Last week, Fry's had a great deal for an AMD Phenom II X3 720BE + Biostar 760g mobo for $159.99. As I usually do, I just went over to the store and printed out myself a quote/raincheck and waited till this weeks deals came out to compare before making the final purchase. There's one deal for an E5200 + MSI G31 mobo for $79.99.
Now I know the 720BE will blow the e5200 out of the water but I'm thinking for an extra $80, if it's worth it. Would I be better served to just get the e5200 combo and spend that extra $80 on a better graphics card? This build is for my brother's gaming needs btw (Simcity/sims games, COD4, L4D, Diablo 3/SC2?)
He currently has an ATI 3870 that he is decently happy with but I think he'd be better off if he upgraded his card to something like a 4770/4830.
I know the 720be is a bit more future proof, and he can probably just upgrade his video card when he feels it's not powerful enough (like when d3 comes out) but an e5200/g31 combo for $80 seems like a real steal and it's hard to pass up on. Thoughts people?
Now I know the 720BE will blow the e5200 out of the water but I'm thinking for an extra $80, if it's worth it. Would I be better served to just get the e5200 combo and spend that extra $80 on a better graphics card? This build is for my brother's gaming needs btw (Simcity/sims games, COD4, L4D, Diablo 3/SC2?)
He currently has an ATI 3870 that he is decently happy with but I think he'd be better off if he upgraded his card to something like a 4770/4830.
I know the 720be is a bit more future proof, and he can probably just upgrade his video card when he feels it's not powerful enough (like when d3 comes out) but an e5200/g31 combo for $80 seems like a real steal and it's hard to pass up on. Thoughts people?