Need help choosing the right processor for a semi-budget box

[jjones]

I need to build a new box comparable to what I'm running now (built about 3 years ago) and I'm completely clueless about processors these days. I just don't know what means what any more.

My current box is a Pentium 4 3.0 ghz and I just want something that will run programs as well or slightly better. I don't really do any real multitasking. My main considerations are running WAMP in a dev environment, Photoshop, and running UT2004.

I'm leaning towards AMD but I've no idea what's equivalent to this P4, or if I should just stick to making another P4 system. Don't worry about the graphics card, I do know what I want there, but along with CPU suggestions, a suggestion for compatible mobo would be welcome also.

Thanks for any help.

 

[CurseTheSky]

Build an Intel Core 2 Duo system.

They're dual core, so they will help with multitasking (even if you don't need it), and they're basically top of the line right now. Don't let the clock speeds fool you. A 1.8GHz Core 2 Duo E6300 will easily smoke that old P4 3.0.

They come in five flavors:
E6300 - ~$180 (1.8GHz, 2MB L2)
E6400 - ~$220 (2.1GHz, 2MB L2)
E6600 - ~$320 (2.4GHz, 4MB L2)
E6700 - ~$510 (2.6GHz, 4MB L2)
X6800 - ~$950 (2.9GHz, 4MB L2)

The E6600 even beats AMD's top-of-the-line FX-62 right now... and costs about $400-450 less. However, the smaller models will still give you excellent performance, and certainly won't hurt your wallet. They all overclock very well.

Edit: keep in mind that these are all socket 775, and will require a newer motherboard to run. You can pick up a decent P965 chipset motherboard that will run one of these things for $150 or less. Combine the two with some decent DDR2 533/667/800 and you have a combo that will blow your old computer out of the water. You can probably buy all three together for around $500-650ish.

Here's an example:
E6300, $182
ASUS P5B-E, $155
Corsair DDR2 800 5-5-5-12, $240 after MIR
Total: $577

 

[jjones]

Thanks for the advice but that's not really what I'm looking for. I just need something that will be on par, or slightly better, than my current P4. I'm looking to spend about $100.00 or less on a CPU. I understand about the clockspeed thing and that's what's got me confused. From what I've read so far, for the performance I'm looking for, I'm probably better off with AMD rather than trying to build another P4, for example maybe the Athlon 64 3000+. Will this processor be equal or better than my current P4?

This is just a backup box but it has to be capable to run at, or slightly better, than what I've got now. I'm waiting to build my next real rig when UT2007 comes out next year. Thats' when I'll go to more top of the line components.

 

[jjones]

bump

 

[j00fek]

Processor

Motherboard

this might be what your looking for.

 

[adammthompson]

An Athlon 64 3000+ will be comparable to a P4 3.0. They're currently running $69 for a socket 939 or $74 for a socket AM2. J00fek had a good recommendation for a mobo (if you want socket 939). But you might also try looking at the For Sale forums. Will the graphics card be PCI Express?

 

[ICBM]

 

[ICBM]

I would go with the AM2 version since DDR2 will be more common down the road and easier to upgrade because of availability. Most likely cheaper as well.

Pretty much anything you buy these days will be as fast or faster than an old P4 3.0Ghz. I would try and avoid the Semprons though.

If you don't need a powerful 3D graphics board I would also recommend going with a board that has integrated graphics on it. I know of the VIA K8M890 and the SiS 761 for AMD platforms. That would save you money and as long as you aren't gaming will do nicely.

 

[DaveSimmons]

I'm using a Biostar TForce 6100-939 in my work PC and am happy with it. Onboard video and no chipset fan.

Biostar TForce mATX - $70
$86 retail A64 3500+
(or +$7 for 1MB cache instead of 512K: A64 3700+ $93)
(If you really don't need or want a 15-20% speed bump, you can save $16 and get an A64 3200+ instead. link)

Add DDR-1, hard drive, DVD burner (NEC3550A with Nero ~$37), case and you're done.

Some good case choices are Antec NSK4400, Antec Sonata II, or Antec SLK3000B with a Fortson FSP or Seasonic S12 PSU ($50-100).

I'm using the Antec NSK4400 and a Zalman 7000B-alcu HSF for the processor ($30) and the system is very quiet.

 

[jjones]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I thought the A64 3000+ to 3500+ would probably be what I'm looking for; it's just been so long since I've looked at processors that I'm pretty clueless these days. I'll probably go for the 3200+ as that's the best price point for me. I'm limited in what I can get my hands on and what the pricing is since I'm down in Mexico. I can pick up the 3200+ for about $95.00. I'll have to research mobos now.

And yeah, I was planning to go with the AM2 version but as for integrated graphics, I don't think that will cut it for UT2004. Even though its a backup box, I have to have it UT capable.
I'm probably going to get the X800 GTO 128 MB PCI-E. I'm just running a 9800 Pro right now.

I'll probably end up using this as my main box and leave my current as backup. It's actually my wife's box; she gets all of my hand-me-downs. Her old box went down a little while ago and I feel real naked only having one puter in the house.

 

[jjones]

I'm limited in my choice of Motherboards. Any suggestions as to which of these would be the best option to go with?

ECS AM2 Chipset Nvidia nFORCE4M-A Socket AM2

ASUS M2N-E AMD64 SOCKET AM2 CHIPSET NVIDIA Nforce 570 ULTRA

I'm inclined to go with the Asus board but the ECS can be had for about $30.00 cheaper, but I'm not familiar with ECS quality.