Which CPU is the best for my buck?

[elbert]

Hello strangers,

After having had the same computer for the last 6 years, I've finally come to my senses and decided to build a new one. Honestly, other than knowing what general parts are needed and how to put them together- I've been so out of the computer world- that I don't know where to begin with which brands and specific parts to purchase.

I want to build a computer for my basic needs of surfing the web, blogging, and writing emails. I'm not a gamer so it doesn't need to be an uber fast CPU. I was thinking of something around 2GHZ. A friend suggested the Athlon 64 x 2 3800 but it's $150 and considering my budget is $800 for the whole thing including monitor/keyboard/speakers/shipping- $150 seems a lot. Which specific CPU out there is cheap but good quality and is going to last me another 6 years? Or at least until I get an urge to build another shiny computer

Now isnt the best time to buy new tech. Intel and AMD are comming with full quad core CPU's the 3rd quarter of 07. This tech war is great and you will get the best deals and longest lasting CPU's close to the end of this war Intel and AMD have started. This is just one important piece of a system but the fact that Nvidia has a high cost DX10 would make 2 reason for waiting. March is when Nvidia's affordable G84 GPU's come out and maybe ATI's R600. To many things are changing to jump into buying new tech right now. I would only upgrade at the moment.

 

[kmjohnso]

Do you expect them to slow down??? After DX10 cards and quads (which will be expensive at intro, so probably 2008 or later until they're in his budget), why not wait for Fusion processors? 45,32,22nm devices? G90 and R700 Graphics? Now is a fine time to buy. So is later.

 

[SciPunk]

Now isnt the best time to buy new tech. Intel and AMD are comming with full quad core CPU's the 3rd quarter of 07. This tech war is great and you will get the best deals and longest lasting CPU's close to the end of this war Intel and AMD have started.

Huh? You are advising people to wait 7 or 8 months before they build a computer?

This war does not have an end. Jump in when you are ready, willing, and able. The waiting game is a fools errend.

 

[Aero7]

Waiting isn't an option. I need to buy/build a computer now.

I've narrowed down my CPU choices to:

AMD Athlon(TM) 64 3200+ (2.0GHz / 512KB L2 cache)

AMD Athlon(TM) 64 3500+ (2.2GHz / 512KB L2 cache)

AMD Athlon(TM) 64 3800+ (2.4GHz / 512KB L2 cache)

Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 HT Technology enabled 3.0GHz

Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 HT Technology enabled 3.2GHz


Which is best?

Also for a graphics and sound card- considering I'm not a gamer and just planning on using the computer for surfing and emailing, do I need to buy separate cards or can I just get the integrated kind?

 

[mcgruff]

The 3200 is fine. An Nvidia 6150/430 mobo (there are lots to choose from) is exactly what you want. I've got one and it works very well for tv, movies and anything else non-gaming. You'll get great advice here if you're looking for a cutting edge gaming machine. Unfortunately if you're looking for a more modest machine you'll get exactly the same advice.

PS: if you can hook up to a hi-fi you won't regret an m-audio audiophile soundcard. Otherwise onboard will be fine. You won't need the x-fi which I suspect someone is about to recommend.

 

[kmjohnso]

You don't have the budget for a dual core? Those are S AM2? The 3800+ is the best out of those, and you don't need a graphics card or sound card if you buy a 6150/6100 board.

 

[dlmacline]

yeah go dual core man.. so that your PC might last a year or 2.. from what I see adding a couple of bucks from your A64 3800+(single core) budget and going dual core (PD805 or Ax2 3800) might save you a year's worth of PC upgrade

Some cheap AM2 boards have integrated 6100 and 6150 Nvidia graphics. They already have SM 3.0, they are DX 9 compatible and can have 128mb from shared memory. They are low end for gamers but enough for mid-end 3D games, basic applications and its Vista ready.

If your looking for cheap Intel boards with graphics on the other hand they have those with 945g chipsets SM 2.0. Well for me 6100 is better than these but they are enough for email,surfing and even some 3d games

 

[Aero7]

After looking to buy all the parts individually- it ends up being more expensive because I have to buy the software in addition to the parts. So I went to the HP website and customized my own:

AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ dual-core (2.0GHz, 35W)
1GB DDR2-533MHz dual channel SDRAM (2x512)
160GB 7200 rpm SATA hard drive
LightScribe 16X DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti drive
Integrated NVIDIA GeForce 6150 LE
Integrated 7.1 channel sound w/front audio ports

And this includes a free Vista upgrade when it comes out in January plus a 17" LCD flat panel monitor, the keyboard, mouse, XP Media Center, MS Works all for 740 plus tax.

So what do you think?

 

[kmjohnso]

Sounds fine to me.

 

[1Tanker]

After looking to buy all the parts individually- it ends up being more expensive because I have to buy the software in addition to the parts. So I went to the HP website and customized my own:

AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ dual-core (2.0GHz, 35W)
1GB DDR2-533MHz dual channel SDRAM (2x512)
160GB 7200 rpm SATA hard drive
LightScribe 16X DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti drive
Integrated NVIDIA GeForce 6150 LE
Integrated 7.1 channel sound w/front audio ports

And this includes a free Vista upgrade when it comes out in January plus a 17" LCD flat panel monitor, the keyboard, mouse, XP Media Center, MS Works all for 740 plus tax.

So what do you think?

At the end of the day....all that matters is that you're happy with it, and it really doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. GL

 

[SciPunk]

You will be happy w/ that computer. It will do what you want for several years.

 

[funkee1]

you have no idea what you're talking about.

 

[Aero7]

What? Like you know what you're talking about....

 

[Naw-yi]

Hello strangers,

After having had the same computer for the last 6 years, I've finally come to my senses and decided to build a new one. Honestly, other than knowing what general parts are needed and how to put them together- I've been so out of the computer world- that I don't know where to begin with which brands and specific parts to purchase.

I want to build a computer for my basic needs of surfing the web, blogging, and writing emails. I'm not a gamer so it doesn't need to be an uber fast CPU. I was thinking of something around 2GHZ. A friend suggested the Athlon 64 x 2 3800 but it's $150 and considering my budget is $800 for the whole thing including monitor/keyboard/speakers/shipping- $150 seems a lot. Which specific CPU out there is cheap but good quality and is going to last me another 6 years? Or at least until I get an urge to build another shiny computer

check newegg.com for these components:

pentium 4 d 805
asrock duelvsta
existing video card or agp or pci e card that is priced under 75 bucks(no need to spend upwards of that if your not goin to be gamin)
existing harddrive(w/this setup costing u about 175.00 u can get a new hd)

this setup gives you cheap price with a good performace, and a upgrade path.

also, with todays chip makers and the quality of the products comin out, yes if u take care of your rig u will get years out of it.

 

[Aero7]

Okay so I was about to buy the AMD Athlon and I got curious and decided to see how much it would cost if I customized a computer around the Intel processor. And lo and behold- the whole thing is only about 50 bucks more expensive.

The only differences I see are

1) the Intel comes with one stick of RAM which leaves me a free port to upgrade to 2GB if I ever choose to whereas the AMD comes with 2 512s which means if I ever wanted to update, I'd have to buy 2 new sticks of 1GB a piece because there wouldn't be room otherwise.

And 2) the Intel comes with a ATI Radeon Graphics Card whereas AMD comes with nVidia GeForce.

Should I stick with the AMD configuration or is the Intel one a better option?


Intel(R) Core(TM) Duo processor T2050 (1.6GHz)
1GB DDR2-533MHz SDRAM (1x1024)
160GB 7200 rpm SATA hard drive
LightScribe 16X DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti drive
Integrated ATI Radeon Xpress 200M
Integrated 7.1 channel sound w/front audio ports

AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ dual-core (2.0GHz, 35W)
1GB DDR2-533MHz dual channel SDRAM (2x512)
160GB 7200 rpm SATA hard drive
LightScribe 16X DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti drive
Integrated NVIDIA GeForce 6150 LE
Integrated 7.1 channel sound w/front audio ports

 

[Naw-yi]

what motherboard?

also, 800 bucks will get u a dam good system that will be kool for gamin too.

if u look at recommended specs for games and minimum specs, most game have a min. of pentium 4, 2 ghz or equivalent and this is oblivion.

 

[Naw-yi]

Aero7 what is probly the best advise i can give u would be to wait til the after xmas sales or most of all the January 1st 2007 blowout sales then purchase your rig. those 2 days are always the lowest prices of the year.

 

[elbert]

Do you expect them to slow down??? After DX10 cards and quads (which will be expensive at intro, so probably 2008 or later until they're in his budget), why not wait for Fusion processors? 45,32,22nm devices? G90 and R700 Graphics? Now is a fine time to buy. So is later.

Currently quad and DX10 is expensive but 7 months down the road, which was when i stated, the price and performance should be right. Your suggestion of waiting to 2008 isn't good as fusion could be as late as 2009. Now isnt a fine time to buy unless you want your mobo to cripple next years CPU's and are willing to pay a high price for DX10. This is IMO the best choice for the OP as he seems to want a long life for his or her PC.

 

[elbert]

Now isnt the best time to buy new tech. Intel and AMD are comming with full quad core CPU's the 3rd quarter of 07. This tech war is great and you will get the best deals and longest lasting CPU's close to the end of this war Intel and AMD have started.

Huh? You are advising people to wait 7 or 8 months before they build a computer?

This war does not have an end. Jump in when you are ready, willing, and able. The waiting game is a fools errend.
True the war will go on but major tech leaps like quad core, new mobo's, and DX10 at the same time doesnt occure ever decade at the same time. Some of these things I have said can be purchased now but at an extreamly high price. Waiting till R600 and G84 on the GPU side is highly suggested. R600 will force down prices of Nvidias G80 while at the same time the G84 is a cheaper cut down version of the G80. Waiting for Intel and AMD's full quad cores are again highly suggested. Waiting for AMD's AM2+, 1207+, and Intels mobo's for increased thoughput which is needed now for the Q6700 are highly suggested. The OP stated he used his last PC for 6 years so if he wants that much use out of his next PC he will have to wait till after a tech leap. When tech leaps occure 7 or 8 months can easily double the performance and with DX10 new programs will require with in the OP's next 6 years of PC use.

 

[elbert]

Okay so I was about to buy the AMD Athlon and I got curious and decided to see how much it would cost if I customized a computer around the Intel processor. And lo and behold- the whole thing is only about 50 bucks more expensive.

The only differences I see are

1) the Intel comes with one stick of RAM which leaves me a free port to upgrade to 2GB if I ever choose to whereas the AMD comes with 2 512s which means if I ever wanted to update, I'd have to buy 2 new sticks of 1GB a piece because there wouldn't be room otherwise.

And 2) the Intel comes with a ATI Radeon Graphics Card whereas AMD comes with nVidia GeForce.

Should I stick with the AMD configuration or is the Intel one a better option?


Intel(R) Core(TM) Duo processor T2050 (1.6GHz)
1GB DDR2-533MHz SDRAM (1x1024)
160GB 7200 rpm SATA hard drive
LightScribe 16X DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti drive
Integrated ATI Radeon Xpress 200M
Integrated 7.1 channel sound w/front audio ports

AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ dual-core (2.0GHz, 35W)
1GB DDR2-533MHz dual channel SDRAM (2x512)
160GB 7200 rpm SATA hard drive
LightScribe 16X DVD+/-R/RW SuperMulti drive
Integrated NVIDIA GeForce 6150 LE
Integrated 7.1 channel sound w/front audio ports

I would suggest you take a look at the max amount of RAM both can hold. If the motherboard only holds 4GB's that may do you for 3 years at best. Currently motherboards can hold as much as 32GB's and neither of your suggested PSU would hold up when you upgraded the video card. This IMO is the best cheap motherboard on the market and can hold 32GB's of RAM.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813135028
$55.99
Given you only want 1GB now and double that for every 18 months you'll need atleast 8GB's in 5 years and 2 months to stay near the amount RAM your buying today. I'm willing to bet you those 2 systems only hold 4GB's which leaves almost no need for vista which surpasses XP only on the fact of using above 4GB's of RAM. Patriot DDR2 1GB of RAM for $109.99.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16820220088

Dont use 533MHz memory on the X2 AMD's because it cripples them. AMD's need 800MHz memory and 533MHz memory is only advisable on single core AMD's. Heres a good price on a CPU to go with the motherboard.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103735
$130.99

Knowing that in many cases HP makes it impossable to replace they're PSU other than buying from them you will be stuck with you 6150LE for 6 years or be forced to buy new. You can buy a PSU from HP but be ready for a $200 price for that upgrade alone. This is how HP and compaq for that matter makes money. Stay away from these to companys at all costs. Heres a good 7300LE video card which is faster and more compatable.
http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?pfp=BROWSE&N=200105+4294966325&Ne=300752&Ns=display%5Fprice%7C0&product_code=341654&Pn=GeForce_7300_LE_Video_Card
$29.99
Heres a 480Watt Rosewill which is the highest rated PSU on newegg with 100% customer satisfaction for $33.99.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16817182049


Thats under $400 and all you need is an HD, case, and DVD which all 3 can be had for about $100. Use your current OS until vista come out and your set.

 

[mattthenewb]

I think you would save more money by getting a ready-made PC from Dell. They have some good deals. I just got the following setup for under $600 including tax (shipping was free):

AMD 3800+ 2GHz Dual-Core CPU
1GB DDR2 533MHz RAM
Integrated 6150 GeForce GPU
Integrated 7.1 Channel Sound
160GB 7200RPM SATA HDD
SATA DVD-ROM/CD-RW 16x48x16x Optical Drive
17 inch LCD flat-screen monitor
Windows XP Media Center Edition
Standard wired keyboard and mouse
No speakers

I bought some basic Logitech speakers from $10 off tigerdirect.com that are working fine and I plan to get a wireless desktop setup after Christmas when the deals are hot. I also grabbed a 7300 GeForce GPU for $30 on sale. This setup actually came with a free 19 inch LCD monitor but I saved like $60 by downgrading to the 17 inch. Unfortunately this deal isnt around at Dell.com anymore (they change deals and setups wicked fast it seems), but you can get a similar setup (with the next step up in AMD dual-core processors and a free inkjet printer) for $700 right now.

Another great thing about buying a Dell setup right now is that you get Windows XP included for now and a free upgrade to Vista Premium (depending on what version of XP you get) when it comes out, so there's another 100+ bucks saved.