CPU: AMD Athlon XP 2600+ vs Intel Pentium 4 2.53GHz :: Conclusion

As seen in the results the scores are almost identical across the board with both chips taking a small lead in different tests but essentially being very evenly matched overall. AMD has a viable chip on their hands that should be able to compete in the same desktop marketplace that Intel still controls in sales volumes worldwide. This contest is a tied event from where I stand with no clear victor to be publicly declared.

A warning for those new to system building, when using the Athlon XP series of CPUs, be very sure that your cooling solution is working and plugged in as the processor can burn up in a matter of seconds leaving you with a dead chip. Intel chips run much cooler and are a better chip to start out with for the beginning builder as they are more forgiving and offer more room to recover from user error.

Is there really a solid winner in this contest? I would have to say no as the CPUs run so close performance wise it is really a matter of personal choice. Those who favor Intel are still going to buy the 2.53GHz P4 and the AMD guys will buy the 2600+ as par for the course. I personally wish both companies would agree on one method of chip rating so everyone could follow along easily. It makes it much easier to explain an Intel chip being an actual 2.53GHz CPU as when comparatively speaking of AMD's performance versus megahertz rating to someone who is new to PC land.

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