What CPU should I get for a new desktop?

[mikekazik1]

I'm going to have to build up a new desktop. It will be used for:

Surfing the Internet
Video Conversations via Skype
Watching YouTube videos
Sending Emails

I know that it doesn't require a lot of processing power. What type of CPU would you recommend? I would like something with at least 2 cores. What are your suggestions? Would it be better if I installed Windows XP or Windows 7 on the desktop?

 

[JackNaylorPE]

I'd use an i5 as a minimum but for longevity purposes an i7 920 is hardly expensive. @ $280. XP will of course be faster but it's very old and will be losing support in the relatively near future.

 

[mikekazik1]

I'd use an i5 as a minimum but for longevity purposes an i7 920 is hardly expensive. @ $280. XP will of course be faster but it's very old and will be losing support in the relatively near future.

But this PC isn't for gaming. It's for simple tasks. I'm only going to spend about $450 on this computer. The Core i7 and i5 series is out of the question. They are too expensive and have more power than I will need. Keep in mind what this will be used for.

I was thinking about getting an AMD Athlon II X2 240 Regor @ 2.8ghz. It looks like the best processor for the money.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103688

Would that be a good choice?

 

[GhislainG]

Absolutely. Not everybody needs an overclocked i5 or i7.

 

[daggs]

But this PC isn't for gaming. It's for simple tasks. I'm only going to spend about $450 on this computer. The Core i7 and i5 series is out of the question. They are too expensive and have more power than I will need. Keep in mind what this will be used for.

I was thinking about getting an AMD Athlon II X2 240 Regor @ 2.8ghz. It looks like the best processor for the money.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103688

Would that be a good choice?

read the sticky and rephrase the post, then we could help you more

 

[mikekazik1]

read the sticky and rephrase the post, then we could help you more

What additional info do you want? Why don't you just tell me what additional info you want? I already stated what this computer is going to be used for. This is the first computer that I will be putting together, but I am not a moron when it comes to computers. I already know about multithreading, multi-core processors, cache, ram, etc.

The reason why I asked about the cpu is that it will determine if I need a mobo for an AMD processor or a mobo for an Intel processor.

 

[bliq]

You need next to nothing to do what you're asking for. If you're fairly certain that's the extent of what you need a computer for, I'd actually recommend something like an MSI nettop with an atom processor or the cheapest laptop you can find.

 

[warmon6]

You need next to nothing to do what you're asking for. If you're fairly certain that's the extent of what you need a computer for, I'd actually recommend something like an MSI nettop with an atom processor or the cheapest laptop you can find.

As Bliq said you need next to nothing to do what you want. Dual core at the most.

Now whats your budget for a cpu? We maybe able to find a better cpu for your budget.

 

[mikekazik1]

You need next to nothing to do what you're asking for. If you're fairly certain that's the extent of what you need a computer for, I'd actually recommend something like an MSI nettop with an atom processor or the cheapest laptop you can find.

I was actually thinking about one of those, but I'm worried that they will be incredibly slow. Right now, I have an old P4 with a single core processor that runs at 2.2ghz (see specs below). I would say that computer is adequate. But I definitely do not want anything slower. Those atom processors run at 1.6ghz. Would they be faster than my P4? Or would they be slower?

 

[mikekazik1]

As Bliq said you need next to nothing to do what you want. Dual core at the most.

Now whats your budget for a cpu? We maybe able to find a better cpu for your budget.

Ideally, I would like to spend no more than $65 on a cpu (and yes, I will buy from the cheapest online retailer).

 

[godbrother]

But this PC isn't for gaming. It's for simple tasks. I'm only going to spend about $450 on this computer. The Core i7 and i5 series is out of the question. They are too expensive and have more power than I will need. Keep in mind what this will be used for.

I was thinking about getting an AMD Athlon II X2 240 Regor @ 2.8ghz. It looks like the best processor for the money.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103688

Would that be a good choice?

Automaticly, I would reccommend the Intel E5200, but if you want to go with an AMD rig, then the CPU you picked is pretty much the same.

 

[warmon6]

I was actually thinking about one of those, but I'm worried that they will be incredibly slow. Right now, I have an old P4 with a single core processor that runs at 2.2ghz (see specs below). I would say that computer is adequate. But I definitely do not want anything slower. Those atom processors run at 1.6ghz. Would they be faster than my P4? Or would they be slower?

Atoms are slower clock for clock than a P4 at same GHz. This is due to having 512Kb L2 cache on the Atom. P4 has 1mb L2 cache. So no atoms are slower than p4 unless the atom is at like 3 ghz then maybe it would be faster the a p4. (although i never seen an atom that fast :lol: )

update: opps wrong quote. here right one.

Ideally, I would like to spend no more than $65 on a cpu (and yes, I will buy from the cheapest online retailer).

Well after looking around i think you chose the right cpu for what you need.

 

[godbrother]

I was actually thinking about one of those, but I'm worried that they will be incredibly slow. Right now, I have an old P4 with a single core processor that runs at 2.2ghz (see specs below). I would say that computer is adequate. But I definitely do not want anything slower. Those atom processors run at 1.6ghz. Would they be faster than my P4? Or would they be slower?

If your useing a Pentium 4 @ 2.2Ghz, then I'm guessing its on a socket 478 with like... 333mhz FSB.

I'm currently useing a: Pentium 4 3.2Ghz - Hyper Threading - 2MB cache - 800Mhz FSB - 65nm

This CPU is the best for what you need to use it for, as I am a power user and have close to 5-6 applications running at the same time and it only uses 30% of the CPU. Hell, I can even play CoD4 on this CPU with the 8600GT and recive 60FPS+ on medium.

Trust me, go onto ebay, and pick it up for $15. That is of course your only going to be useing it for the appliactions you posted. Right now I can run Photoshop CS4, AVG, Limewire, uTorrent, Firefox, MSN, Word 2003 + many more all back to back and currently only useing 23% of the CPU with all these on.

Go with a LGA775 motherboard, that has DDR2 and a PCI-e expansion for future upgrading, then buy a cheap P4 HT of ebay for 10 - 15 bucks. Well worth it for high-end gaming in the future, as you already have the board for it.

Edit: Also get 2GB of DDR2 Ram @ 800Mhz for another $15 of ebay as it will run like a charm with this CPU.

 

[warmon6]

If your useing a Pentium 4 @ 2.2Ghz, then I'm guessing its on a socket 478 with like... 333mhz FSB.

I'm currently useing a: Pentium 4 3.2Ghz - Hyper Threading - 2MB cache - 800Mhz FSB - 65nm

This CPU is the best for what you need to use it for, as I am a power user and have close to 5-6 applications running at the same time and it only uses 30% of the CPU. Hell, I can even play CoD4 on this CPU with the 8600GT and recive 60FPS+ on medium.

Trust me, go onto ebay, and pick it up for $15. That is of course your only going to be useing it for the appliactions you posted. Right now I can run Photoshop CS4, AVG, Limewire, uTorrent, Firefox, MSN, Word 2003 + many more all back to back and currently only useing 23% of the CPU with all these on.

Go with a LGA775 motherboard, that has DDR2 and a PCI-e expansion for future upgrading, then buy a cheap P4 HT of ebay for 10 - 15 bucks. Well worth it for high-end gaming in the future, as you already have the board for it.

Well you have nearly the same cpu as i have Although i have 478 pin cpu and it running at 2.8 ghz. it running at 800 fsb.

As for games. My most intensive game is Assassin creed. Have a AGP GT 6200. (although have to run low settings to play it.)

 

[godbrother]

Well you have nearly the same cpu as i have

tut tu tut Now you know my CPU would whop your CPU's ass

My current rig for day-2-day use: (and I'm a power user)

CPU: Pentium 4 3.2Ghz - HT - 2MB cache - 65nm
RAM: 2GB DDR2 800Mhz Crucial Ram
GPU: 8600GTS 256MB DDR3

^^ Plays games like CoD4 very well, I'm really not a gamer, as it's never been my thing. But when it comes down to it, my baby can juice any game I desire to play. <3

 

[warmon6]

yeah i know. That dd2 ram, gpu, and higher cpu will beat mine.

 

[daggs]

you want a complete set, what does it includes? monitor? keyboard? mouse?

 

[jedimasterben]

Here's a complete build, including monitor, mouse, keyboard, and speakers.

Case: A nice, basic Rosewill mATX case. It's small, but big enough to fit your motherboard and everything. $30 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147112

CPU: AMD Athlon II X2 240 2.8GHz; The same one you picked out, inexpensive, and perfect for your application. $60 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103688

Motherboard: ECS A780GM-M3; A basic AM2/+/AM3 board, with integrated graphics capable of decoding HD video. $60 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813135233

RAM: Wintec 2x1GB DDR2-800; 2GB will be plenty enough for you. $25 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820161030

HDD: 160GB Western Digital SATA hard drive. $40 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136075

DVD: LG 20x SATA drive. $29 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136167

PSU: Coolmax CX-400B 400w; I've had no problems out of these PSU's before, and it's plenty enough power for what you need. $30 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817159023

Mouse/Keyboard: Microsoft Wireless Standard Optical Desktop 700 v2; $20 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823109182

Speakers: Logitech LS21; Nice, basic speaker/subwoofer set. These are blue, however, they're also available in green, black, and pink. $30 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836121028

Monitor: Sceptre X20WG-NagaII; 20.1" widescreen 1680x1050 DVI monitor; nice, high resolution, good looking, too. $110 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824112013



With shipping (depending on where you are. I'm in a little town in Florida, so your mileage will vary), it should come to around $480.

This build would suit your needs for a long time.

Good luck!

 

[jedimasterben]

And here's a DVI cable; I forgot it on that last post, but it's still included in that $480 price. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16812226011

 

[godbrother]

Here's a complete build, including monitor, mouse, keyboard, and speakers.

Case: A nice, basic Rosewill mATX case. It's small, but big enough to fit your motherboard and everything. $30 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811147112

CPU: AMD Athlon II X2 240 2.8GHz; The same one you picked out, inexpensive, and perfect for your application. $60 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103688

Motherboard: ECS A780GM-M3; A basic AM2/+/AM3 board, with integrated graphics capable of decoding HD video. $60 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813135233

RAM: Wintec 2x1GB DDR2-800; 2GB will be plenty enough for you. $25 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820161030

HDD: 160GB Western Digital SATA hard drive. $40 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136075

DVD: LG 20x SATA drive. $29 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16827136167

PSU: Coolmax CX-400B 400w; I've had no problems out of these PSU's before, and it's plenty enough power for what you need. $30 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817159023

Mouse/Keyboard: Microsoft Wireless Standard Optical Desktop 700 v2; $20 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823109182

Speakers: Logitech LS21; Nice, basic speaker/subwoofer set. These are blue, however, they're also available in green, black, and pink. $30 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16836121028

Monitor: Sceptre X20WG-NagaII; 20.1" widescreen 1680x1050 DVI monitor; nice, high resolution, good looking, too. $110 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824112013



With shipping (depending on where you are. I'm in a little town in Florida, so your mileage will vary), it should come to around $480.

This build would suit your needs for a long time.

Good luck!

+1 from me!

BUT, instead of the case/monitor/keyboard mouse combo, he should get himself the Phenom II X4 or somthing, or the Q6600. He most probbally owns a case/monitor etc.

 

[Dirty_Barry]

yes

 

[Dirty_Barry]

yes

 

[jedimasterben]

+1 from me!

BUT, instead of the case/monitor/keyboard mouse combo, he should get himself the Phenom II X4 or somthing, or the Q6600. He most probbally owns a case/monitor etc.

Even so, he's not going to see the difference, as he isn't doing anything intensive enough to stress a quad.

 

[mikekazik1]

Even so, he's not going to see the difference, as he isn't doing anything intensive enough to stress a quad.

You are right, I won't be doing anything quad intensive with it. Quad core would be over the top for my purposes (since this desktop will only serve the most basic of functions). I've done some more surfing on newegg and there are four cpus that I narrowed my search down to.

There's the AMD Athlon II X2 240 Regor 2.8ghz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103688

The Intel Celeron E3200 Wolfdale 2.4ghz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116265

Intel Pentium E5200 Wolfdale 2.5ghz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116072

Right now, I'm leaning towards the AMD Athlon since it has the highest clock speed. Out of all of the processors listed, is that the fastest one? Or do the intel processors listed hear outperform it?

 

[warmon6]

You are right, I won't be doing anything quad intensive with it. Quad core would be over the top for my purposes (since this desktop will only serve the most basic of functions). I've done some more surfing on newegg and there are four cpus that I narrowed my search down to.

There's the AMD Athlon II X2 240 Regor 2.8ghz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103688

The Intel Celeron E3200 Wolfdale 2.4ghz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116265

Intel Pentium E5200 Wolfdale 2.5ghz
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116072

Right now, I'm leaning towards the AMD Athlon since it has the highest clock speed. Out of all of the processors listed, is that the fastest one? Or do the intel processors listed hear outperform it?

Well here some benchmarks of each cpu. (from passmark)

Athlon II x2 240 (score 1,541)
http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu_lookup.php?cpu=AMD+Athlon+II+X2+240

Celeron E3200 Wolfdale 2.4 ghz (score 1,312)
http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu_lookup.php?cpu=Intel+Celeron+E3200+%40+2.40GHz

pentium E5200 2.5 ghz ( 1,223)
http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu_lookup.php?cpu=Intel+Pentium+E5200+%40+2.50GHz


Now you can only take bench marks so far but these are to give you an idea of how powerfull the cpus are. Also these scores are close to each other That you may not even notice the difference between each other.