<snipped> I hardly play any games at all, in fact I run Linux. <snipped> I do a lot of office-app-type multitasking and some coding. I do a fair bit of compiling, which takes a fast CPU to do in any length of time. It also bogs the system down considerably when you do that and I want to keep working when I compile.
<snipped> I want a relatively quiet unit with SMP and 64-bit capabilities. The fact that the P-D 9xxs and A64 X2s have almost the same TDP is a good thing.
I am willing to spend something like $1000-1200 on the computer as I have already gotten said monitor.
Oh and one last thing- this unit is going to be on 24/7 and is NOT going to be overclocked (or overclocked very much.)
For your type of use, i believe any CPU with 64bit support and multitasking support is good. Depending on how much you have left to spend at end you decide what velocity to buy. Maybe AMD is a better option in terms of heating and power comsumption as it works with lesser voltages, spends less electricity and produces less heat. Intel already uses DDR2 ram modules which are slightly better in terms of reusing them a couple of years later. Then there is that question that AMD will be changing the cpu slot type in a couple of months or so, but if you buy now with current configuration and assuming it works in the next couple of years, does it really matters?
You should bet from 2GB to 4GB RAM as you do a lot multitasking and compiling. The ram low latency isn't really a need but a good ram modules with heat sinks/dissipators should offer more stability since the system will be up and hot 24/7. Maybe DDR2 should be a better option for you now, despite DDR is still also a good option for this year.
A good motherboard like ASUS or other should have also your focus. Don't save much in here...
Consider buying also an UPS if it fits in your budget.
Looking back at the technology recent history, it changes a lot very fast. So, my personal bet is to buy what i need today, not the state-of-art, and upgrade some components in the following years until i need a brand new PC.
Hope this helps