AMD Dual Core CPU's

[Aphorism]

Well, considering that a good portion of applications developed for *nix
are multi-threaded -- the dual core is a great choice.



I have the low end X2 for the very same pricing reasons cited in this
thread.  It is remarkably quick, and yes, you notice it with all of
your basic apps as well simply because the GUI uses both cores to
manage the load.



So I am afraid I disagree with those folks who say to go single core. 
Go single core if you want to run fast games under blows.  If not, go
dual core.  It is the most cost effective way to get more power.



Also, on a side note, I bought a Foxconn with onboard Nvidia chipset. 
Avoid onboard Nvidia and ATI.  Buy a board with onboard Realtek / SiS /
etc.  If you don't do this, you will suffer from a crap onboard sound
(like my Nvidia -- added a Soundblaster after market) without alsa
support (oss is about all you will get out of Nvidia).



If you want better graphics performance after the fact, buy an Nvidia
card then send them hatemail about their proprietary driver stance.


-- 
Aphorism