Looking for a dual core cpu

[sasquatch12]

Hi this is going to be my first build im looking for a dual core cpu thats reliable and isnt going to burn a hole in my wallet. Ive got up to $800 to spend on my new gaming rig so i dont want to drop a majority of my budget on the cpu. Any suggestions?


p.s id prefer intel

 

[hondacr123]

I think on a $800 build I would use a c2d e6600 but others might think a higher model would be better. I think that would best suit the budget.

 

[jaguarskx]

The best inexpensive Intel dual core CPU to buy is the Core 2 Duo E6300 for $181. But that is almost a quarter of your entire budget. You can get a cheaper Intel dual core CPU like the:

Pentium D 915

Pentium D 925

Pentium D 930

They range from $118 to $153, but the performance hit that you take to save a few dollar is pretty significant. Hopefully you have parts from your current PC that you can put into a new gaming machine 'cause like I said, $800 is not much to work with.

 

[hondacr123]

If you think about it, its not that bad. The e6400 will have the extra cache and will do better for overclocking. He just needs to be wise on his gpu purchase.



^ meant e66

 

[jaguarskx]

Actually I have thought about it. People usually try to cut corners on the power supply by buying a cheap case that comes with a PSU. That's a big mistake. It's better to buy a good PSU seperate from the case. A bad PSU can not only die, it can damage other components as well.

There's also the question of RAM. Generally 2GB of RAM is recommended, but with an $800 budget only 1GB of RAM is possible for a completely new system. RAM prices are still a bit high.

If it's necessary to buy a copy of Windows XP then that reduces the budget by about $90.

 

[hondacr123]

Yea I think we can assume this kid is upgrading no? If not then he is screwed!! lol

 

[joefriday]

Try waitng until the E4300 comes out. Should be here in less than 3 months.

 

[sasquatch12]

To answer you question JumpingJack I have a Dell dimension 2400. It being a dell i can only salvage the video card (radeon 9250 pci).

 

[YO_KID37]

To answer you question JumpingJack I have a Dell dimension 2400. It being a dell i can only salvage the video card (radeon 9250 pci).

The Radeon 9250 PCI isn't even worth Pulling out, I'd rather you recycle every part of that Dell Dimension 2400(including the ATI) and get a Radeon 1800 or at least a Geforce 7800 and above. The RAM + GPU are the most Important parts for performance. Any Core 2 Duo. Any Decent PSU and case with some amount of Case flow will do you Great(with No overclocking). Well with in your 800$ range

 

[outlw6669]

K

Here is what you do.....

First off, throw that 9250 pci in the pit of doom where it belongs.

Then.....
Save you old hard drive and dvd drive
C2D 6400 $217
MSI p965 platinum $134.99
Corsiar xms ddr2 800 1gb dual chanel kit $124
recertified evga 7800gt $149.99
good psu $150
cheap case $50

Total at newegg:
$825.96 + s/h - rebates

Great system and under your buddget.