Requesting practical advice on new build

[pgup]

I am starting a new build and I don't understand the real world implications of the power of various AMD processors.

Recently, I build one system with a Phenom II x4 955 on an Asus M4A89GTD-PRO/USB3 and have a feeling that I never use the power of it for what I do. When I look at a display of the cores it seems like they are experiencing low usage. I am using the integrated graphics - ati 4290 hd and the only time it seems bad is when someone is playing half life or wow, and the rendering isnt there.

Here is what will be typical use of the new system which will be a win7 32b system. I already have a samsung 1tb hdd and an asus 22inch monitor for it.

Surf Internet - go on youtube and watch videos, email, etc.
Some Netflix movie watching.
Word processing for school
Occasionally editing videos with standard (windows movie maker) software.
Organizing music collection - mp3s, use of itunes, other music software.
Viewing large family digital photo collection (but not lots of editing)
"some" gaming by family members including Wow, half life 2, etc.

So do I need a Phenom II x4? I noticed yesterday that I could get an Athlon II x4 640 for alot less money. Do you think that would be fine for what I am planning on using this for? Or should I go with even less of a processor and save even more - or perhaps buy a seperate graphics card?

I just don't have a sensible real world idea of how powerful these processors are for what I do and I dont want to waste money.

Thank you!

 

[Maverick6969]

Here is what will be typical use of the new system which will be a win7 32b system. I already have a samsung 1tb hdd and an asus 22inch monitor for it.

Surf Internet - go on youtube and watch videos, email, etc.
Some Netflix movie watching.
Word processing for school
Occasionally editing videos with standard (windows movie maker) software.
Organizing music collection - mp3s, use of itunes, other music software.
Viewing large family digital photo collection (but not lots of editing)
"some" gaming by family members including Wow, half life 2, etc.

So do I need a Phenom II x4? I noticed yesterday that I could get an Athlon II x4 640 for alot less money. Do you think that would be fine for what I am planning on using this for? Or should I go with even less of a processor and save even more - or perhaps buy a seperate graphics card?

I just don't have a sensible real world idea of how powerful these processors are for what I do and I dont want to waste money.

Thank you!

You don't need a fast multi-core processor for what you're doing. I don't think you realize that many of those applications you listed (such as iTunes & Windows Movie Maker) were not written for multi-core processors and therefore, no matter what CPU you pick for the new build, it will make very little discernible difference. Having said that, I don't think that single core processors are even sold these days by major retailers. So my advice is to go with the more affordable processor (dual-core/ triple-core/ quad-core)that fits in your budget. Using on-board graphics for HL2 is .... going to be a very disappointing experience.

I don't understand your current situation. What are your current system specs? Are you looking to salvage some parts from you current sytem and use it on your new build? How much RAM do you have now?

 

[pgup]

You don't need a fast multi-core processor for what you're doing. I don't think you realize that many of those applications you listed (such as iTunes & Windows Movie Maker) were not written for multi-core processors and therefore, no matter what CPU you pick for the new build, it will make very little discernible difference. Having said that, I don't think that single core processors are even sold these days by major retailers. So my advice is to go with the more affordable processor (dual-core/ triple-core/ quad-core)that fits in your budget. Using on-board graphics for HL2 is .... going to be a very disappointing experience.

I don't understand your current situation. What are your current system specs? Are you looking to salvage some parts from you current sytem and use it on your new build? How much RAM do you have now?

Thanks, this is good info. This system I am planning to build will be a 2d system which will be used by various members of the family. I am not salvaging anything from the other build mentioned. I just happen to acquire an extra monitor and hdd in advance from some black friday great deals. The system I currently run was just built recently (mobo and processor mentioned before, with 4gb ddr3 ram) but I realized I built it without the kind of practical benchmarking I am asking for now and I probably wasted money on processor power I don't need. I think you are right, I should buy an athlon x4 640 with 4gb ram, and get a mid priced graphics card. A similar phenom system seems to be about 40pct more money and I dont need it.