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Help on New Build...

H

hondaf17

Senior member
So I'm building a new computer. Problem is I've been out of it for over a year, and haven't stayed as caught up on the technolgoy as I was before. I've got a few parts picked out, and would like your feedback on performance and compatability. My budget is $900 and the PC will be used for everday purposes (e-mail, internet, office 2007, some gaming). I know I want AMD (my last build was socket 939 so I need help on this AM2 stuff) and thanks in advance for your suggestions!

Processor - AMD X2 5200+ - $229

Mobo - Epox NForce4 Ultra AM2 - $83

RAM - A-DATA 2GB (2x1GB) 800 DDR2 - $170

HDD - WD Caviar 16MB Cache 250GB SATA II - $75

PSU - FSP Forton Source 500 W - $75

Video Card - HIS Hightest X1650 Pro 512 MB GDDR3 - $150

Case - Cooler Master Centurion Mid ATX - $50
 
Sure you don't want to go Core 2 Duo? You can do it easily in the $900 price range.
 
I can appreciate the AMD loyalty. I have enjoyed my 939 3500 and x2 4200. However, this is the era of the Core2Duo. I was looking at comparisons online, they own AM2 in almost every way. You can buy low end and overclock well if you are interested.
 
I would recommend considering core2 (I have owned an a k62, and athlon, and 3000+ 754, 3200+ 939, and x2 4400 939, some I am not an intel fanboy), but for the time being core 2 gives you a lot better performance and overclockability then amd (at least until the k8 near the end of the year). An e6400 costs a little then then that x2 5200 and at stock out performs it a bit but overclocked to 3+ghz (fairly simple) it destroys anything amd has out now.
 
Thanks for the quick suggestions. I started with AMD because my two previous builds were Socket 939 AMD's and they've run for 1.5-2 years absolutely flawlessly - I guess good performance builds loyalty for me. Two questions:

1) Is the build I have listed above compatible, and a good value for my $900 budget?

2) Can someone through out suggestions for a good Intel Core 2 Duo processor and mobo that are about the same prices as what I have above? All my other components could say the same, right? I don't even know the sockets for Intel so I'll need some help here.

Thanks.
 
Anyone, anyone? Is my original proposed build compatible and enough horsepower to run Vista? Anything I need to think about in terms of vista? Good intel proc. and mobo recommendations?

Thanks.
 
Wait until April 22nd. THen, change your processor to the Intel Core 2 Duo e6600 ($224) and do a mobo like the Biostar TForce965PT LGA 775 ($104.99). You will blow the 5200 out of the water. I am an AMD fanboy myself, but after reading alot of articles about the new Core 2 and taking some suggestions from people here, I decided to go Intel myself. And, I am telling you to wait until April 22nd because if you do, they are dropping their prices that day and they are upgrading the e6300 and e6400 to have 4M L2 Cache (and STILL dropping their price). The rest of your items could stand, as they are intel compatible and your RAM listed is the appropriate RAM for that mobo. 2GB RAM should be fine to run Vista as well. Good luck. I had my order already PLACED with newegg when I read about the upgrades on April 22nd and I canceled the order.
 
Right now? The E6400 and Biostar TForce965P (the one kilcan mentioned). After the price drops? The E6600 + Tforce.
 
Thanks guys - I'll give the Intel board and E6400 serious consideration.

One more question - does the Epox motherboard I listed above support firewire (IE1394)? I couldn't find it listed anywhere in the specs or on Epox's website. Anyone know?

Thanks.
 
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