Processor Suggestions

[alphasigmookie]

I am looking to do some inexpensive upgrades to my system. I've put asside 180-200 for a processor and motherboard. I have an aftermarket HSF that I can use if I go with AMD to help in OCing. I plan to OC whatever processor I get so i'm looking for value with good OC potential. I'm partial to AMD, but I'm willing to go back to Intel if thats the best performance per dollar. My first look through newegg lead me to these two components:

MSI NF 500 SLI Mobo
http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16813130071

AMD X2 5400+
http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16813130071

Anyone have any alternative suggestions? It seems that intel has generally taken the performance crown, but by how much and how does price/performance stack up? The computer will mostly be used for gaming and I plan to continue to run xp for as long as possible.

 

[Dadofamunky]

That's not a bad selection. The 5400 should beat out most Intels at a similar price point. Nothing wrong with the X2s. I still run one.

 

[Dadofamunky]

Sorry, accidental double post.

 

[Martimus]

If you are going to go with AMD, and you are going to overclock it, I would suggest the X2 5000+ Black Edition since it has an unlocked multiplier. It is the same price.

Also, you may want to go with one of these (MSI K9A2 CF-F) for your motherboard, so you can pop in a Phenom down the line if you ever want to update your processor. But the MB I linked is a crossfire board instead of an SLI board, so it may not fit your needs if you plan to go with nVidia.

 

[harpoon84]

Originally posted by: Dadofamunky
That's not a bad selection. The 5400 should beat out most Intels at a similar price point. Nothing wrong with the X2s. I still run one.

At stock perhaps, not when overclocking is concerned though. Any current Intel C2D, including the E21x0 chips, will beat any AMD X2 offering when it comes to overclocking. It simply has more headroom, and is faster per clock as well.

Now, if the OP is determined to stick with AMD, I'd suggest an X2 5000+ BE instead of the X2 5400+. It's the same silicon but the unlocked multi on the BE will allow for easier overclocking.

 

[RaptureMe]

Hey if your going to go AMD get a 65nm AM2 X2 5000+ Black = $99.00 Newegg
And the BIOSTAR TA770 Motherboard =$81.99 also at Newegg.
That will be the newest of new and the multis are unlocked so you can set it to 16x200 =3.2ghz.

 

[mageslayer]

i second the x2 5000+

 

[Tempered81]

i second the x2 5000 B.E. or an intel core2duo e2160 & gigabyte DS3

 

[aigomorla]

Originally posted by: alphasigmookie
I'm partial to AMD, but I'm willing to go back to Intel if thats the best performance per dollar.

Anyone have any alternative suggestions? It seems that intel has generally taken the performance crown, but by how much and how does price/performance stack up? The computer will mostly be used for gaming and I plan to continue to run xp for as long as possible.

uhhh... dont go AMD. A intel E2180 /w a good decient board will outperform the AMD.

Also the E2180 has a much higher OC potential then the AMD does, so it will be more fun to overclock the intel.

My recomendation is E2180, with Gigabyte P35-DS3L

you can find them on newegg, and it should be close to your top choice in price.

 

[Martimus]

Here is a spreadsheet already made up of options to help you:
http://spreadsheets.google.com...u_Ep2_CzJTnR-5s1aWEfMg

 

[taltamir]

Originally posted by: aigomorla

Originally posted by: alphasigmookie
I'm partial to AMD, but I'm willing to go back to Intel if thats the best performance per dollar.

Anyone have any alternative suggestions? It seems that intel has generally taken the performance crown, but by how much and how does price/performance stack up? The computer will mostly be used for gaming and I plan to continue to run xp for as long as possible.

uhhh... dont go AMD. A intel E2180 /w a good decient board will outperform the AMD.

Also the E2180 has a much higher OC potential then the AMD does, so it will be more fun to overclock the intel.

My recomendation is E2180, with Gigabyte P35-DS3L

you can find them on newegg, and it should be close to your top choice in price.

QFT

 

[happy medium]

Originally posted by: alphasigmookie
I am looking to do some inexpensive upgrades to my system. I've put asside 180-200 for a processor and motherboard. I have an aftermarket HSF that I can use if I go with AMD to help in OCing. I plan to OC whatever processor I get so i'm looking for value with good OC potential. I'm partial to AMD, but I'm willing to go back to Intel if thats the best performance per dollar. My first look through newegg lead me to these two components:

MSI NF 500 SLI Mobo
http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16813130071

AMD X2 5400+
http://www.newegg.com/product/...p?item=N82E16813130071

Anyone have any alternative suggestions? It seems that intel has generally taken the performance crown, but by how much and how does price/performance stack up? The computer will mostly be used for gaming and I plan to continue to run xp for as long as possible.

If your overclocking there is no reason to buy any Amd setup at this time.
Core 2 or quad with a good overclock will beat any Amd setup price/performance.