherboard to properly support it. So, with that said, if you get a board with support for the 133MHz bus, then get an EB. If you plan to get an older "tried, tested, true" 100MHz BX board, then get one with only an E. If you don't know which board you're going to get, don't worry, as we're almost getting to that!

But wait, there's more! Intel has also made 2 versions of each of their Pentium III products. Each model is made for both the Slot 1 interface, which is what the older Pentium III and Pentium II's use, or for the FC-PGA socket interface, which is what Intel plans to make all their CPUs on by the end of the year. I would choose the FC-PGA version of the CPU (and, at the same time, a FC-PGA motherboard), simply to allow for future upgrades.

AMD Athlon
This is all great, you say, but what if I want to try out one of these new AMD Athlon CPUs that I've been hearing about all over the place? AMD has really done an exceptional job in making the Athlon processor the best bang for the buck compared to the Pentium III. The new Athlon processor is built on a .18-micron process, and has 256KB of full-speed integrate L2 cache. The Athlon uses a new Socket A interface and uses a 100MHz Double Data Rate bus (which basically means that the bus between the CPU and the system is 200MHz, compared to the Pentium III's 100MHz and 133MHz bus). This is a kick-ass processor when paired up with the right components.

Please keep in mind that I am referring to the new Thunderbird Socket A version of the Athlon. This is a newer version of the Athlon; with much-improved performance over the original Athlon Slot A. You can, however, still purchase the original version of the Athlon, but I would not recommend it as it does not have quite the horsepower as the newer Athlons. How do you tell the difference between the two? The new version uses a Socket A interface and the old on uses a Slot A interface.

Bottom Line
When comparing an Athlon and a Pentium III side by side (same clock speed), they will be almost identical in performance, with the Athlon pulling ahead slightly in some occasions. The Athlon is also about 10-20% cheaper than a Pentium III with the same clock speed. Coupled with a faster bus speed, I would have to pick the Athlon over the Pentium III when it comes to high-end processors. I must, however, warn that, as mentioned above, all new AMD processors suck up twice the amount of power as the Intel counterparts, which means you'll have to spend a premium on a case and power supply. Also, the fact that the Socket A is a new interface, few motherboards will support it, but this should change as time passes. With this in mind, however, even with the extra dough spent on the case and power supply, the price for an Athlon computer system will still be equivalent, or maybe even slightly cheaper, than the Pentium III and you get better performance. The only downside to going with an Athlon processor is that, much like the motherboard situation mentioned above, they are quite hard to find now, as they have just been released by AMD a few weeks ago. Expect them to be more common as time progresses. Kudos to AMD for doing an excellent job in making the Athlon the absolute performance king!

On to: The Motherboard