Upgrading from AMD64 X2 4200+ need performance boost on budget

[bgc99]

Hi,
I've got an AMD64 X2 4200+ running on an Asus A8N Sli Premium mobo. I want to upgrade to get a good performance boost on things like transcoding video files. I'm open to Intel or AMD.

I'd like to stay under $500 for Mobo, CPU, memory(4-8 GB depending if I stay with XP or goto Win7), and Power Supply.

I'd also like to know if Intel or AMD are better suited to particular tasks, such as the previously mentioned video encoding.

Thanks,
BGC

 

[nyker96]

$200: i7-750
$105: GIGABYTE GA-P55M-UD2
$80: any 4gb-ddr3
rest: a quality 500-600W PSU.

overclock it to about 4ghz and you all set.

 

[Arkaign]

i7 would be best, but I think i7 860/920 + mobo puts things out of your price range. Well then, how about :

PhII 955 Black Edition $165 (965 is $20 more, but unlocked multi = why?)
Nice Asus AM3 mobo $80, supports 16gb DDR3-1800 : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16813131397
4GB (2x2GB) PC1333 DDR3 $70
Antec 550W PSU $65

Total = $380, or $470 if you double up to 8GB

If you can squeeze your budget a bit, or find a Micro Center with 920s on sale, the i7 really is better for what you describe, but the PhII BE is still pretty badass considering.

 

[jvroig]

I'd also like to know if Intel or AMD are better suited to particular tasks, such as the previously mentioned video encoding.

To answer that question, the i7 is what you would ideally want for such tasks, as it rips through those things. The i7 has the IPC advantage, and the HT advantage as well, compared to C2Q or Phenom II.

 

[GaiaHunter]

To answer that question, the i7 is what you would ideally want for such tasks, as it rips through those things. The i7 has the IPC advantage, and the HT advantage as well, compared to C2Q or Phenom II.

+1.