Intel vs. AMD (C2D vs. X2)

[Terabyte]

My last computer that I built was a Intel P4 2.4C, and that was a while back. I'm looking to upgrade, but I'm not sure on which path I should take. By looking at real word results (reviews), it seems that the C2D outperforms the X2 quite a bit. I play games and do homework basically--no serious multi-tasking.

I don't overclock (actually never tried..), and I don't need to be top of the line (too much $$). So, which CPU would you recommend in the price range of $100-$150. Looking for the best bang for the buck (without overclocking?) I'm not in a rush to buy it, so when will I see CPU prices drop?

 

[f4phantom2500]

Go with a C2D, from what I've seen even at stock they beat out their X2 counterparts. Right now the cheapest is the E4300, which can be had for fairly cheap. Prices will drop whenever Intel releases new processors, which should be soon.

 

[Terabyte]

Originally posted by: f4phantom2500
Go with a C2D, from what I've seen even at stock they beat out their X2 counterparts. Right now the cheapest is the E4300, which can be had for fairly cheap. Prices will drop whenever Intel releases new processors, which should be soon.

Hmm...sounds good. I've been eyeing that Frys combo deal, but I don't want to pay $40 extra for a crappy ECS mobo

 

[myocardia]

Originally posted by: Terabyte
Hmm...sounds good. I've been eyeing that Frys combo deal, but I don't want to pay $40 extra for a crappy ECS mobo

That ECS mobo might be crappy, but it's free with that Fry's deal. And since newegg sells it for $49 or $59, you could sell it on fleabay for $40 easily, to help fund a good board.

 

[Kur]

C2D will required DDR2 memory, so if you are looking for a budget I dunno it C2D is the best choice...

 

[BlingBlingArsch]

ASRock 4CoreDual-VSTA supports C2D like E4300 or E6300. Depending on what memory u have u can even keep ur DDR PC3200 400MHz Memory and ur AGP GPU.

since iam an AMD fanboy id say u could also go for an AM2 X2 5000+ which is as fast as an E4300&E6300..

 

[Terabyte]

Originally posted by: Kur
C2D will required DDR2 memory, so if you are looking for a budget I dunno it C2D is the best choice...

I'm looking to spend $200-$250 on cpu/mobo, $200 on 2x1GB ram, and $200-$250 on a video card.

Originally posted by: BlingBlingArsch
ASRock 4CoreDual-VSTA supports C2D like E4300 or E6300. Depending on what memory u have u can even keep ur DDR PC3200 400MHz Memory and ur AGP GPU.

since iam an AMD fanboy id say u could also go for an AM2 X2 5000+ which is as fast as an E4300&E6300..

Eh, I'm not planning to use my old parts. My brother is using that computer

 

[Rottie]

Originally posted by: myocardia

Originally posted by: Terabyte
Hmm...sounds good. I've been eyeing that Frys combo deal, but I don't want to pay $40 extra for a crappy ECS mobo

That ECS mobo might be crappy, but it's free with that Fry's deal. And since newegg sells it for $49 or $59, you could sell it on fleabay for $40 easily, to help fund a good board.

nobody will ever touch new ECS mobo for sale on fleabay.

 

[GuitarDaddy]

Well if not overclocking, and keeping your DDR ram I would say an X2 3800+ is the best bang for the buck by a small margin.

 

[traderonline]

C2D is the fastest processor in the world. even the lowest edition E6300 at stock speeds beat X2 4000+

 

[Terabyte]

Originally posted by: traderonline
C2D is the fastest processor in the world. even the lowest edition E6300 at stock speeds beat X2 4000+

Yep. It seems that I'm gonna go C2D in Q2?

 

[secretanchitman]

apparently in april, prices drop on all c2ds...in price, the e6600 becomes an e6400, e6400 becomes an e6300 and so on. also the e6650, e6750, e6850 come out, and those have 1333FSB, as well as the e6320 and e6420, which have 4MB of cache, but 1066FSB.

any c2d is a good choice, but for you, the e6300 is too.

 

[Kur]

Originally posted by: traderonline
C2D is the fastest processor in the world. even the lowest edition E6300 at stock speeds beat X2 4000+

But if hes playing games only spending less on a CPU and more on a video card makes sense for games.

 

[mithrandir2001]

If you don't overclock then the issue is generally price. While Core 2 Duo is an outstanding processor, the X2 is unquestionably competitive; it's just that the fastest X2s can't keep up with the fastest C2Ds.

My E6300 competes with the X2 4200+. I'd go for the E6300 between those two (apples to apples) but if you can get a 4600+ system for the same price as a E6300, it may make sense to go AMD.

 

[imported_Truenofan]

then again, the e6300 can double its speed from overclocking and keep up with the x6800, but then the x6800 can always go higher as well....it all depends on what he's going to do, and how much he's willing to pay.

edit: i used to enjoy amd and the performance i used to have, but then c2d came out and it blew anything amd had away, and i went with intel....and in a year and a half when i get back to the states, i'll upgrade again.