I'm considering purchasing a computer from Dell. Looking at their inspiron series I'll probably get one of those. However, the one I fancy has a

"AMD® Live Technology - Athlon™ 64 X2 Dual Core PROCESSOR 5600+"

i was brought up on intel pentiums. How does this compare? is is a 2.0ghz, 2.33, 2.6? Is it dual core?

More importantly, will I be able to play all my computer games that require intel? (Oblivion, POP, etc.)No swet... But be warned dell have dodgy psu's

Cheep parts are often used......The Athlon X2 5600+ is dual core, 64 bit, comparable to a high-end Pentium D.
However, none of the Athlon CPUs can stand up to Intel's Core 2 Duo range, I highly recommend getting a computer with a Core 2 CPU instead.Thanks Calum,

How does a 2.0gHz core 2 compare to a 3n2ghz pentium 4? Will i be able to run the same programs? will performance improve?

Also is it worth the jump from 2.0 to 2.33 because I can't afford that right now. Any Core 2 will beat the **** out of a P4.
Whatever Core 2 you can afford is worth it - if you don't have the cash to go higher it doesn't matter.
Which actual models are you looking at? As in, E6300, E4300, or whatever.I'm looking at an E4400. I've been saving for about a year and have about £470 to spend, to replace a PC that died a year ago. All I want it for is to play Oblivion really, and games within the last two years.

Do you think that an intel core 2 2.0ghz, 256mb GeForce 8500 GT and 2gb ram will be up to that?If you're comfortable with building your own, I can SEND you a spec SHEET for a test PC I drew up for my family.
Basically just a parts list, but includes a dual core Intel CPU, 1Gb RAM, and the potential for high-end graphics cards etc.
If not, then the build there will be fine.
However, consider getting a slower CPU to save some cash, and spending what you save on a better graphics card.I've built PCs in the past but I don't have the time or will power to do it again.
Thanks for the advice calum, dead useful! will consider a video card upgrade You're welcome.
Do get that video upgrade though, the 8500GT is an OK card but don't expect it to play Oblivion at BLISTERING speeds.Paid for PC today, should arrive by the 14th. Thanks for the advice!Cool.
Let us know how it goes, and enjoy.
And finally, you're very welcome.PC arrived today, plays oblivion excellently with HDR, shadows reflections and all extra crap and is blazingly fast compared to my flaky PIII. Yay!Great!
Glad you're enjoying it.
What specs did you go for in the end?