ok, i narrowed it down to 2 different processors, so help me out:

AMD 64 4000:
Pros - highly rated processor, got rave reviews from actual users.
Cons - single core, costs more than a dual-core Intel.

AMD 64 X2 3800:
Pros - AMD makes a very nice dual core; very highly rated.
Cons - i don't necessarily need dual core right now, and there isn't much software out there that takes advantage of dual core.

Intel Pentium D 830:
Pros - a dual core processor; regarded as more stable due to Intel brand name; dual core will be much more utilized in several years' time.
Cons - i don't necessarily need dual core right now, and there isn't much software out there that takes advantage of dual core.

this PC will be a dedicated video editing rig (with some gaming in there). i will have my current PC on the same desk to use for more common usage (internet, text sim gaming, Photoshop, etc.). i'd pretty much want the dual-core chip just for the sake of having a dual-core chip. i'm leaning towards that AMD chip, for the record. it's much more practical.

if you guys like that chip, can you recommend a nice mobo to go with it (under $150, i'm having my wife purchase my mobo and case). thanks.

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