Ive decided that with the money i get from christmas (and probably some i will have to work for, since i probably wont get enough from christmas alone) to build a COMPUTER. What kind of motherboard should i get? AMD, or Intel compatible? and what kind of socket? a socket 939?  im more FAMILIAR with Intel, but i want what is best. The computer is mainly going to be for Gaming and graphic/game design.

Edit: i just checked and if i got a 939 i would have to go with AMD...should i? and i just found a MOBO i might use...

HTTP://www.newegg.com/product/product.asp?item=N82E16813136165

If i get an Athlon 64 processor, does that HAVE to be 64 bit?From what I hear AMD processors are good for games. To check if they support 64 bit go to http://www.AMD.com or http://www.Intel.com check the processor you want to see its specifications. You can also use www.lavalys.com  to see what your processor can do. Its is a unique free utility. You can try it on your computer to check it out.You said graphic design?  Intel then.  AMD processors suck for mathematical things.  Don't go AMD if you're doing graphic design, however for the games they are a lot better.This is patently false...
If AMD processors are no good at mathematics how on earth could they run games ? ?
:-/ :-/

patio.
Go ahead then let them buy the AMD processor.  They'll love it for gaming but it will fall short on the graphic design aspect in comparison to the Intel.  

Either processor will be fine in all seriousness though, I was just pointing it out.  Just like if you buy the intel then your gaming won't be as good as if you get the AMD.  If only there was a processor out there that could do better than the both of them.  It's not anything that will be extremely noticeable but it is there.  It's all personal preference really, when it all comes down to it.  if it helps at all, I'm building a computer soon and I'm going with an AMD athlon 3700+, from what I've read they are better, but being relatively new to building computers, I could be wrong Quote

Go ahead then let them buy the AMD processor.  They'll love it for gaming but it will fall short on the graphic design aspect in comparison to the Intel.  

Either processor will be fine in all seriousness though, I was just pointing it out.  Just like if you buy the intel then your gaming won't be as good as if you get the AMD.  If only there was a processor out there that could do better than the both of them.  It's not anything that will be extremely noticeable but it is there.  It's all personal preference really, when it all comes down to it.