New computer not sure what processor

[strungoutt]

Hey there guys. Im planning on buying a new computer. Ive been out of the loop for a while, and reading as much as I can to make a good decision. I was wondering what everyone thought was a good choice, I want to go AMD and probably dual core. Im also pretty sure im going to run either an 1900x or 1900xtx. I want to run 2 gigs of corsair ram. Im also not sure what video card to run, if its a huge difference between the two.

Im not going to overclock anything, as my computer knowledge is very limited and I would rather just leave it as is. What does everything think a good processor is? I was thinking either AMD X2 4400+ or the 4800+. I think the FX series is a little to rich for my blood. Right now im in college and basicly play games such as oblivion. What do you guys think my best bet would be for a processor? Im want a badass system, but dont want to break the bank. Im open to any sugestions such as 4200+, so let me hear what you think. Thanks.

 

[TejTrescent]

Well, I'll say this. My system runs Oblivion on full settings, except for the draw distances, at 1024x768 and it prolly could do 1280x1024 if I tried (and lowered distances a smidge more).

The 4400 or even 4200 is probably fine--just weigh the price difference between them and the 4800. If you're not going to overclock, and the price is close enough for you, the 4800 probably is the better choice. The performance difference isn't too bad between them, and a 1900 with 2GB of RAM should be able to run Oblivion without any CPU troubles either way. http://www.tweaktown.com/articles/888/ Those guys compared a 3800 to an FX60, which pretty much is lowest end X2 to the highest. The difference between them is about 10-15% in most cases and 25% at best, but those are higher resolutions, and the price difference is 700$! By comparison, a 4200 to a 4800 shouldn't be that huge. It might be a few FPS different, but if you run a lower resolution (less than 1600x1200), it'll never be a difference you're able to see in performance, from anything 3800 to the 4800.

Just depends how long you want this system to last and what resolution you'd like to run. If 1600x1200 or higher, go for the 4800, hands down. 1024x768 or 1280x1024, the lower ends should be great.

 

[Zebo]

Excellent post TejTrescent - the premium processors are never worth it as you can see 15% faster for 200% more money? I don't think so.

$357 x2 4200 dual core is probably best bang for buck in X2 land. The extra cache on 4400 makes negligible difference and it's $100 more.

It's too bad you won't overclock because a $295 x2 3800 can be made into a 4600 fairly trivially but I understand wanting to run stock. Anyway... video cards you can't cheat the system.. you get what you pay for.

$419 for video card has lifetime warranty -
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a...1005&CMP=OTC-pr1c3watch&ATT=14-131-005

 

[TejTrescent]

Heh, don't get me wrong, if I could afford an FX-60 I'd buy it and LN2 cool it for overclocking fun. But for practical system purposes, there's really just no point, especially if you run at even vaguely normal resolutions.

I didn't comment much on pointing out cards because of the ATI notice, well, and the 1900XTX having the peformance crown--I'm not a big fan of their camp after some severe driver issues and a hatred of their site, and have stuck with BFGTech (NVIDIA cards by the by) ever since. Bit of a premium price (though, the 7900GTXOC from them is insane.. little TOO high), but factory overclocked and lifetime warranties make up for it, in my opinion. Used several of their cards and never had any issues, so I'm pretty happy with them.

 

[strungoutt]

Sweet, I would really love to OC the system, but i just lack the knowledge to do it. Plus i really dont have time at college to deal with it if i mess it up doing somthing that i shouldnt be.

Will there really be that much of a difference at 1600x 1200. My old computer was a peice of ******, so im sure ill be happy with whatever i get. So far it seems that you guys thinkt hat the 4200+ is the best bang for the buck.

Im not very knowledgeable, so what difference is the 4200 to the 4400. I know its just the LM2 Cache 512 vs 1meg right? Im not really sure what difference that makes at all. I think at this point the 4800 might be a little out of my price range... Stupid college student. Just wanted to make sure it wasnt a huge upgrade, because if it was i would do it.

Ive read up a lot on the video cards and cant seem to make my mind up. Im not really sure of the difference between the 1900x and the 1900xtx. Ive used both ATI and nvdivia in the past, and been pleased with both. The 7900gtx seems like a nice card, but i just wanted to go with the best. Although, im always more inclined to choose a card with less hassles and heartache. Thanks guys for the responses.