Current Cost of CPU: $372 Months on List: New

Breathtaking price cuts have leveled the Pentium 4 to compete against AMD's Athlon. At under $400, Intel's recently released 1.7GHz screamer has finally become somewhat of a deal, and with the budget we have set forth for the High End Buyer's Guide, this is definitely a good thing.

For the entire lowdown on the Pentium 4 1.7GHz, check out our recently published review, which can be found right here.

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Current Cost of CPU: $194 Months on List: New

Last month we featured the retail version of AMD's Athlon, but for the incredibly low price of $194, we'd much prefer the OEM version (and the money that is saved by opting OEM). As a solid performer versus Intel's 1.7GHz offering, the 1.33GHz Athlon offers comparable speed for the most compelling price on the charts.

For the entire lowdown on the Athlon 1.33GHz, check out our review, which can be found right here.

Current Cost of HSF: $22 Months on List: One Price Change: -$2

As OEM Pentium 4 processors are not accompanied by cooling solution, we're forced to purchase a third party cooler. Thermaltake has a worthy answer for us in the Indigo Orb, capable of pushing 36 cubic feet per minute at around 5000 RPM! If you're into "looks" and "style" then this unit will turn heads with a deep blue color (not to mention the general uniqueness that Orb's hold).

Current Cost of HSF: $29 Month on List: Two Price Change: $0

With our move to an OEM Athlon processor comes the need for a solid cooling solution. As you've likely heard, the 1.33GHz Athlon gets hotter than black vinyl in the middle of June, so it is of the utmost importance to invest in a reliable cooling solution. Propelling 38 cubic feet per minute of air, the combination ThermoEngine/Delta Black Label Fan has the ability to keep your Athlon running at an acceptable temperature.