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damijimFlag for United States of America

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Building a New Computer: 32-bit or 64-bit? Intel or AMD?

I currently have an ASUS P4P800 Motherboard, 2 GBs of RAM, and an Intel 2.8GHz HT CPU overclocked to 3.36GHz; it's about two years old now and is still faster than most computers. I plan on making this computer a linux box on my router's DMZ. So, I want another desktop.

I know 64-bit is starting to pick up, but it is extremely expensive. Is Windows' Vista going to support 32-bit and 64-bit processing? Are all new factory computers going to be 64-bit in the near future? If I stay with a 32-bit motherboard and CPU, am I going to regret it in year?

Of the new Intel processors, I believe D and EE are 64-bit, correct? So, I would need a 64-bit compatible motherboard. I've never dealt with AMD chipsets, but I hear they starting to get more "powerful" than Intel chipsets. Should I go with Intel or AMD?

As you can probably tell, I'm very lost on what to do and what kind of CPU & MB to put in my new system. I am not gamer, but I do a lot of multi-tasking and like having a powerful computer. Any information or recommendations on what kind of CPU & MB to buy would be greatly appreciated... as well as the pros/cons of taking a 32-bit route versus a 64-bit route.

I want to build the new computer for around $1000-$1200, but I know this probably possible if I take the 64-bit route. Am I better off waiting for another 6 months or so to see where 64-bit technology is headed (and the prices of 64-bit CPU dropping)? Or should I just go ahead and build a sweet 32-bit system? I want to build a desktop, like my current one, that will still be extremely fast for years to come. Thanks!
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zerosoma

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So,
This motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813131540
and this CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103529

should work well together, correct?

This combination would still be slowler than my current desktop (as I've listed the specs above).

I've also noticed that the ASUS AMD MB's don't use DDR2 RAM, why not? Isn't DDR2 RAM the future?
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Is DDR2 an Intel thing? All 64-bit motherboards that support AMD processors seem to use DDR 400...
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I think I have enough information to move forward. Thanks Both!