12 gb of Ram OR better processor?

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codestar4

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I posted this elsewhere, but realized it was in the wrong category..

I'm building a new computer, with this motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130560 It's an MSI 760GM-P35. (AM3)

The motherboard supports up to 16gb of ram, divided into 4 dimms. (DDR3)

Since I'm on a budget, I was thinking about these two options..

4Gb x3 & AMD Phenom II x4 840 3.2 Ghz L2 Cache 512x4 kb

~OR~

4Gb x2 & AMD Phenom II x4 955 3.2 Ghz L2 Cache 512x4 kb L3 Cache 6mb

What should I do.. I'm thinking 8 Gb & the better processor, cause I can always upgrade the ram..
 
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codestar4

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If that is true, then why would there be an AMD motherboard with 4 dimms? I'm probably going to get the 2 4gigs, but now I'm confused?
 
hunter315

hunter315

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Because its meant for two pairs of sticks, same reason there are X58 boards with 6 dimms, two 3x2GB or 3x4GB kits. If you use 3 sticks on any other system it will run in single channel mode, cutting the bandwidth down to that of a single stick rather than two sticks running in parallel. For any motherboard except for X58 boards, memory should be installed in pairs of matching sticks.
 
hameem 1

hameem 1

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the 4 GB and phenom ii x4 955 is way much better than getting 12GB ram , its wasting you money =====================================================
 
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codestar4

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Alright.. Now I have another question.. I've got more funds coming up.. Should I use this on a better processor, or a budget gpu? I'm thinking about $50
 
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codestar4

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I already have my other parts.. I have about $170 for processor&GPU.. should I get an awesome processor, or a budget gpu, and a great cpu?
 
ScrewySqrl

ScrewySqrl

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ok. for $170 you can get a middling CPU and a middling GPU. Great GPUs start around $160.

You could get a 5670 for about $65 anbd an Athlon II X4 640 for $100, or an Athlon II X3 445 for $75 and a GTS 450 for about $100.
 
finn281175

finn281175

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Unless your doing a lot of video editing/encoding etc then you dont really need more than 4-6gb of ram. If your main aim for this rig is gaming then you should always go for gpu over cpu. If you intend to use it more for web browsing/multitasking programs etc then you can afford to spend a little more on your cpu and a little less on your gpu.
 
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codestar4

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I don't have anything else, this is a new build.. I've decided to get 2x4gb of RAM. Now I'm deciding on a processor.
I have the hard drive, & motherboard is posted above.
I think I might wait on a gpu, and just buy a cpu for now..
What's a good gpu for just a little bit of gaming, and some 3d cad? Hopefully for less than $100 or so.
 
zooted

zooted

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I already have my other parts.. I have about $170 for processor&GPU.. should I get an awesome processor, or a budget gpu, and a great cpu?
Click to expand...
I guess this is where I got confused. http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/261222-31-build-advice fill this out, and list the parts that you already have picked out, we will be able to help you out much easier that way.
 
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