Foundation of a New Build

[TBSN]

Hey all,
I'm thinking about building a new computer, but it seems a lot has changed since last I've researched computer hardware. These things change quickly. The last time I checked, AMD was clearly the best processor for gaming and performance, but it seems that Intel is just as popular. Is this true? What are some of the advantages of the new Intel CPU's over AMD's AM2 Athalon x64 X2 line? If I were to go with an Intel-based computer, what chipset is generally regarded as the best, or does Intel exclusively make chip-sets for their processors?

Any help would be greatly appreciated, it's been a long time since I've been update on this topic...

P.S.: What are the differences between the Intel Core 2 Duo Processors, i.e. how are they designated? (AMD has 4400+, 5200+, etc.)

 

[myocardia]

Athlon 64 X2's are faster than Pentium processors. Core 2 Duo processors are faster than A64 X2's. And they're designated like all processors (these days): the higher the number, the faster it runs, at stock speed.

 

[TBSN]

It seems the majority of people here are going into over-clocking. What CPU would you suggest for someone who does not want to OC, or at least not at first?

 

[lyssword]

core 2 duo 6400

 

[TBSN]

What are the advantages of an Intel C2D over an AMD X2?

 

[NuAlphaMan]

How about you do some research?:thumbsup:

 

[TBSN]

That's what I'm trying to do... Please excuse my ignorance. If anyone could point out some resources where I could find this kind of info, it would be greatly appreciated.....

 

[sdsdv10]

Originally posted by: TBSN
That's what I'm trying to do... Please excuse my ignorance. If anyone could point out some resources where I could find this kind of info, it would be greatly appreciated.....

Check out these Anandtech articles to get started.
http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2795

http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2802

http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2855

http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2869

You can also read some of the threads at xtreme system (XS);

http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=59

To answer some of your questions posted above, the Core 2 Duo (Conroe) comes in four flavors labeled in order of increasing performance E6300, E6400, E6600 and E6700. There is also the ~$1000 extreme edition (EE) X6800.

If have read things correctly, when Conroe launched the price equivalent chips (meaning CPUs which cost the same for either Intel or AMD) were faster for Intel. However, AMD seems to have further dropped the price to bring about a price/performance parity. So the one big advantage the Intel Conroe has over the X2s is OC. You can find examples of the inexpensive E6300 and E6400 OCing above the ~$1000 Intel EE chip. Good bang for the buck as they say. I don't have any direct experience, but if you plan to game and OC the build, C2D is the way to go.


On edit: I forgot about motherboards. At launch primarly the Intel 975 and then later the 965 and nvidia nForce 5xx series supported C2D. The 975 seemed to OC better but were very expensive (>$200). The 965 seem to OC Ok, but were generally less than $200. nvidia is just getting ready to launch their new chipset/board to support C2D. There is some reviews at Anandtech.
http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2869

http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2851

http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2786

 

[TBSN]

Wow, thanks a lot. This will really get me on track... I'll check out those links. Thanks,
--B

 

[harpoon84]

Originally posted by: sdsdv10
On edit: I forgot about motherboards. At launch primarly the Intel 975 and then later the 965 and nvidia nForce 5xx series supported C2D. The 975 seemed to OC better but were very expensive (>$200). The 965 seem to OC Ok, but were generally less than $200. nvidia is just getting ready to launch their new chipset/board to support C2D. There is some reviews at Anandtech.

Actually, the P965 boards are better at overclocking than the 975X boards.

The best P965 boards can exceed 500MHz FSB, while you'd be lucky to get 450MHz FSB on the 975X.

However, the latest 680i chipset from nVidia trumps even the P965 for overclocking, but is rather expensive, even more so than 975X boards!

 

[sdsdv10]

Originally posted by: harpoon84
Actually, the P965 boards are better at overclocking than the 975X boards.

Thanks for the correction, I was going from memory on what I though was Anand's results from his OC article, but I didn't have time to reread. I hope the OP finds the info he needs [assuming "he" is in fact a he ]

 

[hardwareking]

if u want performance and don't mind paying for it go down the core 2 duo route.Their chipsets and processors are more expensive but it gives performance and features.
If u go the AMD AM2 x2 route u get similar performance(depending on what u buy) but the build will be cheaper due to cheaper chipsets and procs.
If u don't mind spending,get a core 2 duo E6400 and a nvidia 680i based motherboard.P965 boards are good too.

 

[VooDooAddict]

EDIT: Sorry this post probably isn't terribly informative ... I was writing it while doing something else and looking back on it it's really just soft opinion without any backed up fact ... I'm deleting most of it but leaving the raw opinion.

Comes down to what you want to do with it and budget ... What is your budget? Do you want integrated graphics? Do you want SLI? Gaming? Video Editing?

Here's the general recoendations without really knowing your requirements.

- If you are a tight budget and want a modern dual-core system good for gaming and other all around tasks the AMD 3800+ X2 (or Opteron 165) is a safe choice for low cost and excelent performance.

- If your buget is more flexible an Intel Core 2 Duo E6300 or E6400 on a P965 with mild overclocking will offer you tremendous value and bang for the $$.

- If budget is tight AND you DO NOT want to do any heavy modern gaming. Maybe just load up some older titles (Unreal Tournament 2004 and prior) and play small and web based games (like Bejewled). The Pentium D 805 is not a CPU to be passed on. General desktop use is very snappy and motherboards can be found for dirt cheep.

 

[TBSN]

Thanks for all the replies. While I'm still doing research, I am leaning towards a Core 2 duo setup with either a 6400 or a 6600. The reason I would choose the latter is because I would want this system to serve me for a while, and the 4mb cache seems to boost the performance. As far as the core speed is concerned, It seems from the articles I read that an ambitious overclocker could make even the 6300 get up to really high speeds. I am not experienced with overclocking, and plan on doing mild overclocking at most...

As far as the chipset is concerned, I'm trying to decide between Nvidia's new 680i or one of the Intels (basically, do I want to go SLI or not...)...

How about the Nvidia 590, that was made with the 775 socket as well, right?

 

[VooDooAddict]

The Nvidia 680i chipsets for Core 2 Duo overclock well in reviews. Though not many people have gotten thier hands on the boards so the overclocking potential is mainly based on review boards. The Nvidia 590 doesn't overclock well, I can't speak for it's stock reliability/performance.