Down to the last component, the processor, lets pick one out for it

[sprtnbsblplya]

So I've picked out everything so far for my new build except for the processor, but I have it narrowed down to my top two choices (too bad I cant afford X2 or it would be in the list too ).
Barebones
Shuttle ST20G5 XPC
RAM
2 x 512 MB Mushkin PC3200
Video -
Sapphire X800GTO 128 MB
HD -
120 GB 7200 rpm
DVD
NEC 3550A DVD-RW DL
Processor
Undecided

I'm between the Opteron 144 and the Athlon 64 3000+ Venice
I want good performance on new games from the processor and on applications such as Photoshop.

 

[molsen]

what's your budget? the Opteron 144 is the same as the 3000+ Venice but it tends to overclock better.

 

[sprtnbsblplya]

Well I've seen both from $152 to $170, so lets keep it there.

 

[003]

what's your budget? the Opteron 144 is the same as the 3000+ Venice but it tends to overclock better.

Actually the 144 has double the cache of the venice.

 

[molsen]

hey yea you're right..i never realized that.

 

[sprtnbsblplya]

Found an Opteron 144 for $150 shipped brand new, should I go ahead and get it?

 

[molsen]

if that's all you have to spend, i would