The northbridge handles the memory buss and the AGP buss (except on AMD64's where the CPU has an integrated AGP and memory controller), so if the northbridge performs badly the system will as well.
Also AMD is going to release a new line that will support DDR2. this is one of the only reasons I would buy an intel(notice that intel didnt get any capital letters...sad for them) setup is for DDR2. but since AMD is going to fully support DDR2 I can wait a few more months to purchase my new computer setup. also AMD is going to support Dual core on the mobile front as well as dual channel platform aon all of the protables. go to http://www.hardwarecentral.com/hardwarecentral/reports/6092/1/ to find out more. AMD's got a pretty good hold of all the market and I think its gonna stay that way. thats what happens when your not focoused on making only money, and more fosused on making good reliable products and happy costumers.
