Newbe advice on a new CPU?

[rappy]

Hello All!

I have been trying to read up and all of the great info on this forum, but am starting to get overwhelmed with info overload, and am looking for some good opinions. I am looking to try my first build. I have an open mind for either AMD or Intel. I am not a huge gamer, and besides some video editing, I have no odd computer need. I would also like a CPU that has the abilities for what I might need/want in 1 year from now (and I do know that might be a loaded question!). Should I go with Duel core? Intel or AMD? is 64 bit support a must? Hyper Threading? I would rather not have to "OC" the CPU, but if you think that is simething I should take into considderation - then I am game for that too! Though I dont want to spend a ton $$$$ if I dont have to, if an extra few dollars will get me what I might need, I dont mind - but I'd like to go no higher the $300 to $400. If I could get 2 or 3 reccomendations that might fit the bill for what I need (at least 1 Intel and 1 AMD), It would be much appreciated!

Thanks in advance,
Rappy

 

[Azndude2190]

I'm assuming that you'll be getting a socket 939 MB...

Get the A64 3200+ Venice.Its clocked at 2GHz and is $154.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103535

Since you dont really use your computer in a specific area to much...that should do it for you.You can always oc with that proc if you ever wanted.

 

[nyker96]

If you open to OCing, I would recommand Opteron 144/146 (about $150-200) and push it pass 2.2Ghz then you got a heavy duty winner on your hand.

 

[996GT2]

My advice to you is to wait a few months and see how Conroe and AM2 turn out. From the preliminary tests done on Conroe, it should be a very strong performer at a good price point.

However, if you need a computer now, I would suggest one of the Athlon X2 Dual-Core AMD processors. Opterons 1XX Dual-core processors are similar, but have more cache and are said to be more overclockale, even though both OC very well. Going with dual-core will give you some headroom before upgrades, as the future is pretty mich going to be multiple cores.
It will also speed up your multitasking, video editing, and other multithreaded apps greatly.

For AMD, I recommend the Athlon X2 3800+ (not the single core 3800+)
This processor can easily be pushed to 2.6GHz or more on air cooling with a heatsink like the Arctic Cooling Freezer 64 Pro and a good OCing motherboard like the DFI Lanparty Ultra-D.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819103562

The AMD choice currently is better than Intel's, but the Intel Pentium D 9XX series is a good line of processors also. They run cooler than the 90mm Smithfield-core processors that preceded them. The price is also very good.

I recommend the Pentium D 920 for Intel.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16819116237

I would not go for a single-core processor under your budget rught now, because it will be less futureproof and less adept at tasks such as video encoding. If you want one, though, I recommend the AMD Opteron 144/146 or the Intel Pentium 4 621, though the Opteron is a better-performing processor and is OCable to 2.8+ GHz.

 

[gobucks]

if you dont mind overclocking, the opteron 165 is a good deal. I just ordered one myself, not sure how well its gonna OC, but others on the forums with the same stepping seem to be hitting 2.6-2.8GHz, around a 50% OC which is insane. Overclocking on an Athon 64 or opteron is generally a very easy process, and not very dangerous. Since they do not generally run particularly hot, moderate overclocking does not generally run the risk of damaging the chip (unlike with prescott or smithfield). Just make sure your cooler is adequate - something like a thermalright XP-90 or a Zalman 9500 or 7700, or even the stock heatpipe cooler that comes with the dual core opterons. And make sure you get a good mobo for overclocking - I've had good luck with Abit, and DFI is well known for great overclocking.

if you wanna run at stock, the X2 3800+ is a good value cause its faster than the 165 at stock speeds. It's also cheaper, and you should be able to find one on the forums or ebay for around $275.

I'd skip out on the single core unless you plan to replace it in a year or so. more and more software is being written for dual core, even some games. Also, video editing is where dual core really shines, so you'll see a huge boost with that.

 

[apfox]

I'd go with a 64 3700+ Sandiego or 64 X2 3800+.

The 3700+ Sandiego is quite fast and about $220. It has 1 MB of cache and is only about $10 more than the 512KB cache Venice core. It is about as fast as it gets for reasonable money.

The X2 3800+ is dual-core. It runs a bit over $300. Do note that its cores are, at stock, 200MHz slower than the 3700+.

The 3700+ Sandiego is better (by about 10%) for games, as virtually none use 2 cores effectively or at all. The X2 is much better at encoding. Both can usually overclock to 2.4-2.6 GHz on air cooling.

If you don't do a lot of gaming or encoding, you don't need a super fast CPU. You could just go with a 64 Venice-core chip around 3200+. Or you could get the 3700+ for $220. Keep in mind that AM2 socket boards are coming out (in June?) and 939's are going to be phased out, so AM2-socket systems are much more futureproof.

Make sure you get a good enough graphics card (NV 7600/ATI x1800GTO or better if you play games) and enough RAM (1-2GB) to take advantage of the CPU.

 

[Madwand1]

I'd get a 3800+ X2, and overclock it to at least 2.4 GHz (which it should do easily). It's a good chip; I'd consider it a keeper.

If you're worried about the future, and want something more disposable, I'd suggest the Intel 805. This will also get you DDR2 RAM, which will be useful 1 year from now, whether you go AMD or Intel at that time. I wish I could tell you of a MB which will support the CPU and Conroe down the road; maybe you can find one / get lucky.

It's not the greatest CPU, and is slated for replacement in a few months, but so is almost everthing else. It is a foot in the door and the cheapest one, so the least loss in terms of being outdated one year from now. The 920 is a better chip, but it costs more. Not sure if it really give you the value / dollar there.

Here's a good article on the subject:

http://www.anandtech.com/cpuchipsets/showdoc.aspx?i=2736

 

[Madwand1]

Well, dual cores are very fashionable, and if your tastes run in that direction, the above recommendations hold. However, a single core is also quite viable. Here's one take on price/performance:

http://www23.tomshardware.com/cpu.html?modelx=33&model1=263&chart=118&model2=237

 

[Ika]

Dual Core is a good call if you like to do a lot of stuff at once. If you want Dual Core on a budget, Intel 805 is a good call for ~$130.

 

[rappy]

Well I know one thing for sure....whichever I go with (right now I am eyeing out the AMD3800 - but still would like more opinions) I am sure it will beat my current Dell 8100 with my Powerleap CPU adapter that helped me upgraded to a 2.6 GHz with 512 MB's of RDRAM pc800!

Rappy

 

[rappy]

Well as I keep reading new and old threads I am still undecided, but getting closer! But as I do, I am a little unclear if this is possible????? can I pruchase a mobo and memory along with say an Intel D9XX and then upgrade to a Conroe in a year or so??? What would I have to look for in a mobo and memory to be compatable??? if any? Same scenario for AM2. Or if you want Conroe or AM2 will you have to swap out the mobo and memory no matter what?

Thanks in advance,
Rappy