Phenom II X4 965BE vs. Phenom II X6 1045T..extreme budget build

[Meghan54]

OK, have someone that wants an ultra cheap but new computer build. So, looking at the MicroCenter AMD bundles with the two aforementioned cpus, the X4 965BE and the X6 1045T. Which ever gets purchased tomorrow morning will be paired with this motherboard---a Gigabyte GA-78LMT-S2P:

http://www.microcenter.com/product/366104/GA-78LMT-S2P_Socket_AM3_760G_mATX_AMD_Motherboard


Either cpu bundle is $89. So, the question is which would be the "better" buy? The motherboard isn't exactly a huge overclocking motherboard.

The rest of the system will consist of some DDR3-1333 memory, 2 x 2GB ($20), a 320GB SATA hard drive (recycled), LG 24X DVD-RW ($15), cheapo case ($20), and an Antec VP-450 power supply ($33).


So, which to choose? Or, ultimately, does it even matter?

 

[Arkaign]

For a gamer that's not going to overclock much, the X4BE will be the better bet. I've got a good amount of experience overclocking X4s and X6s on both cheap and expensive boards, and that board is going to have a hard time keeping the volts stable enough for a high OC with an X6, particularly with bus overclocking vs the unlocked X4BE.

Stock v stock it's sort of a wash, but I think the higher clock speed of the X4 will make even common desktop use feel smoother. Besides, with only 4GB, multitasking would run into ram bottlenecking before you truly ran into problems with 4 cores vs. 6. About the only thing the X6 would do better in would be encoding in apps that support 6 cores.

On the other hand, if you think they may be willing to spend $100ish in the future to go to a good 970 or better mobo, then the X6 could pay off. Once overclocked to 3.4ghz or so, they're remarkably good CPUs, and definitely once at that clock equal or better than the X4. Probably only worth it if they are going to do any gaming on it, or want better stuff like USB 3. The other benefit of a better board is 4 ram slots to make getting to 16GB or 32GB easier in the future. I am hesitant to recommend a 7xx mobo in 2012, hell I had one of those back in 2007ish I think.

 

[WT]

^^^ Nice post !! Covered all the points that I would have mentioned, and I just wish I had an MC within driving distance. A 2 hour drive to my nearest MC isn't beneficial for me.

 

[Meghan54]

^^^ Nice post !! Covered all the points that I would have mentioned, and I just wish I had an MC within driving distance. A 2 hour drive to my nearest MC isn't beneficial for me.

I agree. Thank you, Arkaign.

The fact is, the computer will probably never be upgraded...ever. It'll just be used as a web browsing, Netflix/YouTube steaming machine, so the X4 will probably be the better bet.

Now, do you think 8GB of memory would make any difference? Given the rather small increase in cost of going from 4GB to 8GB, I may splurge and spend the extra $20 to move him up to 8GB, if that'd make a difference.

Again, many thanks!

 

[AnonymouseUser]

For those requirements, 8GB would be overkill.

If only Microcenter had either the 3850 or 3870K I would recommend those for the superior GPU performance. That said, I love my 1045T @ 3.7GHz, but if you aren't overclocking definitely get the 965BE.

 

[daveybrat]

I'll make your decision really easy for you.

1) Don't skimp on the ram, just go with 8GB

2) Get the X6 1045T, NOT the 965BE....why?? The idiots at Microcenter don't even realize that the 965BE is a 125Watt cpu and the GA-78LMT-S2P motherboard only supports up to 95Watt cpu's.

The 1045T is a 95Watt cpu at stock voltage. So your real choice is either the 1045T or the FX 4100 processor as they are both 95Watt processors.

 

[KingRaptor]

To be honest, both processors are fine for your plans. An APU might do a better job future proofing in case you plan to convert this new build into a media pc in a few years time.

 

[Meghan54]

2) Get the X6 1045T, NOT the 965BE....why?? The idiots at Microcenter don't even realize that the 965BE is a 125Watt cpu and the GA-78LMT-S2P motherboard only supports up to 95Watt cpu's.

The 1045T is a 95Watt cpu at stock voltage. So your real choice is either the 1045T or the FX 4100 processor as they are both 95Watt processors.

Depends on which version the board is. If it's 3.1, the 965 is supported, if it's ver. 5.0, it's not.

But I was beginning to consider the FX4100 because of the better gpu built into the cpu.

 

[SlowSpyder]

As long as the MB will support it, my vote goes to the 965. For an average user, even moderate gaming, I think you'll see more from the 3.4GHz quad than the 2.7GHz hex. Most people simply do not need that many cores, if you look at what many people here have, they are quite happy with an Intel 2500K. Obviously Phenom II is not Sandy Bridge, but the point remains that four cores/four threads are plenty for most people. I'd take the extra clock speed, personally. And a quick switch of the multiplier can very easily make that a 3.6GHz CPU, probably without a voltage bump even, and on the stock cooler.

 

[AnonymouseUser]

But I was beginning to consider the FX4100 because of the better gpu built into the cpu.

The FX processors do not have an on-die GPU...

 

[alexruiz]

Depends on which version the board is. If it's 3.1, the 965 is supported, if it's ver. 5.0, it's not.

But I was beginning to consider the FX4100 because of the better gpu built into the cpu.

DaveyBrat beat me to it.
All what they have in stock is rev 5.0

Edit: If you can get an A6 or A8 with an A55 motherboard, that would be better all around.

 

[T_Yamamoto]

I would recommend llano for this specifically.

but id go with the x4 (if it was between the x4 and x6)

 

[fffblackmage]

X4 + 8GB ram.

I just don't see how more slow cores would help (outside of encoding).

I find that even old computers have decent cpu power for most everyday tasks (web surfing, email, basic word and excel stuff), but the only problem is a lack of memory.

 

[I4AT]

They're offering the CPU + the board for $89.99? Is that a regional deal, I don't see any such deal mentioned on their website (my store is northern VA).

If both bundles are the same price I don't see any reason not to get the X6. The X4 is only a better choice for gaming, in the long run as an everyday use machine the X6 will probably be more future proof.

They also have the X4 B93 for $40 and then you can pick your own board.

 

[AnonymouseUser]

They also have the X4 B93 for $40 and then you can pick your own board.

Don't forget you're paying full price for that motherboard, and you'll need a cooler. So for a little less, you can just get either the 1045T or 965BE bundle.

 

[I4AT]

Yeah but you're also likely to get a C3 chip with the B93, and the OP sounded like they had some interest in overclocking which usually means springing for a better cooler eventually anyways.

But as a set it and forget it deal I agree the 965BE or X6 would be better.

Since the Gigabyte board has a $10MIR listed on the product page, could you send that in and end up with the bundle for $80 + tax final?

 

[AnonymouseUser]

Yeah but you're also likely to get a C3 chip with the B93, and the OP sounded like they had some interest in overclocking which usually means springing for a better cooler eventually anyways.

But as a set it and forget it deal I agree the 965BE or X6 would be better.

You're getting a shorter warranty with the B93. Also, with the 965BE you get an unlocked multiplier, so overclocking is easier.

Since the Gigabyte board has a $10MIR listed on the product page, could you send that in and end up with the bundle for $80 + tax final?

No, it's $89.99 after rebate.

 

[I4AT]

Ah ok, thanks. I might've made the drive for $80, but I've already got an 1156 setup that can be upgraded to an i5 750 eventually, so probably not worth the effort for me.

 

[T_Yamamoto]

Ah ok, thanks. I might've made the drive for $80, but I've already got an 1156 setup that can be upgraded to an i5 750 eventually, so probably not worth the effort for me.

Not to derail this thread but you shouldn't put money into a dead socket.

 

[Termie]

I have to ask the obvious - why aren't you considering Sandy Bridge celerons or pentiums for the intended usage? A cpu and motherboard is only around $100. Even if it's a few dollars more, you get much lower power consumption and lower heat/noise.

Celeron G540: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819116408
ECS H61 motherboard: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813135309
Total = $90AR.

If you need HDMI, here's an option for $12 more: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813135288

 

[daveybrat]

Depends on which version the board is. If it's 3.1, the 965 is supported, if it's ver. 5.0, it's not.

But I was beginning to consider the FX4100 because of the better gpu built into the cpu.

They haven't had the 3.1 revision of the boards for a long time now. You'll only find that board in either revision 4 or 5 now, both of which only support 95W cpu's.

The 1045T is really the best bet.

 

[Hubb1e]

Honestly, for a casual web browsing machine you would be fine with an X2, then get 8GB of ram for future proofing and spend the extra cash on a small SSD. But, if there are no MC deals for an X2 then the X4 would be my choice of the motherboard supports it but honestly it doesn't sound like the user needs to worry about performance anyways so any CPU choice will be fine.

 

[jaydee]

If it's "never" going to be upgraded, I would go for the 1045T. 6-cores won't make a difference right now, but 3+ years from now I think 50% more cores might be useful. I don't think the 400 extra MHz would make much of a difference now or in the future.

 

[VirtualLarry]

http://www.microcenter.com/product/379475/M5A78L-M_LX_PLUS_Socket_AM3_760G_mATX_AMD_Motherboard

I would go with the higher bundle, with the above mobo. It seems more likely to actually support 125W CPUs, and that way, you could actually OC the X6 a little bit (3.0 or slightly higher).

 

[Uppsala9496]

Avoid the 965 with the ga78lmt board. I've posted in the past the troubles you can have, especially if you attempt to overclock. Go with the 1045 and DO NOT OVERCLOCK!
Don't even bother trying. You WILL kill the mobo. I've done it twice.