Desktop CPU Mid-Range

[brendano257]

I'm looking for the best (Low-Midrange) CPU for a computer that will be doing medium load audio-visual stuff life projecting video's onto a large drop down screen. It's replacing an old comp at my church as an audio visual computer. It needs to be able to record audio, show a projection, and display videos through the projector without hitches, the current one occasionally freezes and is on the old side. I'm looking at something like the E2160, but is there any benefit to the higher clocked ones like E2180, and 2200 or is that pretty much as good as it gets for under $100?

The rest of the comp will be something like:

2 GB of some DDR800 $40
GA-Ep35-DS3L $90
Radeon HD 3650 - Asus $70
250 GB Caviar from WD - $60
500 Wat PSU - ~ $40-50
Antec 300 Case - ~ $70

That's pretty much it, anything can help. I'm looking at budget of 500-600$ but closer to $500 is preferred.

-EDIT- Overclocking is not something that should be considered because the last computer has lasted for over 5 years, I'm not at liberty to overclock it because it's not mine, and that can jeprodize longevity no matter how little, It may be overclocked eventually when it's reaching it's end but that's not what I'm looking for at current.

 

[nines-]

2160 can be easily clocked to 3.2ghz and it's a good choice. However, if you want more performance per MHZ, get e400x series and oc to 3ghz. Cache solves

 

[nines-]

I am sorry, I did not read the post till the end first time. E2xxxx SUCK at stock.
1.8 ghz anf 1 mb l2 cache? you kidding me? Get either a e4xxx series or Athlon 5xxxx for that price..

 

[speedbird]

That's not a bad system, but unbalanced considering your intended use and budget. For example an Nvidia 9600GT is a Mid-high range GFX card, so unless your gaming it's a waste of cash. Look for something like a 3650 ATI card because these are cheap, but are great media cards, just hopeless at games. the money you save can go towards a faster C2D CPU.

 

[pauldh]

I was going to comment on the 9600GT as overkill too. Seems someone wants to be able to game on the big screen between services. 😉

 

[brendano257]

Alright so this is what I'm thinking for Vid card, Passive cooling why not.... this machine is on 24/7 so anything that will ensure longevity.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121243

And instead of the E2160.... E7200 Wolfdale, As far as I know 45 nm works with the DS3L, especially with the newer EP35-DS3L the energy saving version.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814121243

Any other suggestions are welcome, I' m thinking an Antec 300 for a case, just the right size, and not to special.

And a WD Caviar 250 GB HD w/ 16mb cache ect for $60 from newegg.

 

[speedbird]

Good choice on the Graphics card and it's one less noisy fan spinning The E7200 from the reviews I have seen is faster than any of the old E4*** series and has the advantage of being more energy efficient, cooler and still at a reasonable price.

 

[jimmysmitty]

I am sorry, I did not read the post till the end first time. E2xxxx SUCK at stock.
1.8 ghz anf 1 mb l2 cache? you kidding me? Get either a e4xxx series or Athlon 5xxxx for that price..

I agree tha a e4x00 or even a E7xxx when it hits. But he can't do AMD as his mobo he picked is a Intel P35 chipset.