Although Microsoft's 64-bit version of Windows is still in beta, AMD's Athlon 64 processors offer built-in future-proofing thanks to their support for 64-bit computing while at the same time delivering no-compromise 32-bit performance.
But it's not just speed, or the promise of future speed, that makes the Athlon 64 a good choice. The processor's architecture also delivers enhanced security, in conjunction with Service Pack 2 for Windows XP, thanks to its support for the NX (No eXecute) feature (also called Enhanced Virus Protection, or EVP) which protects against certain types of virus attack. Then there's the Athlon 64's fast HyperTransport bus and dual-channel 128-bit memory bus, with support for standard DDR memory. And if you want to build a PC that's quiet as well as fast, then AMD's Cool 'n Quiet technology, which dynamically slows down unused parts of the processor during operation, will keep the Athlon 64 running relatively cool.
This is definitely one for the system-builders out there.
This competition will close on 20 January, and we'll be announcing the winner on the site on 21 January. And remember, the competitions for the previous days are still open – check the individual pages for the relevant closing dates.
You can enter today's competition, and find links to the previous competitions, here.
