Recommendation?

[rxblitzrx]

Building a simple system:

Core 2 Duo E8400 or Core i3-530
Video - ??? something that will handle movies (DVD, HD 1080p) and text reproduction... if the video card even matters for that (text).

Thanks!

 

[yh125d]

Gonna play games or only movies? Either way, get the i3 530. If you only do movies, just use the IGP. If you play games as well, we need to know which games, budget, and if you intend to get a 1080p monitor (since you mentioned 1080p)

 

[rxblitzrx]

Gonna play games or only movies? Either way, get the i3 530. If you only do movies, just use the IGP. If you play games as well, we need to know which games, budget, and if you intend to get a 1080p monitor (since you mentioned 1080p)

Why i3?

Absolutely no gaming. Only movies (streaming netflix or actual DVD) and internet browsing. I guess I shouldn't have said 1080p. I'll be getting the Dell U2410 or HP ZR24w.

 

[happy medium]

Evga SSC Edition GT220 for 64$ or 35$ after rebate shipped.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16814130523

 

[yh125d]

Why i3?

Absolutely no gaming. Only movies (streaming netflix or actual DVD) and internet browsing. I guess I shouldn't have said 1080p. I'll be getting the Dell U2410 or HP ZR24w.

Faster, newer, double the threads, IGP on board which is plenty for your needs, and is probably cheaper than e8400+discrete card all told

 

[RussianSensation]

Building a simple system:

Core 2 Duo E8400 or Core i3-530

i3 - 530 because:

1. You get a newer platform with DDR3 ram, with upgrade path to current Core i7 quad core processors. Socket 775 for E8400 is dead.
2. Already comes with a videocard so you don't have to buy one (if you buy an H chipset motherboard).
3. Better performance: http://www.anandtech.com/bench/Product/56?vs=118
4. Cheaper - $115 vs. $160 for E8400

 

[rxblitzrx]

You guys lost me on the IGP. I haven't read techy stuff since 2007, but it sounds like CPUs now come with a built in graphics processor.

Is this good enough for my needs?
1. web surfing - i stare at my screen about 5 hours a day so I'll shell out for the best (video/monitor)... if it improves the quality.
2. dvds
3. streaming HD content (i.e. watching Greys Anatomy and House M.D. from abc.com)

Any good articles to help me catch up to the times?

tia

-rob

 

[busydude]

You guys lost me on the IGP. I haven't read techy stuff since 2007, but it sounds like CPUs now come with a built in graphics processor.

Is this good enough for my needs?
1. web surfing - i stare at my screen about 5 hours a day so I'll shell out for the best (video/monitor)... if it improves the quality.
2. dvds
3. streaming HD content (i.e. watching Greys Anatomy and House M.D. from abc.com)

Any good articles to help me catch up to the times?

tia

-rob

http://www.anandtech.com/show/2921/3

http://www.guru3d.com/article/core-i3-530-processor-review/19

[FONT=verdana,geneva]Embedded into the processor is also an IGP, it works well for all that is desktop and high-definition decoding/acceleration related, as such we like the IGP for what it is. However what it is doing inside a processor is still a little trivial and confusing to the end-users. But for a HTPC builder on a budget, the Core i3 range starts top make a whole lotta sense alright. And we just love the image sharpening feature the IGP offers, very handy to give that HD-screen a little crisper image quality to enjoy high-definition movies and content.[/FONT]

 

[GodisanAtheist]

Remember you gotta get some shit with the H55 chipset for those fancy onboard graphics to work. P55 won't do jack for you.

 

[rxblitzrx]

http://www.anandtech.com/show/2921/3

http://www.guru3d.com/article/core-i3-530-processor-review/19

Thanks for the articles! I think I'm caught up on the newest processor offerings. I think i3 is definitely the better choice here.... and yes, H55 north bridge is a must.

shoot, i might as well overclock this badboy.

thanks guys. this was much less painful than i thought it would be 24hrs ago.

 

[RussianSensation]

Keep in mind, if you are upgrading from E6400 @ 3.3ghz, that's not much of an upgrade. I would only go Quad from that system + SSD.

 

[rxblitzrx]

Keep in mind, if you are upgrading from E6400 @ 3.3ghz, that's not much of an upgrade. I would only go Quad from that system + SSD.

I actually have to give up my current computer while making my move to CA.

Is SSD a faster HD option over WD Velociraptor? (i think i already know the answer, but maybe specifics would be good)

 

[Sylvanas]

I actually have to give up my current computer while making my move to CA.

Is SSD a faster HD option over WD Velociraptor? (i think i already know the answer, but maybe specifics would be good)

Yes, by a long way. Anandtech is the best source of info on SSD's on the net so there are plenty of articles if you want to know more. That's the article that started it all, but if you just want an overview then you want to look at the Intel G2 drives, OCZ Agility/Vertex series, and then there is the more expensive Sandforce offerings. The SSD is the biggest upgrade you can make in terms of putting something in and going 'Wow that made a noticable difference!'.

 

[rxblitzrx]

Yes, by a long way. Anandtech is the best source of info on SSD's on the net so there are plenty of articles if you want to know more. That's the article that started it all, but if you just want an overview then you want to look at the Intel G2 drives, OCZ Agility/Vertex series, and then there is the more expensive Sandforce offerings. The SSD is the biggest upgrade you can make in terms of putting something in and going 'Wow that made a noticable difference!'.

Sold. I don't care how much it costs. SOLD.

oh yea, thanks.

 

[rxblitzrx]

Yes, by a long way. Anandtech is the best source of info on SSD's on the net so there are plenty of articles if you want to know more. That's the article that started it all, but if you just want an overview then you want to look at the Intel G2 drives, OCZ Agility/Vertex series, and then there is the more expensive Sandforce offerings. The SSD is the biggest upgrade you can make in terms of putting something in and going 'Wow that made a noticable difference!'.

Thanks again for the info. After about an hour and a half of reading up on SSD, I think I'm caught up in the market. I decided on the Intel X25-V. Still a monumental improvement over any Velociraptor.

 

[Sylvanas]

Thanks again for the info. After about an hour and a half of reading up on SSD, I think I'm caught up in the market. I decided on the Intel X25-V. Still a monumental improvement over any Velociraptor.

Welcome to the world of SSD's . Good choice on the Intel- enjoy :thumbsup: