hey welcome to IW!!
actually hyperthreading is really faster than the usual computers.. (but it is expensive..) i do know that your right about certain things that hyperthreading makes it slower (but andrewas can make it more specific
)
also athlon does not suck.. the previous problems of overheating has already been solved and they are developing good qualities nowadays with good motherboards to go with it. when it comes to speed.. well they are slower a little.. and they have already started competing with hyperthreading as well.
so.. may i ask what are your specifications really? like price range.. video card quality, sound.. hard drive space.. things like that..
also check out
http://www.tomshardware.com/
they have good reviews about hardware parts if ever your going to need one. good luck!