best CPU for NON OC

[rappy]

Well I am forced into a new computer allot faster then I wanted. My MB fried, and screwed up my HD (at least thats what they are telling me). So now I am not sure if I should go with a midrange conroe(E6400) or AM2(4600). I am not into OC'g so what I get is what it will be. I will be using it for general use - internet surfing, simple spread sheets, music, basic Photoshop editing and basic video editing. Even though I am price conscious (Just purchased a Honda Aquatrax F-12X TURBO PWC- that hurts) but I dont want to skimp out now to just end up upgrading 6 mo from now. I also will need a new HD, memory (2 gig), MB (need reccomendation on that is well), video card (leaning towards 7600GT), and monitor (replace my HUGE 19 CRT). Basically a WHOLE NEW rig. So, what would be the least difficult to build, and that would meet my needs (and yes I know that is a VERY open ended question). And If its AMD, will someone like me (not a huge gamer or tweeker) miss out on all the hype that conroe is right now?


ps - I am leaning towards AM2 4600

Thanks in advance,
Rappy

 

[Pabster]

Considering even the low-end Conroe's spank the high-end X2's, I think the choice is obvious.

But if you don't want to replace your core hardware, an X2 is a pretty good value right now.

 

[Cheex]

For a processor: get a Pentium D 915.....
The C1 stepping makes it run cool and at 2.8 GHz stock, dual core...
really not that bad if u can't afford Conroe.

 

[Markfw]

The Conroe is not available yet widely (if at all), but it would be viable if you could find one. Since you won't be OC'ing, not only will your parts work (I assume you have DDR?), and due to inexspensive AM2 boards widely available, that is a good choice.

Yes, Conroe would be a little faster.......when you can get one, and for what price...

Edit: And the 915 doesn;t run anywhere as cool as the X2 4600 or the Conroe, forget that option.....

 

[Kwint Sommer]

Originally posted by: rappy
I am not into OC'g so what I get is what it will be.

If you had a nice, powerful 200HP Ford Mustang and you could put on a little larger carborator, improve the exhaust system and stick some platinum spark plugs in and just with that you would get an extra 120HP and the car would last for years why wouldn't you? You don't have to have 320HP; 200HP is plenty for any normal driving conditions and will let you hit the highest legal speeds but lets be honest if, for $1000 extra, you could make your already expensive Mustang do so much more you would. Why then buy a nice CPU and not spend an extra $50 on a high quality motherboard that would let you OC by 30%-60%?


At the moment mediocre AM2 boards are cheaper but they require more expensive RAM.

 

[Cheex]

i understand that the Pentium D (netburst) was a "failed" mission by intel and that Core 2 Duo is better but why is everybody bashing the Pentium D's ??

They are cheap...give them a break (i bought one....).

 

[dexvx]

Originally posted by: Markfw900
Edit: And the 915 doesn;t run anywhere as cool as the X2 4600 or the Conroe, forget that option.....

Oh I beg to differ:

http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/cpu/display/core2duo-shootout_11.html

P-D 915, 94W
X2-3800, 82W
X2-4600, 96W
E6300, 44W
E6800X, 66W

915 doesnt run near as cool as any Conroe, but it certainly runs cooler than the X2-4600, and not that far off from the X2-3800.

Originally posted by: Kwint Sommer
At the moment mediocre AM2 boards are cheaper but they require more expensive RAM.

False, cheapest 965 board is an MSI one from less than $100. The Intel 965 board is now $110:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16813121035

 

[Markfw]

If he is not OC'ing, any DDR2 memory will be fine, the same memory required for Conroe, not an issue.

 

[Markfw]

Originally posted by: dexvx

Originally posted by: Markfw900
Edit: And the 915 doesn;t run anywhere as cool as the X2 4600 or the Conroe, forget that option.....

Oh I beg to differ:

http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/cpu/display/core2duo-shootout_11.html

P-D 915, 94W
X2-3800, 82W
X2-4600, 96W
E6300, 44W
E6800X, 66W

915 doesnt run near as cool as any Conroe, but it certainly runs cooler than the X2-4600, and not that far off from the X2-3800.

I will believe that when I see it in person.....

 

[Cheex]

Originally posted by: dexvx

Originally posted by: Markfw900
Edit: And the 915 doesn;t run anywhere as cool as the X2 4600 or the Conroe, forget that option.....

Oh I beg to differ:

http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/cpu/display/core2duo-shootout_11.html

P-D 915, 94W
X2-3800, 82W
X2-4600, 96W
E6300, 44W
E6800X, 66W

915 doesnt run near as cool as any Conroe, but it certainly runs cooler than the X2-4600, and not that far off from the X2-3800.

thank you dexvx...i was starting to wonder in my little knowledge was being undermined.

 

[dexvx]

Originally posted by: Markfw900

Originally posted by: dexvx

Originally posted by: Markfw900
Edit: And the 915 doesn;t run anywhere as cool as the X2 4600 or the Conroe, forget that option.....

Oh I beg to differ:

http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/cpu/display/core2duo-shootout_11.html

P-D 915, 94W
X2-3800, 82W
X2-4600, 96W
E6300, 44W
E6800X, 66W

915 doesnt run near as cool as any Conroe, but it certainly runs cooler than the X2-4600, and not that far off from the X2-3800.

That is TDP, and Intel measures it differently than AMD. The 8xx series is garbage, and the 9xx is not much better, and I wish people would stop defending them.

Nope, thats not TDP:

As always, we used a special S&M utility to measure the maximum power consumption (you can download this utility here). We measured the current that goes through the CPU power circuitry. So, the numbers given below do not take into account the efficiency of the CPU voltage regulator laid out on the mainboard.

And I would agree with you there. The E6300 has a 65W TDP and consumes almost HALF the power as the 89W TDP X2-3800. You have to realize that there is a huge difference between C1 and B1 stepping 9xx processors, upwards of 30% power consumption reduction.

 

[Markfw]

Ok, I saw that and edited my post. But is also does not tak into account the norhtbrige memory controller that Intel requires.

And Even if it is 2 wattts less power consumption, the 4600 will blow it away in performance at stock.

 

[GuitarDaddy]

Based on your stated usage of your computer, I would pick up a cheap sempron cpu/mobo combo for less than $100 or a low end A64 single core combo for just a little more. That would suit your current needs just fine, then in 6+ months or so if you want to build a conroe based rig availability/dependability/price should be much better by then

 

[inveterate]

Why buy a Fast Proc if u don't OC. it will only really last you a year and a half MAYBE two any how with the way tech is moving... NOT OCing when u are a member of THIS FORUM is WEAKKKK.. get some ballz.. Most of the OCs done are reliable and sustainable for the duration ur piece of hardware is NOT OUT OF DATE.. so commonnn,, commonnnn