What processor for around 300$. Opinions Wanted

[Stump1000]

I'm getting ready to throw together a new computer, thats much needed. So far I know that it needs 4GB of ram but I'm not sure what cpu I want to use.

My processor budget is around 300$. I don't game a whole lot, but plan to get an Nvidia 8800GTS video card for when I do want to play games. I mostly want a machine that will run Vista well, and not lag when doing some heavy multitasking. Post your opinions please

 

[PCTC2]

What motherboard? If it's P35/X38/X48/7X0i, then get a Q9300/X3320 or Q9450/X3350 if you can spend a bit more. If it's older, then get a Q6600 for like $250.

 

[Markfw]

Q9450/X3350 is not worth it IMO Stick with the Q6600

 

[Ika]

You've basically got three choices - E8400, Q6600, or Q9300. If you don't plan to overclock, I think the Q9300 might be the best choice. If you do overclock, seeing as how you don't game much, I would say go for the Q6600 (which can be found for $200).

 

[Stump1000]

I don't have the motherboard yet either, figured I'd pick out my processer and then get the motherboard and ram. I don't plan to overclock.

 

[runawayprisoner]

Just thought I'd tell you that even a 3.80GHz X3350 would sometimes lag in Vista.
Anyway, as for your choice, I'd say Q9300 if you are not going to overclock. If you can afford another $40 or $50, I'd say Q9450.

 

[bryanW1995]

no oc then Q9300.

 

[Stump1000]

Where would you guys purchase this from? Is TigerDirect a decent place to order? Any good idea's for a motherboard? I planned to use Asus, but I'm open to anything really.

 

[runawayprisoner]

TigerDirect is a good place. If you want a cheap Q6600, run down to your local Microcenter or Fry's.
As for motherboard, it depends on what you want to do. If you are running stock, any board with the features you want would be enough, really.

 

[bryanW1995]

newegg has the q9300 for 280 shipped. you can get a q6600 for around 200 at many places. gigabyte p35 ds3L is about 95 on newegg, might be slightly cheaper elsewhere. higher end units like x38/x48 asus looks good, same thing with 780i. for midrange (like a very nice p35) the gigabyte p35 ds4 is good.

 

[Stump1000]

We dont have a mircocenter or Frys anywhere around here that I know of. I live in East TN and Knoxville is the closest big city. We used to have a CompUSA there but now all we have is Best Buy. The computer stuff they have is way overpriced, unless its a harddrive. They arent too bad high.

 

[runawayprisoner]

Then I guess you are stuck with Newegg... and some other places. What do you plan on purchasing, though?

 

[Stump1000]

I guess I'll go with a Q9450 or Q9300 and 2x2GB ram. Still have to pick the exact mb and I'm probably going to use an Nvidia 8800GTS.

 

[runawayprisoner]

Huh... would you care about SLI, or crossfire, or do you just want to get a board that can... "do" it?

 

[Stump1000]

Originally posted by: runawayprisoner
Huh... would you care about SLI, or crossfire, or do you just want to get a board that can... "do" it?

I don't know what crossfire is, but I'd like to get an SLI board so I can add another card later. I'll be going with the Q9300. I Just looked at the prices and its 299$ at Newegg. So thats just right within what I wanted to spend.

 

[runawayprisoner]

Indeed. Then I guess you should be looking at a 780i board right there.