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?

 

[mikekazik1]

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!

Is there another mobo that I could possibly use? I checked out the reviews on that one and they weren't that good. A lot of people complained that they received a defective motherboard.

 

[godbrother]

For your needs? The most cheapest motherboard on NewEgg. Seriously, a quailty motherboard is useless to you for your needs. Go for the cheapest one.

 

[mikekazik1]

For your needs? The most cheapest motherboard on NewEgg. Seriously, a quailty motherboard is useless to you for your needs. Go for the cheapest one.

But a lot of people complained in the review section that it failed quickly of was dead on arrival. I don't want an absolute piece of junk that I will have to ship back.

 

[JofaMang]

I don't trust Newegg reviews. Too many people are too stupid about PC building to trust a wiki-like review sectiion. That said, I don't trust ECS, as I have seen them fail more than any other amongst friends and family.

There are better alternatives for just a few more dollars:

The free shipping helps:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128394&cm_re=gigabyte_am2%2b-_-13-128-394-_-Product

I have used Gigabyte boards for years, and they have never failed me. I would recommend the one I am using now (reliable Overclocker, so surely would be reliable in day to day use), but this was the replacement, and the 780g isn't available from newegg anymore.

 

[warmon6]

Ah yes Gigabyte motherboards are very good. Still using a the gigabyte GA-8IPE1000 Pro2 (useing intels p4 487 socket cpu). Its so far lasted me 5 years almost 6 (and counting).

 

[godbrother]

I'm on a Gigabye G31 motherboard. They are the best MicroATX Motherboards I have ever owned in my life. One of the best overclockers too I think it beats most gaming motherboards in my opinion. And I picked mine up for $35USD refurbished. (£20.)

It supports 1333FSB (1600OC) and 1066FSB RAM. PCI-e 2.0 etc etc. As I said, very good board.

 

[alyoshka]

For the uses of the computer you mentioned....... do you really need a power hungry desktop?????
I would suggest pickup on of them Net-tops or Atom processor laptops..... well within the budget and if you felt you needed a bigger screen...... buy a big LCD and connect it to the Video out of these new things...... will save you a lotta money

 

[Raidur]

@mikekazik1

Yeah, the E5200 is the strongest of the processors you are picking from warmon6's benchmarks are flawed (or just amd friendly). It beats the AMD 240 at stock clocks (with a 300mhz handicap for intel) and it tends to OC a little higher as well. Both chips are great but the E5200 is the better chip, and probably what I'd go for. Then when you want to upgrade you can just add an extra 1.5ghz OC and BAM!

Either way you'll be happy.

 

[ryohei]

intel is better clock for clock, and the e5200 is amazing at overclocking

 

[blackhawk1928]

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?

A Pentium 4 or pentium D will excel for those needs, dont get i5 or i7, its overkill for your needs. There is no need for one of those CPU's in this system. I personally recommend getting a good deal on a desktop at dell.com<they have really good deals for cheap PC's.

 

[ryohei]

its hard to find a new p4 now, i think either am2 or 775 are the ones he should be looking at

 

[godbrother]

A Pentium 4 or pentium D will excel for those needs, dont get i5 or i7, its overkill for your needs. There is no need for one of those CPU's in this system. I personally recommend getting a good deal on a desktop at dell.com<they have really good deals for cheap PC's.

Or he could go onto Ebay and pick up a used Pentium 4/D PC for around hundred bucks. I picked up a Pentium D 820 PC for 80 bucks + postage. It came with the useall 1GB DDR2 and a basic PCI-e card. All upgradable for cheap. handles Windows 7/Vista/XP flaslessly.

 

[JofaMang]

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?

Gigabyte 785g, one of the best onboard video units available: 89.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128395

Athlon II 240 x2, 2.8ghz dual core: 62.99 free shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103688

4gb DDR2 800 OCZ memory: 62.99 free shipping
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227269

This would be all the system you would need, and would keep you doing what you are doing for quite some time. XP should be able to do everything you need it to, but Windows 7 is looking to be a damn good OS, and may finally take XP out to the shed, heh. Your choice really.