AMD = Cheaper but prone to overheating more than Intel
Intel = Quite dearer but don't overheat as much as AMD

But most people usually go Intel because they are usually infront of AMD in terms of speed and people find overclocking Intels better because they are generally easier because of heating issues.

Laptop = Go with Intel I dont need to hear another overheating laptop issue (I've seen so many lol)

Desktop = Depends on reliability and performance but you are on a budget so go with AMD. To be honest you won't notice a difference if you went with either AMD or Intel on a Desktop. I went with Intel because of reliability and performance. (Your not a hardcore computer enthusiast so AMD or Intel you really wont notice a difference). Just do a bit of research before buying a computer especially if you want a prebuilt computer. You want a computer with an excellent power supply unit. (PSUs are the most vital part of any computer if these are dodgy you risk damage to other computer parts)

Lirange where do you live if you dont mind me asking?

For gaming computers having lower watt PSU is a bad thing because overtime PSUs start to lose power.

Central USA
Do you need me to be more specific?

No never mind then. But please try to avoid any computer with Integrated Graphics card these things are never good for gaming. for 600 USD you could get a computer with a NVidia GeForce 8000/9000 series card or even a ATi Radeon 5770.

Integrated graphics are a no-no for gaming. They are good for stuff like netbooks, as they don't take as much power as a dedicated.

The $650 machine has a Phenom like that HP, but it's black edition.

EDIT: @Andro - $165 for a 5770 on newegg last time I checked.

oh..well that cancels out the other two options. And i'm trying to find one cheaper than the 650.

This?
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicati...5440&CatId=114

This is 30 dollars more. Worth it?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16883227181

That one has no OS...how is that even possible? (computer nub)

Ha! I wonder how many people don't catch stuff like that. "Yay, new computer. WTF do you mean, I need an OS?"

LOL!
Nice catch. Guess that's out of the question?