can i just add my 2c worth, i love my P4's, but i'm working with some big
number crunching programs, and we're thinking about getting a couple of
64bit processors, now here's the thing, for the average user (gamer too)
there is no advantage as far as i can see (maybe i'm short sighted?) in
using 64bit? it doesn't actually work any faster, it just allows you to use
very very very large numbers without splitting a number into smaller 32bit
pieces, so unless you crunch serious scientific data then 64bit won't do
much for you, at least until we start getting more 64bit systems and
programs. buy a P4 if you can, one of the other comparable factors (and
quite importantly) is the L2 cache size, everyone knows that when you have
more memory your computer runs smoother, same for the memory cache,
especially when you are loading a system up (games, dvds, cds, mp3s you name
it) and also the hyperthread technology is pretty cool, it doesn't let you
do things faster, it just allows you to do two things "kind of at the same
time" so if something crashes it doesn't necesaarily take out all your
procesor time.

in short, if you want a great value easy flowing processor that kicks butt
in everything (except HUGE numbers) try and get ahold of a P4 hyperthreaded
extreme edition, has more L2 cache, better "effective" FSB, and kick butt
power, not to mention all of the other builtin multimedia bits and pieces
that i don't really know much about.