Help me pick, 500-700 for MOBO, CPU, RAM

[Stiganator]

Here are the stipulations.

I would like something with EFI. I am thinking Presler core is what I should be looking at. I know some of the Intel boards support EFI, but do any from ASUS, Gigabyte, AOpen etc also support them since they use simlar 945G chipsets?

Can you help me out guys?

Also, it is going to run mostly normal day stuff, IM, Office, web, some games (WoW occasionally) but also some video editing and authoring software. I would like the option of rendering as I tinker as well.

 

[gnumantsc]

I got my ASRock 939 Uli board with X2 3800+ and 2GB of ram for $650 cdn which is like $600 US. I wouldn't go Intel or what you were looking at Elvis Presler cuz the new King is AMD

 

[Stiganator]

Well the 945G chipset is compatible with certain projects I'm interested in

 

[stevty2889]

As far as I know, the only boards using EFI right now are in apples..I don't think there are any PC motherboards that are using EFI yet, since windows is incompatible with it..

EDIT: Although it does appear the 64bit version of windows is compatible with EFI. Still haven't seen any PC motherboards that have EFI however.

 

[Tostada]

If you're looking for dual-core (which you should be if you want to render while doing other things), the Pentium D is pretty grossly inferior to the Athlon X2. The only time it's really even close is with the cheapest $262 Presler (Pentium D 920), which is about the same speed as the $295 Athlon X2 3800+. The Presler still uses significantly more power and gets hotter, even though it's a 65nm process.

I'm no Intel basher, but when you come out with a 2.8 GHz CPU with 2 x 2MB cache and it can still barely keep up with AMDs previous-generation 2.0 GHz CPU with 2 x 512K cache, it might be time to rethink your architecture.

Anyway, it's my understanding that EFI isn't on any mainstream motherboards yet because Windows isn't going to support it until Vista. EFI isn't really that big a deal to the end user. Do you have some kind of crazy Linux idea that absolutely needs EFI?

 

[Tostada]

Also, you haven't given nearly enough information to actually recommend parts to you.

Do you really need EFI? Then you may be SOL.

Would you be happy with AMD or do you just want Intel suggestions?

Do you want to overclock or not?

Do you care at all about video? Do you want integrated video? Do you want to reuse your old AGP video card?

Do you need 1394 on your motherboard since you mentioned video editing?

 

[stevty2889]

Originally posted by: Tostada
If you're looking for dual-core (which you should be if you want to render while doing other things), the Pentium D is pretty grossly inferior to the Athlon X2. The only time it's really even close is with the cheapest $262 Presler (Pentium D 920), which is about the same speed as the $295 Athlon X2 3800+. The Presler still uses significantly more power and gets hotter, even though it's a 65nm process.

I'm no Intel basher, but when you come out with a 2.8 GHz CPU with 2 x 2MB cache and it can still barely keep up with AMDs previous-generation 2.0 GHz CPU with 2 x 512K cache, it might be time to rethink your architecture.

Anyway, it's my understanding that EFI isn't on any mainstream motherboards yet because Windows isn't going to support it until Vista. EFI isn't really that big a deal to the end user. Do you have some kind of crazy Linux idea that absolutely needs EFI?

My overclocked Presler is keeping up surprisingly well with my overclocked X2..however like you said it does still run warmer. While I would never recomend an 8xx series, the 920 is a pretty good option for bang for the buck for overclocking. If not overclocking, then the X2 is better hands down.

 

[jonnythan]

OS X?

I just installed 10.4.3 on my Athlon

 

[Stiganator]

Jonnyboy here is hitting close to the mark.

 

[Stiganator]

I must say I have been turned. I find I am much more efficient on the X as opposed to XP. The applications are great, it looks nice, and I don't get a lot of bloat or distractionware. I also think the software will increase a lot with x86 switch.

 

[Stiganator]

bump

 

[d3lt4]

for the memory $195
for the cpu opteron 165 if you plan to overclock. $330
If not the 3800 x2 $300
For mobo I would get DFI lanparty UT NF4 Ultra D $130
or their SLI-DR if you plan or have two graphics cards. $168
or crossfire edition if you want 2 ATI cards
That is w/out shipping only newegg links but u can get them about the same price at zzf with no shipping costs if you want. That equals about $650. that leaves $50 to buy your mom something nice for mothers day.

 

[Tostada]

Originally posted by: jonnythan
OS X?

I just installed 10.4.3 on my Athlon

Well, obviously you don't need EFI for that.

Originally posted by: Stiganator
I must say I have been turned. I find I am much more efficient on the X as opposed to XP. The applications are great, it looks nice, and I don't get a lot of bloat or distractionware. I also think the software will increase a lot with x86 switch.

Be careful what you wish for. The more popular it gets, the more software increases, the more bloat and distractionware and general annoyance and abuse increases.

Originally posted by: Stiganator
bump

Why are you bumping the thread when you can't even be bothered to answer a few simple questions about what you're looking for?

You're only going to get answers from ppl like d3lt4 who love to throw together little parts lists with no regard for what someone actually wants.