I'm researching a new computer purchase myself. FYI: most tests give the Athlon a slight edge in speed over the P4 in everything except 3D graphics rendering. The edge goes to Intel there. Also, most of what I've read indicates the only reason the Athlon is competitive with the P4 in speed is that software makers haven't started taking advantage of the P4's advanced architecture yet. When they do, the P4 is going to take a big lead. What I stated here I garnered from several magazine articles and tests. Not just one.